The Staple Tee KAL Grand Finale: Prizes, Community, & Gratitude
Wow, we did it! The Staple Tee KAL is officially a wrap! My heart is overflowing with gratitude for every single one of you who joined me on this knitting adventure. Seeing so many finished (and nearly finished!) tees is beyond amazing. Whether this was your first garment or your hundredth, the fact that we came together as a community to create something beautiful fills my heart with joy. It's been wonderful to see your creativity and skill in action, and for us to foster such a warm and supportive community along the way.
Whether you finished your tee, are still working on it, or simply enjoyed cheering on your fellow knitters, your participation has made this KAL truly special.
If you missed our celebratory livestream (or just want to relive the excitement), grab a cozy seat, your favorite beverage and settle in for this recap.
P.S. #teamreplay – I hope you're all sporting your Staple Tee today with pride!
So, Let's dive right in and celebrate this amazing journey together!
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of those links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you!
Key Highlights
Community Celebration: We wrapped up the Staple Tee KAL with a virtual party, reflecting on the journey, sharing stories, and celebrating each other's accomplishments.
Sharing the Love: Both you and I expressed our gratitude for the supportive and encouraging community that blossomed during the KAL. It truly warmed my heart to hear your reflections and takeaways!
Finished Project Showcase: We admired the stunning variety of finished Staple Tees, showcasing everyone's unique creativity and style.
Surprise Gift for Everyone: As a thank you for joining me on this knitting adventure, everyone received a special 50% off coupon code for all New Wave Knitting patterns.
Prize Winners: Congratulations to the Winners! We randomly selected five lucky winners to receive fantastic knitting prizes.
Looking Ahead: We discussed potential ideas for the next knit-along and encouraged everyone to stay connected through the Discord server and NWK newsletter.
Gratitude and Farewell: We said goodbye to the Staple Tee KAL with gratitude for the community's support and participation in the KAL. It was also filled with excitement, and anticipation for future knitting adventures together.
Be sure to watch Livestream 8 replay for all the details!
A Closer Look at the Details
A Grand Finale Filled with Celebration and Prizes!
Getting Started: A Warm Welcome
I kicked off the livestream by welcoming everyone – my wonderful #teamlive crew! It was so exciting to see so many familiar faces joining in for our final Staple Tee KAL celebration. We've been on quite a journey together these past few months, and I couldn't be more proud of all you've accomplished!
Some Reminders: Your Feedback Matters!
Since this was my first time hosting a knit-along, I wanted to hear all about your experiences – the good, the bad, and everything in between. So, I put together a feedback form and would be so grateful if you could fill it out. Your feedback will help me make future knit-alongs even better!
Recap & Reflection: A Heartfelt Thank You
I took a moment to reflect on the KAL journey and share how much your support and enthusiasm meant to me. It was a bit nerve-wracking starting this adventure, but you all made it so incredibly rewarding. The community we've built on Discord and during these livestreams has truly filled my cup!
Discord Update: The Party Continues!
Speaking of community, many of you have asked if we can keep the Discord server open after the KAL, and the answer is a resounding YES! Feel free to continue sharing your Staple Tee projects, asking questions, and connecting with fellow knitters.
Staying in Touch:
I also encouraged everyone to share their social media handles in the Discord so you can stay connected with the friends you've made during the KAL. I love seeing those online friendships blossom! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@newwaveknitting) and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more knitting fun.
Comments & Reflections:
Reading your comments about the KAL always brings a smile to my face. It's so heartwarming to hear how much you've learned, grown and enjoyed this experience together. I especially loved the idea of doing monthly livestreams or even a Patreon community in the future. Let's keep the conversation going and see what other exciting things we can create together!
Participant Spotlight: Showcasing Your Creations!
We took a virtual stroll through the stunning gallery of finished Staple Tees you all submitted. The creativity and talent on display were truly inspiring! From bold stripes to delicate lace details, you all made the pattern your own in the most beautiful way.
Take a peek at some of the amazing Staple Tees that were submitted for the prize drawing! Each one is a unique expression of creativity and knitting skill, and I'm so proud of all the hard work and dedication you all put into your projects. Whether you went for bold stripes, delicate lace details, or a classic solid color, these tees are all stunning examples of what you can achieve with the Staple Tee pattern.
Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!
Now for the moment we've all been waiting for... the prizes! I explained that we would be using a random wheel to select five lucky winners.
And the Winners Are...
The excitement was palpable as I spun the wheel and announced the five winners. Congratulations to Hannah, Jennifer, Payton, Redrose Kate, and Georgina!
A Surprise for Everyone - Everyone Wins!
But the fun didn't stop there! I also had a special surprise for everyone who participated in the KAL, whether you finished your tee or not: a 50% off coupon code for all New Wave Knitting patterns! You'll be able to find the code in Discord and in our final email update.
Next Up: More Knitting Adventures!
Based on your feedback, it looks like our next knit-along might be the Staple Sock! I'll be sharing more details soon, so stay tuned.
Thank you all for making this knit-along such a wonderful experience. I'm so grateful for your support, enthusiasm, and creativity.
Participant Interaction
One of the best things about the Staple Tee is its versatility. This gallery highlights the amazing range of colors you've used, from vibrant neons to soft neutrals and everything in between.
