I am so amazed at myself. I have only to finish the back and then the finishing details to complete my Shell, but I am dragging my feet. Every time I go to pick up the project and begin, I hesitate, put it down and do something else. I have been giving this some thought, and I think there are several possibilities.
First, I don't want to finish what I started. No, I think I can discard that one, because I am quite curious to see how this project ends.
Second, I am too tired to sit and knit with it any more; after all I was so busy last week taking all the classes and meeting the designers, that I simply ran out of steam. Now this does have some merit since I did spend one day in bed with my stomach all upset. But that was several days ago. Why am I not knitting on it right now instead of typing? Huh?
Third, I have almost completed the Cardigan that I am knitting for myself and find that I am picking it up to knit instead of the Shell even during the times I had scheduled for knitting the Shell. This cardigan knits really quickly and I find that I want it finished so I can start something new. I have the back, both the left and right fronts, and at least one-third of both sleeves completed. I could have the sleeves finished soon but I am adding length to them because I want them long instead of to the elbows. The excitement of having it almost done so I can begin another project I have been wanting to start is the driving force here. I also have continued knitting the hot-water bottle cover, but only because I don't want to get behind on the gifts part of my schedule. Also, it can be done even when I am tired or don't want to think to much about what I am doing. So even that project has made some progress.
My desire is to always be making something new. So why not finish the Shell, too, as planned?
I know the answer. It just came to me. Before meeting the designers and having my head filled with all new ideas and possibilities, I was knitting the Shell just fine. But then I finished the front where the pattern is displayed and now find the back left to do. The back is boring. There is no pattern. Just plain ole stockinette stitch. I find my enthusiasm for it is gone. Well. I will just need to change that, because I do want to see how I plan to finish this project, which, by the way, I haven't fully designed just yet. So, up and at it, Teresa. This requires some discipline and the commitment to just finish what I have started. No planning anything else until it is done.
So there! And here I go to finish what I started.
Hooray.....the back has been started. I just finished casting on the 107 stitches required. Now to tackle the ribbing. Before I know it, the Shell will be complete. Okay, maybe that is a little too enthusiastic too soon, but at least I am moving in the right direction again. I am feeling the excitement building.
Whew!!! I now know the REAL reason I have hesitated to pick up this project again. I had forgotten how difficult and yes, tedious, this ribbing pattern is. I like to cast on my stitches using a knit cast on, which means that I cast on the stitches as if I were going to knit them. Very quick, very easy. But a knit cast on usually requires working the first row stitches through the back loops so that the cast on stitches are twisted and give a tighter edging, which I prefer. But this particular ribbing I have chosen (I must remember I did this to myself.) is more complicated. The cast on needle size is small and the rib pattern calls for more purls than a standard k2, p2 rib. Purling through the back loop is not my favorite stitch and there are 107 of these stitches to work through. So, I find that I am looking for excuses to get up and set my work aside for a few moments. Like right now for instance. Well, I did go to the bathroom first. :-)
Steve doesn't arrive home until late this evening, so I am going to persevere and see how much of the ribbing I can finish before he arrives home. There are 20 rows of ribbing once I get past the through-the-back-loop row. I am half finished and if I stop typing right now, I can finish the other half. See you later.
Arrrghhh!!! I finished the 1st row of all those through the back loop stitches only to discover that I had one stitch too many at the end. How did that happen? I started counting my stitches and discovered that I had purled two instead of the required three about one-third of the way from the end. That was about where I was when I put down my work to take the bathroom break. [Note to Self: Always make sure the count is completed before leaving project to do something else. Or at least pay attention to where I ended before starting again. Of course, this is all assuming that I actually wasn't paying attention. But then I did end up with the mistake, didn't I?] So, I undid all those stitches to get back to the missed purl stitch and started over again. Just part of knitting. <grin>
I had hoped to get all 20 rows completed before ending my day, but I could only complete half of that. This 3-stitch twisted rib requires more concentration than a standard rib. The knit stretches over the first two stitches and then gets twisted. If I don't pay attention, which happened a couple times, then I pull the stitches too tight and leave a hole behind, or I forget to knit in the third stitch from the end of the needle and have to undo all the stitches once I realize what I did, or what I didn't do, or whatever. I don't mind really because the finished effect is so much more stunning and exactly what I wanted. So I will stop for tonight and start again tomorrow afternoon.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
What A Blessing
Good morning.....
Steve is up and out early, which woke me. So since I can't sleep any longer, I thought I would take some time to capture some thoughts before I lost them. I met two designers this week and my head is full of possible ideas. On Tuesday evening I went to a book signing for Ysolda Teague, who is from Scotland. She is just what I expected from viewing some of her videos. She has a bubbly personality and an infectious way of capturing the imagination. She shared how she started with knitting and the progress that led to her published works. I bought her book Little Red in the City. I examined her projects she displayed and appreciated the fine work and attention to details. I left feeling very fortunate indeed to have met her in person. I read the book yesterday and I was a little overwhelmed with all the information but quickly recognized that I now have a valuable resource for pattern construction. Ysolda is good at designing garments for fit and I didn't have anything like that in my library until now. I expect that I will be challenged as I tackle some of her projects, but I will gain by the learning experience. So I look forward to that. Thank you Ysolda.
I attended a class on Wednesday taught by another designer, Cat Bordhi. She is quite a character, in that she entertains as well as teaches. She has taught middle school in the past and knew how to keep us quiet while she kept our attention. She also challenged us to "knit outside the box". For me, one who usually is satisfied to follow another's pattern, this was good to hear. She gave us many ideas, samples of challenging patterns to uncover and duplicate, and a handout explaining different knitting stitches. I met some lovely ladies sharing my table and class. I spent the seven hours working on swatches experimenting with various techniques. I learned how to make a rib sample that showed the ribbing on one side and displayed a ribbing cable on the other. I was intrigued to figure out how to do this without someone showing me. Imagine my delight when I came up with my own solution. This helps me understand that I can design stitches, too. I just need to play with the yarn and make swatches. There are no wrong stitches. If I like it and can use it in a pattern, then it works.
I think what impressed me the most and what I learned for myself is that I can use almost any idea and make it work as long as I am willing to play with the ideas, play with the yarn, and spend the time swatching to see if I like what I see. From there, there are no limitations. What a liberating yet challenging experience. I tend to let fear interfere with my progress and so then stay with the safe and familiar. But now I discover that I do want to challenge myself and see what happens. If nothing comes of it, then no harm is done; I still had fun and learned that designing isn't me or what I want to do. But then again, there is the possibility that I may release from within myself "a designer" who wants to express herself.
Another realization that impressed itself upon me these last few days - Even though I may have been knitting for what seems like forever and while I may have thought I knew everything there was to know by know - I don't. I observe and listen to the other knitters around me and realize how little I know of what they are doing. I attend these classes or watch the teaching videos and constantly learn something new. There seems to be no end to the process of creating. Everything can't be learned in this (my) lifetime. So I step down off the "high horse" and now willingly allow myself to be able to learn as if I were a toddler who thought she could walk really well already but in reality has only learned the basics and can benefit from much, much more. What fun this is going to be. There is no boring daily routine for me. I have too much to learn and do. Let the journey continue....
Now back to the design project. I am ready to begin the back of the Shell. I have written the instructions and will probably begin casting on the stitches this evening after I return from a day with a friend visiting the Quilt, Crafts, Sewing Festival being held this weekend. [Imagine what ideas might come from that? A bonus will be the cinnamon roasted almonds and the Kettle corn I will enjoy. That will definitely help the designing process. You know, the brain cells need those nutrients to really fire up and create!!!]
Here are the beginning instructions:
BACK
Work as for front but without the lace panel pattern, including the armhole shaping and excluding the front neck shaping until piece measures 24" from start. (row 171)
After that, (which should take a while but knit pretty fast, since I have already done this before and do not need to work through the lace pattern - just plain stockinette all the way) I will shape the shoulders. Then I must decide what to do for the finishing of the neckline and the armholes. But that comes later and I can think on that while I am mindlessly knitting the back. See, even that has value for it allows me to think ahead and plan the next step, without missing a knit, of course.
Until next time, signing off...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
Steve is up and out early, which woke me. So since I can't sleep any longer, I thought I would take some time to capture some thoughts before I lost them. I met two designers this week and my head is full of possible ideas. On Tuesday evening I went to a book signing for Ysolda Teague, who is from Scotland. She is just what I expected from viewing some of her videos. She has a bubbly personality and an infectious way of capturing the imagination. She shared how she started with knitting and the progress that led to her published works. I bought her book Little Red in the City. I examined her projects she displayed and appreciated the fine work and attention to details. I left feeling very fortunate indeed to have met her in person. I read the book yesterday and I was a little overwhelmed with all the information but quickly recognized that I now have a valuable resource for pattern construction. Ysolda is good at designing garments for fit and I didn't have anything like that in my library until now. I expect that I will be challenged as I tackle some of her projects, but I will gain by the learning experience. So I look forward to that. Thank you Ysolda.
I attended a class on Wednesday taught by another designer, Cat Bordhi. She is quite a character, in that she entertains as well as teaches. She has taught middle school in the past and knew how to keep us quiet while she kept our attention. She also challenged us to "knit outside the box". For me, one who usually is satisfied to follow another's pattern, this was good to hear. She gave us many ideas, samples of challenging patterns to uncover and duplicate, and a handout explaining different knitting stitches. I met some lovely ladies sharing my table and class. I spent the seven hours working on swatches experimenting with various techniques. I learned how to make a rib sample that showed the ribbing on one side and displayed a ribbing cable on the other. I was intrigued to figure out how to do this without someone showing me. Imagine my delight when I came up with my own solution. This helps me understand that I can design stitches, too. I just need to play with the yarn and make swatches. There are no wrong stitches. If I like it and can use it in a pattern, then it works.
