PROJECTS, PROJECTS AND MORE PROJECTS
Gee, I am exhausted. It all started with an unexpected eye procedure on Monday which put me behind on my knitting projects. I had to hide in the guest room, which is the darkest room in the house, for three days and I guess I wasn’t the nicest person to be around, but I am much better now.
WORLD’S LARGEST SOCK AND I HELPED
I also worked on the largest knitted sock. This is a traveling project and will travel all around the United States to the different knitting guilds. The last place the sock visited was in Rochester, New York, which is not too far from Syracuse. Syracuse is where I was born and raised. The goal is for the project to be placed in the Guiness Book of Records.
In Progress
I started on a Raglan Sweater from the Debbie Bliss Family Book using Rowan denim blue yarn. The yarn is pretty easy to work with, but has a harsh dye quality to the yarn. I love J Crew sweaters and this pattern reminded me the most of the sweaters that I like to buy.
I am still working on the blanket/throw for the living room. This project is going to take a while. I am using Classic Elite Cotton, which is very easy to work with.
Book Review
I just bought Domiknitrix by Jennifer Stafford which is an awesome book that gives step by step instructions with great pictures and illustrations. I am definitely interested in the wolf head sweater. The directions for Intarsia and specialty stitches are very explicit. This is a great book to use as a guide to review stitches. The projects might not be for everyone, but it’s an awesome reference book.
Family
We had a very nice meal this weekend and watched a very young girl belly dance at a local Moroccan restaurant. My hubby wants to get me a spinning wheel. So, if you have any suggestions on which brand/model to use for a first time spinner, please post or respond with an email.
For spinning wheels, I’d recommend trying several and seeing what seems to be size and orientation-wise right for you.
Also consider how you want to use it. Will you be spinning only at home? Or do you need to take it places?
What kind of yarn will you want to spin ultimately?
I have a Louet Victoria and I love it, it’s small (I carried it on the plane when I went home recently and it wasn’t a problem at all.)
I used to have an Ashford Traditional. Which is what I learned on, and I really loved it, but I wanted something more portable. And I wanted a double treadle wheel.
If you are going to be in Asheville anytime soon, you should go by Earth Guild and try out some of the wheels they have there (they have the biggest selection I have seen in person.) That, or go to a Peachtree Handspinner’s Guild Meeting and ask some of the other spinners if you can try their wheels.
If you don’t already know how to spin, you’ll mostly just be sitting at one and seeing how treadling feels to you, but that’s important.
Let us know what you decide!
Katey
I second all the things Katey told you already. I will bring my wheel - a Lendrum - on Friday to Knitch and some roving to play with. I totally love my wheel. It is very sturdy and I can fold it and travel with it. You are more than welcome to try it. I can also bring you the spinning books I have to look at.
I totally meant to comment sooner - I really like your blog.
And your knitting projects are gorgeous. I love the vest you made for your hubby! HEY - did you get a new puppy??? SO CUTE!
I like your words which reflect your knowledge and wisdom.