I'm happy to say that I am again part of the Irish KAL (Knit along) this year, which is being organised by Sionnach Yarns. Sophie is a wonderful dyer who lives in the Burren, and for whom I have created two designs in the past, the Moher Beanie (pictured above) and the Burren Beanie. As Sophie says about the Irish KAL: The  idea is to either use yarn from a dyer based in Ireland (ROI and NI) or  a pattern, knitting or crochet from a designer based in Ireland. Or  both! Casting on takes place on March 17th and ends on June 3rd.  

So, if you have an Irish yarn, or pattern in mind, you can join in either on Ravelry (in the Sionnach Yarns group)  or on social media, using the hashtag #irishkal. I know that KALs are  very popular with lots of crafters, but I have never actually taken part  in one myself as a knitter! I'm very tempted to join in this year, as I  have a lovely jumper pattern from Carol Feller that I *also have the  yarn for* (!!) - but that would mean ignoring the three other jumpers I  have on needles in various stages, so I am torn...  

Sophie had another exciting announcement this month about a new Irish yarn festival which she is organising. The Let's Knit Festival  will take place in Doolin on October 29th. I agree with her about  missing yarn festivals, so I am looking forward to attending this one,  and wish it every success!