Major Knitter

Summery Swatches

Today was another session at Summer School - aka a Sally Session at my LYS Knitting Central.  We all brought in swatches of our Kaffe Fassett Floral Jacket to test gauge and adjust any color choices.  We used odd ball skeins of Zara for our swatches - but some of these swatches turned out so gorgeous that I started to rethink my color choices.

Here's Lisa's swatch in black, white, red and gray.  Here actual sweater is in whites, blues, grays and purples.  Isn't this swatch stunning?

Here's Kathy's swatch with remnant yarn -- not her actual colors at all.  She's got such a beautiful stitch.

Here's another swatch.  I think it's Joan's swatch... but I forgot.  Isn't it fun to see everyone's colors?

Now we have a great deal of homework to do before our next class.  We altered the pattern to knit it in the round and then cut a steek.  That means I have 260 sts in every round.  That's a lot of knitting.  I'd better get going on my homework.

School's Out for Summer

Today was the last day of school for my boys.  They're so thrilled they can barely stand it.  We've already started the summer routine.  Since they're out of school, I did the only logical thing a mother could do:  I signed up for knitting camp.  OK.  It's really just a series of lessons at my LYS.  Today was the first class for the Kaffe Fassett Floral Jacket (#14 in the Spring/Summer issue of Vogue Knitting.  The Sally Session group all signed up for this wonderful class.  No newcomers this time.  We had a great time taking our personal measurements, talking about the pattern and picking out yarns.  We decided to use Zara.  I can hardly wait to knit up my swatch.  I hope you're equally as anxious to see a photo of my swatch.

I'm so thrilled with this summer gift to myself.  It will really give me something to look forward to while the boys are busy with their own summer schedules.  This Kaffe Fassett jacket is also challenging enough to keep me on my toes.   

If you're in my area, maybe you'll want to join me for some classes.  Here are the ones I signed up for at Knitting Central:

• Kaffe Fassett Floral Jacket
• Ravelry 102 (to learn all the things I didn't know I didn't know
• Introduction to Crochet
• My First Lace

Who knew I would be so excited about summer school?

Next Sally Session

Today Sally and the Gals from my Wednesday daytime knitting classes at Knitting Central (Scandinavian Mittens, Argyle Socks and Entrelac Bag) came over for lunch and we enjoyed some yummy lunch as we discussed which items we'd like to consider for the next session.  Everyone brought their favorite knitting books and magazines with wish lists.  We oohed and aahed over myriad patterns and finally agreed on one project we all like.  Here's what we came up with as a group:

It's Kaffe Fassett's In Full Bloom from Spring/Summer 2008 VOGUEknitting

I need to start thinking about the color combinations I want to use for my jacket.    We start in just a few weeks so I've got my work cut out for me.

Nicky Epstein Counterpane Masterpiece

I took a class with Nicky Epstein at Knitting Central about 2 years ago.  I got to see Nicky's lovely poncho with sleeves.  I even tried it on.  It was goodness and softness and loveliness all wrapped into one item.

So today when I got an email from Vogue Knitting, imagine my delight when they were offering this pattern for sale.  I have so many things on my knitting queue, but I think that I really must add the Counterpane Masterpiece to my list.  If you're not a poncho fan, don't think of this as a poncho.  Think of it as a sweater with a very loose fitting bottom.  The sleeves on this creation are what make it so wonderful. 

Simply Sensational Socks

Here is a final shot of another of my favorite sample socks from Charlene Schurch's 2 day class at Knitting Central this past weekend.

It's nearly as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside!

 

Look at this great pinstripe foot using EZ's Shaped Arch

Here's a close up of the EZ Shaped Arch.  The pinstripes and the technique really give your arch some extra support.  The yarn on these socks is Lorna's Laces Shephard Sock yarn in Charcoal and River.  I already ordered some so I can make this pair and another.  I can hardly wait.  Summer of Socks - here I come.

FOOTNOTE - It's not really an EZ pattern.  It's a Meg Swansen design called Two-Color Arch Shaped Stockings that was published in the Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting.  You can find the errata and corrected pattern HERE.

