You hold the card in your hand, staring, not taking in the text at first. The envelope, hastily torn open, is lying on the kitchen table beside your car keys. Later, as you clear the clutter of the day from the room, you’ll discover the envelope has landed in a drop of syrup from breakfast, and when you pull it away to recycle it you’ll have to scrub away the skin of paper that adheres to the table top over the course of the day.

But right now, you’re re-reading the embossed text, trying to parse its meaning.

Congratulations, winner! Thank you for your entry to the Knitting Experiences Design Masterclass Contest. Your name has been randomly drawn and you are cordially invited to participate in our exclusive retreat with the legendary knitwear designer and renowned recluse Ellery March. January 4th - 10th. Location TBA. Pack your bags and don’t forget your passport, your transportation will arrive January 4th at 5 a.m…

You are the protagonist of this knitting adventure - the decisions you make, both in the narrative and the corresponding pattern instructions will result in a story and a shawl design that is unique to you! There are 45 possible variations. Which path will you choose?

Originally a mystery-knit-along, the adventure is now available in a collated stand alone pattern. You can still enjoy the mystery by making your choices based on the story, or plan your route according to your shawl shape and stitch preferences.

Yarn: 3 skeins of sock/fingering weight yarn, each approximately (and no less than) 420 yds (380 m)/100 g. Yarns listed above are suggestions only - use your imagination and a deep stash dive, or purchase that combo you’ve been eyeing from your favourite indie dyer. (Remember that your gauge affects yarn requirements!)

Colour: The pattern is written to use up to three different colours (labelled Colours 1, 2 & 3 in pattern). You may choose to use fewer, or add in splashes of a 4th (or 5th! 6th?). Riffing is encouraged.

Needles: US Size 5 / 3.75 mm 32” (80 cm) minimum length circular needle.

Notions: cable needle (for cable option), 2 removable stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 25 sts & 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch.

Skill Level: I have written the pattern to be as inclusive of all skill levels as possible. Choose from simple knit & purl stitch patterns, or challenge yourself with cables & lace. Essential skills are increasing a stitch, decreasing (K2tog, SSK, P2tog tbl), and picking up stitches along a knitted edge.

Video Tutorials: There are two video tutorials created specifically for this pattern.

• Picking up stitches along a knitted edge for The Journey to Purl Island
• Switching Directions - Knitting an applied edging or border - for the Journey to Purl Island

You can see lots of beautiful project photos from the MKAL participants here.