I think what impressed me the most and what I learned for myself is that I can use almost any idea and make it work as long as I am willing to play with the ideas, play with the yarn, and spend the time swatching to see if I like what I see. From there, there are no limitations. What a liberating yet challenging experience. I tend to let fear interfere with my progress and so then stay with the safe and familiar. But now I discover that I do want to challenge myself and see what happens. If nothing comes of it, then no harm is done; I still had fun and learned that designing isn't me or what I want to do. But then again, there is the possibility that I may release from within myself "a designer" who wants to express herself.
Another realization that impressed itself upon me these last few days - Even though I may have been knitting for what seems like forever and while I may have thought I knew everything there was to know by know - I don't. I observe and listen to the other knitters around me and realize how little I know of what they are doing. I attend these classes or watch the teaching videos and constantly learn something new. There seems to be no end to the process of creating. Everything can't be learned in this (my) lifetime. So I step down off the "high horse" and now willingly allow myself to be able to learn as if I were a toddler who thought she could walk really well already but in reality has only learned the basics and can benefit from much, much more. What fun this is going to be. There is no boring daily routine for me. I have too much to learn and do. Let the journey continue....
Now back to the design project. I am ready to begin the back of the Shell. I have written the instructions and will probably begin casting on the stitches this evening after I return from a day with a friend visiting the Quilt, Crafts, Sewing Festival being held this weekend. [Imagine what ideas might come from that? A bonus will be the cinnamon roasted almonds and the Kettle corn I will enjoy. That will definitely help the designing process. You know, the brain cells need those nutrients to really fire up and create!!!]
Here are the beginning instructions:
BACK
Work as for front but without the lace panel pattern, including the armhole shaping and excluding the front neck shaping until piece measures 24" from start. (row 171)
After that, (which should take a while but knit pretty fast, since I have already done this before and do not need to work through the lace pattern - just plain stockinette all the way) I will shape the shoulders. Then I must decide what to do for the finishing of the neckline and the armholes. But that comes later and I can think on that while I am mindlessly knitting the back. See, even that has value for it allows me to think ahead and plan the next step, without missing a knit, of course.
Until next time, signing off...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
Sunday, January 22, 2012
How This All Began
I have been knitting for a long time. I actually taught myself to crochet when I was pregnant with my first child. I wanted to make these really cute little booties and so I got a book and learned how. It was 15 years later when I went into a fabric store in Florida to get some supplies. On display was a vest that was knitted from 1/2-inch strips of fabric. The results were stunning and I wanted to make one for myself. So I found a clerk and she explained that a class was being held the following evening to teach the pattern for making the vest. "Did I know how to knit?", she asked. I answered that I did not but knew a friend who could teach me. I bought the supplies and signed up for the class. So I left the store, found my friend and she showed me how to cast on and how to knit. Excited I went to the class eager to make the vest. Everyone had prepared their fabric into the required strips. We cast on the number of stitches we determined after taking our measurements and using a little formula for calculations. The pattern used a stockinette stitch, which didn't mean a thing to me. I knit the required stitches from the cast on row onto the second size 10 needle. When I was finished with my first row, I asked the instructor what I was to do next. She explained that I was to take the empty needle and purl the stitches that I had previously knit. "What are purl stitches?", I asked. She slowly looked at me and questioned my ability to knit, which was a requirement for taking the class. I explained that I had learned to knit but wasn't told I needed to know how to purl, too. Everyone laughed. Me, I was confused. The instructor showed me how to purl and I have been knitting (and purling) ever since. The vest was beautiful and I made several of them.
It was during the summer of 2010 that the idea of designing first occurred to me. Steve had selected a pattern a year before from a shop in Louisville, KY (Sophia's Fine Yarn Shoppe - www.SophiesFineYarn.com) and I purchased some gorgeous Louisa Harding Greek Silk & Wool yarn to knit it. The pattern was the Round-Cabled Cardigan by Helen Hamann - http://www.facebook.com/HelenHamannDesigns. I spent one month knitting this design. At one point, I couldn't quite figure out what Helen was trying to do, so I contacted her and she explained the technique to me. When I finished the cardigan, I was pleased but also aware that I had just knitted a very complicated, advanced pattern. If I can do this, maybe I can design my own patterns.
I had been thinking of different ways that I might make a pattern while I was knitting a project. I began to capture those ideas on paper. Then several weeks later I visited another yarn shop and asked questions of the gal who helped customers with their knitting issues/problems. She had designed several shawl patterns and she gave me several suggestions based on her own experiences. I began collecting all my new-found data into a folder and started purchasing some resources that she had suggested and that I saw in Knit Picks catalog - www.knitpicks.com.
Finally this time last year, I decided to venture forth with a scarf of my own design. It was a scary thought to me because I didn't trust my own ability to make it happen. I call the pattern "Lattice Stained Glass". What makes the scarf unusual is my use of intarsia to form the pattern. I used bobbins to carry the 100% cotton by Peaches & Creme (www.peaches-creme.com) and by Sugar 'n Cream (www.sugarncream.com). I used one of my purchases (a program called Stitches & Motif Maker - www.software4knitting.com) to chart my stitches in the different colors. It didn't take very long to make the scarf and when it was done, I was pleased. I had made something that I had created without the help of someone's pattern. I was a designer. I had begun a new venture for myself.
I began studying stitches and continued making notes of designs that I wanted to make some day. But as the year progressed and Christmas approached, my time was devoted to making all the projects that were to become the gifts I would send to family and friends. So, I promised myself that I would begin in earnest at designing patterns in January 2012. So the time is now and this marks the beginning of the journey started a few years ago.
Now back to the designing project...
I finished the front of the Shell. I didn't want to use a bind-off to shape the shoulders because I don't like the jagged, stair-step effect, which is so difficult to seam and look nice. So I chose to use short rows. It took me three attempts to work out the technique. Before I began I ran a different color yarn through the beginning row to tink back to if needed. It was a good thing I did because I tinked back three times before getting the results I wanted. The first time was a disaster. I went to the computer and watched a tutorial on short row shoulder shaping. I picked up the work again and gave it a second try. The shaping was beautiful but I did it backwards. I had knit the short rows on the wrong side of each side. So I tore out the stitches and reversed the pattern. Voila. The shoulders were shaped just the way I wanted them to be. Here are the directions...
SHOULDER SHAPING
Using short rows, shape shoulders at shoulder edge as follows:
Right Side of Neck
ROW 172 (Right Side): Knit.
ROW173: p14, tWrap (see below) next stitch, turn, k to end.
ROW 174: p7, tWrap next stitch, turn, k to end.
ROW 175: p across all stitches, picking up wraps.
ROW 176: Bind off all stitches
Left Side of Neck
ROW 172 (Right Side): k14, tWrap next stitch, turn, p to end.
ROW 173: k7, tWrap next stitch, turn, p to end.
ROW 174: k across all stitches, picking up wraps.
ROW 175: Bind off all stitches.
Directions for tWrap [which means to wrap a stitch and turn and go back in the other direction]:
Slip next stitch, with yarn in front if last stitch worked was a knit (or in back if it was a purl), bring yarn to back (or front). Return the slipped stitched to the left needle.
That's it for tonight. I am tired of typing. Chat with you again another time.
Teresa, the wishful knitter signing off.
It was during the summer of 2010 that the idea of designing first occurred to me. Steve had selected a pattern a year before from a shop in Louisville, KY (Sophia's Fine Yarn Shoppe - www.SophiesFineYarn.com) and I purchased some gorgeous Louisa Harding Greek Silk & Wool yarn to knit it. The pattern was the Round-Cabled Cardigan by Helen Hamann - http://www.facebook.com/HelenHamannDesigns. I spent one month knitting this design. At one point, I couldn't quite figure out what Helen was trying to do, so I contacted her and she explained the technique to me. When I finished the cardigan, I was pleased but also aware that I had just knitted a very complicated, advanced pattern. If I can do this, maybe I can design my own patterns.
 |
| Round-Cabled Cardigan by Helen Hamann |
I had been thinking of different ways that I might make a pattern while I was knitting a project. I began to capture those ideas on paper. Then several weeks later I visited another yarn shop and asked questions of the gal who helped customers with their knitting issues/problems. She had designed several shawl patterns and she gave me several suggestions based on her own experiences. I began collecting all my new-found data into a folder and started purchasing some resources that she had suggested and that I saw in Knit Picks catalog - www.knitpicks.com.
Finally this time last year, I decided to venture forth with a scarf of my own design. It was a scary thought to me because I didn't trust my own ability to make it happen. I call the pattern "Lattice Stained Glass". What makes the scarf unusual is my use of intarsia to form the pattern. I used bobbins to carry the 100% cotton by Peaches & Creme (www.peaches-creme.com) and by Sugar 'n Cream (www.sugarncream.com). I used one of my purchases (a program called Stitches & Motif Maker - www.software4knitting.com) to chart my stitches in the different colors. It didn't take very long to make the scarf and when it was done, I was pleased. I had made something that I had created without the help of someone's pattern. I was a designer. I had begun a new venture for myself.
 |
| Lattice Stained Glass Scarf |
Now back to the designing project...
