What is it about snow and knitting?

Yesterday, while it was snowing, I simply could not keep my hands off of the wonderful sweater called Clark. It called to me with a siren's song of yarn and loops, and I answered that call. Today the front of the sweater should be near completion. Then I will cast on for the back.

There is something about the sweater, now that I see the ridge pattern in action that makes me wonder if I shouldn't change it? I want to, but there is a big part of me that wants to see the completion of this part of the pattern. Since it is my first sweater, and I have already changed the pattern somewhat, I think it would be good just to finish the sweater with the remainder of the pattern.

My hubby, Kolbar, looked at the wonderful sweater called Clark last night and asked me if it would be cheaper to purchase the yarn for the sweater than to get the roving, spin the yarn, and then knit the sweater. The answer, of course, was "Yes." I showed him the yarn I had for his sweater and he said, "Go ahead and make me the next one out of what you have, and then we'll get some more yarn. I'd like some Seventies style sweaters." My entire being, on the inside smiled. Now that the sweater is looking more definitely like a sweater, he is curious about having one and wanting one!

I am also going to begin casting on for my lace scarf project for Pascha. So this will mean I will have three projects going on soon - 1) the wonderful sweater called Clark; 2) the lace scarf; and 3) dishrags for Sister2. I am going to be quite busy on the knitting front here soon, and it thrills be to the depths of my toes!

The Beginning of a New Idea

Slowly something has been dawning on me: There are a lot of knitters out there with arthritis in their hands. A lot of them have said, "My hands are so bad I can't knit any more and I really miss it." When I say I am still knitting they always ask questions and I always answer. Since this has been happening a lot recently, I have seriously been considering working on a knitting book for arthritics. There are a lot of little tricks out there some people have I don't, and that I do but others don't. Wouldn't it be nice to collect some of them together? The only true problem, question I have is What kind of patterns should be included in the book? They need to be simple, for beginners as well as for sore hands to warm up with, but not so simple as to get boring. I am open to suggestions at this point.

Dishcloths Ahoy!

Six of these wonderful dishcloths have been done for my lovely Sister1. She said she needed some and did not have the time nor the inclination to do them herself this time. Always being a happy knitter, it was a joy to sit and work on these little projects of an evening. They were quickly done and one of those less thoughtful projects, unlike the wonderful sweater called Clark.

Since these little beauties are done I will turn my full attention back to the wonderful sweater called Clark. We are at the point to where we begin shaping. A little nervous I am, but I am excited about the progress made so will head on and see how difficult (or not) this truly is!

Update

Had a nasty fall Sunday in a shoe store trying on shoes. Hubby tried to catch me, but I was too far out of reach. Hit my head on a metal shelf. Went to the ER Sunday. Slept most of yesterday. Mostly awake today since Noon. Sore and painful, but otherwise OK. Will update more later on in the week when I am feeling better.

Perfect Knitting Weather

According to the weatherman we here in Lexington were supposed to have an ice storm. God provided and we have had sleet and freezing rain off and on all day. The interesting part is that we are supposed to get snow, too, later on in the evening. It is perfect knitting weather to be curled up next to the couch and knitting.

Last night there was a lot of work done on the wonderful sweater called "Clark" - so much so that I think I have reached the 17 1/2 " mark. Now I begin working on shaping the shoulders and preparing to begin making the back. Since this on is working up so quickly I am seriously considering beginning another one in a beautiful yarn called "Aran fleck" from Red Heart. Yes, I know, it is acrylic, but the people I am making the sweaters for are allergic to wool and most natural animal fibers. Sad, I know. Still, the yarn is beautiful and I am really looking forward to putting a project of it onto the needles.

As far as planned projects are concerned, I am also planning on putting a lace scarf on the needles. It will be my first lace project and I am making a scarf to wear for Church at the Pascha service, which happens in April (Pascha is the Eastern Orthodox Christian service of easter). Having it blocked before Pascha will be one of the hardest challenges. I am thinking of using Mist Heather from KnitPicks.com. As for the pattern, well, I haven't quite decided on that yet. I do like Divine Lace, also from KnitPicks.com, as well as a couple of others. Sometimes there are a lot of decisions to make in the knitting world.

It seems I am a busy knitter of late it appears. Oh, that reminds me, I need to get some material to line my pretty little pink purse! I also want to put some nice fun yarn around the top that will, hopefully, just add the perfect touch.

Knitting Makes Us Smile

see more loldogs are funny dog pictures!

Yesterday and today have been horrid homework days, but it was FINALLY accomplished which makes for a happier me. Because of said homework I didn't knit at all yesterday on the dishcloths for my sister or the wonderful sweater called "Clark" which did not help my mood any. So, in honor of having accomplished something wonderful I gives you a happy picture and I goes knit now.

A Poll and the Wonderful Sweater Called "Clark"

Last night I was able to sit down and actually measure the current length of the front of the wonderful sweater called "Clark." Eleven inches! At 171/2 inches the pattern changes and I need to be very aware of it. I must admit seeing the length in terms of measurement made me smile and proclaim it proudly to Hubby who just smiled and nodded like he usually does when I am talking excitedly about knitting.

Luckily for me Hubby doesn't make fun of me for knitting, but he does like to poke the occasional joke, mostly because he can and usually I can make a joke right back to him. My knitting has actually gotten him to thinking about picking up a serious hobby again. We both beaded for years, but he doesn't want to bead again, I don't believe. He has mentioned painting D&D figures again (yes, we're geeky like that as well), but he hasn't made up his mind, and he is watching the process and progress of the wonderful sweater called "Clark" with interest. Do I think he will pick up knitting? No, he doesn't want to knit--he has proclaimed that several times in the recent past. But, he does like the practicality of the knitting hobby because when an item is completed it is quite useful whether it be a sweater, a dishcloth, fingerless mitts, or something else: it is useful.