Still at it! Level III continues to occupy my brain, my hands, and nearly every waking moment. I often can't sleep for thinking about it, and am up for two or three hours during the night to knit, eat, write, or otherwise try to calm myself enough to get back to sleep. I do have the sweater and hat finished now, and photographed. Dear husband does the photography which I greatly appreciate, and I figured out how to get Shutterfly prints made. Learned something new there!
I have one swatch left to do, the dreaded entrelac. I finished the Bavarian traveling stitch swatch, and for the life of me I can't figure out why anyone in their right mind would actually want to do either entrelac or Bavarian traveling stitch. I am loving the research for the fiber report however. That is such fascinating stuff, and stuff I wish I had known 25 years ago. It would have saved me some serious mistakes in matching yarn to patterns.
This is such a learning process. Stressful, yes, but valuable learning. Still hoping for submission by the end of this month. Then I can relax and forget it for a few months until I get it all back and have to tackle the inevitable "redos".
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Life and Level III
January 23, 2013
Every time I check my daughter's blog and find nothing new, I'm a bit disappointed since it's one of the few ways we have of keeping in touch between infrequent visits. She hasn't written anything new for several months now, then I realized I haven't written for even longer! So here goes.
I continue to work on Level III of the Master Knitter Program. I feel like I will be continuing to work on Level III of the Master Knitter Program for the rest of my life. I so wanted to get it finished and submitted by the end of January, but when I found a mistake mid-December which required frogging 11 1/2 inches of the sweater sleeve, I realized it just wasn't going to happen. I put the whole thing aside for a couple weeks while I did Christmas stuff, then went back, frogged and finished that sleeve. Have one more to go, a buttonhole band, and then sew it all up and do the neck ribbing, put buttons on it, block and it will be finished. Then there is the matter of the hat. I had started the corrugated ribbing for that but ripped it all out this morning, after deciding I didn't like the color combination. I have most of the swatches finished, but haven't started any of the reviews or reports. Oh, will I ever get this finished?
We just returned last nite from a 12 day road trip to Houston, TX, driving about 2500 miles in all. Have decided that's the last time I want to do that. Meals were very haphazard, and not very healthy, and I began having symptoms of something, maybe low blood sugar. Anyway, I was very weepy on several occasions, nearly passed out once, and felt really crabby a lot of the time. I've thought that in a relationship the happiness of one depends on the happiness of the other, but maybe not! This was a trip Clint really wanted to take, now, to see his son and family. I didn't want to go now, since my first great grandbaby was going to be born while we were gone, and I wanted to finish Level III before we went south. I opted for his "happiness," but forfeited my own. And my being so crabby didn't do much for his happiness.
Anyway, we are home now, the baby is here and beautiful and we will go see him today or tomorrow.
I'm still tired though. And a bit crabby. although trying to not let it show.
Maybe Level III will be ready to submit by the end of March. I surely hope so for I'm leaving for a couple days in NYC mid-April, with three other women. Flying. Staying in a nice hotel. Eating when and what I need. Sleeping in a good bed. And although NY traffic is about as nerve racking as Houston's, we won't be in it for hours on end.
So life's looking up.
Every time I check my daughter's blog and find nothing new, I'm a bit disappointed since it's one of the few ways we have of keeping in touch between infrequent visits. She hasn't written anything new for several months now, then I realized I haven't written for even longer! So here goes.
I continue to work on Level III of the Master Knitter Program. I feel like I will be continuing to work on Level III of the Master Knitter Program for the rest of my life. I so wanted to get it finished and submitted by the end of January, but when I found a mistake mid-December which required frogging 11 1/2 inches of the sweater sleeve, I realized it just wasn't going to happen. I put the whole thing aside for a couple weeks while I did Christmas stuff, then went back, frogged and finished that sleeve. Have one more to go, a buttonhole band, and then sew it all up and do the neck ribbing, put buttons on it, block and it will be finished. Then there is the matter of the hat. I had started the corrugated ribbing for that but ripped it all out this morning, after deciding I didn't like the color combination. I have most of the swatches finished, but haven't started any of the reviews or reports. Oh, will I ever get this finished?