I finished the front of the Shell. I didn't want to use a bind-off to shape the shoulders because I don't like the jagged, stair-step effect, which is so difficult to seam and look nice. So I chose to use short rows. It took me three attempts to work out the technique. Before I began I ran a different color yarn through the beginning row to tink back to if needed. It was a good thing I did because I tinked back three times before getting the results I wanted. The first time was a disaster. I went to the computer and watched a tutorial on short row shoulder shaping. I picked up the work again and gave it a second try. The shaping was beautiful but I did it backwards. I had knit the short rows on the wrong side of each side. So I tore out the stitches and reversed the pattern. Voila. The shoulders were shaped just the way I wanted them to be. Here are the directions...
SHOULDER SHAPING
Using short rows, shape shoulders at shoulder edge as follows:
Right Side of Neck
ROW 172 (Right Side): Knit.
ROW173: p14, tWrap (see below) next stitch, turn, k to end.
ROW 174: p7, tWrap next stitch, turn, k to end.
ROW 175: p across all stitches, picking up wraps.
ROW 176: Bind off all stitches
Left Side of Neck
ROW 172 (Right Side): k14, tWrap next stitch, turn, p to end.
ROW 173: k7, tWrap next stitch, turn, p to end.
ROW 174: k across all stitches, picking up wraps.
ROW 175: Bind off all stitches.
Directions for tWrap [which means to wrap a stitch and turn and go back in the other direction]:
Slip next stitch, with yarn in front if last stitch worked was a knit (or in back if it was a purl), bring yarn to back (or front). Return the slipped stitched to the left needle.
That's it for tonight. I am tired of typing. Chat with you again another time.
Teresa, the wishful knitter signing off.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Meeting Other Designers
Today is Jeremiah's 7th birthday. He is my 9th grandchild and is the 5th grandson. Happy Birthday, Jeremiah. Gramma loves you!
Just received an email from Jessica Knits inviting me to a book signing they are sponsoring for a young Scottish designer named Ysolda Teague. I am going to that meeting and glean what information I can from her. It is exciting to me to realize how many opportunities I have to meet and interact with designers. I love this. I checked out her blog site. That link is ysolda.com
I have made great progress on the Shell today. I finished all the neck shaping and have a couple inches to finish the length before shaping the shoulders, which I think I will do after the Back is made. Here are the directions for what I did today.
Neck Shaping:
Previously I explained that I was going to decrease 2 stitches at each neck edge 3 times. I want to make sure it is clear that these decreases are done at the neck edge only and not at the shoulder edge at all. Just making sure that is understood.
With that in mind, here is what the decreases look like.
ROW 147 - 1st 2-st decrease row.
Wrong Side: [For decrease on the right side of neck] p to last 4 sts, p2tog twice. (32 sts)
[For decrease on the left side of neck] p2, pass 1st st over 2nd, p1, pass 1st st over 2nd, p
to end. (32 sts)
ROW 148 - 2nd 2-st decrease row
Right Side: [For decrease on the right side of neck] k to last 4 sts, k2tog twice. (30 sts)
[For decrease on the left side of neck] sl1, k1, psso, k1, pass 1st st over 2nd, k to end. (30 sts)
ROW 149 - 3rd 2-st decrease row: Rep row 147. (28 sts each side)
ROW 150 - 1st 1-st decrease row
Right Side only: [For decrease on right side of neck] k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (27 sts)
[For decrease on left side of neck] sl1, k1, psso, k to end. (27 sts)
ROWS 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 - Purl.
ROWS 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162 - Rep row 150 until 21 sts remain on each side.(42 sts)
ROW 163: Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 24" from start.
That is it for now. I will catch up with you again later.
Teresa
Just received an email from Jessica Knits inviting me to a book signing they are sponsoring for a young Scottish designer named Ysolda Teague. I am going to that meeting and glean what information I can from her. It is exciting to me to realize how many opportunities I have to meet and interact with designers. I love this. I checked out her blog site. That link is ysolda.com
I have made great progress on the Shell today. I finished all the neck shaping and have a couple inches to finish the length before shaping the shoulders, which I think I will do after the Back is made. Here are the directions for what I did today.
Neck Shaping:
Previously I explained that I was going to decrease 2 stitches at each neck edge 3 times. I want to make sure it is clear that these decreases are done at the neck edge only and not at the shoulder edge at all. Just making sure that is understood.
With that in mind, here is what the decreases look like.
ROW 147 - 1st 2-st decrease row.
Wrong Side: [For decrease on the right side of neck] p to last 4 sts, p2tog twice. (32 sts)
[For decrease on the left side of neck] p2, pass 1st st over 2nd, p1, pass 1st st over 2nd, p
to end. (32 sts)
ROW 148 - 2nd 2-st decrease row
Right Side: [For decrease on the right side of neck] k to last 4 sts, k2tog twice. (30 sts)
[For decrease on the left side of neck] sl1, k1, psso, k1, pass 1st st over 2nd, k to end. (30 sts)
ROW 149 - 3rd 2-st decrease row: Rep row 147. (28 sts each side)
ROW 150 - 1st 1-st decrease row
Right Side only: [For decrease on right side of neck] k to last 2 sts, k2tog. (27 sts)
[For decrease on left side of neck] sl1, k1, psso, k to end. (27 sts)
ROWS 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 - Purl.
ROWS 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162 - Rep row 150 until 21 sts remain on each side.(42 sts)
ROW 163: Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 24" from start.
That is it for now. I will catch up with you again later.
Teresa
Friday, January 20, 2012
Design Number Two - Quite By Accident
Good afternoon.
Guess what happened yesterday? I was knitting the hot-water bottle cover and hating the yarn I was using. So I pulled out all the stitches (I was half finished with this project.) and threw the yarn away. Yep, discarded what I was using and the other two full skeins of the same stuff. I simply hated the "hand" of it and so made the executive decision to make a change. This is unusual for me, because for some reason I think I am supposed to use what I have and not waste anything. But I realized I really hated the yarn and it was not fun to work on that project.
After discarding the distasteful yarn, I went to my stash and did an inventory of what I might use. I selected some washable wool, of which I happened to have four different colors - jewel tones of blue, green, purple, and pink. I love the "hand" of this wool and it is a pleasure to use. These yarns reflect my preference for bright, clear, and brilliant colors. Then I realized another thing that was bothering me about the pattern I was using. It required that I knit a "tube" and finish the bottom seam as the last step. I didn't like the rolling of the edge, which occurs with stockinette stitch. So, I put the pattern instructions away and began making the cover the way I wanted it to look. I used a Turkish cast on, which involves using two circular needles to form the tube; but like knitting a pair of socks from the toe-up, I have no opening. Now the cover has NO seams whatsoever to finish at the end of the project. Hooray! I really like that. I am knitting the colors in a random (but a planned random by me) pattern, writing down each step. So as I finish this project, I will have designed another pattern.
Cool!
I also met with a designer who is originally from Japan and we discussed various aspects of designing. I am definitely in the beginning stages; but doing what is required. So I was encouraged by her. Thank you Yumiko Alexander (with DanDoh Designs). Yumiko knits and crochets as I do. I hope to learn much from her, but mostly just be friends. I bought one of her designs, which I look forward to crocheting - Flower Garden. Here is a link to her blog if you are interested. http://DanDoh.blogspot.com
I also signed up for a class scheduled for the 25th that I am real excited about. Cat Bordhi will be teaching the class "Engineering New Stitch Patterns". Cat Bordhi has lots of teaching YouTube videos and has written at least one book I have seen. She doesn't live here and will be coming to teach for only three days. I feel very fortunate to be able to attend one of her classes and learn designing techniques from her. Here is her link. http://www.catbordhi.com I am so looking forward to meeting her and actually exchanging ideas.
I did finish the right front of the white cotton sweater I am knitting for myself. Now I start on the left front, but probably not today. Steve has the car and I won't be attending my knitting group session, which is when I set aside time to work on it. So it will lay dormant until next week, anxiously awaiting my return to it.
Okay, here is the latest installment of today's progress on the Shell. I finished the armhole shaping and have started with the neck shaping. I just finished the binding off at the center front. Here are the pattern directions.
Starting with Row 125, continue in pattern stitches until piece measures 20 inches. [Row 145] End with a wrong side row completed. I chose row 4 of the lace panel stitches to end the front before shaping neck.
Starting with Row 146, knit 34, attach another ball of yarn, bind off 12 stitches, complete row. Work both sides at once. Bind off 2 stitches at each neck edge 3 times. Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge, every other row 7 times.
I just finished Row 146 and will stop for the evening. Catch you again later. Goodnight.
The Wishful Knitter,
Teresa
Guess what happened yesterday? I was knitting the hot-water bottle cover and hating the yarn I was using. So I pulled out all the stitches (I was half finished with this project.) and threw the yarn away. Yep, discarded what I was using and the other two full skeins of the same stuff. I simply hated the "hand" of it and so made the executive decision to make a change. This is unusual for me, because for some reason I think I am supposed to use what I have and not waste anything. But I realized I really hated the yarn and it was not fun to work on that project.
