Izzy has been subtly trying to claim Grandma’s blanket as a bed for some time. I pick it up to knit and she comes over for lap time. Usually I am able to move it off to one side so she can’t take up residence, but I failed this time. She was pleased. Until I needed to turn the work. Silly cat.
I usually have a project of some sort that hangs out in the car so I can work on it when I’m waiting. I opened the bag and there was a little something extra with my knitting. I have no idea how this little spider found its way into my bag, but I think it goes well with the yarn. I did not keep it (though it is cute), but set it free outside the vehicle. I may need to make a shawl pin or broach with that light green color.
Maybe it was appreciating my web work.
I found a knitting pattern for lace that basically uses two stitches, a yarn over (increase), and a purl two together (decrease). These two alternate and every row is the same. It results in an open weave with dimension and vertical stripes. What? Vertical stripes in knitting? Unusual and intriguing. I made up a couple test swatches with some wool sock yarn with size 4 and size 6 needles. The magic of the lace comes when the pieces are blocked, and the pattern opens up and changes dimension.
I shall be experimenting more with this pattern.
I have been plugging away at my hand-spun Shetland wool yarn, learning how to make Shetland lace. It is full of mistakes, but I think for future projects it will just take some practice, and making sure I’m not distracted while I knit. Blocking the lace (getting it wet, and pinning it in shape to dry) made a huge difference.
Since I didn’t have enough yarn to make a long scarf, and I would rather start over than continue on this one, I sewed the ends together to make a cowl.
Alas, the wool is too itchy for my neck, but it does OK as a head cover. I think I put too much twist in the singles. When I spin the next batch, I will go a little easier on the twist. I rather like spinning fine, and that goes well with lace knitting, so is worth pursuing.
I have finished a full skein on my Grandma’s blanket. This time I was able to estimate how much yarn was left a little better so I only have a small bundle, rather than enough to make a ball.
I also laid out the blanket as it stands, and I can’t immediately tell where Grandma stopped and I picked it up, so that is a relief.
I think I will take a picture after I finish each skein, just to have progress notes.
Critters and Craft 