There are Many Types of Genius

It's spring and that means that children across the country have finished their state wide testing.  In Connecticut our students take the CMTs or Connecticut Mastery Tests.  These tests often show how bright students are -- but only in a very few areas -- like math, vocabulary, reading and analytical skills.  Unfortunately, these types of test make us think that those few areas define what makes a person smart.  This weekend I got to see many types of genius at work.  Some of these people I've known for many years and others I just met.  Perhaps you know people who are geniuses, too.  I wish standardized tests could measure these areas too - creativity, problem solving, kindness, diplomacy, color selection, patience, business savvy, consideration and ingenuity.  Many of the talented people at Knitting Central would fall into this category (I'm sure they did well on standardized testing, too).  But the creative genius really came out this weekend as Cynthia hosted Charlene Schurch at Knitting Central

Charlene is in the center front row with the bluish-gray shirt and black pants.

Let me tell you why Charlene is such a genius.  Her mind works so quickly and she manages to combine both right and left brain to create these amazing socks.  She thinks so fast that it's hard to keep up with her sometimes - because you don't want to dare miss a single morsel she is sharing.  She talks about the anatomy of a sock - and she really does mentally dissect a sock into its basic parts and works out the puzzles in her mind to come up with creative knitting ways to make socks better.  She really noodles on how to improve every single aspect of the sock.  And as if that weren't enough, when she creates a pattern, she thinks up how to best make the single pattern work for children, men and women.  It all makes sense when you discover that Charlene was an engineer in a previous life.  Her books are so well configured that you can tell that a creative engineer (e.g. right brain/left brain) came up with these books. 

And since she shared so much of her creative genius with us, I came away with this.  I thought I knew a bit about socks before these 2 workshops.  Boy was I wrong!  If I learned anything this weekend, it's this:  I learned how much I didn't know!

Here's Charlene modeling the Cuban Heel.  It's a triangle on the top of the heel that allows you to have a great pattern on both sides and front of your sock all the way down to the instep and beyond.  It really takes your sock to the next design heel. 

Here's another view of the Cuban Heel which Charlene nicknamed "the sexy heel"

Here are the knitting swatches I made on Friday and Saturday.  The red and white cuff down sock from Friday's class was in yesterday's post. 

• The pink one is the toe-up with Judy Becker's Magic Cast On and a reverse heel flap.
• The white one has three heels on it - a) Cuban Heel; b) short row heel; and c) heel flap heel with garter stitch edges.
• The green and white one is a study in color work heel - a) pin stripe two-color heel with garter stitch edge; b) Eye of Partridge 2 color heel; c) Fair Isle heel flap; d) Pin Stripe turned heel and the beginning of EZ's Shaped Arch  (FOOTNOTE - It's not really an EZ pattern.  It's a Meg Swansen design called Two-Color Arch Shaped Stockings that was published in the Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting.  You can find the errata and corrected pattern HERE. )

Can't Get Enough Socks

Last night I was having problems with my computer and couldn't upload any pictures from the Charlene Schurch Sock Option class at Knitting Central.  I'm happy to report that this morning we have a connection - so that means I can post pictures from yesterday's class.

Here's my table posing with Charlene and our sock samples - Ann, Me, Charlene, Jean and Betsy

Here are just a few samples from the books Sensational Socks and More Sensational Socks.  I can tell you that these socks are inspirations.  Seeing them and fondling them was such a wonderful experience that I am now inspired to make so many of them.  The brown fair isle sock in the center is my favorite.

Close ups of our table - Ann, Betsy (on RRyan3 on Ravelry) and Jean.  Thanks Jean for traveling so far to come to this class.  It was great to see you and catch up.  Your sweater is amazing!  I can hardly wait to see the finished project on your blog. 

I'm working on my sock with a garter stitch heel (great technique!), some new techniques for picking up gusset stitches and options for different toes.  I'm wearing my Berroco Suede Oakley shawl from 2003.  It's the simplest triangle shawl in garter stitch - but it's still a favorite of mine.

Here's my finished Cuff Down sock

And I leave you with more sock goodness.

Once again the center sock is my favorite.  I love the mix of colors and the geometric design.  The round toe is a fascinating technique.  The inside of these socks are nearly as beautiful as the right side. 

It's a Charlene Schurch Marathon

I'm taking two all-day knitting classes with the Sock Guru - Charlene Schurch - at my amazing LYS.  Today was Sock Options and tomorrow is Heel Workshop.  I learned so many wonderful things today.  I'll be pointing out some of the highlights with you tomorrow.  Suffice it to say that if you don't already own a Charlene Schurch sock book, you should run out and get at least one of them now.  Here are some of the books that are available.

