What is NaKniSweMo?

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Knitting a sweater in a month can be daunting for even the most skilled of knitters, but NaKniSweMo—National Knit a Sweater in a Month—is a challenge more knitters are embracing.

The movement was actually inspired by another intimidating movement, National Write a Novel in a Month, which is also in November, according to Lisa Krack, owner of Darn Yarn Needles and Thread in Harmony.

“That idea was to write a novel of 50,000 words, so someone thought it would be fun to have a challenge of knitting a sweater of at least 50,000 stitches,” Krack explained.

According to Internet research, that “someone” was blogger Shannon Okey (www.knitgrrl.com). The idea is for knitters to complete the sweater from start to finish between 12:01 a.m. Nov. 1 and midnight on Nov. 30th.

Ravelry, a well-known website for knitters and crocheters has a NaKniSweMo group at https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/nakniswemo-kal/4142909/1-25. Other yarn companies and bloggers also participate.

Because November is a busy time of month for the shop owner, Krack said she has never participated before, but plans to do so this year. She is also helping her customers with the big challenge; in October, she helped those participating select patterns and yarn.

“During November, we will have times where they can come in for help and camaraderie,” she said.

Kathy Falkner of New Sewickley is one of the brave knitters taking on the challenge. Falkner has knit five sweaters since she began knitting six years ago, but never one so quickly.

“I thought it would be fun to do it with our knitting group—they are my crew and we help motivate each other,” she said.

Krack is asking her customers to register for the event/workshop. “That way we know who to encourage and cheer on,” she said. All customers who participate in workshops also receive a 20 percent discount for materials and supplies.

There aren’t any awards for those who finish a sweater, nor are there any penalties.

“That’s part of the fun; for those who have been wanting to get started on a sweater, this is a good push,” Krack said. “It’s worth a shot.”