I thought I was going to start a project with my early handspun, but it didn't feel right. Then I made a swatch for socks, but needed to purchase smaller needles. So I spent about 24 hours with nothing on the needles. Nothing!
Talk about feeling weird.
I finally settled on a scarf that had been on my list since last November. Hubba had brought this Yak/Merino yarn from Japan and insisted that I make something for myself.
It's no secret that my Hubba is a Marathoner. After all, he was in Japan to run a marathon. Are you tired of hearing about that yet? You shouldn't be, I haven't mentioned it in quite a while. ;-)
Anyway, when Marathoners are choosing races to run, one of the things they consider is the elevation profile of the race. So when I was contemplating this lovely yarn, I showed Hubba the Wayfarer Scarf from Brooklyn Tweed and he immediately said, "That looks like an elevation profile." It sealed the decision and the scarf went on my To Do List.
This is my first time using a pattern with only charts for instruction. O.o I've ripped back several times. First because I was making the decreases one stitch to the left of where they should have been so the grey portion was not shrinking. Second because I was making the increases incorrectly which resulted in a hole rather than the correct pattern detail.
Third because I thought I was making the increase in the incorrect location, but after I ripped it out I realized it was fine. And fourth because I made a transition between the colors incorrectly and was unable to fix it to my satisfaction... otherwise this pattern is simple. As for my first real attempt at charts, I think it's going well... now.
I'm just over half-way complete with the scarf and into the 3rd chart out of 4.
A nice thing happened on Monday while I was traveling. The lady who was sitting next to me on the plane told me that she was impressed by my knitting skills. Which of course made me happy. Then she told me it reminded her of breathing. That the in and out of the stitches was just like breathing and that it was very meditative for her. I think that's probably the best compliment I've had in a while. :-D
Hubba said all I need to do is add yoga back into my life and then I will have no stress because I will be meditating all of the time. Ha.
Anyway, I hope you all are having a beautiful Fiber Arts Friday. It's starting to cool off here, which has me dreaming of comfy-cozy woolies.
13 comments:
Your scarf is looking great. I really like working off charts, in fact, I find it hard not to.
You haven't mentioned your hubba is going to be in the Olympics for awhile ;-)
Have a good weekend!
It looks like a great pattern and a very good choice for the yarn. Never tired of hearing about marathons, find them very interesting and am eagerly awaiting olympics news
That was a great compliment. I think sometimes I forget to breathe when knitting, especially since I've ripped my blanket back about as many times as you have your project.
Ok, love the scarf ... and Vivian's comment - lol!!!!
It was a process for me and crochet charts. I can read knitting charts, but haven't relied on them all that much. I'm certain I will at some point. :)
I so hope we get to come to London next year. The trials are in about 3 weeks. I'm trying to keep a lid it, but I think I will explode when he makes the team.
I love how the scarf looks. I love knitting from charts...I find them much easier. I guess it's how we all learn.
I think spinning is my form of meditation. I really relax and reflect when I'm at my wheel or using my spindle.
I haven't worked with charts but have been told that I should as it would probably be easier for me to knit things. The gray and black are really nice together. I think having a husband with such a sense of humor should help you through those irritating knitting problems! Actually I did not know he was a marathoner. Does he take you to Japan, etc??
@WWG - I agree, spinning is very meditative. Probably more than knitting for me too.
@Via Verde - My Hubba is continually cracking me up. It's one of the best things about him. :-)
Regarding the races, I have been to Japan with him once and Chicago, NYC, LA and Boston a few times. I enjoy traveling with him, but it's not happening as much these days.
I've heard before that knitting is supposed to be very relaxing, and I think it is too. My husband might disagree though, as he says sometimes I am rather.....vocal (you know, yelling at my knitting). Ha! I think your scarf look great thus far. Charts still scare me, I'm sure I'll get there in the end.....
I love your scarf! I bet it is going to be warm and snuggly when you get done with it.
I love the analogy of breathing to knitting. It is absolutely true! I think spinning & weaving have that meditative quality as well.
Looking forward to seeing the finished scarf and Hubba's socks!
Your scarf looks like it's coming along nicely now and that shawl you blogged on in an earlier post is awesome!
Good for you persevering through a few challenges. The scarf is looking great already.
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