Unfree MAL in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month

Mar 8

Happy International Women’s Day! Today is also the day we cast on for the Unfree Make-a-Long (MAL). Rachel Sandler of Stitches and String Theory is hosting a craftivism MAL in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Rachel designed a beautiful, symbolic knit shawl for the Unfree MAL. I love when knitters and crocheters unite and this is a wonderful craftivism MAL that brings us together. I designed a crochet version that utilizes the Jacob’s Ladder stitch that evokes chain links. You can read the full announcement on Rachel’s Blog, Unraveling Privilege to get the full details on participating in the MAL and how to enter to win prizes.

Here, I want to emphasize the key points of the Unfree MAL:

You don’t have to finish the shawl by April 6th to be eligible to win prizes. There are different prizes available based on your participation level. You can enter to win a free pattern by posting a Work-in-Progress (WiP) photo and tagging Stitches and String Theory on either Instagram or BlueSky. If you post a Finished Object (FO) photo, you’ll be eligible to win a skein of hand-dyed yarn by Bzy Peach.
100% of both the knit and crochet patterns sold between March 1-April 6, 2025, will be donated to the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC). Receipts of the donations will be posted to both Instagram and BlueSky.
Both the knit and crochet versions of the Unfree Shawl include video tutorials and were tech edited.
Rachel and I are hosting a Sit & Stitch via Instagram Live on March 22 at 11 am Eastern Time (New York) where we will crochet and knit with you, answer any questions you have, and engage in meaningful discussions.
There is an entire Unfree MAL feed on BlueSky where you can engage with others participating in the MAL.
If you are unable to participate in the MAL, please share our posts about it to spread the word! The more people who participate means the more support we raise for the NWLC. Additionally, if you are able, please favorite our shawl designs on Ravelry to increase visibility.