We just returned last nite from a 12 day road trip to Houston, TX, driving about 2500 miles in all. Have decided that's the last time I want to do that. Meals were very haphazard, and not very healthy, and I began having symptoms of something, maybe low blood sugar. Anyway, I was very weepy on several occasions, nearly passed out once, and felt really crabby a lot of the time. I've thought that in a relationship the happiness of one depends on the happiness of the other, but maybe not! This was a trip Clint really wanted to take, now, to see his son and family. I didn't want to go now, since my first great grandbaby was going to be born while we were gone, and I wanted to finish Level III before we went south. I opted for his "happiness," but forfeited my own. And my being so crabby didn't do much for his happiness.
Anyway, we are home now, the baby is here and beautiful and we will go see him today or tomorrow.
I'm still tired though. And a bit crabby. although trying to not let it show.
Maybe Level III will be ready to submit by the end of March. I surely hope so for I'm leaving for a couple days in NYC mid-April, with three other women. Flying. Staying in a nice hotel. Eating when and what I need. Sleeping in a good bed. And although NY traffic is about as nerve racking as Houston's, we won't be in it for hours on end.
So life's looking up.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Level III continues, along with the rest of life.
I continue to work a bit now and then on level III of the Master Knitter Program. However, I have also taught the two 10-year old girl triplets cake decorating for their 4-H projects, and helped Will (the other triplet) with his art projectm this summer. Cake judging was today and both girls did well. Maddie got an A for her high heeled shoes, and Jessie got an "A+ outstanding" for her sock monkey cake. Both were cute as can be, and fairly reflective of their different personalities.
The coming weekend holds a wedding reception for the daughter of a long time friend, and she asked me to make a cake for the party, but not a "traditional" wedding cake. It's an outdoor party, and after much thought and in keeping with the garden party theme, I've decided on a large hat, covered in rolled fondant with a ribbon around the brim, bow in back and orange and yellow fondant poppies on the side. Thinking this (a 14" round layer, with a 6" crown) won't be enough for all the guests, I'm also doing 4 dozen cupcakes, each with a small poppy surrounded by white frosting ruffles. Will try to post photos soon.
Yesterday was the final day of the triplets' softball tournament, so I sat through three of their five tournament games during the past four days. Their team took second place. Thank heaven for my knitting to keep me sane during the exciting times, and occupied during the boring ones.
I missed the other two games primarily because I have bronchitis and cough all night instead of sleeping, so don't feel quite up to par, to say the least. Gave in today and went to Urgent Care for another round of meds. The first round which I got at the Keene, NH Hospital ER while on vacation didn't quite finish the job.
And....while we were in Keene, Clint drove me over to Manchester, NH, for the Masters Day of the big TKGA Knit Show. (He drove for two reasons; it was a long way and we didn't know the roads, and I was a bit spaced out on codeine cough syrup.) The Masters Day was good. I particularly enjoyed meeting members of the committee and Arenda Holloday. Arenda is a truly amazing person and inspiration. Her knitting is beyond belief - think fair isle sweaters at a gauge of 12 sts. to the inch, but she is approachable, and down-to-earth. Some of the committee members reviewed a few of my swatches, which they all thought were acceptable. I really want to get going in earnest on Level III, but can't do much until I get the wedding cake done, and the cough under control.
Finally, the big news here is that I am going to be a great grandma. My grandson Nick, and his Amanda are expecting in early January. That babe is going to need lots of warm woolies. So there will be small knitted items competing with the Masters swatches.
Life is never dull, at least not for long.
I continue to work a bit now and then on level III of the Master Knitter Program. However, I have also taught the two 10-year old girl triplets cake decorating for their 4-H projects, and helped Will (the other triplet) with his art projectm this summer. Cake judging was today and both girls did well. Maddie got an A for her high heeled shoes, and Jessie got an "A+ outstanding" for her sock monkey cake. Both were cute as can be, and fairly reflective of their different personalities.
The coming weekend holds a wedding reception for the daughter of a long time friend, and she asked me to make a cake for the party, but not a "traditional" wedding cake. It's an outdoor party, and after much thought and in keeping with the garden party theme, I've decided on a large hat, covered in rolled fondant with a ribbon around the brim, bow in back and orange and yellow fondant poppies on the side. Thinking this (a 14" round layer, with a 6" crown) won't be enough for all the guests, I'm also doing 4 dozen cupcakes, each with a small poppy surrounded by white frosting ruffles. Will try to post photos soon.
