pattern: Bella's Mittens
yarn: Cascade 128 Superwash in solid black by request
needles: size 9 & 10 KP nickel-plated circs
mod: by my sister's request, made the mitts convertible
As much as I love this cute reverse-engineered pattern, I think knitting this 3 times is more than enough. But then, the only reason I knit this is again is that my sister requested a pair of mitts that would allow easier access for her fingers when iPhone-ing away on her mass transit to work. What I do for family.
pattern: Yarn Harlot's sock recipe
yarn: Regia Flusi das Socken Monster
needles: 2.50 mm KP dpns
Monkey1 picked this colorway out during one of our visits to Purlescence. I originally started knitting this in my normal continental fashion, but was inspired by Irishgirlieknits & Cupcakefaerie to practice my lever (aka Irish cottage style) knitting. So aside from the cuff and half the toe (I got really impatient by then), most of this pair was done lever-style. I think I've got the hang of it, at least on dpns, especially since I've reverted to my norm of tightening my gauge on the second sock. Whether or not I'll switch to this style entirely will most likely depend on my mood & gauge I need.
So. In a recent training class at work, the lecturers talked about how there are 3 parts in our skills process - the comfort zone, the learning zone, and the panic zone. While not in my comfort zone, I am at least out of my panic zone and firmly in the learning zone when it comes to my newbie spinning.
I love the Kundert spindle I got from A Verb's booth at Stitches West. While no where near consistently competent, at least I'm no longer afraid to practice w/dyed fiber as opposed to the white BFL I started with. It probably helps that the dyed BFL mix I bought is in my color comfort zone too.
I will also say that a large part of getting out of my panic zone has been all the encouragement I've been getting from my crafty buddies, especially Tapmouse, my awesome teacher WonderMike (always willing to give suggestions on spindles and fiber) and the fabulous Verb ladies, Kristine and Adrienne.
5 comments:
I shall try not to have a complex if I'm the only one of us who doesn't spin. I'll tell myself its okay. Because I can tell....you are hooked!!
That is gorgeous fiber too! And love the Bella mitts and socks!!
isnt the spinning a nice complement to the knitting? great stuff!mitts, socks and yarn!
Great work!
As for me... I vacillate between learning and panic. Back and forth, like a pendulum. Whatever I do, that's what happens.
Your spinning looks like you are well into your comfort zone. Awesome!
The spinning looks fantastic! And I KNEW you would do just fine! Loving that Verb fiber-I think I need to get my butt over there. Sad they aren't open on Thursdays anymore.
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