Easy (@#&^$#) Knitting!

Sometimes, logic doesn't work. I've been working on a sweater for my daughter, using a pattern from a 2001 issue of Easy Knitting magazine. I re-discovered the pattern as I was showing one of my customers what could be done with Freedom Wool by Twilley. The pattern was quite cute - a bulky, buttonless, cardigan. Quick and easy. While the yardage of the yarn was out by 5 metres a skein, everything else matched up - i.e. the gauge was the same. So - like I have done many times in the past and will do many times in the future, I figured out the yardage required for the pattern. It worked out to 5 skeins. The customer purchased the wool, I gave her a copy of the pattern, everything was great. Until.....I decided to make the same thing. This is a bulky sweater so knitting it has been a cinch. In the little spare time I've had over the last couple of days, I've managed to complete the back and just about both front halves. So here's the problem. I'm not quite finished the second front piece and I'm working with the 4th skein of yarn. I still have two sleeves and a collar to go. I don't think 50 more metres is going to cut it. I've gone over this and over this, trying to figure out where I went wrong and I JUST DON'T GET IT!!! I'm sorry Sharon - where ever you are. I've already ordered more yarn. Thankfully, it's variegated so I think that a different dye lot (if it turns out the first one can't be matched) won't be too noticeable. I searched out the Errata for that particular issue of the magazine and there was no mention of a mistake in the amount of yarn required. There is no logic.

In other news, the fall shipment has finally started to arrive. Today the FiberTrends patterns came in as did the Naturally Colourworks yarn and the Buttons (a great double-knitting option for kids sweaters). Most of the Colinette Parisienne I ordered and some of the Tao silk made it, as did the Baby Alpaca, Stacey Charles Ritratto ( a new yarn) and the Fiammatino Musa (also new). These yarns are a little fancier than the traditional kniterary fare, but/and, they're perfect for the upcoming season.

The exciting thing is there's still lots more on the way. I think I'll be making an earlier morning IKEA run for another shelving unit.

When I'm not pricing, ordering, re-arranging or catching up on paperwork, I'm dreaming about what I can do with the new stock. I'm doing my darndest to get some things knit for display. Sadly, and ironically, I have less time now to knit than I ever did. What's wrong with this picture?

Otherwise, I'm really enjoying getting to know some of Durham's knitters. A number of people have been in the shop more than once and it's great to have some time to chat with them and see what projects are underway. I learn something new every day and am always humbled by the talent out there.