Sunday, August 06, 2006

In which there is actual knitting content...

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...or at least discussion thereof.

First of all,

I AM AN ENABLER!

I believe I've found a kindred spirit in my new friend and coworker L., (yes, of the much belabored hockey stick story). She mentioned in an instant message a few weeks ago that she was on her way to a sewing class, and I knew immediately that she possessed the crafty gene and was therefore easy pickings for knitting instruction. I told her I was a knitter, and she then shared that she crocheted and wanted to learn to knit. (Mwaah-ha-ha! My evil plan was working!) So last week I packed a ball of yarn and a nice pair of Brittany #8 straights in my suitcase, just in case an opportunity arose to teach her. (I think I'd read that the Yarn Harlot always carries extra yarn and needles with her when she travels, for just such an occasion. One smart cookie, that Stephanie.)

Sure enough, opportunity did arise after dinner Wednesday night, and L. picked up the knit stitch with lightning speed. (I cast on for her, to speed the class along. She'll need to learn that, as well as purling and casting off, in this week's lesson). While she knit, I gave her a little primer on yarn (crap yarn vs. good; craft stores vs. yarn shops), and have convinced her that we need to stop by the Columbia LYS sometime this week. So if anyone in the Baltimore-Columbia area is reading this, we may go there this Wednesday between 5 and 6 pm. I'd love to run into other knit-bloggers.

[Edit: I forgot to mention that during L.'s lesson, I told her about the difference between Continental vs. English/American style knitting. I'm right-handed and currently only know English style, which is the method I taught her, but since L.'s a leftie, she took it upon herself to go to KnittingHelp.com and teach herself continental knitting over the weekend! I think I've discovered a knitting savant!]

When we were both back at our respective homes on Friday I sent L. an email with a list of Toronto yarn shops. Turns out she lives just a few blocks from the infamous Lettuce Knit, (not to be confused with the LYS here in Richmond of the same name, but which has no website whose website is here). L. was so cute -- she asked me if it would be "cheating" on her instructor (me) if she went to Lettuce Knit over the weekend to check it out. Can you imagine? I told her "Vaya con Dios" and to tell me all about it this week.

And so, fellow knitters, there's a new knitter on the planet. Rejoice!

Secondly,

Scout's UFO Meme:

Darn Scout, for casting the spotlight on all my unfinished projects! But, sometimes it's good to make lists - they can motivate productivity. So, here in its entirety, (I think), is a list of all my unfinished projects:


and several dozen other projects and skeins of yarn waiting in the wings.

And because that list up there is surely not long enough, I think I may cast on yet another project this week while traveling -- a Mason-Dixon Knitting ball band warshrag. I received the book for my birthday and read a few pages each night when I'm home in bed. Last night I read the pages that included the warshrag pattern and I closed the book and hugged it. Hugged it! Needless to say, I love this book and those ladies.

And finally, here's the lovely yarn that lovely-and-talented Courtney sent me after winning her blog contest:

ArtYarns Supermerino, color # 138
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Extreme close-up

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Those purples are hard to capture accurately, whether indoors or out, natural light, flash or incandescent. Neither picture is quite right, but you get the idea. I think this yarn may become a hat for my purple-loving niece's birthday in November. Anyone have any hat patterns that an 11-year-old girl would like? Anyway, thanks again, Courtney! I love this yarn!
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Welp, that's it for now. Another (even longer) week of vendor demos ahead of me. I catch a 4:40 train today, so must get my act together to leave on time.
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7 comments:

Krista said...

That is a lot of UFOs! Good luck with your next week of work. Odessa (Grumperina) is an awesome hat project. You could leave off the beads maybe?

Robin said...

We need to start "Enablers R Us"!

Sangeeta said...

Oh, i beg to differ my friend... www.lettucknitrichmond.com

Also, what is your IM handle?

Vickie said...

I just happened upon your web-site and I LOVE it. I, in the last 2 weeks have taught myself to knit. I am going to our local library on August 12th for beginner lessons to make sure I'm doing it right. I can knit and purl.

I am 54 years old, I am a seamstress and I do all kinds of needle work and can crochet up a storm. I have always wanted to learn to knit but for some reason I would wind up throwing it down with frustration. This time I was DETERMINED to learn. I LOVE it.

I am loving your blog. Keep sharing!! Vickie in Alabama!!

knitfriendly said...

That is wonderful that you were able to teach someone else to knit. I have taught a friend at work and it is so much fun to see her excited about knitting. :)

Gingersnaps with Tea... said...

It's all a plot. I have converted 2 of my co-workers into knitters and am now working on the girls at the beauty salon next door. Now when work is quiet, we sit around discussing and sharing our knitting projects.
By the way, I am a leftie but knit "English" style with one needle tucked under my arm. Also, I have a great hat pattern, my 12-year-old loves his as does my 12-year-old neice. It's Fiber Trends "Everyone's Favourite Hat & Scarf" Designed by Evelyn A. Clark. www.fibertrends.com, I picked it up at my LYS.

Ranger Susie said...

I'm pretty sure my list is longer, Mary. ;)