Do you know how long I've waited to say those words?
Well, in truth I've had a few things come off the needles over the years, but they weren't projects that went beyond rows and rows of simple garter stitch. Kind of ho-hum. (Still practical, and I do wear every one of those things.)
But you know, I'm slowly growing as a knitter these days. Forever trying to expand my skill set, I'm even casting off my own projects instead of handing them to my daughter to cast off. Turns out it's not that hard at all!
The thing is though, projects I've got on my 'to make' list are the projects all of you (my knitty blogging friends) have already made. The very projects I've been dreaming about making for years but lacked the know how. You'll understand that my reveals are going to be a little like watching re-runs of the Brady Bunch or something. Still awesome, but nothing original. That's okay.
Remember the sampler scarf? I finished it, then promptly frogged the whole thing. I can tell I'm going to be one of those knitters that isn't afraid to rip a whole project apart, either for the sake of getting it just right or to reclaim incredible yarn that perhaps wasn't the perfect fit for a project, after all.
Such was the case with the Quince Puffin I chose for that sampler scarf. I knew this going into the project, but I just wanted to knit with something that felt amazing, regardless. As I expected, the finished scarf was just a little bit too puffy and heavy. Not being able to envision proper usage from this scarf (made of such lovely yarn), the whole thing was taken apart. I still have the photos and the experience of learning something new, but now I've also got that great yarn back too.
A few weeks ago some of you were talking about (and knitting) the Honey Cowl - how pretty it was! Immediately I looked up the pattern and as I read through it, I thought I could manage a go at it. So I cast on... in a yarn that was entirely wrong it turned out. Clearly I'm still learning about these things. It didn't go well and my cowl looked messy and droopy and the yarn kept splitting. Not feeling the love, I did what I seem to do best - I tore it out.
Being on a long road trip, I had planned well and packed supplies for a back-up project. So I began knitting a ribbed scarf and put the idea of a Honey Cowl on the back burner. The ribbed scarf isn't quite done yet, but it is such a pretty thing I'll be sure to share it when it is.
After we returned home I couldn't quite get the Honey Cowl out of my mind. A trip to the local yarn store was in order... and I brought your yarn suggestions along with me! One of you mentioned Cascade 220 was your "workhorse." I felt like I needed a good workhorse after my disappointing first attempt so I was on the lookout.
Cascade 220 was well represented at this store and a little stock up took place. As soon as I returned home, Honey Cowl number two was on the needles. This yarn worked perfectly, even though I had to go a needle size bigger (based on what I had available), and I happily knit knit knit the week away. What an easy to work with, buttery kind of yarn Cascade 220 is. I'm learning so much from you!
Edited: I just checked my notes... I did not go a needle size bigger. For some reason I thought the pattern called for size 7. Nope, size 8, just as I used. ;)
Honey Cowl is a super fun knit. The stitches are rather architectural looking as they come together, feeling three dimensional and spongy. Very cozy.
Last night I had myself a date with a few You Tube knitting videos so I could cast off independently, which happened successfully! (I figured it would have been bad parenting to wake Emily so she could cast off for me.)
Today, warm and toasty in my new cowl (thank you Emily for letting me snap a few pics), all I want to do is cast on another. But I know the ribbed scarf should be finished first. I also want to give the world of knitted hats a go, Emily did pick out a special yarn during our visit to Purl Soho that would be just perfect.
Think I'm ready for a hat...? (Gratefully accepting positive knitting mojo. xo)
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I'll be sure to get on Ravelry soon so I can share project details with you. I'm actually there already, but I don't have a single thing posted yet. My profile isn't even set up. Sorry to be so boring over there, one thing at a time.
