MKAL/MCALs

What is it with Mystery Knit/Crochet-A-Longs that attract so much?

As I said previously, my knitting journey started only about 2 years ago and my "obsession" around last September/October. When I started making more things for the bug I got more into Ravelry, I also noticed how much more than just a database for knit and crochet patterns it was and how well it worked as a community. Different artists got they're own spaces where they can share they're products and some offers and where doubts about their products can be asked.

First finished Mystery toy by
Melissa Crochet Patterns

 It was in one of these groups I found my first MCAL, apparently a new toy for the little bug, though what it was exactly was a mystery, so I decided to go for it.
BIIIIG mistake it was!!!!
Now I feel there's more mysteries than time to do them.
I'm currently doing a lace cowl MKAL and a toy. And a mystery shawl from Fiddle Knits is about to begin this month.

January MKAL by Melissa Crochet Patterns

Mystery toy byJustyna Kacprzak
of Cute and Kaboodle

I like to do toys as you can't really go wrong, you can use whatever you like and it probably won't be problematic. Either you use what is suggested or go up or down on needle size (and yarn), can use variegated yarn with little trouble, or even put to use those rogue scraps of yarn. You don't have to worry with fitting or measurements, and it's usually quick to make. Even if you do make a visible mistake you can either leave it as a design feature or redo the piece with the mistake as it should be small enough.

Mystery toy by Stana D.Sortor from Stana's Critters

First finished pair of socks and Mystery
by Jeannie Cartmel

The other great thing about mysteries (for me) is taking you out of your safe zone, enabling you to learn new features, stitches or ways of working.
In October I decided to go for a MOCK, a sock mystery. This was a cabled design from cuff down and it was suggested to be done TAAT - Two At A Time. It was my first pair of socks ever.and I've learnt a lot while doing them. They're now the most comfortable pair of socks I own.

MOCK by KnittyMelissa

It took a while for my family to get into the idea of a mystery and were regularly asking what I was doing (which I had no idea). Now they not only understand the concept better as I got my mum and middle sister into doing one with me.
And what about you do you like a good mystery? Or do you prefer to know what you are doing?

Mystery fingerless mitts by Clare Hacker