I don’t know what part of the world you’re reading this from, or what the weather is like there, but for me it couldn’t be better. I’m in Vancouver (Burnaby, actually), BC and summer has finally arrived. The best thing about summer here in Vancouver is that it never gets too hot or too cold and the humidity is usually very low. It really is perfect weather. It hasn’t been a typical summer for us as it’s been colder and wetter than usual. Quite a few of my league’s baseball games were rained out ans we had o really rearrange our schedules to get them in. Well, we finished our year end tournament last weekend and I’ve just now finished recuperating from that.
So that means time to get the needles out and start knitting. Well, they were never put away, but they haven’t been clacking as loudly as they usually do. I apologize for being so negligent on here, but I actually have gotten a few things done. You’ll be seeing a sweater featuring the Barrington Braid on here very soon – actually two of them. They’re actually the same sweater with a variation. I’ll also be doing a review of Deborah Newton’s new book Finishing School as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. It’s slated for release on October 13th, but maybe Deb could let me know how I can get a copy a little earlier. If you’ve read any of Deb’s books in the past you’ll be just asexcited as i am about getting this one. I’m sure it’ll be a fixture in my library right away! It will be available at Amazon and I’m sure all of your local yarn shops! Keep your eyes peeled on this blog as well as I’ll probably have some kind of contest to give one away!
Jan has asked about Shadow Knitting – a topic I looked into last year and really liked. I’m planning on doing a few posts on that as well. There’s a few patterns for some Doctor Who © that I’d like to tackle as I’m a huge fan for a long time now. Jan has an interest in doing one with a picture of Rod Stewart for a friend. We’ll have to see how that works out. If any of you already have a pattern for that that you’d like to share, please feel free to do so. Or if you would like to develop one please let us know so we don’t try and reinvent the wheel.
If you were reading this last year when we did socks, you probably have a good basic understanding of how to make socks. For years I never really wanted to knit socks, thinking they were too cheap to spend my time knitting.After making a few pairs however, I find it hard to buy a pair in a store anymore. There’s just no description for the difference a well made pair of socks makes on your feet. The fit is better, the comfort is unbelievable, and the durability is tenfold. Not to mention you get to choose your fiber, color, and pattern! We’ll be revisiting socks, but this time we’ll learn to make them starting from your toes and working up.
Sounds like a lot, but it’s really not. Before you know it, it’ll be fall and if you haven’t started thinking about it yet, maybe you should remember that winter is right after that. I know I’m going to want to make myself one really comfy and warm sweater for this winter. And maybe a few scarves for presents for Christmas. Did I mention I’ve almost finished the scarf calendar for next year? You’ll be able to pre-order it starting next week so you can decide on which ones to make for your friends for Christmas. And proceeds will be going to Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer research as well. There’s a lot to look forward to and these long, easy, summer evenings are a great time to sit back, relax, and let your needles do some taking as you catch a great sunset …
Hugzzz 😎