A Lot of Things Can Happen in a Year

In this case, I knit a shawl.

I started this project last June. I had my eye on the Icarus pattern since it was published. It is so lovely. Simple lines with a lacy edging. Big enough to wrap around yourself and stay on your shoulders.

I did one less repeat of the body than was recommended as I wasn't sure I'd have enough yarn. Even so, this shawl, from tip to tip, is longer than a queen sized bed.

Now. Where will I wear it?

Being Crafty

I don't consider myself a crafty person. Yes, I knit but other than that, I think I'm pretty un-crafty. I'm no Martha Stewart. I don't have a craft room. I don't sit and make paper lanterns with my children. When I need cards, I buy them (or get the kids to fold up paper). I just knit.

However, I did go to a craft show today. I had heard there was yarn and where there's yarn, I'm not far behind. And I learned a number of things.

Lesson 1: There are a hell of a lot of quilters in the world
Every 2nd booth was a quilters booth, or fabric, or sewing machines. And there were quilted bags and jackets and people everywhere. Quilting seems to be where it's at (how is it that even at a craft show I'm not in the cool crowd?)

Lesson 2: Whenever you find cute buttons, buy them.
Lesson 3: I'm not meant to be a crafter.
Yes - I made this lovely jewelled book mark. It wasn't that hard really. But, it was too fiddly and there were too many pieces involved and there were so many tools, needle-nose this, and wire cutter that. They roped me in because I learned Viking knitting. Which was interesting, but likely won't be used 'round these parts again. Into the Christmas gift pile you go....

Lesson 4: Stainless steel in yarn is pretty darned cool
Saw a scarf knit in this that I must replicate. Must.

Lesson 5: You're NOT an idiot, even if after months of owning a spinning wheel you still can't use it.
At least, that's what the ladies of the Spinning Guild assured me. So, I'm supposed to go on a Saturday, Istvan (that's what I call my wheel) in hand, and learn from some greats. And I hear there's cake.

So, it was a good day out. I even brought along J., virtually. It was almost as good as having her with me. Ok, maybe that's stretching it....

So Pretty

I have wanted to knit Rhombus socks since I saw the first previews of Knit Sock Love.

They came up for May in the Knit Sock Love knita long on Ravelry. I am delighted with these socks.

They are knit in Wollmeise Twin yarn which I think really shows off the pattern well. Lots of twisted stitches and tricky cables to keep you paying attention.

Aren't they lovely? My usual photographer was out of town today, so P1 (who turned 5 in April) stood in. Didn't she do a great job? I think the Dude has been replaced as my photographer of choice. P1 is excited to help and doesn't complain nearly as much.

Four times a charm?

Neck edging attempt #1: Couldn't get over my head.

Neck edging attempt #2: Went up 3 needle sizes, couldn't get over my head.

Neck edging attempt #3: Same needle size as attempt #2 and did loose bind-off. Way too loose and flopping. No structure to it.

Neck edging attempt #4: (to be attempted at some point in the next 24hours) - Same needle size as attempt #2. Same bind-off as #3, but will tighten up each stitch.

If that doesn't work, I'll just hit the scotch.

More Socks

I need to branch out. Its seems like all I've been knitting lately is socks. But WHAT socks. If I had to only knit socks, I would pick Cookie A's patterns.

Here is the second pair for April.

They're Mona in Dream in Colour Smooshy. I didn't love this pattern the first time I saw it. Having knit them, I do like them more. They're not my favourite socks ever but they were fun to knit, easy to memorize and a pleasant addition to my sock stock pile. The Smooshy yarn didn't really impress me. I loved the colours but the yarn itself was very thick and thin in spots. Maybe this is not the norm. (Let me know what your experiences are with this yarn. I would try it again if I knew that there were knitters out there

who love it.)

May brings Rhombus, which looks like a floral lattice pattern to me. I'm using Wollmeise Twin yarn in a bold turquoise colour.

With all this sock knitting going on, is anyone going to Sock Summit? What classes are you interested in? Maybe I'll see you there...