Knitting In Public

I have been knitting at the shop, knitting in public (aka KIP'ing). Its a small but open space, and the counter is directly across from the front door, which is set into a wall of glass, so I when I'm sitting there knitting I am rather obvious to those walking in the entrance. These two couples walk in, and the one man says "Hey you're knitting - do you know my mom?" What do you say to that? I don't think he meant to be funny, but I thought it was hysterical.  Its like saying - "hey, you're from New York, do you know Joe Smith?"  What are the chances?

Back to the customer- he said she always has a project in the works, and once we started chatting you could tell he was proud of her work.  It was actually very sweet.  She sounds like my kind of lady!

I suppose there are people out there who think of knitting as an activity for the older generations, but it is for all ages who want to create, and I am glad to have learned. Knitters are all ages - from senior citizens to seniors in high school.  I've had teenage girls chat with me about patterns, a little shyly at first, but you can tell they enjoy it too. I think its wonderful that knitting is coming back into vogue and is garnering the respect that any handcraft deserves.  I've told lots of knitters about Ravelry, and even met a few who already knew and we chatted about how awesome it is to have such a resource of patterns, expertise and camaraderie right at your fingertips.   There is something quite theraputic about following a pattern, and not thinking about the trials and tribulations of the world, and after a while you have something to show for it.  A lovely handmade item that you can treasure yourself, or give to someone you love, or just give away to someone in need.  What could be better than inexpensive 'me' time that produces an actual useful thing?  Although I am not Catholic, I have been chatting with friends about taking time during Lent to reflect, and knitting is a great opportunity for that.

Can you tell I am in a knitting happy place today?

So what's new on my needles?  I'm starting a new scarf for my dad, in Brooks Farms Solo - a 100% wool DK weight and it is a joy to knit.  Soft and smooth, and hopefully it will turn out as beautifully as I expect it will.  I am trying The Prismatic Scarf from Feather and Fan - I can't wait to see how the colors work out.  She has alot of lovely patterns on her site - I am looking forward to trying more!

[caption id="attachment_60" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Prismatic Beginnings"][/caption]

Fly Fishing Gloves

A friend of mine asked me to make him long fingerless gloves for when he goes fly fishing.  It is a fun and easy project, for the most part, so I was happy to get started.  I couldn't find a men's pattern that I liked with short fingers, so I took a super popular pattern called Dashing (from Knitty.com) and added fingers based on a men's glove pattern.  Modifying patterns is something new for me, so it was an adventure!  I have finished the first, and tried to take good notes so I can finish the second just the same. 

[caption id="attachment_37" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="First One Is Done"][/caption]

 

I've been knitting at the shop when it gets quiet, and I am amused at how many people are interested and politely ask questions.   I have met some nice knitters, and told some people about Ravelry.  Its such a fun community of knitting knowledge.

I am using Plymouth Yarn's Galway and am really enjoying it.  I wanted a yarn he could toss in the wash without worrying about it felting.  (Don't I sound like I know what I am talking about?  I don't really, but I am learning!)

[caption id="attachment_38" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Love those cables!"][/caption]

 

I told you I'm crazy about cables!

Spring is Sprouting

I am desperate for spring, and saw a few signs this morning when I went to take Princess Muddy Paws out for her walk.  The crocus are up and blooming, my neighbor's tulips are starting to come up, and my beautiful gravity defying Prince William rose is shooting sprouts and new growth!  This year I am going to measure it, to see how tall it grows.  The last few years it has stretched up over the light fixture at the front door, and up to the second story window casings.  It really is a remarkable plant.  Smells wonderful too.

 

 

Cables, cables, cables

Is there anything prettier than cables?  I am making fingerless gloves for my sister.  They were supposed to be to keep her hands warm this winter, but winter is fading fast in her neck of the woods, and I only have one finished.  It is just so pretty though that I had to share...

Aren't they lovely?  This pattern is Fetching, from Knitty.com.  The cables all swirl in one direction on the right wrist, and in the opposite direction on the left wrist.  Very demure.  I'm using Lion Brand Cotton Ease for easy care.  I don't know how they'll stretch or wear, but we'll see.  This is a perfect blue for Elizabeth.  Looking at the photo though, I seem to have done one cable row, one row too soon.  Ergh.

It really is a fabulous pattern - easy to read, and an easy on-the-go project too.  I love, love, love this patter, and I am curious to know how many people have knit it.  On Ravelry alone, there are 10,371 pairs listed.  TEN THOUSAND!   How cool is that?  Plus several "Fetching-inspired" projects and patterns available too.  A big thanks to author Cheryl Niamath for her inspiration, and for sharing!

My photos do not look as crisp as some others I have seen on blogs.  I am still learning how to use my new camera, and hopefully things will improve.

Canine Contemplation

We had a snowstorm last week and actually had accumulation! Now I realize that this would not excite everyone, but for a girl who grew up in Buffalo, I miss the fresh snow. There is nothing like going to bed with green grass, and waking up to see the limbs of trees coated with the fluffy white stuff! Katie always bounces around more in the snow, and enjoys taking nosedives into the fluff to sniff around. This time she was a little more reserved, and paused for a moment.  What I wouldn't give to know what she was thinking.