This weekend while D. worked his booth at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, I went to a Finishing Techniques class at Knit in Charleston. I learned so many handy tricks for weaving in ends... my least favorite part of knitting... and better yet, how to not have ends at all. The class covered other topics like buttonholes, seaming, blocking, and gauge. I have already woven in the ends of two-and-a-half pairs of socks that were languishing off the needles-- completely knitted but not "finished." I am notorious among my friends and family for finishing the knitting portion of a project and then rigging the ends up on the inside of the garment to wear it. I am in the process of weaving in the ends for Green Gable and Rusted Root, both Zephyr Style designs. I ordered the
Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques today to help me keep up the good work. Overall, the class was very worthwhile. Knit has such a friendly and creative atmosphere-- it makes me wish I lived nearer to a city to be a part of a knitting community like that.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, I'm getting my own Stitch & Bitch together. They are mostly nurses and are new knitters. They are smitten with yarn already, though! We are taking our first "field trip" to a
yarn store in Aiken tomorrow, and then back home to knit awhile.
I am working on a baby blanket-- the pattern and yarn were a gift from my sister-in-law. I've posted in on Ravelry, but I haven't talked about it here. It's a garter lace project called "Diamonds for Rhiannon" that I'm working up in pale yellow Baby Ull. I have completed ten of the eighteen pattern repeats. Here's a progress shot:
This earlier progress shot gives you a more accurate idea of the color.
So what's knitting for the new year? I want to finish the Minimalist Cardigan from Fall IK by my spinning class at John C. Campbell Folk School in early April. I plan to complete the Lacy Skirt With Bows (a name I have not uttered in ages...) by my birthday in June. I would like to knit my first lace shawl to wear to Aurora's wedding in July. I already have the yarn for all of these projects. Here's a quick image of the yarn I had in mind for the shawl... probably the Swallowtail Shawl.
Lately I have been limiting myself to buying sock yarn. In fact, I just ordered Dream In Color Smooshy sock yarn in the Petal Shower colorway. Have you tried Dream In Color? I also bought some Colinette sock yarn at Knit. I am coveting the Snicket Socks pattern, and I think I'm ready for a fancy sock challenge. Here's the Colinette:
I've been trying out some new brands of sock yarn. I bought two skeins of Artyarns at In the Loop in Columbia. Maybe Brother Amos? I finished the Cascade Sassy Stripes basic ribbed socks (mentioned in the last post) and have knit one sock of the Lorna's Laces that I bought as souvenier yarn at Loop in Philadelphia. Pictures soon...