After discarding the distasteful yarn, I went to my stash and did an inventory of what I might use. I selected some washable wool, of which I happened to have four different colors - jewel tones of blue, green, purple, and pink. I love the "hand" of this wool and it is a pleasure to use. These yarns reflect my preference for bright, clear, and brilliant colors. Then I realized another thing that was bothering me about the pattern I was using. It required that I knit a "tube" and finish the bottom seam as the last step. I didn't like the rolling of the edge, which occurs with stockinette stitch. So, I put the pattern instructions away and began making the cover the way I wanted it to look. I used a Turkish cast on, which involves using two circular needles to form the tube; but like knitting a pair of socks from the toe-up, I have no opening. Now the cover has NO seams whatsoever to finish at the end of the project. Hooray! I really like that. I am knitting the colors in a random (but a planned random by me) pattern, writing down each step. So as I finish this project, I will have designed another pattern.
Cool!
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| The bottom without a seam. |
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| My color choices and random placement. |
I also signed up for a class scheduled for the 25th that I am real excited about. Cat Bordhi will be teaching the class "Engineering New Stitch Patterns". Cat Bordhi has lots of teaching YouTube videos and has written at least one book I have seen. She doesn't live here and will be coming to teach for only three days. I feel very fortunate to be able to attend one of her classes and learn designing techniques from her. Here is her link. http://www.catbordhi.com I am so looking forward to meeting her and actually exchanging ideas.
I did finish the right front of the white cotton sweater I am knitting for myself. Now I start on the left front, but probably not today. Steve has the car and I won't be attending my knitting group session, which is when I set aside time to work on it. So it will lay dormant until next week, anxiously awaiting my return to it.
Okay, here is the latest installment of today's progress on the Shell. I finished the armhole shaping and have started with the neck shaping. I just finished the binding off at the center front. Here are the pattern directions.
Starting with Row 125, continue in pattern stitches until piece measures 20 inches. [Row 145] End with a wrong side row completed. I chose row 4 of the lace panel stitches to end the front before shaping neck.
Starting with Row 146, knit 34, attach another ball of yarn, bind off 12 stitches, complete row. Work both sides at once. Bind off 2 stitches at each neck edge 3 times. Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge, every other row 7 times.
I just finished Row 146 and will stop for the evening. Catch you again later. Goodnight.
The Wishful Knitter,
Teresa
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Finally...The Next Step
Well, I finally finished the Shell for the required 15 inches, which equates to 105 rows completed. Now I will begin the shaping of the armhole by binding off 10 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decreasing 1 stitch on each side every other row 9 more times. This means that at the beginning of each decrease row, I will slip one stitch, knit one stitch, and then pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one. At the end of that same decrease row, I will knit the last two stitches together. This will allow the armhole stitches to lay in the right direction as they are decreased. I will check back in with you after that is complete.
I have half the right front finished on the sweater I am knitting for myself. I am also ready to start shaping the armhole for it.
I have completed half of the hot water bottle cover. It will soon be ready to give as a gift for the new baby.
I didn't knit much over the weekend because Steve was home. We spent quality time together discussing important issues affecting our marriage right now. We have spent much time evaluating the move to Alaska. Finally we just prayed about the whole subject and placed the situation in God's hands, submitting ourselves to whichever way it goes. If the door opens, then step through and see what is in store for us. If the door stays closed, then search elsewhere. Steve has finished the application and sent it in. Now we wait. I had some counsel that suggested Steve go ahead of me and check it out first and then have me join him later if the prospects in Alaska were such that I would be required to move there. But there is no need for a decision at this present time, so I am setting it aside. In the mean time, I will continue to knit...
I also didn't knit over the weekend because I needed some time off from knitting. Yes, time off. I knit for hours on end and love it, but sometimes my mind needs a rest and my arms/hands need to do other things. So, I give myself time off. I can so easily overload myself with what I think is the necessity of staying busy. But I also recognize that I can use knitting to fill a void in me. When I am lonely. When I am scared. When I feel unworthy. I pick up my knitting and keep busy - supposing that helps. So every so often, I stop completely and give myself a break. I really don't want my life to consist of only knitting/crocheting projects. What's the point. I find that my projects are no longer fun when I am doing them for the wrong reasons; like knitting to give gifts just so the recipient will like/love/appreciate me. Wrong reason! Or knitting to make money. If I choose to knit for anything other than the joy of knitting, then I put too much pressure upon myself to perform (for whatever reason) and then the joy becomes a chore. I don't want that. So I am constantly evaluating my purpose behind each project and then choosing to enjoy it. And I do. That is why I knit/crochet constantly. Sometimes just because I want to make a pattern that appeals to me, whether I get to keep it, give it away or not. I am spending lots of time designing now because I have so many designs in my mind that I want to see if I can actually make them myself. It is very difficult to do this because it seems that every pattern and design has already been made by someone else. I keep seeing new pattern stitches all the time and wonder who thinks of these. Then I see beautiful patterns and just want to make them and forget about making my own. Time can't be used doing them both, or so it seems to me. So I feel so divided most times, but keep my mind focused on why I am knitting. I like it. So hang the rest of it and either pick a pattern and make it OR make my own pattern and make it. Either way, enjoy the process.
I have a large family (including mine and Steve's) that I love very much - 4 parents, 6 siblings plus their mates, 4 children plus their mates, 14 grandchildren and 1 best friend and her husband. I only have a few knitted items that I made for myself and even less for Steve. Everything else is given to the horde listed above; and gladly given. They are the source of my joy for knitting. I give them things that I am sure they don't even want, but I sure enjoyed making the items for them because while I am knitting/crocheting their gifts, I am thinking of them, praying for them, loving them, etc. at the same time. I live so far away from them and miss out on so much that happens in our families. But while I am knitting and crocheting, I feel very close to them. So I suppose it is for selfish reasons that I am consumed by this passion of mine.
During the summer of 2008, I spent six weeks with my four oldest granddaughters investing my knowledge and skills into their lives. I bought them all the supplies they would ever need for sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and cooking. Everything. Then I used the six weeks to teach them, as best I could, how to do all the homemaking tasks that are becoming "the lost arts" today. We spent every day learning. We went shopping together. We tasted all kinds of different foods together. We cooked together. We planned menus together. We made a sampler scarf together and we learned to use a sewing machine together. It was so much fun. If I lived closer to them, I would spend my forever teaching them so much more. I did my best to make it interesting so they would learn and fun so they would continue doing it. I know that I stuffed way too much into too short of time, but that is all I had to give - so I gave it all. I look back on that time as one of the most (and best) fun time of my life. I cherish the treasure of that memory.
I need to design a pattern template so I can capture all the details of the pattern without typing it several times. I will give this some thought and do a little research to see what I find easiest to follow.
Time to stop knitting on the Shell. I finished all of the armhole shaping, which now leaves me on row 124 with 80 stitches remaining on the needles. I will put this project down for today and go fix dinner. Steve is gone until late tonight, so I may start working on a pattern template. I will see how I feel after eating dinner.
I have half the right front finished on the sweater I am knitting for myself. I am also ready to start shaping the armhole for it.
I have completed half of the hot water bottle cover. It will soon be ready to give as a gift for the new baby.
I didn't knit much over the weekend because Steve was home. We spent quality time together discussing important issues affecting our marriage right now. We have spent much time evaluating the move to Alaska. Finally we just prayed about the whole subject and placed the situation in God's hands, submitting ourselves to whichever way it goes. If the door opens, then step through and see what is in store for us. If the door stays closed, then search elsewhere. Steve has finished the application and sent it in. Now we wait. I had some counsel that suggested Steve go ahead of me and check it out first and then have me join him later if the prospects in Alaska were such that I would be required to move there. But there is no need for a decision at this present time, so I am setting it aside. In the mean time, I will continue to knit...
I also didn't knit over the weekend because I needed some time off from knitting. Yes, time off. I knit for hours on end and love it, but sometimes my mind needs a rest and my arms/hands need to do other things. So, I give myself time off. I can so easily overload myself with what I think is the necessity of staying busy. But I also recognize that I can use knitting to fill a void in me. When I am lonely. When I am scared. When I feel unworthy. I pick up my knitting and keep busy - supposing that helps. So every so often, I stop completely and give myself a break. I really don't want my life to consist of only knitting/crocheting projects. What's the point. I find that my projects are no longer fun when I am doing them for the wrong reasons; like knitting to give gifts just so the recipient will like/love/appreciate me. Wrong reason! Or knitting to make money. If I choose to knit for anything other than the joy of knitting, then I put too much pressure upon myself to perform (for whatever reason) and then the joy becomes a chore. I don't want that. So I am constantly evaluating my purpose behind each project and then choosing to enjoy it. And I do. That is why I knit/crochet constantly. Sometimes just because I want to make a pattern that appeals to me, whether I get to keep it, give it away or not. I am spending lots of time designing now because I have so many designs in my mind that I want to see if I can actually make them myself. It is very difficult to do this because it seems that every pattern and design has already been made by someone else. I keep seeing new pattern stitches all the time and wonder who thinks of these. Then I see beautiful patterns and just want to make them and forget about making my own. Time can't be used doing them both, or so it seems to me. So I feel so divided most times, but keep my mind focused on why I am knitting. I like it. So hang the rest of it and either pick a pattern and make it OR make my own pattern and make it. Either way, enjoy the process.
I have a large family (including mine and Steve's) that I love very much - 4 parents, 6 siblings plus their mates, 4 children plus their mates, 14 grandchildren and 1 best friend and her husband. I only have a few knitted items that I made for myself and even less for Steve. Everything else is given to the horde listed above; and gladly given. They are the source of my joy for knitting. I give them things that I am sure they don't even want, but I sure enjoyed making the items for them because while I am knitting/crocheting their gifts, I am thinking of them, praying for them, loving them, etc. at the same time. I live so far away from them and miss out on so much that happens in our families. But while I am knitting and crocheting, I feel very close to them. So I suppose it is for selfish reasons that I am consumed by this passion of mine.
