Opinions - Mine and Yours (please)

Soooooo there are these new square needles that are supposed to be better for your hands & wrists to knit with. Cool. My wrist(s) were bugging me from an improper workstation setup which had it's effect even if I have fixed it now. So I thought I should try at least one pair of these. I'd heard from some of you about the circs and the bad joins so I stayed away from those but it just so happened that my LYS (Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins) had one (and ONLY one) set in Palm. Sold.

I decided to cast on something new in part because of the size of the needles and there was that nagging pain thing. (Still is, in fact, but it is improving) I still want to try these in a smaller, metal version but so far I've actually been enjoying these and able to use them for short periods even when others have not been an option. I'm cautiously in favor but want to sharpen the points and see how it goes for a bit longer.

What did I cast on? A project that's been on my mind to do in large part because I have wanted to see if the yarn will work for it. I probably won't be in any hurry to finish this but right off I have to decide if it DOES work. Your opinions? Is the yarn too varigated? Can you see the pattern?

The shawl is Nancy Bush's Lily of the Valley pattern. I'm using the Palm (wood) size 6 (4mm) 11" Kollage straight needles. Since it's the size called for, that automatically means my gauge (as a relaxed knitter) is larger (fine by me, I wanted that) and I am modifying the pattern for the edging at a minimum although precisely how is not entirely decided.....and not really relevant if the yarn won't work, right?

So......a couple of less than stellar and unblocked photos. Because if you love it, even in these shots, it's a pretty sure winner, right? Errrm .....well......something like that :-)




What do you think?

Midsummer Night's Dream - Titania

Here's a bit of loveliness thanks once again to the wonderful design talents of Bad Cat Designs....

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test knit it. She was quite patient about it, too! I had a few life bumps that stalled delivery on this one but isn't she worth it? The design is a delight to knit up. What else can you expect? That Ms. Bad Cat does the most marvelously fun patterns! The recipient of this one was very slightly less patient (but saw it often) and is exceedingly delighted that she finally has it! It's been done for a wee bit of time but sharing on my part needed to wait until you, too, could have the fun of knitting this up!

The yarn is wonderful, amazing stuff - like knitting with clouds. Unfortunately, this particular yarn is no longer available, however, Colourmart no doubt has some other bit of knitting delight you could use instead!

Mid-Summer Night's Dream - Titania
Bad Cat Designs
Colourmart 3/45 lace weight 65% Cashmere/ 35% Silk ~50gr (~850 yds)
Plus:
~28 gr #8 clear, silver-lined beads
~1-2 gr #6 Turquoise blue frosted

How'd I miss it?

.......one of my favorites of the "cheesecake" shots.....didn't Ms. Puppy (my darling daughter) do a fantastic job with the photography?

(ps - if you are on Ravelry there are even more pictures)

The Summer Sampler Takes Flight

......or at least I enjoyed the lovely breezes for our photo shoot together!


.....and the views!



This has been a wonderful bit of fun and learning. Thanks to the internet, I finally learned to both knit AND purl backwards for the edging of this shawl. I had LOTS of practice on the edging and feel rather proficient at it now :-).



Thanks, Ms. Bad Cat for another wonderful design!





Project Name: Dusk Summer Sampler
Yarn used: Graceful, in "Summer Dusk"
Amount used: ~1355 yards
Yarn source: Yarn Place
Total weight: 75 gr
Needles: 2.75mm (US2)
Finishing method: Wet blocked
Finished dimensions: 24"x95"
Pattern name/source: Summer Sampler Study by Bad Cat Designs
Other notes, including techniques used: Knit return edging rows "backwards" instead of turning my work

A preview of coming attractions......

sounds rather dramatic doesn't it? Well in a way it is. I have finally (at long last!) finished my Dusk Summer Sampler project. It's blocking now. A post with cheesecake shots will follow but for now.....the above shot was bath time. The below view is a rather fuzzy shot of her blocking......

MORE marvelous fun from the Bad Cat!

I have been behind in sharing that there is a Summer project for THIS summer with Bad Cat Designs. I highly recommend you pop on over to her blog and read all about it - better yet read the details and sign up for the group. It's not too late to join us for a fantastic series of projects, education and good company! C'mon, you know you want to :-).

A preview of my beginning.....at least my FIRST one for this series. I suspect I shall give in quite soon and start another.....


This particular version is in Bernat Baby. I confess that I am only using it because I want to make a baby blanket that can be washed, doesn't need reblocking and a first time mom doesn't have to worry about using but that also is lace. Acrylic, steam blocked, fits the bill. It's just that it squeaks while I'm knitting. Or maybe I've just gotten spoiled/accustomed to knitting with natural fibers and my fingers are no longer adjusted? In any case I hope it will turn out to be a very nice baby blanket that fits the bill and makes my deserving co-worker a happy camper :-).

.....and YES, I am coming down the TRUE home stretch for the Summer Sampler edging.......really, truly.......and am on my way to knit more of it right now!

A little detour

The Summer Sampler edging is coming along......
I finally found my rhythm with it so it's been moving along much more nicely! There is great hope for actual completion this weekend!

I took a little detour from it last weekend, though, to make these wristlets. They are actually helping quite nicely with flair ups of wrist aches. I really should try to keep a pair around for a change ;-).



Project: Rani (Knitty, Summer 2009)
Yarn used: Green Baruffa Bollicina
Amount used: 1 skein (~145 yds)
Yarn source: Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins
Other materials: #8 silver lined gold beads from Fire Mountain Gems
Needles: 2mm