Dreaming of textures.
Exploring stitches for my first design...
INSIDE: Project updates, the dreaded game of yarn chicken, being in awe of designers + small steps in my learning journey.
I laughed out loud this week when my youngest son put on the Conifer Cap just before I’d started knitting the crown.
He said: “Mom, surely you’ve knitted too many rows before starting the decreases! It’s too long!” Admittedly, it did look odd without turning up the brim!
Though it wasn’t finished, washed or blocked yet. So I thought my doubts were premature. Nothing to worry about.
And… he was right, but not for the reason I suspected.
I was forced to play the game of yarn chicken, and… I lost.
This was during the crown chart. So, not to be deterred, I ripped back a few cable rows before the crown decreases. It’ll be fine this time, right?
Except, I lost the second time!
Let’s hope, third time lucky? We shall see…
I’m sure when I finally work it out, I’ll be victorious! Wish me luck. 😊
The Venezia shawl for my mother-in-law is an enjoyable knit and it’s keeping my interest and also requires focus. An excellent amount of ‘whelm.’
As I knitted the shawl, I kept wondering, how on earth did Joji Locatelli even come up with the lace design? Let alone figure out how it’d all come together?
The mind boggles! I so admire designers and their skill.
I was interested to find that for those of you who answered my poll last week, “Have you ever designed a pattern?”
The majority of you are happy to keep knitting other people’s patterns. Understandable! Also, a few of you are interested in trying to make a design. I wish you the best in your endeavors!
My baby blanket ideas have been coming along.
I dreamed about the diagonal seed stitch. I’m a little smitten with the Parallelogram stitch, so that's another contender. I don’t want the blanket to be too busy so I’ll keep the design simple but with visual appeal.
And, I’ll break up the textured stitches with rows of garter stitch.
I’m sketching out the stitches to see how they might look together. When I’m happy with the arrangement, I’ll knit up a small swatch.
It’s slow going but I’m determined! 😊
Have you knitted baby blankets? What did you enjoy about it?
And another question for you: If you unravel a project, do you wash your yarn to remove the kinks and then reuse it?
Press reply or leave a comment!
Mystery Quote Of The Week
“I love the way knitting brings people together.”
Who said this? Comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s quote and author was…
"A crocheted piece is the lovely manifestation of a thought, expressed through hand, heart, hook & yarn."
— Francine Toukou
Comment below if you got it right.
Trivia Question Of The Week
Who created a working radio made entirely from knitting?
What’s the answer? Leave a comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s question and answer was…
What’s unique about Norwegian Selbu mittens?
Selbu mittens are black and white and have a large star (called the Selburose) at the center.
Did you get it right? Leave a comment if you did!
Have you ever battled with yarn chicken? What are your tips for winning? 😉
Leave a comment or press reply.
P.S. Coco & Pepper have a great weekend read for you on Sunday… Be there! 😊
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
I do not rewash the yarn... Always seemed like a hassle. And I never would have the patience to wait for it to dry... Sometimes I rewind the ball, so that the kinky yarn will be at the end. I figure that'll probably help?
Beautiful projects Jodie! Just a suggestion - If you can measure how many grams of yarn is being used up each round, it might help you to win the yarn chicken. :) Venezia is a delicate and beautiful piece by Joji. Love her work.