Stephen West's Exploration station is a shawl that has been knitted by "everyone", at least that's what it seems like in the online knitting world. I have admired other knitters' creations, and wanted to knit the shawl for a long time. Only thing is, that I didn't know what I would do with such a big and colorful shawl, and I didn't really like the big holes in the design. But now: Stephen West is coming to Finland! Ysolda Teague is coming to Finland! Naturally, Stephen & Ysolda's Finland tour requires a KAL (#ysoldajastephensuomitourkal - the easiest hashtag ever!) and it is organized by two lovely LYS: Kerä and Titityy. Stephen and Ysolda will be giving knitting classes at these LYS and then there will be a big meet and greet party to welcome the stars to Finland. As I saw the KAL announcement I knew that Exploration station was what I wanted to knit, so I signed up for the KAL and decided to think about my issues with the pattern later.

Photo: Annette Serna

Luckily Titityy was visiting Helsinki area at that time so I was able to choose the colors live. Normally, I shop everything from groceries to clothing online, but matching four colors of yarn requires holding the yarn together and seeing how the colors look like next to each other (by the way, gotta love Quince & co web shop that has the functionality to do this online!).


So I have the pattern and I have the yarn so off we go. By the time I got to the third wedge I got desperate as the holes were even bigger than in the pictures on the pattern and I really didn't want them in my shawl. At about this time I remembered that I have no obligation to strictly follow a pattern, and ripped the whole thing. Second time around it was looking so much better, and by the time I got to the brioche section I was loving it!


Next challenge was up as I reached the sassy slips section. I just couldn't figure out how the rows were supposed to be knitted with respect to the previous rows. I drew about 5 charts of different possibilities of combining the rows, searched Ravelry for close ups and made a couple of swatches. I'm still not convinced that my slips are sassy in a correct way, but this is the best I could come up with.

Skipping the holes in the last section as well, the shawl was finished. I actually like the way it turned out, even with all the colors and the big size. I even wore it once already! Now I just need to decide whether I dare to wear it for the meet and greet party. Maybe the master himself doesn't appreciate my modifications...

Photo: Annette Serna

And that sweet Madelinetosh yarn! I am in love with the yarn! I think there are enough left overs for another shawl, so I was already thinking about different possibilities for using the rest of it - until Troll Princess announced that I have to knit something for her with the remaining yarn. I'd like to think that my daughter recognizes good quality yarn when she sees it, but I'm afraid that she simply recognizes pink when she sees it. Whatever the case, a dress design for her has been drawn already.

Photo: Annette Serna

So, who else is coming to the meet and greet party?