If you're on Ravelry, here is the link to the pattern: I'm using 2 ply fingering weight wool, Kauri yarn and size 3 US needles. I am excluding the beads/nupps to focus on the pattern and my yarn is gradated so I felt beads would be one step beyond. Even though I didn't spin it, it is very much a yarn I would spin. I'm enjoying this project and the instructions are straightforward. I am following the line instructions rather than the chart. As I'm working, I want like to make another using my own handspun yarn and following the chart - at the moment, I'm leaning toward a nice Merino/silk roving. Back on Planet Earth, I estimate it will take 26 hours of spinnnig and plying with 25 - 30 hours of knitting.
There's not time for that now, Biff.
Not just because I'm in the middle of knitting the first one. In my ravely meanderings, I found The Knitters Guild Association group and joined that group. I took the Basics, Basics, Basics course back in September 2006. I didn't think it was that long ago. I read through my binder of assignments, looked at my swatches and realized, I learned a lot in that class. I was still having the problem of ditches between my knit and purl rows, which I have now solved by knitting forward then backwards. Looking through my blog, I see I did not make any posts about the course, which is too bad. I highly recommend BBB because you will learn a lot: alternative methods for increases, decreases, cast ons, bind off, do some knitters math, writing simple instructions, follow a simple chart. You know, the basics of knitting.
The Memory Lane trip, reminded me of my purpose in taking BBB: see how well the correspondence system worked for me. TKGA also offers a Master Program in Knitting. The Hand Knitting program is a 3 part course, done in sequence. Ever since I learned of it, I have wanted to do the program as a test for myself. I have flitted around trying so many different crafts, but do I have what it takes to be a master one thing: knitting?
There is no time limit on the program, so after reading the TKGA MP threads and seeing that some people took 3-4 years for Levels 2 or 3, I decided it was time. I paid for the class on Monday and am waiting for my packet to arrive.
Having read and re-read the Level 1 page on TKGA, I expect this program to be a lot of work and to get through all 3 levels, at least 5 years However, I also expect to need distractions when I hit the wall and I'll work other projects.
With the Ravelery group for support, plenty of photos will be taken and I'll strive to divert some of those photos here, to record my journey on the road to Knit Master.
Happy crafting!