Yesterday was the final day of the triplets' softball tournament, so I sat through three of their five tournament games during the past four days. Their team took second place. Thank heaven for my knitting to keep me sane during the exciting times, and occupied during the boring ones.
I missed the other two games primarily because I have bronchitis and cough all night instead of sleeping, so don't feel quite up to par, to say the least. Gave in today and went to Urgent Care for another round of meds. The first round which I got at the Keene, NH Hospital ER while on vacation didn't quite finish the job.
And....while we were in Keene, Clint drove me over to Manchester, NH, for the Masters Day of the big TKGA Knit Show. (He drove for two reasons; it was a long way and we didn't know the roads, and I was a bit spaced out on codeine cough syrup.) The Masters Day was good. I particularly enjoyed meeting members of the committee and Arenda Holloday. Arenda is a truly amazing person and inspiration. Her knitting is beyond belief - think fair isle sweaters at a gauge of 12 sts. to the inch, but she is approachable, and down-to-earth. Some of the committee members reviewed a few of my swatches, which they all thought were acceptable. I really want to get going in earnest on Level III, but can't do much until I get the wedding cake done, and the cough under control.
Finally, the big news here is that I am going to be a great grandma. My grandson Nick, and his Amanda are expecting in early January. That babe is going to need lots of warm woolies. So there will be small knitted items competing with the Masters swatches.
Life is never dull, at least not for long.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Once again....
I thought I blogged a few days ago, but apparently I didn't do something right because it didn't show up here, which is just as well because I was tired and grouchy and worried when I wrote it. I was worried about my 38 year old daughter-in-law who has breast cancer, and worried about how I could hold up taking care of her 9 year old triplets while she fights this stuff.
She had the double mastectomy two days ago, and the report was good. No cancer in the lymph nodes. So no radiation. That's good. She still faces reconstruction, and probably chemo, because of the size of the tumor, just to be sure although the surgeon thinks everything he left was clean. Triplets are with us and we are getting along fine. No squabbles, just lots of movies and reading, and eating. They are at the stage where they think they need food every two hours or so. Good thing I stocked the freezer before the surgery.
Level III of the Master Knitter Course is pretty much on hold for a while. I'm enjoying what little I've done - all the new and pretty stitch patterns are fun, but still intimidated at the thought of designing and knitting the sweater. Glad there isn't a time limit - I may be 80 years old before I finish this!
I thought I blogged a few days ago, but apparently I didn't do something right because it didn't show up here, which is just as well because I was tired and grouchy and worried when I wrote it. I was worried about my 38 year old daughter-in-law who has breast cancer, and worried about how I could hold up taking care of her 9 year old triplets while she fights this stuff.
She had the double mastectomy two days ago, and the report was good. No cancer in the lymph nodes. So no radiation. That's good. She still faces reconstruction, and probably chemo, because of the size of the tumor, just to be sure although the surgeon thinks everything he left was clean. Triplets are with us and we are getting along fine. No squabbles, just lots of movies and reading, and eating. They are at the stage where they think they need food every two hours or so. Good thing I stocked the freezer before the surgery.
Level III of the Master Knitter Course is pretty much on hold for a while. I'm enjoying what little I've done - all the new and pretty stitch patterns are fun, but still intimidated at the thought of designing and knitting the sweater. Glad there isn't a time limit - I may be 80 years old before I finish this!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Finally!
About the third week of October I finally sent in Level II of the Master Knitter course. What a relief to have it out of my house and off my mind, as I don't expect it back for at least another month or so.
Finishing up this level made me crazy. Right now I'm not feeling like I want to go on to Level III, but we'll see how many things I have to resubmit to pass Level II.
At a doctor's visit this week, the doctor noticed my barn jacket (pattern on Ravelry) and told me she is a knitter too although she claims to have two left hands and three thumbs. I'm glad she's not my surgeon! She said she'd like to knit socks but has trouble managing those "double sided" needles. I told her about using two circulars and later e-mailed the Simple Sock On Two Circulars pattern I wrote a few years ago for the class I taught.
