Best center start yet

This is by far the best center start i've ever done. This, of course is after Lew's tutor at Stitches West.
















However nice, I did not kept this because there's a mistake. Plus I will be using another yarn for the frosted flower pattern but I might consider using this next time (it's the shetland lace weight). I just want to have a record of me being able to produce a good center start in case I am not able to do it again.

Tyrolean Cardigan

3/14/06 Update

Second sleeve is done. Now on to the body. Probably do the back first since it'll be a fast. Now if only I can get myself stop from the sock knitting long enough to cast on for the back...

















3/6/06 Update

Okay, the first sleeve is done. I am following the instruction exactly so I won't need to worry about remember modification and fitting. I know I run the risk of not fitting but I just want to produce a nice cardigan in it's entirety for now. I think starting with the sleeve was definitely not a bad idea. It's much faster (so more encouraging). If I make a mistake, it's not that bad to take it apart and redo it.















On the second sleeve now. It's nearing the cap shaping.

Sock class!

I finished the "sock class" from one of my sock book. It was so awesome!! I've been wanting to do this for so long. I've been buying sock yarns before I can knit socks. This sample help demystify the sock mystery. I learned to pick up stitches, which will be helpful when I try to do the Orenberg shawl.

This was a top down but there are other methods I want to learn. Definitely want to try the toe up method. The Vintage Knitted Socks also explains so many different toes and heel methods. So many things to learn, so little time!





























You can see that I am just not good at Kitchener stitch. The toe area is too bunched up. I want to do a better job...I really do. Just someone show me how!!!

One thing to note about knitting socks...I've been so obsessed with it. It's causing me to do very little of everything else (including eating)

Last note: The toe is red because I ran out of the other yarn....It wasn't intentional.

Fan and Feather Shawl

I got some lace (almost cobweb size) Suri alpaca yarn at Stitches West. They are in three graduating shades of purple. Gene agrees the color scheme will look nice on the Fan and Feather shawl. So I started doing some practice on the bigger yarn. The pattern is so pretty.
















However, when I stated on the real thing...It doesn't look quite the same. Granted I dropped a stitch (upper right hand corner), but is the needle too big for the yarn? From the sample above we know how the pattern will look with a too small of a needle but how would the pattern turn out if the needle is not small enough. Would it look nice and airy like the Cherry Blossom Shawl? Any help is welcome!















I did take it apart because some center stitches are too lose and they look like yarn overs. I'll start it again once I re-decide what needle to use...