Knitting Without Tears in my Basement

Well, I was downstairs cleaning out my basement yesterday, trying to clean out some old books, when low and behold there was a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears. I couldn't believe it, I must have picked it up sometime when I was out thrift-store shopping years ago.

I must admit, I haven't looked into her stuff too much. But, Zimmerman is endlessly referred to, so I'm happy to jump on the bandwagon.

I read through the book yesterday and found her directions fairly understandable. I felt very motivated to try designing another sweater without a pattern. What a great surprise.

Cat Bhordi at MKG

Well, this past Monday marked the beginning of the Madison Knitter's Guild year. And, what better way to start a new season than with a world-renown knitter and speaker, Cat Bordhi. I must admit, I've read/looked at several of her books, namely "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles" and "A Treasury of Magical Knitting" and they just didn't do it for me. Unfortunately, I don't see the draw in the whole moebius knitting thing and I'm giving sock knitting a break after 5 pairs of mediocre socks.

Well, I arrived at the meeting promptly at 6 P.M. and felt the excitement in the air. When she began speaking I wasn't really sure what to expect. After a few minutes I was enthralled with her story of how she began knitting and the success of Addi circular needles in the U.S.A.

Finally, she moved onto a new way of making socks. Bordhi went over the Eastern and Western sock standards which have remained virtually the same for hundreds of years. While this new sock design is Eastern in theory, it has her mark all over it. It may even tempt me back to sock knitting, since I love a challenge.

Overall, Bordhi was funny, entertaining and very educational in all aspects of hand-knitting. I love listening to different perspectives of knitting and she was worth it. She even suggested NOT buying her new book for the new sock theory, but instead to figure it out ourselves or watch YouTube for help. Now that's a love of the arts when you're more interested in "owning" the technique and being a good knitter rather than just making money.

Stitches Stitches Here I Come

Well, I attended Stitches Midwest on Friday, September 11, 2009 and I must say it was quite a success. My mom and I went just for the marketplace experience, but next year I may progress and take some of the great looking classes. There was a lot of tempting yarn, books, patterns and accessories. I had a hard time deciding what to spend my money on, but I smartly went with a limited amount of cash, so as not to be tempted by the credit card. 

I bought most of the yarn with a project in mind: here is my show and tell...

A magenta project bag by knowknits.com. I love knitting in the kitchen while I'm making dinner and waiting for my food to cook. This will be perfect.

Two skeins of PolarKnit in blue's to knit a warm and cozy stocking cap for my baby. This should be one, warm hat and I think he'll love how soft and silly it looks. This is the first time I have seen this yarn in person. 

Two skeins of Mini Mochi (again, I've only read about it) to make my a Christmas gift for a female family member. I'm thinking, slinky, dressy scarf.

Three skeins of Lorna's Laces worsted to try out a Knit One Below scarf for myself.

I saw a short demo on this technique and am dying to try it. The scarf pattern calls for a slow variegating yarn to show the contrast in the fun technique.

I don't know what kind of yarn this is but it's a deep magenta/purple sock yarn that will be fun to experiment with. It was a steel at 1800 yards for only $15! I'm thinking an Isolda shawl and matching beret or something...

Finally, I bought three skeins of the Cascade Ecological wool in a gray color. I hope to make a traditional aran sweater, or something out of the Vogue Fall 2009 magazine. 

I bought a few other knicknacks, that I will put to great use.

 Watch for updates with pictures of putting my fun yarn to great use.

Yarn Swap

Hey all,

I participated in my first yarn swap which I found as a group on Ravelry. My spoilee was very nice and sent me a great package. Kudos to her. Have a look:

I'm excited to try to Soak because I've never actually washed a knitted garment before. And she gave me several great wrislet patterns to choose from !

The Satisfaction of Completion

There is nothing more satisfying than completing a project. It may not be perfect or the best looking piece, but after I've spent so much time on something's it is hard not to have the prideful feeling of making something useful.

Deep down, people who craft, love the satisfaction that comes with making things on their own. It is so much easier, less time-consuming, and Cheaper! to buy a gift, card or photo album. Sometimes, that is the best answer. But, in a depressing world, where everything is automatic and fast, it is good for the soul and self-confidence to say hey, "I made this myself." 

Knitter's, by nature are very useful people. The thought of sitting on the couch watching TV or going for car ride without knitting is blasphemy. (I'm tempted to take it to church with me, but that may actually be blasphemy.) That's precious time being wasted. I've become one of those people who takes knitting everywhere. And, I don't care. 

In my sometime's idealistic state, I like to think that if something happened to the modern world, I would be able to survive by self-productivity. If I could a least get some wool / yarn, I could knit clothing for my family. I can grow vegetables and may eventually produce some compost. It's a lifelong dream that I'm willing to work on. 

So, without further ado, here is my Ishbel. It may not be perfect. I could work on the blocking a little bit. It's the first piece I've really needed to block. 

Back to Knitting

I'll admit it, sometimes I have a short attention span. I thought crocheting was my new saviour. But, after three afghans (okay, two are currently in the works), a tea cozy, doily and hat, I must admit that I am a little bored. 

So, what does any good crafter do? I moved back to knitting and have developed a new appreciation for the craft. I started knitting about a year ago, but after a few months gave it up after falling across a bad teddy bear pattern and a try at an intarsia baby blanket (both out of the same book I might add). I think I was overestimating my skills. 

After buying some knitting mags and reevaluating my skills, I am back and more interested than ever. In the past couple of weeks I have made 3 x 3 rip scarf that I absolutely love. Never underestimate the beauty of simple. The matching hat didn't fare quite as well, as far as size and fit goes. But, I'm working on adjusting the pattern and needle size to make it work. 

While I believe I can read patterns and directions pretty well, I feel that my second sojourn into knitting has "clicked" and I have a better understanding for the art and what I'm trying to accomplish.