I also sent that pattern to the young man who waited on me at Office Max who was having trouble learning to turn a heel. Amazing how I seem to find other knitters everywhere.
Learned yesterday that Braeden, age two and a half, asked to wear his backhoe sweater on Thanksgiving. (Photo on my ravelry projects page) . Braeden is our next door neighbor who often asks to come see my husband, Clint, and dearly loves all kinds of big equipment, especially backhoes. He doesn't seem to have any feelings for me one way or the other, but I keep making sweaters for him anyway just because he's so cute.
My birthday is coming up soon, and I'm using it as an excuse to get all kinds of goodies I've wanted for a while. Yesterday the UPS man brought three books: Stephanie Pearl McPhee's newest "All Wound Up," Mary Jane Mucklestone's beautiful new book of fair isle patterns, and Shirley Paden's book on knitwear design. What a volume that one! It could be a design college textbook. Can't wait to finish my Christmas knitting so I can start a new project using the techniques in Shirley's book.
Speaking of Christmas knitting, I have several projects in process, and can't quite seem to finish any of them. One sweater only needs a button band and buttons, one is about a third finished, a scarf needs to be a little longer, a cowl is waiting to be cast on, and one sweater is waiting to be sewn up, although that may take a bit of doing since when blocking the pieces I discovered that while the sleeves and back are worked with raglan shaping, the fronts are designed for set-in sleeves. How on earth I managed that one, I do not know, but to comfort myself from this strange turn of events, I've made three Scandinavian fair isle mittens since last Friday. All for right hands. The first was too small, the second too big, and the third just right. (I'm wondering if the Big Bad Wolf is waiting to gobble me up). No, it's just that all these projects needing to be done before the 25th are gobbling me up. The second mitten to match the third - that does make sense, think about it - may have to wait until January, or at least until Dec. 26th.
I hope everyone else is doing better than I am with the Christmas knitting. Maybe I should think about a nice glass of wine rather than Scandinavian mittens.
Finishing up this level made me crazy. Right now I'm not feeling like I want to go on to Level III, but we'll see how many things I have to resubmit to pass Level II.
At a doctor's visit this week, the doctor noticed my barn jacket (pattern on Ravelry) and told me she is a knitter too although she claims to have two left hands and three thumbs. I'm glad she's not my surgeon! She said she'd like to knit socks but has trouble managing those "double sided" needles. I told her about using two circulars and later e-mailed the Simple Sock On Two Circulars pattern I wrote a few years ago for the class I taught.
I also sent that pattern to the young man who waited on me at Office Max who was having trouble learning to turn a heel. Amazing how I seem to find other knitters everywhere.
Learned yesterday that Braeden, age two and a half, asked to wear his backhoe sweater on Thanksgiving. (Photo on my ravelry projects page) . Braeden is our next door neighbor who often asks to come see my husband, Clint, and dearly loves all kinds of big equipment, especially backhoes. He doesn't seem to have any feelings for me one way or the other, but I keep making sweaters for him anyway just because he's so cute.
My birthday is coming up soon, and I'm using it as an excuse to get all kinds of goodies I've wanted for a while. Yesterday the UPS man brought three books: Stephanie Pearl McPhee's newest "All Wound Up," Mary Jane Mucklestone's beautiful new book of fair isle patterns, and Shirley Paden's book on knitwear design. What a volume that one! It could be a design college textbook. Can't wait to finish my Christmas knitting so I can start a new project using the techniques in Shirley's book.
Speaking of Christmas knitting, I have several projects in process, and can't quite seem to finish any of them. One sweater only needs a button band and buttons, one is about a third finished, a scarf needs to be a little longer, a cowl is waiting to be cast on, and one sweater is waiting to be sewn up, although that may take a bit of doing since when blocking the pieces I discovered that while the sleeves and back are worked with raglan shaping, the fronts are designed for set-in sleeves. How on earth I managed that one, I do not know, but to comfort myself from this strange turn of events, I've made three Scandinavian fair isle mittens since last Friday. All for right hands. The first was too small, the second too big, and the third just right. (I'm wondering if the Big Bad Wolf is waiting to gobble me up). No, it's just that all these projects needing to be done before the 25th are gobbling me up. The second mitten to match the third - that does make sense, think about it - may have to wait until January, or at least until Dec. 26th.
