Have you ever seen something going around that EVERYONE seems to be doing and you REALLY want to join in, but you still want to be unique and individual in what you are doing? ME TOO!!
I LOVE Knit-a-Longs and Sew-a-longs and all the other "a-longs" that are out there.. but there are a few teeny tiny problems I have come across. Either, the MAL (make-a-long) has already started, OR there are so many people doing it you feel like a copy-cat OR the pattern just isn't something you LOVE and who wants to make something they aren't absolutely enthralled with?
Enter the Make NINE Challenge!
Read all about the original idea behind it HERE
I first heard about this Challenge last year from Maddie & Christen of the WeShareNeedles Podcast. If you don't already watch the, seriously go check them out! These best friends are wonderful knitters and people (bonus, they are absolutely off the rocker hilarious!)
After hearing about it from Maddie & Christen, I started looking into what others were making on Instagram. And WOW, let me tell you! This Make-a-long Challenge has been inspiring people to make some wonderful things! Sometimes projects out of their comfort zone (like the Stephen West pattern you KNOW you've been wanting to make but have been too intimidated); sometimes projects they've been wanting to make for a minute, but never found the perfect time/occasion/reason to do so (I'm definitely looking at the Suburban Wrap from Joji Locatelli that I've been eyeing since I learned to knit in 2019!)
Whatever the inspiration is, the Make NINE Challenge has been helping makers MAKE things, and the things they are making are truly mind blowing in some cases.
Check out some of the things people have made from #MakeNINE on Instagram!
With all of this being said: This is the PERFECT type of MAL for my to jump into with the new year! I can make whatever is inspiring me and it will be different than ANYONE else's Make NINE list!
I am so super excited about that last part!
Without further adieu, I present my CURRENT list for #MakeNINE2023
Dustland Shawl by Stephen Wes
(no need to) Panic! Sweater by Casapinka
Dotten Rays Shawl by Stephen West
Diagon Alley Jumper by Fabel Knitwear
Reborn by Rachel Illsley
Bean & Olive Grown Up by Andrea Mowry
Pure Joy by Joji Locatelli
Dark Academia by Sharon Hartley
Suburban Wrap by Joji Locatelli
I have decided on a total of 5 sweaters and 4 shawls. I do not have a particular order which I plan to make these, I just want to make these!
While the end game goal is to have these done by the end of the year, 3 of these are intended to be done by mid October when I go to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival (affectionately referred to as Rhinebeck)
Follow along with me as I attempt the MOST knitting I have ever planned in a single year!