My friend Konrad and I have something fun planned over the next few months.  He's my knitting buddy who lives across the sea in Germany, and here I am in California.  We have chosen to knit the same 3 sweater patterns, using the same 3 yarns.  I will be knitting pretty close to the original patterns, maybe changing a little bit here and there for fit.  But Konrad has the more challenging job of modifying these women's patterns to fit a man.  But if anyone can do it, it's Konrad.  He is an experienced knitter and often bemoans the fact that there are not enough patterns out there for men and has made pattern changes many times before.  We'll be blogging all the while and you'll be able to follow along and see how, with just a few style modifications, such as substituting ribbing for lace and eliminating waist shaping and beading and well, whatever else Konrad comes up with, the right woman's pattern CAN be modified to work for a man.  Well, we think it's possible!  Come back over the next few months and we'll see if we're right!

The Spring/Summer 2014 launch is one of Rowan's best. Over the next three months we'll knit a garment with each new yarn sharing reviews and hints as we go along.  Here's what we've selected to knit for our KALs (knit-alongs):










OK, now with all that said, I have to deviate a bit.  Our first project is with the Silkystones and we are both meant to be working on Pond.  But after looking at the pattern I realized it was perhaps a little bit above my skill level to size it down as I really didn't want loose fitting sleeves from a drop shoulder.  I think it's a great look and often wear that, but didn't want it for this project.  I am instead using Silkystones in the blue Tarn and making the top down Margot.  So our first KAL is not quite the KAL I had approached Konrad with.  Sigh, sorry dear friend.  But we will still have fun and get back on track for the next sweater! :p  I hope you still speak to me in the end!