Saturday, October 17, 2009

Mysterious Lace cont'd


Perfect title. While I was knitting up this shawl, it looked pretty, kind of squishy and the pattern looked good, the edges were funky, but I kept knitting on because I kept reading that once it's blocked......well, you know the rest.

So I persevered, and voila, magic. I stand in awe. Please don't take this as bragging. There are mistakes that only I know about. This is my first lace project, and I have learned so much. I was so nervous about the whole blocking because once you wet lace, it's just a lump of fragile, and I mean fragile fibers intertwined. After too many pins to count and numerous adjustments, I left it alone, let it air dry on my bed and here it is..... I really hope that my aunt will like it. Every row I knitted has been blessed with a prayer so that she may find peace one day after her tragic loss.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Mysterious Lace

It's been some time since I've written on my blog. After the passing of my dearest Uncle Mario last month, I am knitting a wrap for my Aunt. I've decided to take the plunge and venture out into the knitting of mysterious lace. Granted, I have knitted lace patterns before, but with bigger yarn.

Now, I am working with Fiddlesticks Lace which is absolutely lovely when knitted up. A little tricky for me to get the right needles. It is somewhat of a sticky yarn. Believe it or not, after a dozen attempts to start, I finally dug out my old Susan Bates' aluminum straight needles. For the amount of stitches I am working on, these have proved to work the best for me. I had so much trouble with the circular needles both in bamboo and metal. The cable kept flopping around and my stitches looked very messy.

As I start each row, I say a prayer, as this is a prayer shawl, and completely loose myself in the meditative, and repetative nature of knitting lace. It is always a good thing when I end the row and all is well. I can see now how addictive knitting lace can become. It is quite challenging as far as working stitches, reading charts, or patterns, but this keeps you from getting bored, and for me, makes the time I'm knitting fly by. I look up at the clock and find that I've knitted for two hours. Unbelievable. I pray that I can continue to finish this very special shawl without too much trouble. I am very anxious to see it all blocked and ready to be mailed to my Aunt. I also pray that this shawl will bring peace, comfort and warmth to her during her time of grief. I miss my Uncle Mario very much. I can only imagine how my aunt and my cousin are dealing with the loss. He was such a huge presence, both in stature and heart. A rare human being, very much loved by all and will never be forgotten. RIP in Zio Mario.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Buttercup Sweater


Love this sweater with cables on sides and at top of sleeves. Cotton Classic Yarn works up beautifully. I've been wearing this quite often.

Monkey Socks with no pick up gusset


So much fun to knit up on 9" circulars by Hiya Hiya. Love the Fleegle Heel technique. These are my Happy Socks.

I am Blessed

Well, I haven't been writing on my blog, but just wanted to post that I am so pleased with the students who have been taking my knitting classes. They are so enthusiastic about learning this wonderful craft and are once more a truly awesome group. Everyone is enjoying each others' company and cheers and encourages each other. It is always lots of fun.

I am so proud of all of my students. What more can I ask for? Teaching something that I have a passion for is truly a blessing.

Monday, September 29, 2008


I have just designed my own pattern for this shawl/cowl. So pleased with the results.






Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Leaf and Ladder Socks FINALLY DONE


Well, I finally finished my second sock.  I had to wait on getting a new needle since the first one broke right after I completed one sock.  Then I was busy working on other projects, and finally got back to this spectacular sock.

The pattern really comes alive when worn.  I loved working on two different patterns at the the same time, since the front of the sock is in the leaf pattern and the back of the sock is in the ladder pattern.

I just love this book from Vogue on socks.  Will have to add it to my collection of books.