The Fasten Off Yarn-A-Long is officially underway, and the energy this year feels extra special. Makers are sharing cast-on plans, cheering each other on, and filling the Discord with cozy project chatter. It’s been such a joy to watch everyone settle into that familiar rhythm of holiday making: slow, intentional, and surrounded by people who speak our yarn-craft language.

As always, FOYAL brings together crafters from all corners of the fiber world: knitters, crocheters, loom-and-machine makers, color-collectors, chart-enthusiasts… all of us gathered in one welcoming, accessible space. And seeing the creativity that’s already blooming? Pure magic.

✨ What the Community Is Making So Far

I’ve been spending a lot of time browsing the FOYAL channels, and a few themes are already popping up:

🧣 Cozy textures everywhere — brioche cowls, chunky scarves, and comforting shawls are filling the feeds.

🌈 Scrappy projects galore — folks are using their minis, advent sets, and half-finished skeins in the most inventive ways.

🪄 Colorwork season — sweaters, hats, and mitts in soft winter palettes are taking shape.

💬 So much encouragement — the Discord feels like a warm living room where every maker gets a seat on the couch.

It’s heartfelt, approachable, and full of cheer, everything I love about this event.

🧶 My FOYAL Project: “A Magical Place” by Paola Albergamo

After much delightful hemming and hawing (because FOYAL is the time to be tempted by ALL the patterns), I settled on my project: A Magical Place by Paola Albergamo. Paola’s work always feels architectural and delicate, and this design has been calling my name for ages.

But the real fun?

I’m making this completely from stash — and a little yarn alchemy.

Reclaiming Yarn, Rewriting a Story

I dug out an old advent kit that I had started using on a long-languishing WIP… the kind you keep picking up and putting down until you finally admit: this project isn’t sparking anything anymore.

So, I frogged the whole thing.

Ripped out the stitches, washed the yarn, let it relax, and then rewound everything into two and a half “magic balls.” There’s something deeply satisfying about giving good yarn a fresh start.

My FOYAL Yarn Blend

To reach the light worsted weight recommended in the pattern, I’ll be:

✨ Holding one strand of the reclaimed advent yarn (fingering weight)

✨ With two strands of a soft light grey fingering from deep in my stash

It creates a beautiful marled effect — subtle, wintry, and very “Midwest Modern.”

Next Step: The Swatch

Tonight I’m starting my gauge swatch, and I’ll share a photo in this post tomorrow once it’s dry. I’m excited to see how the yarn combination behaves on the needles.

Join the FOYAL Fun

If you’re participating in FOYAL this year, I’d love to hear what you’re making. Whether you’re working through a holiday gift list or treating yourself to a slow-making project, your creativity adds so much to this community.

And if you’d like to join the conversation, the FOYAL Discord is one of the friendliest corners of the internet. Everyone is welcome — knitting experience optional, enthusiasm required.

Here’s to cozy stitches, reclaimed yarn, and a December filled with good company and good making. 🌿🧶