My Knitting Life

I got my IK Fall 2005 last Friday and was so happy to see a new sock pattern by Nancy Bush, worked up in Mountain Colors Bearfoot, no less.  A perfect chance for me to try the set of Inox size 1 needles I bought at Webs a couple months back, and the Alpine Bearfoot I have in my stash.

I'm not a big fan of bamboo needles for socks.  They are too bendy and the points seem kind of soft, if you know what I mean.  Not to mention the breaking.  I love these metal needles!  The have a coating so they are not slippery or noisy, but they hold their shape and are pointy enough to cable without a cable needle, even with these teeny stitches.  What a great value - I think they were around $5.00.

This pattern has some unique features - so far, casting on double strand, then dropping the second strand for the knitting, giving the top edge a ruffle-y appearance.  Also, a wide cuff - 3".  Looks like it's going to be a fun knit...

Because life is short....

a Baby Surprise Jacket.

As the school year ends, I am feeling a bit nostalgic, noticing how much my children have grown this year, both physically and mentally - how their world grows larger with each year.  Every bit of independance means a bit more freedom for me, but the fact that they need me less and less takes some getting used to.  I am realizing how fast time is going, how I need to do the things I really want to do, instead of putting things off for another day. 

I have a list of knits, not a written list, but a little mental list of things I have always wanted to try.  Sometimes it's a yarn I want to work with, sometimes a pattern just intrigues me.  When I saw this soft celadon green manos hanging in the shop, I got in touch with my inner list and up came the the classic "Baby Surprise" by Elizabeth Zimmerman.  I thought "now is the time."  I am hoping the rustic manos and ingenious baby surprise will make a charming combination.  Once again, no baby in mind...

I would love to hear what others have on their inner list.  I am still waiting for the day to start an authentic guernsey for my husband, in guernsey wool.  The short version of Inishmore.  Something lacey from Fiddlesticks.  Work with more koigu.  How about you?

Several weeks back, I wrote about knitting for my niece who is graduating from high school and heading off to college in a couple weeks, starting early with the summer semester.  Commenters sent in so many wonderful ideas for gift knitting - afghans, a hat, mittens or a scarf among the most popular.  Alas, the days and weeks flew by and I never cast on, and last week I found myself within 48 hours of her graduation party and not-a-thing done!  (I did manage to set my mom up with knitting an afghan, so at least that base is covered.)  But I needed there to be something from me, and so I started this mitten kit last Thursday night, knitting a bit here and there, finishing them on Saturday morning only minutes before the car trip down to the party.  She loved them, saying all her new college friends might be jealous and want a pair!

Morehouse Merino Striped Mitten Kit in Cream and Navy

Adult Size Medium (on the small side)

Size 5 DPNs

"Classic Cardigan"Size 3-6 MonthsDebbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino2 Balls Lt. Pink, Green Bits from Previous ProjectSize US 2, 3 needles

I thoroughly enjoyed both of these projects!  The green cable coat is a gift for a baby on the way, but the pink cardigan was just for fun.  I realized that it is a good idea to take on a small project when times are busy, because you can still get the satisfaction of finishing without lots of knitting.  I took my time and tried to focus on little details like seaming the set-in sleeves neatly.Although we still have one more week of school, my job has ended for the year, and that means more time for knitting and blogging! 

Why am I knitting this?

1. As a gift for a baby girl I know?
2. To use up the last bit of leftover green Baby Cashmerino from my last project?
3. Because simple little projects give you a great chance to practice basic skills like seaming and adding neck and button bands?
4. Because I'm in the zone with Baby Cashmerino and size 3 Addi's - might never knit with anything else ever again?
5. Because it is hot as blazes outside, the end of year activities have hit a fevered pitch and all I can handle is some light stockinette right now?
6. All but #1.

If you guessed #6, you are correct!  I really have no plans for this little sweater, size 3-6 months.  The original version can be seen here.  Nothing like a classic cardigan for a baby - now I just have to figure out who the baby is....

The party was a huge success! First, the party room before the guests. Next, guests knitting and giggling. Finally, Maddy's progress during the party.  Several mom's told me the girls worked on their knitting at home afterward, which was very satisfying.  Even if you only convert one or two....I wish took a photo of the lunch, but by then I was not so organized.

As is usual for teaching knitting, you had some students take off, some need a little help, and two that really struggled.  Plus you can really see their personalities emerge, and their learning styles - some work quietly, others call out "I made a mistake - help!"

At this age, they are very kind to each other and those that could knit helped the others when I was busy.  If you are looking for a party idea, I would recommend this one!

Imagine my complete and utter shock and amazement when proposing birthday celebration ideas to my daughter, turning 12, I happened to toss out there the idea of a knitting party at the very cool shop where I've been teaching, and I got, in response, a "that sounds good...what would we DO?..." 

Why, make up these perfect little bags, with needles and some Encore, and some cool yarn to make a cool belt, to be finished off with some cool beads, followed by a cool lunch at a cool restaurant, of course!  Specifically, I will teach them all to knit with the Encore, and then we will make a belt with some fun Berroco Cotton Twist in hot pink and orange - 6 stitches on a size 9 needle, knit every row.  Fringe and add beads, if we get that far before lunch.

The shop owner has been so generous to me in the past few weeks.  She gave use of the space for the party, and the bags and beads, too.  I worked up this sample in blue, but the girls will make it in pink.  Saturday, 11 a.m., 8 girls - WISH ME LUCK!