I hope everyone else is doing better than I am with the Christmas knitting. Maybe I should think about a nice glass of wine rather than Scandinavian mittens.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pluggin' Away
After almost two months into Level 2 of the TKGA Master Hand Knitter Program, I'm making progress, but slowly. I have 21 swatches done, but may do a couple of them over. I got so tired of the buttonhole swatches that I quit on them - have two left to do, plus the last cable swatch. All of the patterns and other written work need a final proof reading, and swatches need remeasuring, just to be sure.
I have an argyle sock finished, but not good enough to submit. I used part of the sock yarn for the lace swatches, so had to order more sock yarn before I can do the next one. I had one heck of a time figuring out how to seam the instep stitches 1/2 stitch in from the edge - finally think I have it! I've discovered that pearle cotton is my friend. I pick up stitches with it before picking up or seaming with the working yarn. If I've made a mistake somewhere the pearle cotton slips out easily without damaging the yarn. Now if I could just figure out how to weave in the tails in all that seed stitch, I'd be feeling a lot better about this.
I've made several mittens and although each one looks a little better than the last, I still don't have one good enough to submit. Fair isle isn't hard on hats, but on this tiny little circumference, it's giving me fits.
I've found a vest pattern I think I want to use, but haven't swatched the stitch pattern yet, or bought yarn. Plan to do the vest for Will who is almost 9, so if I have to redo it, it won't take as much time or yarn as an adult size.
I finished my rose colored sweater and although I don't really like the yarn or the pattern, the color is nice and the sweater is soooo comfortable. I wear it a lot. I also made a cardigan sweater for my 12 year old granddaughter, Sophie, and am now working on one for one of the 8 year old triplets. Doing some intarsia work on this one, and using a tubular cast on, which I love! (don't love doing it, just love the result).
I've read that level 2 is the hardest - I surely hope so! It will be a happy day when I pass this level!!!!!
Back to work now...........
I have an argyle sock finished, but not good enough to submit. I used part of the sock yarn for the lace swatches, so had to order more sock yarn before I can do the next one. I had one heck of a time figuring out how to seam the instep stitches 1/2 stitch in from the edge - finally think I have it! I've discovered that pearle cotton is my friend. I pick up stitches with it before picking up or seaming with the working yarn. If I've made a mistake somewhere the pearle cotton slips out easily without damaging the yarn. Now if I could just figure out how to weave in the tails in all that seed stitch, I'd be feeling a lot better about this.
I've made several mittens and although each one looks a little better than the last, I still don't have one good enough to submit. Fair isle isn't hard on hats, but on this tiny little circumference, it's giving me fits.
I've found a vest pattern I think I want to use, but haven't swatched the stitch pattern yet, or bought yarn. Plan to do the vest for Will who is almost 9, so if I have to redo it, it won't take as much time or yarn as an adult size.
I finished my rose colored sweater and although I don't really like the yarn or the pattern, the color is nice and the sweater is soooo comfortable. I wear it a lot. I also made a cardigan sweater for my 12 year old granddaughter, Sophie, and am now working on one for one of the 8 year old triplets. Doing some intarsia work on this one, and using a tubular cast on, which I love! (don't love doing it, just love the result).
I've read that level 2 is the hardest - I surely hope so! It will be a happy day when I pass this level!!!!!
Back to work now...........
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Level I - Passed!
Just got the word this morning that I have passed Level I of the Masters Program. Woo - Hoo! Time to celebrate, but honestly I just want to get started on Level II asap.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Resubmission
Ready to send my resubmits off today. Now for another period of waiting, hoping, worrying! I think I'm in pretty good shape now, but there is one wonky stitch in Swatch 16 that I couldn't figure out how to correct, so we'll see. I knit Swatch 16 at least four times and there was something I didn't like each time. I finally got tired of it, and decided to send it on in.
