Knittn' Yarns

Crown of Needles

Well it is my first post. So be kind. I have been knitting for about three years and I still have a lot to learn. While I come from a family full of experienced knitters, it was my sister who taught me. I certainly love both of my grandmothers , but frankly they were more interested in making pieces for me than teaching me how to do it myself. However, my sister was an excellent teacher and I hope she will include some of her insight on my blog. The first thing she taught me was how to use double pointed needles. I started with felted mittens, a great first project. Not only is it easy, the felting also covers up your mistakes.

My current knitting project is just a plain old winter hat. However, once again I am using double pointed needles and knitting with two different types of yarn. Now while I have experience with the double points, the more needles you add, the worse the piece is to hold. I guess it is just something I have to get over.

Anyways, on to the yarn. One of types I am using is an old favorite, Nature Spun in a sport weight. I used Nature Spun often last year when I decided to knit felted mittens for everyone. While the yarn was great my hands were certaily overworked by Christmas time. Lets just say, lesson learn. Not to mention no matter how much I enjoy felting sometimes getting your piece to felt to the right size can be frustrating. Especially when you don't have a washing machine. The second yarn I am using for my new hat is Baby Alpaca. It is just a delight to knit with, that is until you need to frogg it.

Anyways, while this winter hat may not seem exciting to some, it is for me. First, I have never kept any of my knitting for myself. I always give it away. Something I have decided to stop. So while this is not the first hat I have made, it is the first hat for myself. Also, I have discovered as of late, how much I do not enjoy using patterns. So I am knitting this hat free form. So far, so good. I hope to finish it this weekend, especially now that all my Christmas shopping is done. If it is cute I will post the pattern for all to peruse and critique.

Have a great holiday weekend!

posted by Kelly @ Friday, December 23, 2005