Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Fickle Girl


Yesterday I returned some sock yarn I didn't like and exchanged it for this Cascade Heritage Paints yarn. I made a swatch last night because I wasn't sure about the colors (they are a bit washed out in the picture), and it knit up beautifully. In fact, I like it so much I carried the ball of yarn with me in my purse today, taking it out periodically to admire it throughout the day. I'm thinking of using it for an
Ishbel shawl.


You might remember I took a toe-up sock class last month, and this month I've been learning cuff-down. Things were going fine until last Sunday's class when I used the wrong needle to pick up the heel stitches. While trying to transfer the stitches to the correct one I dropped a few, and while trying to rescue them a dozen more fell off the needle. Part of me (the part that is still three years old) wanted to burst in to tears, throw the whole mess on the table, stomp out the door and never ever knit another sock.

Fortunately the teacher noticed I was drowning in dropped stitches and took it out of my hands. She was able to get all the stitches back on the correct needle, a small miracle. I'm thinking I like toe-up socks waaaaay better at this point. Actually I'm thinking I'm not as in love with sock knitting as I thought I was.

And that's because my new love is lace! I set up my grandmother's old dining room table in my bedroom to work on my shawl and just love to go straight to the table when I get home from work and start knitting.

(This picture uploaded sideways ... oh well.)

I wish I could capture how vibrant the colors are in this Misti Alpaca Pima Cotton & Silk Yarn . I can't say enough wonderful things about this yarn ... it's incredibly soft, the colors are rich, and it is such a pleasure to knit with. I'm planning on buying more in a couple different colorways very soon.


My shawl is up to 195 stitches, and my collection of markers is growing as well. How did I ever knit without them? I'm totally hooked.

It's cold and pouring rain outside this evening. I'm going to curl up on the couch and watch American Idol. Have a good night!

15 comments:

Kim's Treasures said...

Beautiful yarn!!!

Suz said...

YOu are getting me all excited about your socks! You lucky gal..to be so happy.....I love your sense of humor...a three year old...hahahaha!
I got one of those too!
Did Apollo move his bed on the table by himself?

Dogwood said...

You are so brave to even be knitting sox. Keep at it. Once they are done you will love wearing them! The shawl is so yummy. Love the color and the softness of the yarn.

Apollo is precious.

Isn't the rain so wonderful! Stay warm and cozy.

Woollywotnots said...

Wow your shawl looks amazing. Love your colourful marker collection too! :-)

Theresa said...

Love the shawl, gorgeous! And I do not know how you can make so many beautiful things SO FAST! I don't understand the markers, I'll google it:) but I love M&Ms:) Enjoy your day and stay dry my friend!

Erin Wallace said...

Your shawl is gorgeous! I am not so into the sock knitting thing, either. Think it takes a special sort of person (plus, they neved fit me - nothing like slaving over a sock and having to give it away!)

Kate said...

Hang in there with the sock knitting! I am also not as in loooove with socks as some knitters are, but they're fun enough. Your shawl is beautiful and what an awesome way to store stitch markers!! ::steals::

Kitty said...

I'm so glad you love knitting lace! Isn't it so much fun?!

I like knitting socks, but mostly as a filler project when I just want to knit plain for a while. When I first started knitting my grandmother "challenged" me to knit a sock. Once I did, I was hooked for the next year. But that burnt me out and the spark just hasn't returned! Oh, well! There's plenty of fun things out there to knit besides socks!

Maiden Jane said...

Wow, it's gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I am soooo in Love with that shawl! Love Your choice in yarn too.

Hugs xxx

Sumea

Thimbleanna said...

Your shawl is beautiful but nooooo...don't give up on the socks!!! It took me three or four pair before I really loved them -- now I can't get enough!!! Hang in there!

Rachel said...

Oh you're just having a minor setback - you'll fall back in love with sock knitting soon. The lace shawl IS lovely, though. I can see why you're so taken with it.

Dogwood said...

Forgot to tell you that I love your colorful markers.

No, have not seen an owl in the owl house yet. I am staying positive. Forrest worked so hard on that house!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

You're doing great! But I can totally relate to the frustration and the feeling of "being 3 again". You can do it! Stick with it. I want to trade for a pair of socks you know! ;)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Stacy!!!
All the yarn colors you have are so pretty. Love the lace piece!
We all have our "moments"...
Have a great weekend!
Warmly,
Deb :)