A little about knitting – Page 10

October 29, 2010

Can I Vent?

Sometimes things just get to me. People are always willing to absolve themselves of responsibility as long as there are jackasses like me pick up the slack. Not to say that all slack picker-uppers are asses, some of my best friends are slack suckers. I just marvel at the fact that this happens so frequently even with people who sign on to be responsible. This, I know, makes absolutely no sense out of context but none the less, I feel all the better for writing it.

Now, on to more enjoyable stuff…Knitting. I was cruising around Ravelry, looking at some of my friends finished projects and found myself amazed at the beautiful items they knit. One young lady knit not one, but two dresses. DRESSES! Holy cow! And, here is the rub…they looked amazing on her. I asked how she progressed to the point of having the skill to create such complex and customized pieces. What came out of our conversation was my habit of ‘over thinking’. I do this. I know I do. I analyze each stitch and row to death.

I found this in an article in Scientific American:

“Trying to concentrate on monitoring the quality of your performance is counterproductive because the cerebellum, which controls complex motor tasks, is not consciously accessible.”

In spite of the research nature of the whole concept, I felt so encouraged but not for the reason you may think. I am tickled pink that my over thinking is proof positive that I have a brain! Phew! All of this thinking about over thinking has me thinking I need a drink. Then I’ll get creative!

Peace out!
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March 30, 2010

Kate is a genius!

Kate, you are quite handy when it comes to blogging! Either that or you have a way of knowing when that glass of wine and pending sleep are beginning to show!
Rules to live by…what you think may be lost forever might just be hiding out in your drafts!

March 30, 2010March 12, 2017

Group Effort

Some of the ladies I knit with are knitting up squares that will be sewn together as a wedding gift for the daughter of one of our members. This is a very cool idea. The major setback, as I see it, is gauge. We all began with size 6(USA) needles and patterns from Barbara Walker’s book ‘Learn to knit Afghan’. Many of us were coming up with squares that were way too big. The ideal was an 8.25-8.5″ square. Depending on the stitch pattern, my needle size ranged from a 4-6! None the less, this is a super fun project for a group. Each square will contain the knitters style, gauge and vibe. The first square I knit was good. I did not care for how tight my knitting was, but it worked out to be the right proportion. The second square I really did not like at all. The pattern was not fluid and I don’t think it will translate well to an afghan. The square I am working on now (a diamond pattern) is very fun. I like the pattern a lot! After a few repeats, you can get the hang of the pattern and can work without written instruction. The square will be nice and symmetrical and fit nicely into an afghan.

Square #1

This is my first square. I like the outcome, but wish it weren’t so tight.

Triangular Rib

This is the second square, Triangular Rib. I have blocked it to shape, but if you notice the two outer ribbed sections and the one central rib; these make for a very compact square. I would have chosen something different if hind-sight were fore-sight.

This is the latest one. The yarn is a lighter color. The pattern is basically Stockinette Stitch with a Garter Stitch Diamond Pattern. I love this pattern. It is fun; not frustrating. The chart is easy to read and mistakes (if I made any…lol) are easily fixed.

I hope to continue posting photos of not just my squares, but those of the ladies in the group. Everyone is doing such nice work. I cannot wait for the Bride-To-Be to see her wonderful afghan.

I have to say, this is my favorite square so far. What frustrated me about the Triangular Rib was completely absent from this square. The pattern is textural without being busy. The pattern was easy to get the hang of and I think it lends itself beautifully to our project for its smooth edges and flat presentation.

I had a thought today. Yes, just one! :). The idea of knitting squares, whether for a sampler blanket, or for dishcloths/pot holders, is a fantastic way to ‘get to know’ a stitch pattern. Too often I have embarked on a project that looks lovely, only to discover the stitch pattern within the design is a real test of my sanity! I am the kind of knitter that wants to work on patterns that I enjoy. Sitting and knitting while thoughts of ‘I hate this flipping pattern…I hate this flipping pattern’ bubble and rattle around in my head seems, I dunno, contrary to why I knit. Not to mention the mess I would make on my project if I impaled myself with a needle out of despair. So here is my plan. Work a square of the stitch pattern for my next project, either for a dishcloth, dolly blanket or hot pad for coffee. If I have homicidal thoughts, pan it; on to the next.

So, as I mentioned earlier, that was my thought for the day. My work here is done. I am off to cast on a pattern called…dunno…I maxed out my thought quota.

March 29, 2010

Grrr….

I just spent 30 minutes writing a post (complete with pictures even), only to discover it did not get posted! I wanna scream! Instead, I am going for a walk where I will scream to the wildlife at the very top of my lungs. SONOFABITCHBASTARD!~!!!!

March 22, 2010

Fact of the Day

Did you know that the directional is dead? That’s right. The one and only device that lets us know someone plans to make a left or right-hand turn has bitten the bullet. RIP.

January 30, 2010

Here She is…Miss America

Yup, Miss America is telling us how hairspray can be used to prevent underarm perspiration and ‘excessive jiggling’ while wearing a bikini. OK, as if that is not bad enough…Butt Glue and WD40? I won’t even begin to tell you how these are used. Just gotta tell you, the life of a beauty queen is not a glamorous one. Creepy.

December 29, 2009

So Cliche`

I bet you are expecting some sappy farewell to 2009. Well sorry to disappoint! Message to 2009: Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

December 17, 2009

Good News

Since our last visit to the SPCA, our feline friend ‘Cookie’ and his brother ‘Julio’ have been adopted! Yeah! They were two of the sweetest kittens EVAH!
Our latest visit introduced us to Oreo and Kathy, a black and white and a calico kitten. Both were very playful. Kathy has already been adopted but I am certain Oreo is not long for the shelter.
In spite of our subsequent allergies, we had a wonderful visit and cannot wait for the next opportunity to visit the pets.
I am going to be knitting coats for the dogs so I welcome all yarn donations! We are going to be visiting the shelter every week so anything you wish to donate can be left with us.