During the summer of 2008, I spent six weeks with my four oldest granddaughters investing my knowledge and skills into their lives. I bought them all the supplies they would ever need for sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and cooking. Everything. Then I used the six weeks to teach them, as best I could, how to do all the homemaking tasks that are becoming "the lost arts" today. We spent every day learning. We went shopping together. We tasted all kinds of different foods together. We cooked together. We planned menus together. We made a sampler scarf together and we learned to use a sewing machine together. It was so much fun. If I lived closer to them, I would spend my forever teaching them so much more. I did my best to make it interesting so they would learn and fun so they would continue doing it. I know that I stuffed way too much into too short of time, but that is all I had to give - so I gave it all. I look back on that time as one of the most (and best) fun time of my life. I cherish the treasure of that memory.
I need to design a pattern template so I can capture all the details of the pattern without typing it several times. I will give this some thought and do a little research to see what I find easiest to follow.
Time to stop knitting on the Shell. I finished all of the armhole shaping, which now leaves me on row 124 with 80 stitches remaining on the needles. I will put this project down for today and go fix dinner. Steve is gone until late tonight, so I may start working on a pattern template. I will see how I feel after eating dinner.
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| Close up of the lace pattern |
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| Shell with Armhole Shaping |
Friday, January 13, 2012
Brief Update
Hello and good morning!
It was too late last night to blog so I didn't. But lots of good things to share.
First, I showed my Shell to several of my friends yesterday and the consensus was that the front should have the lace panel insert and the back should not. One gal suggested that the back could have the lace panel but without the bobbles. I am very encouraged by the input given to me. Thus, I have decided to change my pattern to reflect the overall consensus. I can still do this because the front and back are made the same up to the neck shaping and I have not reached that point yet. So, I went back to the earlier blog where I typed the directions and changed the back to the front. I will continue the pattern once I have completed what is written thus far.
Also, four of my knitting buddies drove an hour and a half to come visit me. We had a wonderful time sharing lunch and discussing what's happening in our lives. I was especially impressed by one friend's devotion in that she just lost her father on Tuesday and still made this visit with me a priority. My heart is blessed and touched and feels her pain. I love you, Katherine.
During lunch I was given much support for my knitting endeavor, ie. becoming a designer. I am told there are lots of links on Ravelry that will be wonderful resources for me. So I am going to invest some time to checking these carefully. Thank you, Ollie for sending those links to me. I am looking forward to searching out each one.
We also discussed the subject of the possible move to Alaska and I was given lots of different perspectives/options to consider. I love my friends and the support they provide me with their love and encouragement. Thank you Kathy, Katherine, and Ollie!!!!!
My sister, Rita, has guessed what the mystery gift project is - a hot water bottle cover. Neat idea, huh? A hot water bottle can't be used by itself, it needs a towel or something to cover it to protect the skin while in use. So, knitting a permanent cover is a super idea. And that is what I am doing. John, the maintenance guy here at the apartments, is having a "first" baby and that will be my gift to him for his baby.
Today I am off to another knitting shop to spend the morning knitting with another group of knitters. One can never have too many knitting friends in her/his life. I learn so much from each of the groups I meet with. I love my friends. Knitters reflect our craft. There is the encouragement to start, continue, or finish a project. There is the patience to learn a new technique or to just stick to it while the rows seem to shrink rather than increase. There is the persistence as mistakes are undone and UFOs (unfinished objects) are picked up again and continued, hopefully to the end. There is the praise that is given when the finished project is displayed for review before giving it as a gift or when worn as a personal garment/accessory. There is the laughter and understanding as we discuss the never-ending stash of yarn we all own. There is the support as we buy yet another pattern and another skein of yarn. We love the fiber arts and we are not ashamed to be addicted to it. The best part of our addiction is that there is always someone who benefits from the time and effort we spend in our craft.
It was too late last night to blog so I didn't. But lots of good things to share.
First, I showed my Shell to several of my friends yesterday and the consensus was that the front should have the lace panel insert and the back should not. One gal suggested that the back could have the lace panel but without the bobbles. I am very encouraged by the input given to me. Thus, I have decided to change my pattern to reflect the overall consensus. I can still do this because the front and back are made the same up to the neck shaping and I have not reached that point yet. So, I went back to the earlier blog where I typed the directions and changed the back to the front. I will continue the pattern once I have completed what is written thus far.
Also, four of my knitting buddies drove an hour and a half to come visit me. We had a wonderful time sharing lunch and discussing what's happening in our lives. I was especially impressed by one friend's devotion in that she just lost her father on Tuesday and still made this visit with me a priority. My heart is blessed and touched and feels her pain. I love you, Katherine.
During lunch I was given much support for my knitting endeavor, ie. becoming a designer. I am told there are lots of links on Ravelry that will be wonderful resources for me. So I am going to invest some time to checking these carefully. Thank you, Ollie for sending those links to me. I am looking forward to searching out each one.
We also discussed the subject of the possible move to Alaska and I was given lots of different perspectives/options to consider. I love my friends and the support they provide me with their love and encouragement. Thank you Kathy, Katherine, and Ollie!!!!!
My sister, Rita, has guessed what the mystery gift project is - a hot water bottle cover. Neat idea, huh? A hot water bottle can't be used by itself, it needs a towel or something to cover it to protect the skin while in use. So, knitting a permanent cover is a super idea. And that is what I am doing. John, the maintenance guy here at the apartments, is having a "first" baby and that will be my gift to him for his baby.
Today I am off to another knitting shop to spend the morning knitting with another group of knitters. One can never have too many knitting friends in her/his life. I learn so much from each of the groups I meet with. I love my friends. Knitters reflect our craft. There is the encouragement to start, continue, or finish a project. There is the patience to learn a new technique or to just stick to it while the rows seem to shrink rather than increase. There is the persistence as mistakes are undone and UFOs (unfinished objects) are picked up again and continued, hopefully to the end. There is the praise that is given when the finished project is displayed for review before giving it as a gift or when worn as a personal garment/accessory. There is the laughter and understanding as we discuss the never-ending stash of yarn we all own. There is the support as we buy yet another pattern and another skein of yarn. We love the fiber arts and we are not ashamed to be addicted to it. The best part of our addiction is that there is always someone who benefits from the time and effort we spend in our craft.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Life's Many Changing Stitches That Create the Patterns of our Lives
Well, today could have started like most days in my life, or at least recent days. The sun came up. The temp was cool from the previous night and I felt good after sleeping well. Steve left early around 4:30 am to take a group somewhere in the state. But today was not like other recent days because Steve did something that may change the entire direction of our lives. He submitted two of three applications to drive the tour buses in Alaska this summer. Is that a new pattern stitch that will be knitted into my makeup?
I find that I have some rather strong reactions to this news. Lots and lots of questions keep rolling around in my mind. Do I want to go to Alaska? What will I do in Alaska? Do we go for a short visit or will this be where I die at the end of the rest of my life? Isn't it really cold in Alaska? Where will we live? Can we afford it? If we give up the job here, can we come back to it, assuming we do come back? After the summer tour season, then what? Will I have time to knit if required to work, also? Can we take all of our household belongings? Does it all go into storage? Ect. Ect. Etc.
I found myself degenerating into a mental, mumbling mess. I decided to let go and leave all of the decisions in God's hands for determining whether we go or not. Then off to Bible Study Fellowship, which started meeting again after the Christmas break. Amazingly and so like God, what we studied and discussed today applied directly to what I was currently experiencing. Paul, the apostle was moving from place to place doing what God wanted him to do. He was constantly "hit with uncertainty", too. But God kept giving Paul direction and many times encouragement to enable him to continue. Paul just kept going and trusted God to take care of the details. Well, I was encouraged and realized that I, too, needed to place that same kind of trust in God. I admit to you that it is not an easy thing for me to do. Even later this evening when Steve and I discussed the subject again, I found myself "riled up" inside and had to "step back" again. But if I am going to really trust God to direct us, then I need to prove it by letting Him do His job. Will God open a door for us to enter and not go with us? Of course not. Will He direct us to go to Alaska and then not prepare the way or provide for what we need? Of course not. So I will rest in His ability and stop fretting about this. Instead I think I will choose to see this as an adventure. And look at me, even now....we haven't been accepted and I have made a big fuss about nothing. So, it stops here. There it is stopped. See I am not discussing it any further. <GRIN>
I spent my afternoon knitting the Shell. I was able to make a lot of progress on it. The directions I have typed so far direct me to knit until the Shell measures 15 inches. When I stopped today, the piece measured 9.75 inches. While I was knitting, I was considering whether I want the lace panel to be on the back of the Shell. The more I knit it, the more I think I will leave the back plain with just the stockinette stitch and only use the lace panel down the middle of the front of the Shell. I am just not sure I like the idea of the Bobbles against the back when leaning against something. Know what I mean? But to give myself some extra input, I am planning to take it with me tomorrow when The Needlers meet. I also have some friends driving down from Prescott Valley to visit with me and meet the other members of the group. I will show them what I have done and see what their thoughts are for a lace panel in the back. Changing the piece I am knitting right now is possible at this stage of the pattern. Both the front and back are knit the same (unless I leave the panel off the back) until shaping the neckline begins. Since I am not at that place in the pattern yet, I can easily change the piece I am now knitting from calling it the back and make it the front. I will get back to you later once I have further input and make my decision.
