What sort of justification do you use, when you want to start a new project – even though you already have umpteen projects going? For me, the rationale for casting on comes in a couple forms. Both hit me in the last two weeks.
Exhibit A:
This project got going when I was facing a fair bit of travel time – from Oregon to New York to California and back to Oregon again – and none of my existing projects seemed quite right. (“That’s too fiddly. That’s in time-out. That’s too boring.” Etc., etc.) Panicked at the thought of plane-knitting time without an appropriate project, I picked the yarn and the stitch patterns when packing, and cast on while on plane #1. The yarn is Knitting Notions Classic Merino Bamboo, and the stitch patterns are Trellis Shell and Snowdrop Lace. The likelihood of completing this project? Pretty good – despite its raggedy unblocked appearance, this design shows promise. But it won’t be completed anytime soon because... well, see Exhibit B:
This newly-started project is a classic example of my “but what if?” form of startitis. While at Stitches West, the idea for a shawl popped into my head: boomerang-shaped, with bands of garter stitch and lace. But what lace pattern? After poking about in my favorite stitch dictionary, I chose Fleurette. But would it work in a boomerang shape?? The need to find out right now is what prompted me to cast on. And, jeez, I’m glad I did. I’m really liking this design.
Sadly, I’m going to need to start over with a different yarn. Using a process similar to that described in my July 2017 newsletter, I’ve estimated the max size of the shawl given my limited yarn supply, and realized it would be too small. Oh, well. Better to estimate now and avoid disappointment later, right? |
|
|
Despite my recent spurt of startitis, I have managed to make progress on my brioche hat.
A month ago, I wasn’t sure how I wanted to finish off the brim. So I placed a lifeline, and knit an inch or so of plain brioche rib below the main honeycomb pattern. Yeah, that didn’t turn my crank – it wasn’t cush enough to match the fabric on the rest of the hat – so I ripped back to the lifeline, and put a new plan in place: Just keep knitting the honeycomb pattern for several more inches, then wear the hat with the bottom folded up. That’ll make for seriously thick and cush fabric right over my ears, right where I want extra warmth. Bonus: folding the bottom up will reveal the the inside of the hat, which features a contrasting but definitely coordinating appearance.
The moral of the story? When designing on the needles, insert a lifeline at each decision point so you can easily go back if you change your mind later!
|
|
April is always such a busy month for me! Starting it off right is Beginning Brioche at Ewethful Fiber Farm, which I talked about in my last newsletter. Then in quick succession it’s Interweave Yarn Fest, Yarnover, and a couple classes at 3 Kittens.
At Yarn Fest, I’m teaching Lace Basics, Entrelac Basics, and Multi-directional Scarves. There’s still room in all of them! Interested? Sign up here.
Yarnover is always a hoot. This year, Bristol Ivy is giving a keynote talk on the topic of inspiration – where she finds it, and where the rest of us can find it. I’m looking forward to it! (As if i need more inspiration, given my startitis problem!) By the way, Slick Set-in Sleeves has sold out, but there’s still room in Charts Made Simple – sign up here.
After Yarnover I get to extend my stay in Minneapolis by teaching two of my favorite classes at 3 Kittens: Get Twisted! and Wedge Shawl Design. Contact 3 Kittens if you’re interested.
|
|
Shore excursions!
The Fjords and Highlands Knitting cruise is coming up quick! After receiving details on the knitter-specific shore excursions that Craft Cruises has arranged, I decided to sign up for all of them. Why not, right? When else would I get the chance to take a walking tour of historical Copenhagen, visit a working croft, learn about the history of Irish linen, view a Kieran Foley trunk show, attend Woollinn, visit Hedgehog Fibres, and tour the New Lanark Mills World Heritage Site?
I have to say, I’m seriously impressed by the thought and effort that’s gone into arranging these special shore excursions. It just goes to show the quality experience that’s part of taking a Craft Cruise. So even if you can’t join me on the Fjords and Highlands Knitting cruise, do check out their other options. You won’t be disappointed!
|
|
The cruise begins and ends in Copenhagen, so it feels right to be reading The Little Book of Hygge by Danish author Meik Wiking. CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, he takes care to explore the concept of hygge in depth. Sometimes translated as “coziness,” hygge also touches on safety, togetherness, and a smidge of indulgence. And candles. Lots of candles.
|
|
Wrapping up my spring teaching season is Black Sheep Gathering, in its new location at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, OR.
Mark your calendars! Registration opens on April 7.
|
|
|
|
