Getting Ready for a KAL

For the past few years I have knit one of Arne and Carlos' Christmas stockings. The last couple were KALs (KnitALongs).

From 2023 with an afterthought heel:

and 2024 with a short row heel (my preference):

I used Patons Astra yarn.

This year, in addition to red, green, and white, they are calling for a yellow and blue yarn. Lo and behold, I had all 5 colours in my stash! (what a surprise! NOT).

The white yarn on the right is Astra left over from last year's stocking. The green was an extra ball I purchased for the 2024 stocking but never used. The blue is something from my stash from long ago. Not sure why I had a full ball of red Astra. The other white on the left is a big skein of Mary Maxim Mellowspun which I'll likely use unless I can find more of the white Astra.

The yellow was some leftover and now discontinued KnitPicks Telemark from when I knit Skip the  Dale of Norway St Moritz sweater 15 years ago. Telemark was a perfect substitute for Dale of Norway Heilo called-for in the pattern. I only used a bit of it for that project (cuffs, etc.)  so have lots left over.

The KnitALong starts on October 27. a few rounds will be revealed every day until late November. I'm all ready to go.

I also knit another Little Buddy last night.

I think he looks very preppy in his City Tweed DK sweater

He's a LBOC - Little Bear on Campus.

I have yet another one on the needles which I'll work on tonight at my crafty group.