My goal for 2011 is to finish one sweater, or other large project, and one pair of socks each month. I have January's socks done (Tiptoe through the tulips, by Stephanie Purl McPhee) and am working on the third piece of Patterned Kimono Jacket by Plymouth in "deep rose" Nashua Creative Focus Worsted. I do not like this yarn, but have seven skeins of this nice color, so will make the sweater and see how it wears. The swatch looked pretty good after blocking, so I'm hopeful.
My goal for 2011 is to finish one sweater, or other large project, and one pair of socks each month. I have January's socks done (Tiptoe through the tulips, by Stephanie Purl McPhee) and am working on the third piece of Patterned Kimono Jacket by Plymouth in "deep rose" Nashua Creative Focus Worsted. I do not like this yarn, but have seven skeins of this nice color, so will make the sweater and see how it wears. The swatch looked pretty good after blocking, so I'm hopeful.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Got it Back!
My Level I packet came back from the reviewers today. I wasn't really expecting it this soon, so was very surprised and pleased. Still, it was nerve wracking, opening it and waiting to see what the reviewers had to say. I'm a bit disappointed if they didn't think everything was perfect, (am I a bit of a perfectionist ?) but overall, I'm satisfied. Most of the comments had to do with weaving in yarn tails, and since that was a totally new technique for me I'm not surprised. I have three swatches to redo, and one of those only because of weaving in the tail in the ribbing portion. I need to make a few minor changes in the written cable pattern, and fix up the answers to a few of the questions. They accepted my blocking report with no criticism at all, and the hat was accepted too. (I was a bit worried about that). It shouldn't take long to get the resubmission ready and off to the reviewer. Then I can begin to fuss and worry over Level II. This program is definitely a challenge, but I'm glad I'm doing it. SOME DAY I will get my certification.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Fat Lady is About to Sing
Yep, folks, it's all over but the shouting, or rather, but the finishing touches on the hat. Level 1 Master Hand Knitter Course goes into the mail Saturday morning, after two and a half months of lots of work, study, writing, knitting, worrying, etc. But it's going to be out the door, and I can leave for our winter home in Tennessee with only the yarn and stuff I need for Christmas gifts. Now just to wait and wonder, and wonder, and worry, and oh, well, just forget it all for a while and enjoy our new Shihpoo puppy whom we are picking up in Scottsville, KY next Tuesday. Can't worry too much about what the reviewers think of my work at 3 AM shivering outside waiting for Taffy to pee.
Friday, November 5, 2010
New Needle
I recently splurged big time and bought a Signature Arts circular knitting needle, size 7. These are relatively new style needles, made of aircraft aluminum. Not only are they beautiful, they are extremely well designed and great fun to use. I feel like I'm zooming through my knitting now, like the little boy on the car commercials who says softly, "zoom, zoom."
All future projects with be knitted with this size 7 needle! Now I realize my socks will be way too big, and my sweaters way too small, but oh, well. I love this needle.
All future projects with be knitted with this size 7 needle! Now I realize my socks will be way too big, and my sweaters way too small, but oh, well. I love this needle.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Question For You
I'm hand washing a couple of blouses this morning. It's not one of my favorite things to do, but they are nice blouses - one, a Jones New York which cost me major bucks, and the other, a Liz Claibourne I got for a song at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. As I say, I'm not crazy about hand laundry. My wool knitted socks go into the washer in a lingerie bag, though not in the dryer. Anyway, if I want these two shirts to look their best, I'll do what it takes.
I have a frustrating situation with one of the women in the Tuesday Nite Knitters group. She categorically refuses to swatch, or to block, anything! She states emphatically for all to hear that she doesn't need to do either and her garments always fit perfectly and look great. It's so hard for me when I am all eager to share with the group the things I'm learning in my research and projects for the Master Knitter Course, and she continues to not only refuse to learn anything new, but puts down everything I say, and tells the others they don't need to do what I suggest. (She also has her own ideas about casting on and seaming, etc. etc. etc.)
Now, going back to paragraph one, I'm not crazy about swatching and blocking either, but I do it, and try to do it well, because I know how much it improves my knitting, so I'll do what it takes. I'm reminded of a sign in my dentist's office which states "You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep." So I'll keep learning and swatching and blocking because I want my projects to look their best. I just need to learn how to sit for an hour and a half every Tuesday evening without grinding my teeth and elevating my blood pressure. Any ideas?
