Projects and thoughts

 Good morning!

I have been deep into projects of late. I have totally overextended myself with test knits so I am trying to use time I wouldn't normal knit to be knitting. So moments like recess at school have become an opportunity to work on projects as I feverish attempt to meet multiple deadlines.

There's the Magpie Nest- a gorgeous cabled knit sweater, made with Magpie Nest worsted yarn. I am in love with this yarn as it's so beautiful to work with. It knits like a dream and it's perfect for cables. The only thing I am second guessing on this one is sizing: I suspect it's going to end up being an oversized pullover. Not the end of the world, but I should have knit one size smaller. The picture doesn't do justice to the colour either. It's a greens-grey and it's lovely.

I also have the Auri Tee Shirt- this has been my knitting at school since its inches of stockinette and I don't have to think about a pattern too much. The shoulders have a lovely lace pattern but I have a ton of knitting to get there. I am using Drops Belle for this and I am not in love with the yarn. It's cotton which shows flaws like crazy and it splits too easily for my liking. But, I love the colour and it's knitting fast. I have about 5 inches of 17 completed and a deadline of May 20th.

After that, I have a project I blew the deadline for that I want done this month. And two more for June that I still need to pick up yarn for. Yikes!  I love all these test knits so much and I'll be proud to wear them when they are done but I might be ready to take a break for the summer from the world of test knitting.

I have been thinking about the possibilities around offering knitting classes in Saskatoon. I am pondering if there is a need and if people would sign up. I might dabble in this, this summer and offer some introductory lessons to see if I can get some people interested. I also am thinking about taking a course in tech editing. Every good designer needs a tech editor to make sure their pattern is clear and understandable, and that the math is all good before the project even goes to test knitters. I think I would enjoy this challenge. The course is quite expensive though so I want to make sure it's something I would really enjoy and make sure I have the time to do it justice. I am also thinking the summer might be a good time to just take a break. This year in my career has been challenging for many reasons and I am ready to put my feet up with a cup of coffee, a good book or some easy knitting.

In the midst of all this knitting, of course, there's always coffee.

One of those days

 I’m working on a secret test knit- not many pictures of this one until it’s published. But I have to admit, the pattern is kicking my butt. I was up early this morning, excited to try a new stitch pattern and to get a big start on this project but I’ve frogged it twice and now my hands hurt. I might have to quit knitting for the day as the yarn is difficult for me to work with- it’s Custom Woolen Mills 3 ply mulespinner and it’s just thick. I’ll have to do some housework if I take a break so maybe I should persevere. 

Introductions and a review

 Hey all!  I have no idea who will read this blog or where it will end up but I am jumping in with both feet. I have been on a journey with yarn for the last several years and I want to share what I am thinking and learning as I go.

First of all, I am a 48 year old Teacher facing the back end of my career. I am currently a grade 5 teacher and I love what I do but I also love to be involved in the larger world of knitting, weaving and spinning. If I could make this my career, I would in a  heart beat. However, so far my yarn-y pursuits do not pay the bills and I spend my days teaching.

I also am a dedicated animal lover. I currently have Murphy, a 14 year old JRT who is slowing down each day. I wonder how much longer Miss Murph will be with us, but for now she rules the roost. 

Murphy, on the deck

I also have Finn; a 1 year old Labrador Retriever. Finn came to me at a time when I needed a puppy and I needed him. I had no idea what I was getting into but he has turned out to be a low key, loving, funny dog who just asks for affection. Given a choice between food and people, people will win every time. He's really pure love in action. Mr. Finn will be a show dog once I figure out how to show him and it'll be a fun adventure! Four cats also live in my house. Ryder moved himself in and accounced he lived there, and I then thought he needed friends. So, I reduced Oliver and Ophelia. I fostered Weston and he never left. He's a joy of a cat and I am so happy I failed the fostering and kept him. 

Oliver, hanging out while I knit

Ophelia, hanging out. 

Ryder

Weston

My Finnegan. Such a doll

In terms of Fibre Arts, I knit and I weave. I have a studio space where I keep my yarns and my loom, my spinning wheels and other tools. I wish I could spend all my time in this space but sadly, life gets in the way. However, I love my space and it's my zen place; a place I can relax and be totally dedicated to working with wool.

I always have projects on the go. Currently, I am waiting for TWO test knits to start- one secretive that I can't share and another I will be sharing here. Im impatiently waiting for the yarn to arrive for the second project and I hope to get started on it next week. (C'mon yarn, please ship today!).  In the meantime, I have picked up a project called the "Legacy Pullover".  It is a colour work pullover (my first time doing colour work like this!) and it's being made with very special yarn. I had some fibre equipment I loved but had no room for so I sold it to a fellow yarn addict and it's being used everyday now. With the proceeds, I paid some bills and bought some yarn.

I am using Knitting for Olive Merino for this project and it's an interesting yarn. I am finding it splits easily and it takes some focus to work with. It's also a very light fingering weight; I almost think it's actually lace weight. But, the colours are amazing and I am loving the fabric that is being produced by it. Would I recommend this yarn?  Yes, but be prepared it likely will knit slower than some other fingering weight yarns; at least it is for me. But, the result is worth it.