A Knitalong for Geeky Geeks

I just learned about this really cool knitalong, also known as a geekalong, that’s happening over at Lattes and Llamas. Each week the dynamic duo of Megan-Ann and Jac release a new double-knit block pattern that has some kind of geekery element to it.

This is week 14, and the latest block is a Wonder Woman inspired number. Previous blocks have included the Superman symbol, the classic X-Men X and an ode to “Sherlock,” among others.

Even if you didn’t want to make all the blocks these would be super fun as potholders. Or knit a single layer and make it a fun washcloth.

The purpose of this year-long knitalong is to have lots of fun and let the geek flag fly, of course, but also to raise funds for Child’s Play, an organization that helps kids in hospitals by providing them with toys, games and movies. Very cool.

[Photo via Lattes and Llamas.]

It’s been well documented that I love a knitting pattern with a bit of whimsy, so when I saw the Mine! Pullover from Sarah L. Kelly recently I knew I had to share it with you.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to knit a sweater with a yoke full of seagulls? And another seagull at the waist? Chasing little crabs?

The story behind the sweater (and you knew there had to be one, right?) is that while Sarah was traveling around Europe there were a lot of cheeky seagulls about. They reminded her of the scene in Finding Nemo where the seagulls say “mine, mine, mine” and thus the Mine! series of patterns was born.

Oh yes, there’s a whole set. It was the sweater I saw first but there’s also a pair of socks (and the pattern says there’s a cowl, too, but I couldn’t find it as of this writing. If you see it let me know and I’ll add the link here!) so you can totally deck yourself out in pesky seabirds if you want.

But back to the sweater for now. This is worked in DK weight yarn from the top down in the round. The yoke and a section at the bottom are worked in stranded colorwork, with stripes on the body, though you could make the body a single color if you wanted. Details like the beaks and eyes are added with duplicate stitch to make the knitting a little easier.

The colorwork sections are charted. The pattern comes in 10 sizes, with a finished chest circumference ranging from 32 to 68 inches, or 80 to 170 cm.

The socks are worked in sock yarn and come in three sizes. There worked from the cuff down and change needle sizes to accommodate the less stretchy nature of stranded colorwork. You can choose from a side profile or a seagull that’s looking out from the sock. Make a matching pair or mix it up.

Both patterns are available on Ravelry: sweater and socks. If you make them I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sarah L. Kelly]

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