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✨ Prism Make-Along with Marly Bird: A Mystery Colorwork Adventure for Knitters and Crocheters

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🎯 Do you love colorwork but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve tried and it felt… overwhelming?

You’re not the only one.

A lot of knitters and crocheters want to try colorwork but aren’t sure where to start.

It’s hard to know which yarns to choose, how to carry floats, how to read charts—and let’s be honest, some patterns leave you feeling more frustrated than inspired.

That’s exactly why the Prism Make-Along with Marly Bird was born. You get the thrill of colorwork with the support of step-by-step tutorials, chart options, and a loving community ready to cheer you on.

Colorful graphic with a ball of yarn and knitting needle at the top. Text reads: "Marly Bird's PRISM MAKE-ALONG" in bold, colorful letters—perfect inspiration as you choose colors for colorwork, set against abstract shapes in the background. -Marly Bird

🌟 Why the Prism Make-Along Might Be Exactly What You’ve Been Waiting For

You want to make something colorful, unique, and wearable—but let’s be honest, stranded colorwork can feel intimidating.

What yarn do you use?

How do you carry floats?

What colors will actually work together?

And don’t even get us started on those patterns that leave you more confused than inspired. You deserve better than guesswork and ghosted tutorials.

That’s why I created the Prism Make-Along—a joyful, step-by-step experience for both knitters and crocheters who want to learn colorwork with clarity and confidence.

This isn’t just another pattern drop. It’s a guided journey where you’ll:

🎉 Size inclusive garment designed by a professional designer (sized xs – 5xl)
🧶 Work top-down on a swoncho (that’s a sweater + poncho!)
🎨 Follow a colorwork mystery that unfolds piece by piece
📅 Get new pattern sections every Monday and Thursday in May
🙌 Learn at your own pace, with full support in every stitch

Colorful graphic with balls of yarn, knitting needles, and the text: "Prism Path Swoncho with Marly Bird." Perfect for the Prism Make-Along, this cream background bursts with vibrant geometric shapes for knitters and crocheters. -Marly Bird
Colorful graphic with yarn balls and geometric shapes. Text reads: "Spectrum Stitch Swoncho with Marly Bird" in bold, multicolored letters on a patterned background, perfect for a Prism Make-Along or mystery colorwork knitting crochet adventure. -Marly Bird

You choose your path:

  • 💛 Prism Path Swoncho (Knitting)
  • 💜 Spectrum Stitch Swoncho (Crochet)

Whether you’re comfortable with the basics or ready to level up, this make-along is here to guide you through something truly magical—from cast-on to final flourish.

💡 Behind the Prism: Why This Make-Along Matters

The Prism Make-Along was born out of your requests—for color, creativity, and a challenge that feels fun, not frustrating.

A smiling woman with her hair styled in an updo, wearing glasses and a colorful knit swoncho. The words "harmony" and "Marly Bird knit swoncho" appear as text overlays. -Marly Bird
Harmony Swoncho–Inspiration behind this make-along

Over the years, so many of you have told me:

  • “I want to try colorwork, but I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.”
  • “I love the Harmony Swoncho but I don’t know how to knit. Will you make a Crochet version?”
  • “I want to make garments that look great—but I need help getting there.”

So I listened. I designed two bold, modern swonchos—one for knitters using stranded colorwork technique, one for crocheters using split single crochet and stranded colorwork technique—each packed with visual interest, easy construction, and step-by-step support.

This isn’t a “mystery” meant to leave you guessing and Googling. It’s structured, supportive, and made for real makers who want to finish something they’re proud of.

🎉 Two Ways to Join the Prism Make-Along Fun 🎉

I design all my make-alongs to be fun, affordable, and accessible—whether you’re ready to go all-in or just want to test the waters. As someone who truly loves knitting and crochet, I get it—you want to know it’s worth it. That’s why there’s a free option and a low-cost VIP upgrade, so you can join the way that works best for you. ❤️

VIP Experience – Only $22

  • Ad-free downloadable PDFs for each pattern section & a final full PDF
  • Stitch Fiddle links to help customize the charts with your own colors
  • Printable colorwork charts (5-color, 7-color, and 10-color options!)
  • Step-by-step video lessons with Marly Bird without ads for a better viewing experience
  • Stitch Fiddle links for interactive chart tracking
  • Bonus Colorwork Pattern
  • Live Q&A with Marly during the event (maybe 2 or 3 as needed)
  • Unlimited access to all content in the Marly Bird House

👉 Choose your VIP path:
🧶 Get the Prism Path Swoncho (Knitting)
🪡 Get the Spectrum Stitch Swoncho (Crochet)

Free Version (Yes, Free!)

