Monday, May 14, 2007

Held up on the first swatch

Maybe I'm just being too picky, but I keep changing my mind about what cast-on and increase techniques to use for my first Master Knitter swatch. Part of the issue is that I have to cite sources for everything I do, which I think will mean I need to dig through my knitting books and select references that describe the techniques in the way I actually do them. Unfortunately, I've picked up a few things from books I don't actually own (For example, I checked out Notes on Double Knitting the library in Bloomington, but haven't found a copy since moving away from Indiana.), so I may have to switch back to more common techniques. I probably could use the practice in techniques I don't usually use, anyway.

I went to Good Fibrations with some of the Saturday knitting group this past weekend. I hadn't been there before, since usually I just stick with Village Wools here in town. I thought it was I very nice shop. I especially liked how the yarn was organized by gauge, which can make it easy to select yarn for a specific project. We all delighted in testing a Louet Victoria wheel. It treadles so smoothly and can fit into a carry-on bag. If I were more of a spinner I would be sorely tempted, but I think my Ashford Traditional will suffice for now. I didn't make it out of the shop without buying something, though. I picked up a hank of navy blue laceweight merino from the sale shelf (You never know when you'll need another shawl, right?) and cleaned out all the balls of burgundy Hempathy. I'm thinking of knitting a summer top. Wool sweaters have a limited season out here, so I really should start playing with cooler fibers if I want to be able to wear my knits in other seasons.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi! I just found your blog through an article in Spring Knitty which led me to your Widdershins sock pattern (great name) which led me to your post promising response to comments on your Widdershins sock pattern. I would like to make those socks, but would love to know your response to the comments on the pattern. Will this help you craft your next blog entry?

pooster said...

One of my on-again-off-agains is in Bloomington. Give me a yell if you want me to send her in search of the book.

Stell said...

Widdershins is my fav sock heel, and i read just now on Brend Daynes blog at cast-on that is is now hers

thanks again for the pattern

stella
ps keep us informed on the master knitting progress.

Mavis said...

Brooke, I love your Widdershins sock pattern, it is my favorite toe up sock to knit. Do you have the pattern written for any other size? I am teaching a toe up sock class at my LYS in August and would be thrilled to use this pattern. If you have the calculations already done for other sizes/gauges, can you share them?

Mavis in CT
shasta@ct.metrocast.net