Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe (KISKIS) is an annual mystery knitalong and adventure that spans 8 weeks.

When purchasing this pattern before March 7th, 2026, you will receive an info sheet detailing everything you need to start your shawl. Starting on March 7th, the pattern will be updated weekly with 1 clue at a time, with the last clue coming on April 25th. If you purchase this pattern after April 25th, 2026, you will receive the entire pattern.

Description: The Last Sea Queen Shawl is a half pie-shaped, overall texture, and lace shawl inspired by Tar Miriel, the last queen of Numenor. This shawl was previously the Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe (KISKIS) pattern for 2026.

Shaped with eyelet increases, the slipped stitches and lace patterns within this shawl invoke the ethereal and ever-changing world of Middle Earth.

The mystery of this MKAL isn’t just in the FO - it’s also the inspiration! This pattern is inspired by a character from Tolkien’s world, and that character will reveal themselves slowly as each clue is released. See “MKAL Details” for how this affects the knitalong.

This pattern was designed in collaboration with Knitten Word! Kits will be available starting February 21st on Knitten Word’s website that include all the yarn needed to knit the shawl, custom candle by Bayou Rose to really set the knitting mood, and a 100% off code for the KISKIS Shawl pattern. Check out the beautiful color ways available in the pattern page’s photos.

About the pattern
KISKIS (Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe) is an MKAL inspired by Tolkien’s Middle Earth. This shawl pattern will be published on Ravelry 8 clues during the months of March and April.

The following release dates are planned:
Clue 1: March 14th, 2026
Clue 2: March 21th, 2026
Clue 3: March 28st, 2026
Clue 4: April 4th, 2026
Clue 5: April 11th, 2026
Clue 6: April 18th, 2026
Clue 7: April 25th, 2026
Clue 8: May 2nd, 2026

Pattern Details:
Needle Size: US Size 3/2.25 mm circular needles; 32 in (80 cm) and 60 in (150 cm) cords

Gauge: “Garter Stitch”: 23 sts x 45 rows = 4 in (10 cm) x 4 in (10 cm)

Amount of yarn needed: 2 skeins of Knitten Word Baba Yaga Sock (464 yd/425 m, 100 g) OR 928 yds/850 m OR 200 g of a similar fingering weight superwash BFL

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, waste yarn for provisional cast-on.

Notes:
Yarn substitution - Any fingering weight yarn will work for KISKIS. Just be aware of how the properties of your yarn may change the overall look. For example, Bluefaced Leicester (BFL) is more toothsome than merino, even in superwash. This means it holds onto itself when knit, and textures stand out clearly. When choosing a superwash merino, some textures may pop less.

Charts and Instructions - Certain sections of this shawl utilize charts. All charts are written out and included on the same page as their instructions.

MKAL Details:
Anyone is welcome to knit this shawl as the clues come out, however, we’re hosting the KISKIS MKAL festivities on The Thread Discord Server. Events will include…

FOR ALL MEMBERSHIP TIERS:

• Tolkien read-a-long
• Bi-weekly Sit&Knits
• Text thread made exclusively to share WIPs, photos, and chit chat

The Thread Full Access Members:

• Everything above plus…

• 3 guess attempts - the clues aren’t the only mystery in this MKAL. The inspiration is, too! Full Access Members who participate in the MKAL will have 3 opportunities to guess which character from Tolkien’s world inspired the shawl. Guesses will be made on specific days through a Direct Message to the designer in order to keep the mystery going. The first three people to guess correctly will receive a prize! This means you do not have to finish the shawl to be eligible to win a prize!

• Prizes - available only to Full Access Members