On the Spice Market Shawl from Blazing Needles - Day 3

I'll be the first to ask...

This next section is big.  It comprises the lion’s share of the piece, actually.  The spectrum of little starry-polkadots is charming, but also daunting. I’ve been at this sectin for over a week and I’m still not done.  And of course—say it with me now—the rows just get longer…

Still, it’s satisfying knitting.  Shibui makes such touch-worthy fibers in such luscious colors, it’s a pleasure to knit even rows upon rows of small stitches.

I’ve been contemplating attending a seminar later this year that is known for its long days.  It’s an intensive weekend of 11-hour sessions (with breaks granted, but that’s a lot of time for this middle-aged backside to spend in a seminar chair!).  The content sounds intriguing, but I have to admit, my knee-jerk reaction was reluctance on account of the format. I have never done well in lecture settings. I’m too fidgety. Just the thought of folding chairs makes me ache all over.

So what was my first question to the person inviting me?  It shouldn’t surprise you.  It was “Will they let me bring my knitting?”

She gave a slight laugh and said, “You know, no one’s ever asked that.”

I’m happy to be the first to ask.  I’ve been in more than one conference where someone came up to me and whispered, “I’m so glad you pulled out your knitting.  I’ve been wanting to, but wasn’t sure it was okay.”

I admit, there are places where it’s not okay.  But almost every time I have walked up to a seminar presenter and said, “Please know, I’m not knitting because you bore me or I think you’re wasting my time.  I’m knitting so I can pay my best attention to you,” the presenter has smiled and said, “By all means, knit away.”

So, DestiKNITters, by all means, knit away.

Lady Fern Scarf from Hill Country Weavers - Day 1

Linen Lace...

I haven’t knit with linen before, and there’s a reason.  I’m not a big fan of the way it feels between my fingers.  Linen feels scratchy before you wash and block it.  Afterwards, it feels light and airy with a really nice texture and sheen—but we’re not there yet.  My tendency toward immediate gratification is working against me here.  Still Shibui has a great rebutation as a quality fiber, so I think I can rest assured I'll be happy with the results.

The trellis pattern—the stitches that make up the majority of this scarf—is an easy four-row repeat that I memorized by the second round.  That will make for excellent book fair knitting as I sit and meet readers at the Kentucky Book Fair this weekend.  Having the scarf casted on to nice, short needles will help as well.  It might not be as marvelously portable once the thing is many feet long, but right now this is mighty handy knitting.

The fact that this is a kit keeps the color choices pre-loaded for success, and I must admit I like knowing my hues are professionally selected.  I’d find a way to mess this up left to my own devices.

The next set of directions are splendidly easy:  repeat until you run out of color A.  That, I can handle!