Fair Isle Frustration And The Never Ending Winter

 

Last week, we had a blizzard. Yesterday morning, we woke to find everything outside covered in a layer of ice - trees, shrubs, bushes, railings, etc. And although it had the look of a fairy land, it made for slippery surfaces underfoot. We still have freezing rain warnings in place for the next day or so. This winter simply will not end.

 

 

Pattern: Mitten 16

Source: Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch

Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport

Colours: 601 (pepper); 730 (natural); 135 (hurricane seas)

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Tove  - Colour 4517

Needles: Circular - 2.25 mm (cuff) and 2.50 mm

 

I love Fair Isle and all other kinds of stranded knitting. Always have. Always will. I read endlessly about it and have some great books in my knitting library. But, unfortunately, I have read and mooned over patterns more than I have actually knit! Practise makes perfect and I have not done enough to perfect my technique. In fact, I am dismayed at how poorly I am managing since the last time I made mittens a couple of years ago.

 

However, I am determined to improve. I am still clumsy holding the yarn in both hands and I am not pleased with my tension. My plan is to work non-stop on a few pair of mittens for next winter and hope my knitting improves enough in the process to move on to other things - for instance, a sock pattern like Water for the elephants , and a pullover.

 

I am going to attend a day long class in Fair Isle Knitting around the end of April at Have A Yarn in Mahone Bay. Heather Tunnah, who will be teaching the class, has made the most beautiful vest, which inspires me every time I see it.

 

 

 

 

 

Apolline Is Four Today - Hurrah!

 

 

Grey Bear and Cuddles really miss you, Apolline.

And they wish you were here to have tea with them.

The bears got a cake to celebrate your birthday and put four candles on it.

 

Happy Birthday, Little Bear.

May every day of the next year be like a candy day!

 

 

 

 



 

Happy Birthday, Isabelle

There once was a young girl from France

A whiz at math, sail, and dance

She met up with a boy

And much to our joy

She decided to give him a chance.

Double Knitting (Double Layer Knitting) Class

 

Friday evening ended with a beautiful late winter sunset.

 

And Saturday morning began with a trip to Lietash Farm for Nora's Agility Class.

 

 

On Sunday afternoon, I attended a Double Knitting class at Have A Yarn in Mahone Bay.

 

This sock is done in the double knitting technique. To me, it resembles a cross between a sock and a slipper. Double knitting results in a completely reversible garment, knit in two layers. I was quite taken with the sock, a mitten, and a bubble pattern scarf that were all on display. Angela, the instructor, was working on a gorgeous cowl.

 

I knew absolutely nothing about the technique beforehand but between Angela's class notes, and her narrative, the class proceeded in stages, and at a timely pace that really enhanced the learning experience. We all received ample individual attention. By the time the one day course was finished, although I was still somewhat clumsy, I certainly felt that I could, with a bit more practise, start a simple pattern. And we all agreed that Angela is an excellent instructor.