Sensational Knitted Socks is one of my all time favorite sock books.

More Sensational Knitted Socks is equally as impressive.  I got to see many of the sample socks up close and personal and I am eager to knit several of them.  This brown "entrelac" like sock is going to be on my list soon.  It's actually a fair isle sock but it appears to be an entrelac project.

I don't own The Little Box of Socks - but I got to see another classmate's copy today and I'm hooked.  I'll be buying this one shortly, too.

There you have it.  Three amazing sock books to choose from.  I hope they'll be part of your knitting library soon.

Alluring Entrelac

I did a great deal of knitting this weekend.  It was just Wilma and me and we watched a lot of Netflix, namely - Follow the Stars Home, Failure to Launch followed by my favorite Pride & Prejudice.  Three movies means I had plenty of time to finish my Market Squares Bag.  Here's the finished project - pre-felting

And because the design on the bottom of this bag is so beautiful, I give you a special bottom of the bag shot

Now I just have to find the time to felt it.  Then I'll pick out the lining, figure out how to actually line it and add the handles.  It's been a really fun bag to knit. 

Progressing Nicely on Entrelac

I was so inspired by everyone's progress on their Market Squares Bags, that I wasted no time knitting a significant portion of my bag today.

You probably know by know that I have a soft spot for blues, greens and purples all mixed together.  I'm quite pleased with the way this is turning out.  The squares are starting to decrease in size, so from here on out it's all downhill.  That should really speed things up. 

Market Squares Bag

Today was the last class of the Market Squares Bag at my LYS - Knitting Central.  Kathy and Sally brought their finished felted bags.  Sally showed us methods for sewing on handles.  Kathy brought some fabulous fabric to line her bag.  She's also 3/4 done with her next bag!  Enough chatting.  Let me show you what I'm talking about

Clockwise from the top - Sally's felted bag; Kathy's finished pink & green felted bag; middle - Sally's second bag just started; Kathy's second bag in gold and blue; Jackie's pink/red/gray bag; and my barely started blue, turquoise and multi-colored purple/blue/teal bag

Look at how dazzling Kathy's pink & green bag looks.  Don't you just love the green handles?  It's gorgeous!

Here's Sally's heather and Noru pink/red/coral bag.  I love these long handles.  They're the perfect.  I bought the same ones in violet.  I better get caught up on my knitting!

Entrelac is Intriguing!

I am getting a good start on my entrelac bag.  It's the Wednesday knitting class I'm taking with Sally and the Gals at Knitting Central. 

I'm using Cascade 220 for the blue and the teal.  The variegated yarn is Boku by Plymouth Yarns in Color #1.  Here's my swatch after felting it

The variegated yarn is 5% silk so it doesn't felt as tightly as the Cascade.  I love the way both felt - but it will make a difference in the final look and feel of my Market Squares Bag... and I'm OK with that.

Knitting Backwards

I'm taking a new Wednesday lunch time knitting class with Sally & the Gals (sounds like a group, huh?).  We're learning the entrelac method and we're making the Market Squares Bag which can be found in the XRX book, Bags: A Knitter's Dozen and the Summer 2001 issue of Knitter's Magazine

I've started a swatch in the entrelac method which is a cool technique to learn.  I'm definitely expanding my brain power with this one.  The neatest trick I learned today was how to knit backwards, or rather, how to knit without purling.  It's very cool.  You can learn how to do it by watching THIS VIDEO by The Knit Witch.  More on my entrelac knitting experience over the next month. 

UPDATE on the Turbo Addi Sizing

Today I was back at Knitting Central for my second edition of the Argyle Sock Class.  More than one student had issues with the gauge.  In fact, the three of us who were using Turbo Addis Size 2 needles had to go down a size to Size 1.  The knitters who used bamboo did not have issues with their US Size 2 needles.  We discovered a few things:

• Turbo Addi's by Skacel must be measured using the Skacel needle gauge.
• Turbo Addi's in size 2 are not a US Size 2.  They are a Size 2 or 3.0 mm.  Other needles that are US Size 2 are 2.75 mm.  This was the reason our socks were so far off.  See the difference between the Bates needle gauge and the Skacel needle gauge?

