Walk Right In, Sit Right Down

Last Thursday marked the first drop-in night at Kniterary. I was thrilled that Julie, Michelle and Lou stopped in. Although Julie and Michelle have both picked up the craft more recently (within the last 5 years), I am amazed and impressed by their adventures in knitting. I'm feeling a little white bread after the experience. Michelle was knitting a sock out of wool she hand-dyed herself - it was totally funky, bright green, pink and blue stripes! Julie was working on fingerless gloves in a very fine alpaca on bamboo needles - I'm embarassed to say, that after more than 25 years of knitting, I don't think I've ever finished more than a couple of pairs of very basic mitts. I knew I would be inspired!!

What was I working on, you ask? Well - as it so happens - I finally finished the second sleeve of my Mission Falls Cardigan (you know, the one I've been knitting since November, 1996.) Now all I have to do is weave in the 14,762 ends.* (I'm sure these multiply every time I put the darn thing back in the basket.) Thanks to Lou for her leftover yarn - I couldn't have done it without her!

I was so thrilled with making real progress on something, the euphoria carried over to yesterday and I sewed the edging on to my daughter's jean jacket. It is so cute. I do realize I'm only indulging myself - I'm sure the four year old could care less. Still need to find the perfect material for the heart on the back.* Must find time....

Friday I made a mad run to the Diamond/Nova warehouse. Nothing like trying to "rush" across the top of the city on a Friday before a long weekend. I didn't end up making it to the shop until just before noon. I apologize to anyone who might have dropped by before then. It's tough sometimes being a one-woman operation!!

However, I did manage to pick up some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky and the Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool.

It's really tough finding a chunky yarn that fits the demands of my customers. I felt the Cashmerino Chunky was the best bet. While it is a blend of merino and cashmere, it does contain some nylon - a little less worry in the washing department. It also seemed to have the greatest number of colours available - unfortunately, I couldn't get a true blue or brown.

The Silky Wool - now that's another story. This stuff is gorgeous - absolutely lovely colours, great yardage and fabulous patterns to accompany! I purchased 15 colours and there were more to be had.

I've got my eye on the Silky Wool myself, but having just started* a sweater for my husband of Kathmandu Aran, I think I'll wait a bit.

*I bow down to those (and apparently there are quite a few of you out there) who complete one project entirely before starting another. I, apparently, have K.A.D.D. (knitting attention deficit disorder).