I have a frustrating situation with one of the women in the Tuesday Nite Knitters group. She categorically refuses to swatch, or to block, anything! She states emphatically for all to hear that she doesn't need to do either and her garments always fit perfectly and look great. It's so hard for me when I am all eager to share with the group the things I'm learning in my research and projects for the Master Knitter Course, and she continues to not only refuse to learn anything new, but puts down everything I say, and tells the others they don't need to do what I suggest. (She also has her own ideas about casting on and seaming, etc. etc. etc.)
Now, going back to paragraph one, I'm not crazy about swatching and blocking either, but I do it, and try to do it well, because I know how much it improves my knitting, so I'll do what it takes. I'm reminded of a sign in my dentist's office which states "You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep." So I'll keep learning and swatching and blocking because I want my projects to look their best. I just need to learn how to sit for an hour and a half every Tuesday evening without grinding my teeth and elevating my blood pressure. Any ideas?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Photos
OK, After nearly an hour of trying to figure out how to post a picture here, I finally got these three imported. (The hats are still on their blocking bucket.)
Post Rhinebeck Projects
A few photos of the past week's projects. OK, they aren't actually post-Rhinebeck; I started Mrs. Crumpet's Knitting Bag as my in-the-car project for the NY, New England trip, and finished her when we returned. You'll notice I gave her big bamboo knitting needles, since she's an old woman and her eyesight isn't good. Actually, my eyesight wasn't so good either by the time I finished all that intarsia and duplicate stitch. (She still doesn't have handles, not sure quite what to do about that). Love the pattern, though. It's by Kathy Sasser of Tehachapi Sock Company.
Hats are the first Christmas gifts - I think everyone is getting hats this year, and they are mostly from yarn purchased at Webs last week. Well, I did get the scarlet and grey yarn at Rhinebeck, but it's just Cascade 220, not the beautiful hand dyed stuff to dye for at Rhinebeck.
Hats are the first Christmas gifts - I think everyone is getting hats this year, and they are mostly from yarn purchased at Webs last week. Well, I did get the scarlet and grey yarn at Rhinebeck, but it's just Cascade 220, not the beautiful hand dyed stuff to dye for at Rhinebeck.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sheep and Wool and Webs
We're back in Ohio now, having spent a great few days in the Northeast. First stop was Webs Yarn Shop in North Hampton, MA, a wonderful place to spend a few hours and a lot of money! But, OH, the rows and rows and rows of color and texture and possibilities. I left there after about four hours, with (literally) three bags full of wool. I bought a lot of basic things - Cascade 220 for the Master Knitter Coursework, Berroco Vintage in lavender heather for a bulky sweater for me, lots of washable wools and wool blends for hats and kid sweaters and mittens, etc. Also picked up a book I'd been wanting for a long time "Vogue Knitting." Books and yarns which are not closeouts are discounted 25% if you buy $120.00 or more. It doesn't take long to reach that mark.
Then on to Keene, NH, for a couple days with friends from high school. Lots of fun visiting and reminiscing with them.
Saturday we were at the gate of the Rhinebeck, NY Sheep and Wool Festival before opening time, along with several thousand other folks. What an experience that was! So much yarn, roving, fleece, every imaginable tool and trinket for knitting, spinning, hooking, and lots of sheep, alpaca, and rabbits as well. The fairgrounds has a museum of antique farm equipment, so Clint was happy. Having bought all the basic stuff at Webs, I cruised the vendors at Rhinebeck just looking for a few luxury items. One booth which took my breath away, as well as a chunk of my money, was Decadent Fibers. They have the most gorgeous yarns I've ever seen. Check them out at decadentfibers.com.
By Saturday evening I was so tired that every time I closed my eyes all I could see was crowds of people coming toward me. One day at the Festival was enough for me.
New projects are on the horizon - photos coming soon.
Then on to Keene, NH, for a couple days with friends from high school. Lots of fun visiting and reminiscing with them.