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Click to enlarge.  You'll see that one says 2 = 2 3/4 mm and the other says 2 = 3.0 mm

Apparently there is a similar sizing issue in the 10-11 range (I'm not sure exactly which size.)

So, the needle was marked Size 2... it just wasn't a US Size 2 (exactly).  Some needle gauges even go so far as to have two different holes to account for the differences in Size 2s out there. 

Cynthia also told us that she doesn't like the metal gauge that many of us own.  Why?  Because every single knitter (myself included) presses down on the Metal Knit Check when using it to see what the gauge is thereby distorting the gauge and not getting an accurate read.

Don't press down my knitting friends.  Just let your gauge guide lay quietly on your knitting.

So how do you like the argyle baby vest?  I have to figure out exactly what to do with it.  I have started my new pair of argyles (this time in navy blue) but you'll have to wait for pictures.  In the meantime, please check your gauge properly.  Don't forget. 

Swatch? Didn't I Test the Gauge?

I went to Knitting Central today for the Tuesday get together.  Customers are welcome to come sit and knit in an informal LYS knitting bee Tuesdays at lunch.  It's great.  We get to ooh and ahh over each other's projects and share ideas.  I showed off my argyle sock progress (which I was quite proud of).  I was sort of surprised at the number of questions I got "What is that?" 

It's a sock.  See.  I'll just fold it over and sew up the seam.  Holy Moly!  Was I knitting this for an elephant?  What happened?

Disclaimer:  I do not have cankles.  I do not need a sock with an 11-inch circumference on the leg.  What happened?  I thought I checked my gauge.  Apparently not.  I used the size 2 recommended needles.  Wait.  Let me double-check.  Sure enough - my Turbo Addi's say Size 2 on the wire.  I'm not going crazy. 

One of the other knitters commented "Two - really?  Those look like a 3 or a 4." 

"Nope.  They're a 2.  I checked.  I even asked Danni (who is younger and therefore must have eagle eyes) to confirm.  Yup.  They're a 2."

"Really.  They don't look like a 2."

"Let's get the gauge out.  Uh Oh.  They're not a 2.  They're a 3!  I've never seen the Turbo Addi's mis-marked.  Let me see them again.  Yup.  It says 2 but they're clearly a 3."

NOTE:  We used the Skacel needle gauge to measure the Skacel Turbo Addis.

So, I bought more yarn to make a second pair of navy blue argyles and this time I decided to knit them on US Size 1 (after making a swatch and doublechecking it).  This is what I have for tomorrow's class.  I am so far behind on my homework.

What am I going to do with the overgrown argyle?  I'm glad you asked.  It's just about the right size for a baby vest (6-9 months I believe).  I think I'll finish knitting it up and set it aside for the next baby boy who is born in my life.  I'd hate to waste all that good knitting.

This was a new lesson to me.  Not only do I need to read the needle size on the needle, but I need to doublecheck it with the gauge guide.  Has this ever happened to you?

SEE UPDATE on this Size 2 needle fiasco by clicking HERE.

Finishing Friday - Scandinavian Mittens

Look Here!  I have a Finished Object.  Carolyn W in NC - LOOK!  I actually finished another project.  Woohoo!  (I'm doing a dance of joy, can't you tell?)  Now I have a serious problem.  I think I need a new winter white coat to go with my new mittens.  Thanks Sally for teaching us how to make these Scandinavian Mittens.  They were so much fun to knit.

Please disregard the fact that since finishing this project and checking two items off my list of February 22nd, I have cast on for 2.5 new projects.  What can I say.  I'm a bad, bad girl.

Argyle Sock Class

I had the best time at my Wednesday Lunch Knitting Class at Knitting Central with Sally.  We were five students (Jackie, Kathy and I were students at the last Wednesday Lunch Knitting class for Scandinavian Mittens.  Apparently we all enjoyed it so much we signed up for this class and the next series, too!).  We each picked out four colors of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.  I picked out these colors and made very fast progress using US Size 2 40" Turbo Addis.  Of course, since I always strive to be teacher's pet (think Hermione Granger), I hope to have both legs of both socks done by next Wednesday.  Did I mention that these are fun to knit?

