Earlier this year, I joined the Malabrigo x Blue Sky Fibers Knit-Along featuring the Alpine Shawl pattern by Jill Tamminen of Knit Sisu. The KAL officially ran from April 2 through May 5, and it was designed as a gentle, beginner-friendly project. The pattern was released for free on March 17, and participants received guidance, video support, and community connection throughout the event.
Now that the KAL has ended, I wanted to share my finished shawl, along with my thoughts on the yarn—and why this is still a perfect knit to cast on if you’re looking for something relaxing and rewarding.
The Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo
For my Alpine Shawl, I used Malabrigo Arroyo, a sport-weight superwash merino wool that’s soft, smooth, and beautifully hand-dyed. I chose two colors that offered both contrast and cohesion throughout the mosaic design. This yarn was ideal for the project—it’s not only easy to work with but also wonderfully squishy once blocked.
If you’re considering knitting your own version, you can shop Arroyo and Prairie here using my affiliate links:
Each Malabrigo skein is 100g with approximately 335 yards, and the color depth is stunning in person. If you want your shawl to have bold contrast, go for two clearly different colorways. For a more blended, painterly look, choose tones from the same family.
The KAL Experience
The KAL itself was relaxed and beginner-friendly. Malabrigo partnered with Blue Sky Fibers to feature two yarns: Arroyo and Blue Sky’s brushed suri blend, Prairie. There were weekly Zoom meetups, progress check-ins on Instagram, and plenty of encouragement for newer knitters.
Even though the official KAL has ended, the pattern is still available and the community hashtag #malabrigokal is full of inspiration.
Why This Pattern Works
The Alpine Shawl looks more complex than it actually is, which makes it perfect for relaxing evenings or knit nights. It also grows in a triangle shape with a wide wingspan, making it easy to wear and layer.
If you’re in the mood for a calming project with just enough interest to keep you engaged, this shawl is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
This project reminded me how much joy can come from a simple knit with high-quality yarn. Whether you’re looking to join your first knit-along or just want a peaceful pattern to enjoy this season, the Alpine Shawl is a beautiful option. And Malabrigo Arroyo is a yarn I’ll continue returning to—it’s reliable, vibrant, and a pleasure to knit.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, you can use my affiliate links above to grab your favorite colorways. And if you have questions about pairing colors or finding yarn, feel free to reach out. I love helping fellow knitters find their perfect match.
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