Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hands down

P1070843
So I think I've figured the thumb out. I like it - now for the second one.

They match this beret:P1070850

So it's nearly a set. And at the risk of showing off, they're in the window at M1. All out of one skein of DK weight (yellow label) Tanis Fiber Arts from Montreal - a fabulous base yarn that she's beautifully dyed...makes my knitting look heroic.

Friday, July 24, 2009

I am all thumbs

I'm trying to design this something I'll call Lacy Handsleeve, and so far I like it.

Mostly.
But I've knit & ripped the thumb several times - and now I'm here. Trying to figure out how to close the thumb and keep the integrity of the lace pattern - and keep the thumb join stable. Previous attempts have left it gapey, or pulling. I started with a not-quite afterthough thumb, but that pulled the lace pattern. It was too ugly to photograph, so I ripped it. Late-night attempts last night won't even be discussed.

This little beauty is all in the attempt to use up the rest of the sample skein of Tanis Fiber Arts, after finishing up the Spring Beret (happily sitting in M1's window right now), and the lace pattern for the glove is borrowed from that (which is probably borrowed from elsewhere, as well)!
Thoughts?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Pretty pleased

I was pretty stunned when a friend mentioned to me on Facebook that they "saw my ribbon" at Stampede. I couldn't wait to get down there to do my volunteer spinning and go see the Exhibition - and see my pretty little rosette. Third place in my section, amongst the fantastic knitters on display?

What were those judges thinking? (apparently, good thoughts of my knitting...who knew?)
I am so honoured to be in the company of some fantastic knitters. I am in awe of Marilynn Bonar's lacemaking prowess and ability, and Annie's quiet but graceful way of getting things JUST right, from fibre and pattern choice to just how gorgeous they feel and drape. (By the way, Annie/Spinknit, along with Opera, are fantastic wool judges and did some great fleece judging in the Stampede - for more, read Spinknit's July 15 entry.)
And to be in the company of my other fellow knitters' bravery in showing off this year's creations. Few who see the work on display actually know that these bits are mere snapshots of a larger passion, and the choices to show - or not to - and what to show - or not to - are something that defines each knitter's art.
I was so glad to be able to share my love of fibre, in the opportunity to spin along side a fantastic spinner in the barns, and again, with my guild in the Exhibition. My fellow Sheep Creek Weaver guild members were demonstrating some fantastic wet-felting and pin-felting, plus spinning. I'd like to think those who stopped by are a little wiser for their foray into that cabin, and look a little closer at any knitting or fibre art they next encounter.

By the way, mark your calendars because the Sheep Creek Weavers' annual sale, as we told anyone who would listen, is coming up October 24. Some fabulous one-of-a-kind items, beautifully handmade, and all local, will be at the Millarville Race Track.