The leg of the sock is knit using the intarsia method back and forth and then the seam is sewn.  We're going to learn the "Argyle Origami" method of the heel flap, joining the leg, knitting the gussets and more at our next session.  I am really pleased with the way this is turning out.

Update:  BTW, Knitting Central was able to order the extra twelve skeins of Supercashmere for BF's Wedding Blanket.  You can all breathe again.  Sigh.  When I went to pick up the rest of the yarn today, I also picked up three more skeins of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for a second pair of argyle socks (navy blue, light green, which I'll pair up with this light blue and the cream). 

Today is a Knitting 10K

Don't mind me.  I'll be knitting all day.  It's not going to be a knitting marathon, but more like a 10K. 

I woke up early and decided to knit a bit before waking the boys up.  Last night during the presidential debate, I knit on BF's Wedding Blanket while we watched the debate.  Quite honestly, the more I listened to Senators Clinton and Obama, the more questions I had!  But I managed to knit 2 skeins of the Supercashmere into BF's blanket.  The bad news is that I only knit 4 inches.  Ouch.  That means I need to go back and buy TEN MORE skeins (twelve just to be safe) of this scrumptious stuff.

All afternoon, I'll be at Knitting Central taking an Adult Argyle Class with Sally.  That means that I'd like to make some significant progress on finishing my Scandinavian Mitten so I can show Sally.  I know what you're thinking - "Teacher's Pet".  Well, you'd be right.  I want to make a good impression!  I tried to knit on this last night, but it was impossible to give this graph 100% of my attention while catching up on the day with BF, so I switched to the easier BF Wedding Blanket which allowed me to knit and chat.

I did manage to cross the "Knit the Lace Chuppah" off my WIP To Do list, so I think it's fine to start on the BF Wedding Blanket, plus I just knew that I had to have a better idea of the yarn so I could order extra if needed (which is obviously the case!) in the same dye lot.  Wish me luck.

The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Knitting Mom

I went back to Knitting Central yesterday at the appointed time of Sally's knitting class.  Mind you, the class ended last week.  But I needed some quality knitting time.  It wouldn't hurt to finish my second Scandinavian Mitten, too.  When I pulled my project out of the bag, this is what I found:

I can only guess that my knitting bag got stepped on by the boys, by the dog, or the needle snapped as it was being tossed here and there in my comings and goings.  It was just as well.  I needed some mindless knitting so I picked up the Oh So Soft Baby Blanket and made some more progress on it.  Fortunately, I have an extra set of dpns so I'll be able to finish my mittens soon.

Scandinavian Mitten Smorgasborg

Today was the last of the three-part class on the Scandinavian Mitten at Knitting Central.  We had a great time and all made significant progress on our mittens.

Impressive, huh?  Thanks Sally for such a fun class.  I hope to make some more of these mittens in the future.  I think they'll make great gifts. 

I'm Done With My Homework

Teacher!  I've finished my homework for class on Wednesday.  I've finished the thumb gusset and knit the hand on my Scandinavian Mitten that Sally is teaching at my LYS - Knitting Central.  It's a great mitten and lots of fun to knit.

Here's the front with the snowflake pattern on the front.  Hmmmm.  I think I see a mistake on the zig-zag pattern on the right hand side.  C'est la vie.

Here's the palm with the thumb gusset on a piece of scrap yarn just waiting to learn the thumb technique as well as the hand decrease.  Hopefully, I'll be able to finish this one on Wednesday.  In the meantime, I hope to get my extra credit finished.  That is to say, I hope to make significant progress on the left hand mitten.  I'm getting much better at the two color knitting, but as you can see the bottom of the mitten is looser than the top.  I'm sure it will be fine on the finished mitten.

Sally's Scandinavian Mittens - Class Two

Today was my second class for the Scandinavian Mitten at my LYS - Knitting Central.  BF and I have been out of town all week and I flew home just for this class.  It was definitely worth the red-eye. Sally taught us how to make the thumb gusset on our mittens.

Here's the palm of the glove with the design and the thumb.

Here's the right side with the star design.

Sally has already finished the right hand and is working on the left hand.  Here's where I was at the end of today's class.

• US Size 3 dpns
• 1 skein - Great Adirondock Yarn Company - Kiki Peacock
• 1 skein - Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Brush - Color 1000 (white) - it's wonderfully soft and fluffy for extra nice mittens. 