  • View-only access to the pattern releases
    *this will not be free forever*
    —the link to each part of the pattern is at the bottom of this blog post—
  • Video tutorials on YouTube with ads
  • Community support inside the BiCrafty Community Facebook Group

👉 Join here to get the Supply List and to get emails each day the content is released for the event:
🔗 Sign Up for the Supply List & Email Updates

A collage displays three positive customer testimonials about Marlys birdhouse VIP and its value for knitters, crocheters, and Prism Make-Along participants. The words “Customer Testimonials” appear in large, colorful text on the image. -Marly Bird

💎 BEST DEAL: The VIP Experience – Only $22

Get Prism Make-Along VIP – Knitting
Get Prism Make-along VIP – Crochet

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content and free patterns I provide here on MarlyBird.com. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me! 💖

🧵 What about yarn?

Okay, you’re ready make something for YOU but you wanna know more about the yarn we are using. Here you go.

For Knitters:
The sample uses Knit Picks Swish Worsted Yarn in 10 vibrant shades.

A chart displaying ten labeled color swatches with names and codes—perfect for the Prism Make-Along or any Marly Bird Mystery Colorwork project—with shades like Crush (pink), Conch (peach), Estuary Heather (blue), and Frosting (purple). -Marly Bird

✨ Don’t have Swish? Try these yarns (all excellent substitutes):

For Crocheters:
The sample uses WeCrochet Swish DK in 10 juicy colors.

A chart displays ten colored squares labeled CA to CJ, each representing a different Knit Picks Swish DK yarn color—perfect for Knitters and Crocheters taking part in the Prism Make-Along or exploring Mystery Colorwork with shades like Gulfstream and Peapod. -Marly Bird

✨ Great substitutes include:

💡 Looking for a fun crochet hook set with an ergonomic handle? Check these out.

Various yarn skeins in vibrant colors are showcased against a white background with the text "Choose Colors for Colorwork." Perfect for your 2025 Edition colorwork project, the skeins are arranged by color, including pinks, blues, purples, and neutrals. -Marly Bird
Cartoon woman with glasses and brown hair in a ponytail holds a pocket watch. Above her, shiny letters spell “When?” She looks serious, dressed in a pink vest and green sleeves—perfect for Knitters and Crocheters planning their next Prism Make-Along!. -Marly Bird

🗓️ Important Dates

🧶 Make-Along Begins: May 1, 2025
📅 New Sections Released: Every Monday & Thursday
💌 Want Reminders + Supply List? Sign up here:
🔗 Join the Supply List + Get Email Updates

🚨 🔗 the link to each part of the pattern is at the bottom of this blog post 🔗 🚨

*PLEASE NOTE: if you have unsubscribed from my email list, I can NOT send you an email and you must resubscribe. Unsubscribing from the email list/newsletters makes it impossible for me to send you important information about your purchase.

💎 BEST DEAL: The VIP Experience – Only $22

Get Prism Make-Along VIP – Knitting
Get Prism Make-along VIP – Crochet

🎉 Let’s Make Magic Together

Thousands of makers have joined Marly Bird’s past mystery make-alongs, and this year’s Prism MAL is set to be the most colorful and community-filled yet.

Don’t miss your chance to:

  • Learn stranded colorwork with ease
  • Create a vibrant, wearable swoncho
  • Join a supportive and fun community
  • And finish something you’re proud of!

✨ Whether you’re going VIP or joining for free—just don’t miss it.
This is the colorwork adventure you’ve been waiting for.

👉 Learn More About the Marly Bird House Here

? Prism Make-Along – Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the Prism Make-Along? You’re in the right place! Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the event, how it works, what’s included, and how to make the most of both the free and VIP experiences. Click any section to expand and learn more!

The first section is released on May 1, 2025. New sections drop every Monday and Thursday in May.

