One mitt done!

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Originally uploaded by linzknits

Ok, I am in love with colourwork. This project has been so much fun, and SUCH a learning experience.

I think I am going to do a lot more stepping out of my comfort zone to learn new techniques.

I am now knitting two colours with one in each hand! I'm 'picking' the one in the left hand, and 'throwing' the one in the right hand.

There are fabulous technique explanations out there, and the ones that really made the process click for me are this post at Knitting in Color and this TechKnitting tutorial.

I can't wait to work on the next mitten -- hopefully with new and improved even tension!

Yarn Bouquet & Back Join

If I'm going to be talking technique, you at least deserve a pretty photo: a yarn bouquet of my alpaca for the Composed Mitts.

I am concerned (or shall I say petrified) about the number of ends I will have to weave in at the end of this project. On each mitt. That's TWO mitts, with about a bajillion ends.

Therefore, I've already been looking for ways to avoid this problem, even before casting on.

I have found what appears to be the perfect solution: the back join!

I promise you, it is well worth your time to check out the posts at TechKnitting. The Series Index is an excellent overview of the techniques on this blog, and my mind has already been blown by thinking about charting charts, and i-cord hat topper cast-ons.

First Fair-Isle

I had a blast this afternoon picking out Alpaca at Lettuce Knit, my favourite LYS.

I may know absolutely nothing about Fair-Isle, but I know I love picking out 6 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas, my favourite yarn on the planet.

The project will be the Composed Mitts from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits for a dear friend for Christmas. I think this is the perfect excuse to learn a new knitting technique.

I managed to purchase the pattern online from Interweave -- quick and easy!

As usual, Ravelry Notes here will likely have more frequent updates than the blog.

In love with increases

Well, in learning just howtheheck I'm supposed to M1R, I stumbled upon knittinghelp.com

Has everyone seen this site? It really is worth a visit.

My absolute favourite right now is the page of increases. It shows ON ONE PAGE all of the increase variations in actual knitting, describes what they are good for and when they can each be used best, and then has an uber-clear VIDEO that shows you how to do it.

Magic, I tell you.

Go - play! You'll enjoy it!