Scandinavian Mitten Swatch

I started my swatch for the Scandinavian Mitten on a US Size 2 dpn because I go down a size on everything I knit.  Unfortunately, my swatch is already too small.  I think I'll have to make another swatch with the US Size 3 afterall.  I already started the cuff in the K2, P2 ribbing on the US Size 3s.

Here are some close-ups of my swatch:

Here's the front.

And here's the back.  I love the pattern.  I'm going to make another swatch and see how it compares.   

Scandinavian Mitten Class at my LYS

Today was the first of a three part class to learn how to knit these lovely Scandinavian Mittens at my LYS - Knitting Central.  Sally Ijams taught the class and I'm thrilled to be knitting these adorable mittens.  Here's Sally's sample

Sally knit these on US Size 3 needles with one skein of Plymouth Yarn - Baby Alpaca Brush in Color 1000 (white) and some Sirdar Balmoral DK Natural Tweed from her stash in the gray.  The Baby Alpaca Brush makes these mittens so soft and furry on the inside.  I can hardly wait to finish these puppies.

I've just started a Knitting Central fan club Group on Ravelry.  If you are a customer or fan of the wonderful things at Westport's Knitting Central - please join Knitting Central Knitters today.  Post all your pictures of projects or classes from our friendly LYS.  It will be fun to see everyone's work in one place. 

I know.  You're wondering about my other WIPs and UFOs (I might have to start calling FO's "Forgotten Objects").  I have several to work on.  The Pixie Jacket for a 6-9 month old baby; the Chemo Cap for my sister's friend; the cashmere socks for BF; the Newfoundland Mitts Revisited; and so on and so forth...

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Ever have one of those days when you get to do the things in life that you really love to do?  I did.  It was today.

This morning I taught a knitting lesson to a group of lovely ladies.  It was part of a knitting basket I had donated for a friend's fundraiser in the spring which included 4 skeins of Koigu sock yarn, some needles, some patterns and knit notes.  I included a gift certificate for a knitting lesson for 4 people.  I can't tell you how much fun I had sharing my passion.  I really do enjoy teaching people to knit - or expand their knowledge of knitting.  I'm not sure I can express in words the joy that I feel when someone else catches the knitting bug.  I'm happier than if I had managed to finish a masterpiece of knitting on my own. 

It's sort of similar to the buzz I get when we have a great Scouting event.  Tonight we had our Court of Honor (our awards and advancement ceremony).  I was thrilled that one of our senior Scouts passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review.  His is such a success story that it inspired me.  I closed tonight's ceremony with a Scoutmaster's Minute, which is a Scouting tradition where the Scoutmaster, in this case, yours truly, gets to give a few words of wisdom.  I always hope that somehow a bit of what I might say will stick with the boys.  This evening I talked about pride - good pride and bad pride.  I told them that tonight I was filled with a great deal of pride - the good kind.  I was proud of each and every one of them.  I was proud of the progress they had made.  I was proud of the outstanding individuals they proved themselves to be.  I was proud to have the pleasure of working with each and every one of them.  It's truly an honor to know each person in my Scouting family.

These are the things I truly love to do.  I am fortunate to have the opportunities to do those things that I am passionate about.  It's a great feeling.  What are your favorite things?

Playing Hooky, but not AWOL

Today is my third class for the Dale Baby Sweater at my LYS.  Unfortunately, this week is also my Marine Corps Reserve training week and I'm on active duty (thus the reason I'm commuting every day into Manhattan).  So I'm playing hooky from my knitting class (boo hoo!) but I'm not AWOL from my military orders.  Well, it's 0500 (Oh-Five-Hundred) and it's time to jump in the shower and start my day the military way. 

You know why military time always starts with an O don't you?  That's so you can say "Oh My God it's early!"

I hope you have a great day. 

To Steek or Not To Steek

That is the question.  But Sally at Knitting Central took us through the steps and made us realize it wasn't so difficult to cut through delicate hand knit stitches afterall.  In fact, she let us cut her swatch.  First she stitched each side twice, then Peggy took the scissors and carefully cut.  No one dared draw a breath for fear our universe would unravel.

I made the final cut that turned Sally's swatch into two separate pieces.