I was absolutely blown away by the sheer number of beautiful Staple Tees you all shared! This is just a small glimpse of the incredible work from our community. To see even more gorgeous finished projects, head over to my Instagram @newwaveknitting and check out the tagged photos. And don't forget to explore the Staple Tee Ravelry project page for detailed notes and modifications from your fellow knitters.
Thank you all so much for sharing your photos and participating in this amazing knit-along. Your passion and creativity inspire me every day!
Chatter
The KAL Community Speaks: Joy, Gratitude, & Lessons Learned
The energy in our final livestream was electric, filled with cheers, applause emojis, and heartfelt messages of thanks. The Staple Tee KAL was more than just a knitting project – it was a journey of learning, growth, and community. Here are some of the heartwarming takeaways you shared during our celebratory livestream:
Conquering Knitting Challenges: Many of you bravely tackled new techniques for the first time, like German short rows and raglan shaping, with the support of our incredible community.
Embracing Gauge (and Frogging!): You learned the importance of swatching and embraced the "frog" (rip it, rip it!) when necessary, recognizing that mistakes are just part of the learning process.
Finding Your Knitting Confidence: For some of you, this was your first knit-along or even your first garment! And for some, this KAL was a gateway to knitting garments for your unique body shape, proving that knitting can be inclusive and empowering.
Building a Supportive Community: Many of you expressed how much you loved connecting with fellow knitters, sharing your progress, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of the KAL. The Discord server became a safe space for asking questions, sharing triumphs, and encouraging each other along the way.
Knitting with Intention: You discovered the joy of knitting garments that fit well and reflect your personal style.
Falling in Love with the Process: Above all, this KAL ignited a passion for knitting and a desire to create more beautiful, wearable garments. You learned to embrace the journey of knitting, realizing that the end result is just the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with your handmade garment.
It's been an absolute honor to witness the incredible talent and dedication you've poured into your Staple Tees. Reading your heartfelt comments and reflections during the livestream filled me with joy and gratitude. Seeing how much you've learned, grown, and connected with each other throughout this knit-along is what makes it all so worthwhile. I'm incredibly proud of everything you've accomplished!
No Homework, Just Show & Tell!
For those of you already rocking your finished Staple Tees, I'd absolutely love to see photos of your creations in action! Tag me on Instagram @newwaveknitting so I can share the love and spread the knit-spiration!
One Final Favor: Help Me Make Future KALs Even Better!
Before we wrap things up, I have one final request – please take a few minutes to fill out my feedback form. Your insights and suggestions are incredibly valuable to me, and they'll help me create even more enjoyable and rewarding knit-alongs in the future. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtfulness!
What’s Next?
Even though our livestreams have come to an end, the knitting fun is far from over!
Keep an eye on your inbox for your special surprise: a 50% off coupon code for all New Wave Knitting patterns! Whether you're ready to cast on another Staple Tee or dive into a brand-new project, this discount is my way of saying thank you for being part of this amazing community.
While we say goodbye to the Staple Tee KAL, I'm already dreaming up new ways to connect and create together. So make sure you're signed up for my weekly newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming knit-alongs, pattern releases, and other exciting news from New Wave Knitting! And speaking of future knit-alongs... based on your feedback, it looks like the Staple Sock might be our next adventure! While I can't make any promises just yet, I'm definitely excited about the possibility.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for making this knit-along so special. Your enthusiasm, support, and creativity have truly blown me away. I'm so grateful for this experience and can't wait to see what we create together next!
Additional Resources
The Staple Tee
Don't miss out on knitting the perfect tee! Grab your Staple Tee pattern now and join the KAL!
Missed the last livestream? No worries! Catch the replay to join in on the fun, whether you're #teamlive or #teamreplay!
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Shop My Favorite Supplies
〰️ Shop My Favorite Supplies
Check out these tools & yarns that I Love (and You Might Too!)
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn some yarn money at no extra cost to you!
Amazon
Blocking your Staple Tee (or any hand-knit project) is the key to a professional finish and one of my go-to blocking tools is the KnitIQ Pack of 9 Blocking Mats. They interlock seamlessly, so you can create larger layouts for bigger projects, and they come with 150 rustproof T-pins to keep your knits in place as they dry.
Bonus: The KnitIQ mats are also great for expanding your existing blocking setup, so you can tackle even those super-sized projects like blankets and ponchos!
Twice Sheared Sheep
Stitch markers are a must-have for any knitting project, especially when shaping sleeves! Make your knitting more fun and organized with these adorable Pastel Rainbow Cast Melody Clips from Twice Sheared Sheep. They're cute, functional, and totally snag-free! Treat yourself to a set (or two!) and make your knitting even more fun.
Arcane Fiber Works
I'm so excited about one of the prizes we'll be giving away in next week's livestream (5 skeins of the stunning City Skyline fingering weight yarn (at $125 value!). Just look at those vibrant blues!
And guess what? You can snag this exact yarn, or any other colorway that catches your eye, over at Arcane Fibre Works.
Plus, if you use the code NEWWAVEKNITTING at checkout, you'll get 10% off!
Kollage Square Needles
The square shape of these knitting needles makes them ergonomic, which means they are easier on your hands, wrists, and arms! These are my go-to needles for preventing arm pain.
Use code NEWWAVE10 for 10% off your order!
Did you learn any new techniques or overcome any knitting challenges during the KAL? I'd love to hear about your experiences!
Relive the excitement of our final Staple Tee KAL livestream! Join us as we celebrate your beautiful creations, announce prize winners, and share our gratitude for this amazing community.