While I was knitting, I thought of another design for a short-sleeve pullover that would be knit with contrasts of black and white and maybe use buttons that are red. I set aside the Shell and drew the design on a piece of paper in order to capture it before it became a disappearing thought that I couldn't remember later no matter how hard I tried.
With that done, I continued knitting the Shell until Steve arrived home. We went to dinner at the Sugar Bowl, a very popular restaurant in Scottsdale that has been featured in the daily comic strip "The Family Circle". Our apartment complex provided us coupons for two free sandwiches, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Steve has gone to bed and I am going to watch some TV and continue knitting the current gift project.
Catch you again in the next posting...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
I find that I have some rather strong reactions to this news. Lots and lots of questions keep rolling around in my mind. Do I want to go to Alaska? What will I do in Alaska? Do we go for a short visit or will this be where I die at the end of the rest of my life? Isn't it really cold in Alaska? Where will we live? Can we afford it? If we give up the job here, can we come back to it, assuming we do come back? After the summer tour season, then what? Will I have time to knit if required to work, also? Can we take all of our household belongings? Does it all go into storage? Ect. Ect. Etc.
I found myself degenerating into a mental, mumbling mess. I decided to let go and leave all of the decisions in God's hands for determining whether we go or not. Then off to Bible Study Fellowship, which started meeting again after the Christmas break. Amazingly and so like God, what we studied and discussed today applied directly to what I was currently experiencing. Paul, the apostle was moving from place to place doing what God wanted him to do. He was constantly "hit with uncertainty", too. But God kept giving Paul direction and many times encouragement to enable him to continue. Paul just kept going and trusted God to take care of the details. Well, I was encouraged and realized that I, too, needed to place that same kind of trust in God. I admit to you that it is not an easy thing for me to do. Even later this evening when Steve and I discussed the subject again, I found myself "riled up" inside and had to "step back" again. But if I am going to really trust God to direct us, then I need to prove it by letting Him do His job. Will God open a door for us to enter and not go with us? Of course not. Will He direct us to go to Alaska and then not prepare the way or provide for what we need? Of course not. So I will rest in His ability and stop fretting about this. Instead I think I will choose to see this as an adventure. And look at me, even now....we haven't been accepted and I have made a big fuss about nothing. So, it stops here. There it is stopped. See I am not discussing it any further. <GRIN>
I spent my afternoon knitting the Shell. I was able to make a lot of progress on it. The directions I have typed so far direct me to knit until the Shell measures 15 inches. When I stopped today, the piece measured 9.75 inches. While I was knitting, I was considering whether I want the lace panel to be on the back of the Shell. The more I knit it, the more I think I will leave the back plain with just the stockinette stitch and only use the lace panel down the middle of the front of the Shell. I am just not sure I like the idea of the Bobbles against the back when leaning against something. Know what I mean? But to give myself some extra input, I am planning to take it with me tomorrow when The Needlers meet. I also have some friends driving down from Prescott Valley to visit with me and meet the other members of the group. I will show them what I have done and see what their thoughts are for a lace panel in the back. Changing the piece I am knitting right now is possible at this stage of the pattern. Both the front and back are knit the same (unless I leave the panel off the back) until shaping the neckline begins. Since I am not at that place in the pattern yet, I can easily change the piece I am now knitting from calling it the back and make it the front. I will get back to you later once I have further input and make my decision.
While I was knitting, I thought of another design for a short-sleeve pullover that would be knit with contrasts of black and white and maybe use buttons that are red. I set aside the Shell and drew the design on a piece of paper in order to capture it before it became a disappearing thought that I couldn't remember later no matter how hard I tried.
With that done, I continued knitting the Shell until Steve arrived home. We went to dinner at the Sugar Bowl, a very popular restaurant in Scottsdale that has been featured in the daily comic strip "The Family Circle". Our apartment complex provided us coupons for two free sandwiches, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Steve has gone to bed and I am going to watch some TV and continue knitting the current gift project.
Catch you again in the next posting...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Getting Into Sync
My thoughts are not so jumbled today. Now that I finally have the blog started and all the details of my first design project posted, I am feeling less anxiety. I spent the morning with a group of knitters in a yarn shop close to where I live. During that time I knit on the personal project (Eyelet Cardigan), which happens to be a sweater for me. The pattern is easy enough to knit while talking. I have knitted some patterns that require my eyes never leave the directions or I lose track of where I am and then spend more time tinking than kniting. Tink is "knit" spelled backwards, or in other words, undoing the knitting already done. I have finished the back of the sweater; so today I started the right front. I have already completed the ribbing and two 4-rows of the lace pattern.
Since this afternoon is set aside for continuing to knit my first project. I returned home and put the sweater away and now it is time to continue knitting my design pattern - Twigs & Bobbles Shell. Did you like the photos I downloaded the other day? Are they clear enough for you to see the details? What about the directions? Are they easy enough to read and understand at this stage? Any insight you have is welcome. Those of you who are following this blog can click on your photo, or in the case of those with no photo yet, your non-photo and that will allow you to access the spot where you can add your comments.
Well, I am off to knit. Catch you again later this evening.
Didn't make as much progress as I would have liked. There were just too many interruptions. My husband, Steve, and I live in an apartment. The stove's thermostat control stopped working and the new part ordered. Well it was delivered today and the maintenance guy, John, brought it to be installed. John is a young man of 25 years. He and his wife have been married less than two years. He just was told that his wife is expecting their first child. He is so excited. I am, too. I have already decided what I will knit for the new little one - after I know the sex of the child. John left and then the apartment complex manager came to count the number of light-bulbs in the apartment. All the old light-bulbs are going to be exchanged for the new more efficient ones on the market. So with the front door swinging open and closed all afternoon , I didn't make the progress I was hoping on my Shell. But there really isn't much more to add anyway until I complete the 15" of the body of the Shell. So, I will keep on knitting...
Steve and I walked to Denny's for our dinner, so I don't have any kitchen cleanup to do. I will say goodnight to you and go sit next to my hubby, watch some TV or a movie and knit see how much progress I can make knitting on my current gift project.
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| Eyelet Cardigan |
Well, I am off to knit. Catch you again later this evening.
Didn't make as much progress as I would have liked. There were just too many interruptions. My husband, Steve, and I live in an apartment. The stove's thermostat control stopped working and the new part ordered. Well it was delivered today and the maintenance guy, John, brought it to be installed. John is a young man of 25 years. He and his wife have been married less than two years. He just was told that his wife is expecting their first child. He is so excited. I am, too. I have already decided what I will knit for the new little one - after I know the sex of the child. John left and then the apartment complex manager came to count the number of light-bulbs in the apartment. All the old light-bulbs are going to be exchanged for the new more efficient ones on the market. So with the front door swinging open and closed all afternoon , I didn't make the progress I was hoping on my Shell. But there really isn't much more to add anyway until I complete the 15" of the body of the Shell. So, I will keep on knitting...
Steve and I walked to Denny's for our dinner, so I don't have any kitchen cleanup to do. I will say goodnight to you and go sit next to my hubby, watch some TV or a movie and knit see how much progress I can make knitting on my current gift project.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Head full of thoughts,,,
Amazing how this blog is consuming my thoughts. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Why is that I wonder? Excitement? Worry? Too many ideas floating around waiting to be released by expression? Whatever it is, it is happening to me.
I sent out 45 emails last night announcing this blog to some of my family and friends. Amazingly, I already have 5 followers. Whoa, that is heady. Gotta be careful here. I don't want pride to become an issue . You know, like becoming a rock star and needing to deal with all that publicity and pressure from the press. Ha, what a dilemma that would be. Imagine how that would interfere with knitting and crocheting time. I would be forced to rearrange my carefully designed schedule I explained to you yesterday. Well, I will leave all of those possibilities to the future and deal with them then.
Now on to more pressing thoughts...
I will not be working on my design today. I will be sewing and doing laundry. You remember, the other tasks in my busy schedule. But after dinner, I will continue knitting the current gift project. Those gift projects should remain unnamed because, obviously, they will be gifts to someone and that someone might just be reading this blog and then know what gift they are getting. Or maybe they wouldn't get the gift after reading about it and be disappointed. Then how sad that would be. But, on the other hand, the gifts I like to make are ones that I consider unusual or a challenge and I want to discuss those. So....what to do? Well, let me just say that this particular gift project is quite an unusual one; one I never expected to knit. It is also very functional, which is why I chose to knit it. It is quick. It uses my stash yarn, which is always good. It is the same but can be made to look different in many ways. That means there are many patterns for the same item. I can make lots of them and not one of them look the same. Well, I suppose that could be said about anything (like sweaters) I knit. This gift is a covering for something that can be hot or cold, depending on the situation. It also protects against the body. Can you guess what it is? If you do, then I will share the secret of this gift's identity on this blog.
Another thought related to the current working design...
I did find out that it is possible to insert an image, so I will give that a try when I figure out how to do it. I think for this first design that I will explain the process, so if any followers want to use this pattern they can. It would be great feedback for me to know if I am explaining the steps and details sufficiently to enable others to follow the directions and actually get the same results as I - a finished garment. This would also help as a backup should I lose the originals for any reason.
Also I am bothered by doubts - as to whether this design is too simple, maybe it isn't designer material, I am not good enough to design, no one will like it, and blah...blah...blah. There now I feel better. The thoughts are put down and can be left alone.