Then Sally took her Baby Dale Fair Isle sweater and sewed each side of the steek with her Singer Feather Weight sewing machine from days of old

After cutting the loose edges, she had a beautiful steek.

Here's a close-up of her handiwork

It's lovely.  Now we all have a great deal of homework to accomplish before our class in two weeks so we can get to this part and beyond.  Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to knit I go.

Major Knitter and Minor Crocheter

I went to Knitting Central for a private lesson with Danni this morning.  What do you suppose she taught me?

Well, to crochet of course.  My Dale Baby sweater and cap have crochet edges and I've been wanting to learn how to crochet the Warm Up America swatches together, instead of sewing them, for ages.  Today was my day.  Look at the scallop edging I managed to crochet on my Fair Isle swatch under Danni's eagle eyes.  Granted it's nothing compared to Danni's masterful work, but I really can only consider myself a Minor Crocheter at this point in my life.

Now I just need to master this scalloped edge on my very own in the green colorway onto the bottom edge of my baby cap.  How fun!  I also learned how to single chain stitch the WUA swatches together.  I'm really excited about today's lesson.  It was such a simple, basic thing to learn.  I didn't realize how much a base knowledge of crochet was missing in my knitterly life.  Thanks Danni!

Why The Furry Swatch? And Other Questions

Ta-da!  I proudly present my finished swatch from my Dale Baby Sweater class.

I finished it last night and blocked it.  I'm quite happy with the swatch.  It looks kind of funny, doesn't it, with all the fringe on each end?  It would drive me batty to weave in this many loose ends.  Why is the swatch knit this way, you ask?

I'm glad you asked.

Since you knit the Norwegian sweater in the round (always knitting and never purling), you need to knit every row of your swatch using the Knit Stitch - No Purling.  That means that you begin each and every single row of your swatch with fresh yarn and cut off the tails at the other end.  While it makes a furry swatch and is a bit messy, it saves you time while making your 4x4 swatch.  Yes, you could just knit a little 4x4 swatch in the round (but it would actually be a 4x4 two times since you have to knit the front and back), but it would take you twice as long.  If you're so inclined to do so, please do.  This little puppy took me a couple hours yesterday, so I appreciate the time savings.

I'm really going to try to knit by Baby Dale sweater using the two-handed method.  My tension is a little off, but I'm determined to master this technique even if my first attempt is a bit sophomoric.  It's the only way to improve and I really want to become a whiz with color knitting.

Swatching in Style

I had a wonderful time at Knitting Central today where I spent all afternoon knitting the swatch for my Dale Baby Sweater.  Sally taught us so much this afternoon - and even though I've done color work before - I managed to learn a lot of good habits this time around.

Here's my first swatch.  Yes.  I had to go down to a US Size 1 24" Turbo Addi as my stitch is just too loose.  The enlarged graph and the magnetic board purchased just for today's class were lifesavers.  I can't believe I never bought one of these chart holders before!

This is a close-up of Sally's sample swatch.  Aren't these colors just adorable for a baby boy? 

Sally and I are posing with our swatches.  I still need to knit about 2.5 more inches on my swatch before I can start the sweater.  I'll have pictures of my progress on this one.  I'm actually contemplating making the newborn sweater just so I can finish quickly, but I think I'll stick with either the 9 month or the 12 month sweater.  Stay tuned for updates.  The class meets every other Wednesday until Mid-October.   

Wednesday Can't Get Here Fast Enough

I can hardly wait for Wednesday at noon.  Why?  I'll be at Knitting Central taking a class with the Stupendous Sally on the Dale Baby Sweater.  Here's what the class blurb says on the website

Dale Baby Sweater

Sally Ijams will take you step by step through the construction of an adorable Dale Baby Sweater. Learn how to knit with many colors on one row, while keeping perfect gauge You will also learn to cut your fabric (steeking), pick up the stitches and live to tell about it! This will open up many avenues to your knitting-so don't be afraid. Pick any Dale sweater you want to participate in this class.

I picked this sweater out of the Baby Dale pattern book Number 135.  I think I'll make the cardigan.  Of course, I bought the yarn in the same colors as the pattern book because why would I want to make my brain work any harder than it has to by selecting my own colors?

If I'm so inspired, I might try the cute little matching cap as well.

I think there's still room in the class.  Want to come join us?  Call Knitting Central today!