One of the things I find challenging is working on projects that are, by their nature, long-term projects. For me, these are mostly modular projects--like the Crocheted Flowers Scarf, the Building Blocks afghan, or the Noro (Plymouth Gina) Log Cabin Afghan.
In the interest of making regular consistent progress on one or more of these, I've considered establishing a once-a-month knit-(or crochet)-along time. Would anyone be interested in joining me? The sessions would be 5-7pm on either a Wednesday or Friday, something like the last Friday of each month, or the first Wednesday. No cost beyond needed materials, and help available, but this would be structured as a joint work session, rather than a formal class. Let me know if you would be interested, and if you need an idea for a suitable project, check out this bundle of modular blanket patterns. One of several nice things about projects like these is that you don't necessarily need to purchase all of the yarn at one time, especially if you are using multiple colors.
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There is space available in both the Flax and Library Vest classes.
The Flax sweater from Tin Can Knits is sized for humans from baby to adult; for this class, we will be focusing on the smaller sizes in order to work through a beginning sweater project in a timely fashion. The sweater is knit from the top down using raglan sleeve shaping. We will learn to set up the project for the increases, divide sleeves from body, and critically assess the steps of knitting.
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The Library Vest from Churchmouse Yarns continues their tradtion of developing patterns with simple, wearable, classic lines. This four-session class will cover all fundamental steps of the construction of this piece: short-row shaping (using an invisible technique), armhole and shoulder shaping, integral pockets, and finishing, including seaming and picking up stitches for button bands and armholes.
For both classes, prerequisites: you should be able to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off, and have some familiarity with reading patterns. You should also be committed to completing the homework knitting assigned for each session.
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Soft Donegal
Last week I was also pleased to add Studio Donegal's Soft Donegal in 21 colors. The palette is stunning, and the tweedy bits add interest in texture and color. Clara Parkes of Knitter's Review did an in-depth review of the yarn, and you can check out her evaluation here. I've started a sweater (see below), and am loving the way it knits up.
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needleclicks etc stitch markers & Della Q Bags
Last week, Yarn Folk brought in a new line of stitch markers from needleclicks etc.--a fancy (and adorable) marker is combined with matching beaded rings. Choose from tiny sweaters, socks, mittens, sheep, chickens, or lady bugs!
I also received a shipment of some needle cases from Della Q, and included some of her project bags in my order. They make me smile! The available phrases are: 'cheaper than therapy," "shhhh I'm counting," and "knitting is sitting for creative people."
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This week, I'm expecting Vivacious DK from Fyberspates (new to the shop) and an order from Plymouth, restocking many of your favorite basics--on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
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I finished Bradway, a worsted weight shawl, in Plymouth Merino Textura. (It made me smile when the Ravelry blog highlighted "grellow" color combos in their eye candy feature just as I was finishing up the knitting.) After blocking, the finished size was as the pattern stated: a 70" wingspan, and 35" deep--a nice size for wrapping up in.
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I did finish the shawl before casting on a new sweater project. My anticipation kept me focused, as I was excited to start building the Daelyn Pullover from Isabell Kraemer in the Soft Donegal tweed. It's knit from the top down with short-row shaping for the upper back, and I've just separated the sleeves from the body. The style is simple, but there are nice shaping details at the hem, and the back is knit in garter stitch, while the sleeves and front are stockinette, which creates a nice interplay between two textures.
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For frequent updates, check in on Facebook, Instagram, and the Yarn Folk site. On Ravelry, my user name is YarnFolkAnn. I look forward to talking with you soon!
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