By the way - here is the link to this pattern I have posted on Ravelry. (http://ravel.me/dteresasimmons/stab)
PATTERN NAME: TWIGS AND BOBBLES SHELL (based on the lace panel stitches)
TOOLS
Knitting needles sizes 3 and 6
Stitch Markers - 2 (to mark the 16 stitches needed for the Lace Panel Stitches)
YARN
Any medium weight yarn. (On a scale of 1 to 6, this would be a 3) Also know as DK (double knit); Light Worsted. It provides a gauge of 21-24 stitches to a 4" swatch knit in stockinette stitch. Needles ranging from sizes 5 to 7 can be used. I am using Plymouth Yarn Linen Isle. It is made in Brazil and is 50% Cotton, 30% Rayon, and 20% Linen. Linen is made from flax, which is a plant and I keep finding bits of the plant fibers still woven into the yarn. I just pull out the stuff when I find it. This yarn is machine washable, which is great since I don't like to use the dry cleaners if I don't need to.
Estimated Yardage = 912 yards of yarn. I used a Sweater Wizard program to help me with most, well actually all, of the computations for this pattern. Since my chosen yarn has 86 yards on each skein, I will be using 11 skeins of yarn. Since I have 12 skeins altogether, I will have what I need to complete this project.
GAUGE
The gauge helps me determine how many stitches I knit on the chosen needles. I knit a 25 stitch X 12 row swatch then measured how many stitches fit into an inch both ways. The gauge equals 5.5 stitches 7.5 rows per 1". Then I used the Sweater Wizard to determine the measurements for a Size 38 bust measurement, which is basically a size 12 or Medium size for women. This measurement includes the ease needed for easy movement within the garment, which in this case = two additional inches.
CHART
Most patterns require a chart as well as the written instructions to allow users to read and see the stitches. Sweater Wizard computed a chart for me, but I will actually design the charts I want later on graph paper once the shell is completed, meaning all necessary changes will have been made and noted. I have all my own pencil drawings and notes, too; but no one will probably see those but me. Later, when the pattern is complete and the garment made, there will be a photo of it to accompany the pattern, too.
ABBREVIATIONS
CO - cast on
st - stitch
sts - stitches
stst - stockinette stitches (knit one side, purl the other side)
k - knit
p - purl
tbl - through the back loop
rep - repeat
estab - establish
pat - pattern
rws - rows
inc - increase
x - times
pm - place marker
yf - yarn forward
tog - together
sl - slip
psso - pass slipped stitch over
alt - alternate
PATTERNS
RIB PATTERN - 3 STITCH TWISTED RIB (multiple of 5 + 2)
Row 1 (wrong side): k2, * p3, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 2: p2, * C3 (Cross 3 - see below), p2; rep from * to end.
Rep these 2 rws.
C3 (Cross 3) = Knit into front of 3rd st on needle, then knit 1st st in usual way slipping this st off needle. Now knit 2nd st in usual way, slipping 2nd & 3rd sts off needle tog.
EYELET TWIGS & BOBBLES LACE PANEL STITCHES (worked over 16 sts on a bkgrnd of stst)
Row 1(right side): k2, yf, k3tog, yf, k3, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k5.
Row 2 and every alt row: Purl.
Row 3: k1, yf, k3tog, yf, k5, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k4.
Row 5: MB (make bobble - see below), k5, yf, k3tog, yf, k1, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k3.
Row 7: k5, yf, k3tog, yf, k3, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k2.
Row 9: k4, yf, k3tog, yf, k5, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, MB.
Row 11: k3, yf, k3tog, yf, k1, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k6.
Row 12: Purl.
Rep these 12 rows.
MB (make bobble) = Knit into front, back and front of next st, turn and k3, turn and p3, turn and k3, turn and sl 1, k2tog, psso. Bobble completed.
DIRECTIONS
FRONT
1. With size 3 needles, CO 107 sts using a k st CO.
2. (Wrong side): Tbl [k2, * p3, k2; rep from * to end.]
3. Estab rib pat on Row 2. Work 20 rws. [3"]
4. On row 21 [k8, inc 1 in next st] 11x, k8. (118 sts)
5. (Right side): with size 6 needles, k51, pm, row 1 lace pat, pm, k51.
6. Work in lace pat until piece measures 15". [row ???]
Okay, that is as far as I have gotten with my directions for this pattern. If you want to knit-along, I would enjoy your company. If you just want to knit this shell to check for errors and then send back corrections and feedback, I would really appreciate that. If you just want to read because you are interested, I would feel quite loved by you. If you want to quit this blog altogether because I lost you back with all the details, then I will understand and send you off with a sweet goodbye.
Until next time...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
I sent out 45 emails last night announcing this blog to some of my family and friends. Amazingly, I already have 5 followers. Whoa, that is heady. Gotta be careful here. I don't want pride to become an issue . You know, like becoming a rock star and needing to deal with all that publicity and pressure from the press. Ha, what a dilemma that would be. Imagine how that would interfere with knitting and crocheting time. I would be forced to rearrange my carefully designed schedule I explained to you yesterday. Well, I will leave all of those possibilities to the future and deal with them then.
Now on to more pressing thoughts...
I will not be working on my design today. I will be sewing and doing laundry. You remember, the other tasks in my busy schedule. But after dinner, I will continue knitting the current gift project. Those gift projects should remain unnamed because, obviously, they will be gifts to someone and that someone might just be reading this blog and then know what gift they are getting. Or maybe they wouldn't get the gift after reading about it and be disappointed. Then how sad that would be. But, on the other hand, the gifts I like to make are ones that I consider unusual or a challenge and I want to discuss those. So....what to do? Well, let me just say that this particular gift project is quite an unusual one; one I never expected to knit. It is also very functional, which is why I chose to knit it. It is quick. It uses my stash yarn, which is always good. It is the same but can be made to look different in many ways. That means there are many patterns for the same item. I can make lots of them and not one of them look the same. Well, I suppose that could be said about anything (like sweaters) I knit. This gift is a covering for something that can be hot or cold, depending on the situation. It also protects against the body. Can you guess what it is? If you do, then I will share the secret of this gift's identity on this blog.
Another thought related to the current working design...
I did find out that it is possible to insert an image, so I will give that a try when I figure out how to do it. I think for this first design that I will explain the process, so if any followers want to use this pattern they can. It would be great feedback for me to know if I am explaining the steps and details sufficiently to enable others to follow the directions and actually get the same results as I - a finished garment. This would also help as a backup should I lose the originals for any reason.
Also I am bothered by doubts - as to whether this design is too simple, maybe it isn't designer material, I am not good enough to design, no one will like it, and blah...blah...blah. There now I feel better. The thoughts are put down and can be left alone.
By the way - here is the link to this pattern I have posted on Ravelry. (http://ravel.me/dteresasimmons/stab)
 |
| 3-Stitch Twisted Rib Pattern |
 |
| Shell showing the Twigs & Bobbles Lace Pattern |
TOOLS
Knitting needles sizes 3 and 6
Stitch Markers - 2 (to mark the 16 stitches needed for the Lace Panel Stitches)
YARN
Any medium weight yarn. (On a scale of 1 to 6, this would be a 3) Also know as DK (double knit); Light Worsted. It provides a gauge of 21-24 stitches to a 4" swatch knit in stockinette stitch. Needles ranging from sizes 5 to 7 can be used. I am using Plymouth Yarn Linen Isle. It is made in Brazil and is 50% Cotton, 30% Rayon, and 20% Linen. Linen is made from flax, which is a plant and I keep finding bits of the plant fibers still woven into the yarn. I just pull out the stuff when I find it. This yarn is machine washable, which is great since I don't like to use the dry cleaners if I don't need to.
Estimated Yardage = 912 yards of yarn. I used a Sweater Wizard program to help me with most, well actually all, of the computations for this pattern. Since my chosen yarn has 86 yards on each skein, I will be using 11 skeins of yarn. Since I have 12 skeins altogether, I will have what I need to complete this project.
GAUGE
The gauge helps me determine how many stitches I knit on the chosen needles. I knit a 25 stitch X 12 row swatch then measured how many stitches fit into an inch both ways. The gauge equals 5.5 stitches 7.5 rows per 1". Then I used the Sweater Wizard to determine the measurements for a Size 38 bust measurement, which is basically a size 12 or Medium size for women. This measurement includes the ease needed for easy movement within the garment, which in this case = two additional inches.
CHART
Most patterns require a chart as well as the written instructions to allow users to read and see the stitches. Sweater Wizard computed a chart for me, but I will actually design the charts I want later on graph paper once the shell is completed, meaning all necessary changes will have been made and noted. I have all my own pencil drawings and notes, too; but no one will probably see those but me. Later, when the pattern is complete and the garment made, there will be a photo of it to accompany the pattern, too.
ABBREVIATIONS
CO - cast on
st - stitch
sts - stitches
stst - stockinette stitches (knit one side, purl the other side)
k - knit
p - purl
tbl - through the back loop
rep - repeat
estab - establish
pat - pattern
rws - rows
inc - increase
x - times
pm - place marker
yf - yarn forward
tog - together
sl - slip
psso - pass slipped stitch over
alt - alternate
PATTERNS
RIB PATTERN - 3 STITCH TWISTED RIB (multiple of 5 + 2)
Row 1 (wrong side): k2, * p3, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 2: p2, * C3 (Cross 3 - see below), p2; rep from * to end.
Rep these 2 rws.
