Thursday, February 19, 2009

Feeding the habit.

You may have noticed that I have been trying to feed the habit lately. I put up my first pattern for sale in hopes to buy a couple skeins of something in order to knit up...another pattern. I am just about there. It is definitely a learning experience and not as easy as it may appear.

There are others ways to feed the habit. I have done some test knitting for other knit designers in the past and now am dabbling in sample knitting for a LYS.
What a great way to work with beautiful yarns and patterns that I would not normally be able to do.

AL back

Antique Lace by Ilga Leja is a lovely lace sleeveless cardigan. It would be just gorgeous over a little black dress.
I am using Schulana Sojabama (oh and yes, in a shade of green!). It is 55% Bamboo and 45% soya...both fibers I have not yet worked with.
The drape and sheen is just unbelievable. It is so silky feeling, definitely a pleasure to knit with.
At first glance the pattern is a simple lace design. For some reason I can't seem to remember the 8 rows, but I usually just have to glace at the chart as I knit. This could be because I am also watching tv...like LOST...which is hard enough to follow itself, forget about trying to knit anything with a chart!

AL front

This is the first time I have worked short rows in lace. Ilga provides very thorough guidelines as well as step by step instructions. I love it when I am set up success.
Needless to say, I did have to rip back and knit back a few times on the front as I decreased the neckline trying to watch Lost. Oh and there is that first slip stitch that I knit...and realized it a pattern repeat later.
It must be perfect...no "making it work" here. Store samples are looked at by knitters...you know what they would be thinking if they saw the smallest mistake....yes, there is always a better knitter than you out there;)

Shall We Knit has the most beautiful yarns in stock. If you haven't been there yet, it is definitely worth the drive to New Hamburg!

6 comments:

Brendaknits said...

I'm glad you chose - or were given - this design to test knit. I have long had that pattern in my mind's queue. It is lovely. I will be waiting to hear your opinion of the knit once you are done.

Anonymous said...

I've been feeding my habit by stocking up my etsy store with stitch markers. Gotta get that knitting book money from somewhere....

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous lace. I'm glad you're making it work so you can feed the habit. Yarn is one of life's necessities.

Rhonda said...

I'v been feeding my habit for about 25 years now. I've knit with so many yarns and patterns I've lost track over the years. Enjoy!

grumperina said...

You're speaking my language, sister! I love to knit, so sample-knitting is perfect for trying out new techniques, new yarns, new shapes... things I'd never get to do if I were knitting for myself! And being perfect - well, I love doing that, too :).

Paty said...

Beautiful!!! The color is amazing!!!!!