For the kids, I'm thinking I'll crank out a few of these Scrap Cardigans (pattern is available for free on Ravelry!)...looks like a fun knit (from the neck down), and a great way to bust my stash of worsted weight yarn!
Today I attended a sock-knitting workshop taught by the knowledgeable, humourous, and infinitely patient Nancy of Log Cabin Yarns. I finally learned the Magic Loop cast-on, and actually completed a child's sock (knit from the toe-up) in about 3 hours!
We were all excited by our success, and the thrill of learning a few new techniques (including various binding-off methods). Is there anything more exciting for a knitter (besides a handful of cash and a yarn sale, that is), than learning something new? Whether it's accomplishing your first purl stitch, casting on by yourself, learning to knit in the round, or trying a cable, there's always something more you can add to your knitting repertoire.
I had to use the flash to demonstrate the lovely shades in this Noro yarn I picked up today. The title of that sheet of paper is "The Dreaded Sock Math" which allows one to calculate the exact measurements to create a sock that fits just so. After preparing food to begin a cleanse tomorrow, making lunches, and laying out school/work clothes this evening, I hope to cast on TWO socks to be knit simultaneously. My husband is suitably impressed by this prospect, although he's having trouble wrapping his mind around exactly how I plan to do it...ah, the mysterious knowledge of knitters!
In your comment, tell me one thing YOU hope to learn or accomplish in this brand new year!
I plan to learn how to at least cast on and at least knit one sock from what we learned today.My other goals are to finish 2 or 3 quilts and sort my photos before using my new DIGITAL.
ReplyDeletei hope to learn to crochet so that i can crochet a rug as well as cover a stone or ten! : ) what does a cleanse entail?
ReplyDeleteOne person knit 14 sweaters, 12 pairs of socks AND 7 shawls in one year?? OMG, that's CRAZY!
ReplyDeleteI admire your goals. I have yet to knit any socks and I have been working on my 1st sweater for 14 months. I plan to finish it this year. :-)
My bigger goal though, is to publish my first pattern. Working on a test knit now.
I want to learn how to knit. Period!
ReplyDeleteStephanie :)
www.simplicitymom.blogspot.com
I want to learn how to play at least ONE song, confidently, on my guitar!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to tackle socks too. I'll be starting from scratch, as I've never even attempted one, but I have the prettiest yarn sitting there just waiting for me to learn!!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I've been shocked with the major knitting this last year too. I like your goals and your family will too. Great idea taking a class for the Magic Loop. Someone tried teaching me it but I wasn't ready and major knitting frustration was created. I'm comfortable with two circs for now but also know that I'm not always going to have two of everything (although I'm working on it) so you getting this new technique plus knitting two socks at a time is a major accomplishment. Can't wait to see the progress. I love the yarn you picked. It will be gorgeous as socks.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Monday!
Had a great time yesterday! Not sure magic loop is better than two circulars (my fav for two at a time socks) but I'm going to give it a try. I can't think of something new to learn, but I'm going to try and finish/sort through my UFOs and knit myself a pair of stockings.
ReplyDeleteOkay, third attempt at commenting (e-gremlins are busy at it today). A knitterly goal...get ready for it dear knitting mentor...a sweater. Yes. I'm feeling all expansive now after knitting my first hat in the round. WooHoo!
ReplyDeleteDonna, please do start using your new camera NOW. You capture such lovely images. You will have a blast with the DSLR.
I'm teaching some friends the basic stitches next week...my knitting goal for the year is to keep learning and sharing so they continue to think I'm a crafty goddess. Just kidding about that last part, but I do want to take part in more group sessions. Knitting is a lovely solitary activity, but it's another great opportunity to connect with other fantastic and creative women (and some men), so I want to take advantage of that.
ReplyDeletePS...the yarn you chose is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI had a quest to knit a pair of socks...I am, only after a few hours (blood sweat and tears too) almost done with the first one! I am also on a quest to make the perfect cartigan for my husband...the kids maybe too..we'll see.
ReplyDeleteI just finished turning my very first heel this afternoon! I am hoping that once I get a little better at picking up stitches I am going to try a cardigan for Lily.
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