knit through my stash

it’s been so long since i’ve had the pleasure :(

it’s getting colder here, time for mittens and a new hat.

i would love a pair of those mittens with the flap over the fingers. i work outside more often now, and i need to keep my hands warm and still have my fingertips free. i am tempted to just go buy a pair, but making something with my own hands again would be such a joy! maybe i will look for a pattern…

so i measured the body of the sweater. it is 66”. that’s 5 and 1/2 FEET circumference. i can’t stop laughing!!

“Gauge is a precision game; there is no room for a relaxed attitude. There are many knitters who, after knitting a couple of gauge swatches, make the classic error of thinking that a measly little inconsequential half a stitch more per inch is no big deal. So it will be a little smaller. That’s okay. For example, how about a sweater that has a bust measuring 40 inches, with a gauge of 4 stitces to 1 inch. You are getting 4 1/2 stitches to the inch and you just ran out of patience for this whole “getting gauge game.” You are planning to go ahead. In the end, you will end up with a sweater that is 35 1/2 inches around. A half stitch in the other direction, and your sweater measures 46 inches long. Gauge is serious business.”

I will remember that not everyone likes knitting to be serious. If I decide to play it fast and loose with gauge, I will make a point of befriending people of various sizes and shapes. It will fit someone.

~from At Knit’s End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee “The Yarn Harlot” p. 138

because i did not have the double pointed needles i needed for the sleeves. i’ve had to be so frugal and i’ve been so busy i just put the whole project aside. this week i scared up a few of those 40% off coupons they put in the sunday paper, and i saved on my purchase of two sets of size seven double pointeds and a set of double pointed needle holders. the weather has suddenly gotten cooler and it makes me want to knit again. so now i am ready.

knitter’s everywhere seek: finishing one skein and joining the next. what a relief! i am making good progress. this next skein will get me through to the underarms, then i will start the sleeves on different needles. the pattern is a raglan cardigan. never tried a raglan before, i like it a lot….so far

i am knitting this sweater on a circular needle, sides and back at once no sideseams. Each row takes forever. I am able to complete two rows in the time it takes me to take my 15 minute break, four rows if I work on it during my one hour lunch. It is slow going but I am glad to be working on it again, and I do enjoy hypnotizing my coworkers with the repetitive movements of the needles.

been working on it again in my free time. its a very simple pattern a nice cotton acrylic blend soft and lightweight. not making it for anyone in particular, thought if i get in done in time i’ll donate it to the holiday gift silent auction fundraiser at work in November. it’s looking like it will end up much too large for me to wear anyway.