When the planets align...

...there is magic!  I had a spindle class on Saturday and there is a great sense of satisfaction and fun when a student has their a-ha moment of knowledge.  Whether it is controlling the drafting zone in spinning, or as in my case, picking up stitches for a neck band in seed stitch, when executed correctly it is a magical moment.

Sara shows off her first hand spun yarn.  

I picked up the stitches around the SWAK & Hugs for the seed stitch neck band.  So far, so good...the yarn is quite lofty and I hope it does not look too big when I wear it.  Humph, I am not happy with the collar or the arm band.  I did, however, find the perfect buttons.  Luckily I bought some a few months back when JoAnn, ETC had them and I needed two more.  They had them again!  Once I regroup and re-knit, I'll sew those lovely buttons on, block, and have a new vest to wear!

My current NBK (No Brain Knitting) project is a Baktus scarf knitted with Noro lace weight yarn.  I like the way the yarn over increase looks.  I began making the Lacy Baktus, but did not like the look of the fabric.  Noro has a thick and thin texture which lends itself well to plain stitching.  

So Fine Scarf on size US 1/2.25 mm needles

SWAK & Hugs Vest with the perfect buttons!

Last night at It's Your Choice, we had a good time.  The entrelac projects are progressing, a Fair Isle bag needed a bit of math adjustment and is looking good, some beautiful knee socks benefitted from a quick lesson in duplicate (Swiss darning) stitching, and some warm slippers are going to keep some feet warm, soon!  I thought I would be able to wear my vest, but I am pushing to have it finished along with the Tangled Vest by our next class!

Check out the previous post for upcoming classes and Spin-Ins at Shepherd's Choice.

Thinking of green and steeks

I'm making progress on the cardigan and the vest.  You can see the three-stitch steek forming nicely up the front of the cardigan.  The vest is very fun to knit and I really like the Donnegal yarn.  My fingers feel soft from the bit of lanolin in the yarn.  The cabling is easy, although I got ahead of myself and forgot to make the first twists in the middle.  It was only one row, so not a big deal.  I rarely knit anything without having to tink at some point. 

We're having very cold temps, but it's sunny and doesn't seem so cold.   Eevee uses her paths to navigate around the yard.  I need to bring in some wood for the fireplace before we get more snow.

The deep freeze is back

The January thaw is over and the cold and a fresh coating of snow is back.  I was getting a bit tired of the melting slop. 

I'm actively knitting on  four projects at present.  The #11 cardigan is progressing quickly.  I do like the thought of a steek, although I'll know more when I secure and cut it!  I began the Stone Walls vest with the two hanks of gorgeous green yarn from Ireland.  I wanted to do the XO vest, but I want to be sure to have enough.  I'm almost finished with the 2 1/2-inches of ribbing and then will start the texture and cabling.  That's the best part.  I have two sock yarn scarves going, which are great for tucking into my bag when I'm out and about.  Since Mom and I can't go out today, I'll probably take along the two big projects so she can see them. 

In February, I'll be finishing up my first Wood Badge ticket.  That will be nice!  Four more to go after that.  I have 15 months to finish all five.  One thing I'm determined to finish this year is my Level II Master Handknitting.  It's a great program that makes one really dig in and focus on technique, history, writing, and projects.  Level I helped me become a better knitter and teacher.

I made the cookies from the mix Mom made at one of her activities.  They are really good, too.  The jar was so charming, I hated to empty it, but we needed some home-baked goodies over the weekend.  With Ben gone I don't bake as much.  Jim's working hard for cycling and Philmont and I'm just trying to keep my "girlish" figure.  I'd really rather just crop, cut, and paste with Photo Editor, but alas, it's not possible! 

Gone batty

Well, I lasted a little longer into the new year before caving--I got the yarn for a Lopi cardigan, which I've wanted to knit for years.  It's got steek stitches in the front, although I am convinced I don't like having just two purl stitches.  I'm a little past joining in the round and decided to put in an extra stitch between the two steek stitches, and then on either side I'll twist the knit stitches.  Rather than the purls showing on the front, I can work a crochet chain up the twisted stitches and then cut the center.  Anyway, that's the plan.  

The Batty Baktus Flat Feet Scarf is coming along.  It's a nice NBK (no brain knit) and I like the color way.  The first panel for the increases is almost finished, and then the second panel will be for the decreases.  

21.01.10 I took out the Lopi cardigan to the ribbing and re-knit with the 3-stitch steek.  I also decided to finally finish the sleeve of the Rustic cardigan.  I don't think I'll go with the wood buttons, though.  With nine buttons, I don't want to have to take them off when it's washed.