FAQ: Cat and Dogs KAL
What is the KAL, exactly?
Andrea Rangel and Gauge are hosting two knit-alongs this summer. Each one is a yarn + pattern kit and the best part is that you knit it alongside us and a community of makers. June's project is a pair of socks and August will be a shawlette.
Each project is thoughtfully designed: Andrea creates the pattern, and we dye the yarn to match it perfectly.
Your kit includes:
- A skein of self-patterning yarn (your choice of 3 colourways)
- A downloadable PDF pattern
- Access to our friendly knit-along in our Ravelry forum
Can I choose my colourway?
Yes! There are three colourways to choose from:
- Sun Puddle — warm oranges and golds fading to grey
- Muddy Paws — rich earthy browns melting to grey
- Rainy Walk — cool blue-greens shifting to grey
Pick your favourite when you sign up!
Can I knit the cat motif or the dog motif?
Both! The pattern includes charts for both a cat face and a dog face, plus anatomically correct paw prints. Any colourway works with either motif — pick your favourite animal (or knit one of each!).
I'm not sure I'm a good enough knitter. I've never knit socks before. Is this for me?
We think so! The pattern is written for an intermediate knitter, but an adventurous beginner will do just fine — especially with the support of the KAL community around you.
Most of the sock is simple ribbing and stockinette. The colourwork section (the cat or dog face and paw prints) is just a few inches long, and Andrea's pattern includes clear instructions and charts. The short-row heel is straightforward once you try it.
If you've never knit socks before, this is a wonderful place to start. The KAL forum is full of people who love helping, and no question is too basic.
And if you truly feel that this project isn't for you, no worries! Our August KAL collaboration with Andrea is a shawlette so keep your eye out for that one.
What if I don't like doing stranded colourwork?
You can skip the motifs entirely and knit the feet in a solid colour. The yarn is still beautiful and the socks will still be great. But if you're colourwork-curious, this is a lovely, low-stakes way to try it — you've got a whole community cheering you on.
Does one skein include everything I need?
Yes! Each skein includes everything you need. The pattern will walk you through how to divide the skein into three balls: two matching variegated/gradient balls for the leg and foot, plus a contrast colour for the colourwork and heel.
What needle method can I use?
Whatever you prefer! The pattern works with both double pointed needles (DPNs) and magic loop. Two-at-a-time (TAAT) also works if that's your style.
Are these socks knit top-down or toe-up?
These socks are knit top-down.
What sizes does the pattern include?
The pattern includes three sizes, with finished foot circumferences of 19.0 cm, 21.5 cm, and 24.0 cm (7.75", 8.50", and 9.75").
Is there enough yarn for a full pair of socks plus swatching?
Yes! The pattern and yarn have been tested for all sizes. There are instructions for swatching, including which end of the yarn to swatch from.
What if I don't use Ravelry?
No problem — the pattern is delivered by email as a PDF. You'll also receive a download code to add it to your Ravelry library if you'd like, but there's no requirement to use Ravelry at all. The KAL forum is there if you want community and support, but it's completely optional.
What is the knit-along like?
The KAL is hosted in our Ravelry forum. It's relaxed, friendly, and totally optional. You'll find community and support. The KAL officially starts June 1, but you can join at any time — knit at your own pace, share your progress when you feel like it, and don't worry if life gets busy. Even finishing one sock during the month is worth celebrating.
Do I need a Ravelry account to participate in the KAL?
Yes, the forum is hosted on Ravelry, so you'll need a free account to join the conversation. But if Ravelry isn't your thing, you're still warmly welcome to knit along on your own.
Can I buy the yarn and pattern separately?
Not at this time. The yarn and pattern are exclusive to the Summer KAL and are only available as a kit. They'll be released separately next year.
Why? Because it's the simplest and fairest way for us (Catherine and Andrea) to collaborate. We share the work of creating the KAL (designing, dyeing, testing, photography, and support) so offering the kit as a whole helps us share the rewards equally too.
Can I add extra skeins?
Yes! If you're making socks for multiple people, or just want to stash your favourite colourway, you can order extra skeins. Just make sure you're also ordering a full kit - extra skeins are available to KAL members only.
What yarn base is included?
We're using our 4-Ply Sock base for this kit — 75% superwash Merino wool, 25% nylon. It's soft, smooth, and durable, and it takes colour beautifully.
When will the yarn ship?
Kits will ship by mid-May, so you'll have everything in hand for our June 1 cast-on. The pattern will be sent by email, also in mid-May.
Please note: if you add anything else to your order, it will all ship together.
When do signups close?
Signups close April 24 at midnight, so we have enough time to dye, pack, and ship everything on schedule.
Still have questions?
Get in touch — we're always happy to help.