Saturday we were at the gate of the Rhinebeck, NY Sheep and Wool Festival before opening time, along with several thousand other folks. What an experience that was! So much yarn, roving, fleece, every imaginable tool and trinket for knitting, spinning, hooking, and lots of sheep, alpaca, and rabbits as well. The fairgrounds has a museum of antique farm equipment, so Clint was happy. Having bought all the basic stuff at Webs, I cruised the vendors at Rhinebeck just looking for a few luxury items. One booth which took my breath away, as well as a chunk of my money, was Decadent Fibers. They have the most gorgeous yarns I've ever seen. Check them out at decadentfibers.com.
By Saturday evening I was so tired that every time I closed my eyes all I could see was crowds of people coming toward me. One day at the Festival was enough for me.
New projects are on the horizon - photos coming soon.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hard Week
It's been a hard week around here. Wednesday we had to have our dear bichon, Bridget, put to sleep. She was 15 years old and I'd had her since she was 7 weeks. Then, Thursday a long-time friend and neighbor passed away, fairly suddenly. Going to her calling hours today took me way back in time to when her four children and my five were small, bringing up all sorts of feelings and memories. So tonite I'm tired. Too tired, even, to knit. That doesn't happen often to me, for knitting is what I do, to rest, to comfort myself, and to enjoy myself. But not tonite. I only want to sleep tonite.
Monday, October 4, 2010
My Horse
I have a horse. I don't have to feed him or clean out his stall, but I do ride him once in a while. His name is High. I've been on my horse recently.
One of the requirements for part 1 of the Master Knitter course is a 2-4 page, single-spaced report on Blocking Knitted Items. Feeling like I'm back in college, I pulled out all my knitting books and began the research. Quickly I realized that while some books had lots to say about blocking, others had none or very little. I was appalled by one in particular, "Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters," by Sharon Brant, which devotes a three sentence paragraph to the topic. Surely a book titled, Finishing Techniques....... should be expected to cover blocking fairly thoroughly, since blocking is the finishing technique which makes all the difference in whether a garment or item looks "home made" or "expertly hand crafted." (There are other problems with this book, which I won't go into here).
So I've been on my high horse, ranting to anyone who will listen. Finally, I posted a review of the book on Amazon.com (where I'd purchased it), and sent an e-mail to Rowan Yarns, who employ Ms. Brant as a teacher and designer.
Bottom Line: If you want a really good book on Finishing Knits, get Nancie Wiseman's "The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques." Don't waste your money on Sharon Brant's book.
One of the requirements for part 1 of the Master Knitter course is a 2-4 page, single-spaced report on Blocking Knitted Items. Feeling like I'm back in college, I pulled out all my knitting books and began the research. Quickly I realized that while some books had lots to say about blocking, others had none or very little. I was appalled by one in particular, "Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters," by Sharon Brant, which devotes a three sentence paragraph to the topic. Surely a book titled, Finishing Techniques....... should be expected to cover blocking fairly thoroughly, since blocking is the finishing technique which makes all the difference in whether a garment or item looks "home made" or "expertly hand crafted." (There are other problems with this book, which I won't go into here).
So I've been on my high horse, ranting to anyone who will listen. Finally, I posted a review of the book on Amazon.com (where I'd purchased it), and sent an e-mail to Rowan Yarns, who employ Ms. Brant as a teacher and designer.
Bottom Line: If you want a really good book on Finishing Knits, get Nancie Wiseman's "The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques." Don't waste your money on Sharon Brant's book.
Friday, October 1, 2010
New Challenge
Recently I enrolled in the first section of The Knitting Guild of America Master Knitter course. (read more about it at TKGA.com). Even though I've been knitting for many years I think this will be a real challenge for me. I am thoroughly enjoying the research I've done so far in preparation for knitting the required sixteen swatches, and writing a report on blocking. I'm learning a lot already.
Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"Knitpickers" What's up with that?
OK, so you've been wondering ---- Clint has taken to gathering, cracking, and picking out hickory nuts in a big way. (We have several hickory trees beside out house. As an early birthday gift he just received a pecan picker-upper thing, which also works as a hickory nut picker-upper. It's actually a pretty clever design. I've never seen one here in Ohio, but he claims they are available everywhere in Texas. Apparently so, for when he mentioned wanting one to his son, it was in the mail within a few days. We spend a lot of time, especially early mornings and late evenings, with me knitting and him picking out hickory nuts. Thus our name - Knitpickers.
Rhinebeck hats
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