As usual, I learned a lot while designing and knitting these. For instance, no matter how cute it is, no bind off that increases stitch count by 75% and then doesn't decrease it again is not going to work. It's just not. Also, try not to forget that you're working in the round when you're translating from stitch dictionaries, because that's going to go badly. When you hit a snarl in the yarn, just go ahead and cut it out and reattach the yarn then. You will not be able to make it all the way to the end of the socks. If you try, you will end up with the reattachment one row before the bind off. It's a Knitting Law. And, I did something I've never done before: used the wrong strand of yarn to knit the second sock on the needles when knitting two at once. I mean, I've done it for a few stitches, but this time I got all the way around the sock before I realized.
I don't want to say too much right this sec about the inspiration or events surrounding them, but they are done and the pattern is written. I'm just waiting for some feedback from some folks before I publish it. When I do publish, it will be available at my new Etsy store and on Ravelry.
What? I didn't mention that I'm launching an Etsy store? Yup, I'm finally putting my mad crafting skillz to good use and selling the stuff I make. Featured items for now will include hand-painted organic t-shirts, knitting patterns, and pin cushions. I will eventually be featuring jewelry, and may come up with other miscellaneous items as well. (There is nothing in the store right this very second -- weather here is not conducive to picture taking. I'll remove this comment when there's stock in the store, and also, there will be a nifty widget over on the right there.)
I'm going to focus on being eco-friendly, and will also be donating a portion of each sale to Heifer International (the exact amount will depend on the item and will be part of the item's description. T-shirts, for example will give $1, while patterns will only give 25 cents).
In other knitting news, I've finally found someplace to go hang out and knit. It's a store a couple of towns away that I had never made it over to, but the one I always used to go to moved (and they weren't real conducive to just sitting and knitting anyhow. I mean, they were nice enough, but I didn't ever feel like they would encourage me to just sit and knit and chat, even though they had a very comfy couch in the store. Honestly, it was kind of a weird vibe.). So I happened to see on the Ravelry group that this other store (Creative Knitworks in Hillsdale) was going to start having open knitting from 11-3 on Thursdays, which is perfect for me since the kids are at school that day and I don't have to give up Kit time to have knit time. So I went a couple of weeks ago for the first time and then again last week (I skipped the week of Becky's party), and I already feel at home. Sharon (the owner) and Lori (who has been working both times I was there) are just totally my kind of people. They were both super welcoming and interested in what I was knitting without being pushy or making me feel bad about not having purchased the yarn there (which I will definitely be doing in the future -- they have a great selection and variety...something else that was missing from the other store I used to go to). So far, not many other people have been dropping in during that time, but they tell me that it's only on the weeks I go that no one else comes, so hopefully that will change.
Finally, RIP to The Point in NYC. The demise was quick (email sent out last Sunday night saying the last three days were last Monday-Wednesday...what?!?!?!) and a little painful. There's more specific info in the Ravelry group, including where to get the patterns they used to have and how to keep in touch with all the employees. Sadly, there is no quiche or cupcakes. I'm going to miss you guys.
posted by Laura Y. @ 9:08 AM
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