Survey – Mystery KALs and pattern formats
November 5, 2012
I would love to get some feedback on a couple questions.
I’m considering doing a mystery KAL with a pattern I’m currently working on. Do you like mystery KALs? What factors do you have in mind when you decide whether or not to participate in one?
Any my other question, somewhat related to the first, is do you prefer charts or written instructions? Would you not participate in a mystery KAL if the pattern was not in your preferred format?
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Wendy's Knitch 
I would probable do a knit along especially if I have the yarn already. I don’t care whether it is charted or written out depending on how complicated the pattern is.
I would be inclined to try this simply because it’s something different, mysterious. I would suggest a small project that could be done in a variety of yarns with gauge a non factor so that would could use leftovers. Lately, I have come to prefer charted instructions, since I don’t get quite as lost, but I would tackle either method.
I much prefer written instructions. It’s just me. My mind works better with words 🙂 – Have never participated in a mystery KAL. I have so many patterns and projects in mind right now, so the “mystery” part isn’t especially appealing. I have been thinking I’d like to participate in a KAL, though. Reading your comment that the type of project would be apparent in the mystery KAL makes it better for me when deciding about participating. I do love your designs.
I’m with you on that. As a knitter, the mystery doesn’t appeal to me. You usually know what type of thing, like a shawl or hat, but the overall design is the mystery, revealed in “clues” over a few weeks time. As a designer, I have to admit I like the idea of people trusting/liking my design aesthetic enough to want to participate, and I would only hope that they loved it as much as I do!
This is a new concept for me. I assume the “mystery” part means we’d be knitting something without knowing what it was?! In my case, I’d have to be a fan of the designer, to have faith that I wasn’t wasting time (and yarn!), plus I’d have to have some free time to invest. This time of year, that’s a scarce commodity. In general, I prefer charts. Following through line by line instructions for lace, for example, can be a real headache. Add that to the mystery aspect, I doubt I’d be willing to go for it.