C3 (Cross 3) = Knit into front of 3rd st on needle, then knit 1st st in usual way slipping this st off needle. Now knit 2nd st in usual way, slipping 2nd & 3rd sts off needle tog.
EYELET TWIGS & BOBBLES LACE PANEL STITCHES (worked over 16 sts on a bkgrnd of stst)
Row 1(right side): k2, yf, k3tog, yf, k3, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k5.
Row 2 and every alt row: Purl.
Row 3: k1, yf, k3tog, yf, k5, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k4.
Row 5: MB (make bobble - see below), k5, yf, k3tog, yf, k1, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k3.
Row 7: k5, yf, k3tog, yf, k3, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k2.
Row 9: k4, yf, k3tog, yf, k5, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, MB.
Row 11: k3, yf, k3tog, yf, k1, yf, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yf, k6.
Row 12: Purl.
Rep these 12 rows.
MB (make bobble) = Knit into front, back and front of next st, turn and k3, turn and p3, turn and k3, turn and sl 1, k2tog, psso. Bobble completed.
DIRECTIONS
FRONT
1. With size 3 needles, CO 107 sts using a k st CO.
2. (Wrong side): Tbl [k2, * p3, k2; rep from * to end.]
3. Estab rib pat on Row 2. Work 20 rws. [3"]
4. On row 21 [k8, inc 1 in next st] 11x, k8. (118 sts)
5. (Right side): with size 6 needles, k51, pm, row 1 lace pat, pm, k51.
6. Work in lace pat until piece measures 15". [row ???]
Okay, that is as far as I have gotten with my directions for this pattern. If you want to knit-along, I would enjoy your company. If you just want to knit this shell to check for errors and then send back corrections and feedback, I would really appreciate that. If you just want to read because you are interested, I would feel quite loved by you. If you want to quit this blog altogether because I lost you back with all the details, then I will understand and send you off with a sweet goodbye.
Until next time...
Teresa, the wishful knitter
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Well here I go...beginning a new adventure.
I decided that I would set 2012 aside as the year that I would begin designing patterns for knitting. I have been knitting for several years but usually only knitting from patterns that I liked or others wanted me to make for them. But I have been storing ideas in my head for some time now and just recently started jotting them down on paper. I have no expectations whatsoever about this adventure. I am just going to start and see what happens and then eventually how it ends. I hope I can design and complete at least one project a month. I will see....
I began designing a web page in my mind and started gathering info for it; but then decided that I would start with a blog and just journal this adventure. I hope to share what I am learning as I discover the designer in me. If there is no designer here, then I will just enjoy what I do learn about knitting.
I am such a novice with blogging. I started with this page and before I knew it I was profiling all kinds of information about myself. When I completed all the prompts and hit the saved button, I discovered that I wasn't blogging. I wasn't even on a blog page. Somehow I was entering my profile for a Google account. Now how did that happen? I don't remember going to Google except to search for a blogging site that would help me set up my own blog. Go figure! It took a while after a careful search of the history to find my way back to this site. I am still not sure that I am blogging. Will I still be on my own site after I hit "publish post"?
I actually have started my own first design. I wanted to begin right away in January, so the project is underway. I gave much thought to where to begin. I have such exotic designs in my head but fear starting with anything too complex at the beginning. So I have selected a simple shell pattern that has a detailed ribbing pattern not often seen. The body of the shell is a basic stockinette stitch with a lace pattern panel insert in the front and back. So I wanted to offset that with a more complex ribbing. I am not sure how I will finish the neck and armholes yet. Thinking of something with an i-cord tie. But that will wait until I reach the neck.
I am using yarn that I already had in my stash. Someone gave the yarn to me. I don't particularly like the color for myself, but it seemed a good place to start. The yarn is a cotton, rayon, linen blend. I like only natural fibers when I knit or crochet so that is good. I also live in Arizona, so these fibers will wear well during the heat of summer.
Trying to find time to do this new thing - designing - caused me to rearrange my schedule to accommodate all the other knitting I like to do. I have many patterns that I love, like, and then just think I might want to knit/crochet pending in a file cabinet that catches all the papers, notes, and photos. These are the patterns I want to make for myself, or my husband, or to give as gifts. How to find time to knit for myself, for others, and design patterns, too? I thought about what I already do each day and decided to divide my week into sections that would allow me to work on all projects at the same time and finish without the pressure of running out of time before a pattern was completed. Three mornings a week I meet with other lovers of the craft to visit while we work on various projects together. I decided to use that time to work only on projects that I make for myself or Steve, my husband; alternating from me to him as each project is completed and a new one begins. I just started a new sweater for myself using white cotton yarn I was given for winning the door prize at a grand opening of a yarn shop. Every evening after dinner is finished and the kitchen cleaned and readied for the next day, I usually watch a movie to unwind before my evening ends and I go to bed. I chose this time for making all the projects I want to give as gifts throughout the year for birthdays and Christmas. I just finished knitting/crocheting gifts for this past Christmas that were sent to four siblings and their spouses, four children and their spouses, four of the fourteen grandchildren, and two best friends. Even though I started in September, I felt too much pressure for time slipping away too quickly and "almost" didn't enjoy doing this. So, I have started this month with my gift making and already finished six gifts. Each one only required one skein of yarn, which is good because it didn't take forever to make. I am now working on another gift - one that has been on my list to make for some time. Hooray, it is finally started. Now that left only one other project category for me to place into my schedule. So I decided to use four afternoons each week for designing and making my own patterns. That still leaves plenty of time to do all the other things that are necessary in a normal woman's life.You know - laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, paperwork, etc. Also I do have a husband, remember, so I have all the tasks that involve him. <grin>
I would like to post photos of my designs but haven't figured out how to do that yet. So that will wait until later. However, I am on Ravelry.( www.ravelry.com )My account name is dteresasimmons if you want to look me up. I have all my projects from last year posted.
Okay, that is it for now. I hope to share often and keep track of all my progress as I journal.
Teresa
I began designing a web page in my mind and started gathering info for it; but then decided that I would start with a blog and just journal this adventure. I hope to share what I am learning as I discover the designer in me. If there is no designer here, then I will just enjoy what I do learn about knitting.
I am such a novice with blogging. I started with this page and before I knew it I was profiling all kinds of information about myself. When I completed all the prompts and hit the saved button, I discovered that I wasn't blogging. I wasn't even on a blog page. Somehow I was entering my profile for a Google account. Now how did that happen? I don't remember going to Google except to search for a blogging site that would help me set up my own blog. Go figure! It took a while after a careful search of the history to find my way back to this site. I am still not sure that I am blogging. Will I still be on my own site after I hit "publish post"?
I actually have started my own first design. I wanted to begin right away in January, so the project is underway. I gave much thought to where to begin. I have such exotic designs in my head but fear starting with anything too complex at the beginning. So I have selected a simple shell pattern that has a detailed ribbing pattern not often seen. The body of the shell is a basic stockinette stitch with a lace pattern panel insert in the front and back. So I wanted to offset that with a more complex ribbing. I am not sure how I will finish the neck and armholes yet. Thinking of something with an i-cord tie. But that will wait until I reach the neck.
I am using yarn that I already had in my stash. Someone gave the yarn to me. I don't particularly like the color for myself, but it seemed a good place to start. The yarn is a cotton, rayon, linen blend. I like only natural fibers when I knit or crochet so that is good. I also live in Arizona, so these fibers will wear well during the heat of summer.
Trying to find time to do this new thing - designing - caused me to rearrange my schedule to accommodate all the other knitting I like to do. I have many patterns that I love, like, and then just think I might want to knit/crochet pending in a file cabinet that catches all the papers, notes, and photos. These are the patterns I want to make for myself, or my husband, or to give as gifts. How to find time to knit for myself, for others, and design patterns, too? I thought about what I already do each day and decided to divide my week into sections that would allow me to work on all projects at the same time and finish without the pressure of running out of time before a pattern was completed. Three mornings a week I meet with other lovers of the craft to visit while we work on various projects together. I decided to use that time to work only on projects that I make for myself or Steve, my husband; alternating from me to him as each project is completed and a new one begins. I just started a new sweater for myself using white cotton yarn I was given for winning the door prize at a grand opening of a yarn shop. Every evening after dinner is finished and the kitchen cleaned and readied for the next day, I usually watch a movie to unwind before my evening ends and I go to bed. I chose this time for making all the projects I want to give as gifts throughout the year for birthdays and Christmas. I just finished knitting/crocheting gifts for this past Christmas that were sent to four siblings and their spouses, four children and their spouses, four of the fourteen grandchildren, and two best friends. Even though I started in September, I felt too much pressure for time slipping away too quickly and "almost" didn't enjoy doing this. So, I have started this month with my gift making and already finished six gifts. Each one only required one skein of yarn, which is good because it didn't take forever to make. I am now working on another gift - one that has been on my list to make for some time. Hooray, it is finally started. Now that left only one other project category for me to place into my schedule. So I decided to use four afternoons each week for designing and making my own patterns. That still leaves plenty of time to do all the other things that are necessary in a normal woman's life.You know - laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, paperwork, etc. Also I do have a husband, remember, so I have all the tasks that involve him. <grin>
I would like to post photos of my designs but haven't figured out how to do that yet. So that will wait until later. However, I am on Ravelry.( www.ravelry.com )My account name is dteresasimmons if you want to look me up. I have all my projects from last year posted.
Okay, that is it for now. I hope to share often and keep track of all my progress as I journal.
Teresa
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