⭐️ VIP Experience Includes:

  • Downloadable, ad-free PDF pattern sections and full pattern pdf
  • Printable stranded colorwork charts (5-, 7-, and 10-color options)
  • Step-by-step video lessons hosted in the Marly Bird House
  • Stitch Fiddle chart links for color selection help and interactive tracking
  • Bonus Pattern
  • Live Q&A with Marly during the event
  • Unlimited access to everything, so you can work at your own pace

Free Version Includes:

  • View-only pattern releases (via the blog for limited time)
  • YouTube video tutorials with ads
  • Access to the BiCrafty Community for support
  • Mystery releases every Monday & Thursday in May

👍 YES, VIP access may be purchased by you—then need to contact customer service to have the product transferred to the giftees account. Easy Peasy!

Yes! If you purchase the VIP Experience, you’ll have unlimited access to the lessons, patterns, and materials—so you can start, pause, and return whenever you’re ready.

No. The free version will be available during the event and a week or two after it ends. After that, the pattern will be moved behind the paywall and become part of the VIP Experience only or as a stand alone PDF pattern purchase.

The Prism Make-Along is best suited for confident beginners and up. You’ll need to have a basic understanding of knitting or crochet (how to read patterns, work in the round, and maintain consistent tension). Don’t worry—Marly will guide you through the colorwork step-by-step!

Both the Prism Path Swoncho and Spectrum Stitch Swoncho are size-inclusive, with instructions for XS to 5X. Each size has been carefully graded for fit and comfort, with shaping that works well across a wide range of bodies.

The supply list (yarn, hook/needle sizes, yardage, etc.) is added to the VIP experience or is sent to everyone who joins the official Prism Make-Along list.
👉 Sign up here to get yours

For the knitting swoncho, we are using a worsted weight yarn from Knit Picks.

For the crochet swoncho, we are using a dk weight yarn from WeCrochet.

To learn more about yarn choice and possible subs, here is a video with Marly and Robyn Explaining. 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/VDGFBNaT48Y?si=PQ4vMEksupY52ueZ&t=849

Each section is designed to be manageable for most crafters to complete between releases (Monday & Thursday). That said, the VIP version includes unlimited access, so you can go at your own pace if life gets busy!

All VIP video tutorials are hosted in the Marly Bird House for ad-free viewing .

Free version videos will be available on YouTube with ads.

The first section drops on May 1, 2025! If you signed up for the free version, you’ll get an email when it’s released. VIP members will get instant access inside the Marly Bird House platform when each new section is posted.

👉 The link to each part will also be linked at the bottom of this blog post while free.

You’ll never stitch alone!
You can always post in the BiCrafty Community Facebook Group.
VIP members will have a Live Q & A during the event with direct access to the Marly.

If you ever need help with tech or the pattern you can always contact our customer service team.

💎 BEST DEAL: The VIP Experience – Only $22

Get Prism Make-Along VIP – Knitting
Get Prism Make-along VIP – Crochet

✨ Why Marly Bird?

I’ve been a teacher, designer, author, and yarn industry pro for over 17 years—and my heart has always been with you, the everyday maker.

Thousands of knitters and crocheters have joined me through:

I don’t just design pretty patterns—I show up to teach, encourage, and celebrate every step of the way. I’ve helped makers of all skill levels conquer socks, sweaters, shawls, colorwork, and more.

This is the kind of project I wish I had when I was learning: clear, beautiful, and full of possibility. Now I get to give that to you.

Let’s make something magical, colorful, and confidence-boosting—together.

xoxo Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

🚨 Make-Along Free Pattern LINKS TO PARTS 🚨

All the links go live at 12:00 pm EST on the day of release.

Spectrum Stitch Crochet Swoncho
Part 1: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-1/
Part 2: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-2/
Part 3: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-3/
Part 4: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-4/
Part 5: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-5/
Part 6: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-6/
Part 7: https://marlybird.com/spectrum-stitch-crochet-swoncho-part-7/

Prism Path Knit Swoncho
Part 1: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-1/
Part 2: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-2/
Part 3: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-3/
Part 4: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-4/
Part 5: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-5/
Part 6: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-pattern-part-6/
Part 7: https://marlybird.com/prism-path-knit-swoncho-part-7/

All the links go live at 12:00 pm EST on the day of release.

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