Westknits MKAL 2026 Color Kaleidoscope Kit in Mistral

Stephen West's mystery knit-along is back, and this year it is all about colour and contrast – eight shades meeting across one big generous shawl. Clue one lands on 1 October, and there is nothing quite like casting on alongside thousands of other knitters, none of you knowing where it goes next.

We have put the whole palette together for you. The eight balls of Sesia Mistral in each kit have been chosen to really make this shawl shine – Color Kaleidoscope is built on contrast, and the lines only stay crisp when the colours have some differentiation.

Sesia Mistral is a 4ply in 100% fine merino wool, with beautiful stitch definition.

Each ball contains 175m, which is exactly what Stephen recommends for each colour. You also need a 3.5mm circular needle in 40" / 100cm, plus 2 split ring markers and 16 stitch markers, waste yarn and a tapestry needle. A double pointed needle in the same size is handy though not essential.

The pattern comes from Stephen – you can buy it on Ravelry and knit along with the rest of us. Pick your palette and cast on. If you would like a hand putting colours together, just ask – we love it.

The Mohair Dare. Stephen's optional extra is a strand of lace weight mohair silk held alongside one of your colours for a section that shimmers. It does not have to match exactly – a little lighter or darker is lovelier. Add Skein Sisters Plume (50g, $49.95), Kremke Soul Wool Silky Kid (25g, $26.85), Naturally Yarns Pacific Lace (25g, $20.65), Alpaca Yarns Indiecita Baby Suri Silk Brushed (25g, $16.50).