first sweater post-mortem

So is it OK if we just blither about knitting in general here, as well? Because I am so excited by how well my first sweater turned out. I am not going to get all hubristastic about it, but for all the frustrations, it actually wasn't all that hard, and I am revved up and ready to go with more complicated projects.

I learned so damn much with this project; knitting in the round (the neck), picking up stitches (again, the neck) sewing invisible seams (and oh my god, it is SO DAMN COOL to watch the stitches disappear when you pull the thread tight), shaping, fitting sleeves into armholes, etc. I think, though, that the most important thing I learned was how to figure things out for myself when patterns aren't written as clearly as one would like. And also, when the author isn't clear, or gives flat-out crappy, confusing directions, don't blame yourself; just find somebody who can explain it in a way that you can understand. And, seriously, Stitch 'n Bitch is a lifesaver. I found Debbie Stoller's explanations for picking up stitches and sewing invisible seams so much more comprehensible than those in the book from which I got my sweater pattern. I will definitely knit some of the other patterns in The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits, since, in addition to being pretty damn easy, they're just the sort of knitwear I really like, but I can't say I thought much of most of their general knitting instructions.

I'm still not sure about going for one of the Summer Tweed patterns for the Olympics. I might have all I can do to get it done with something a bit easier, and done on bulkier yarn, but I've got about a week to figure it out and source anything I need, so I will let you all know when I decide. Right now, I'm going to treat myself to a quick, instant gratification knit of some sort, just as a reward for having stuck it out and concentrating on only one thing through the first sweater project. Oh, and the medal I intend to reward myself, if I succeed in my event is a new pair of disgustingly spendy Asciano Rosewood needles. I have one pair in 5 mm, and I adore them.

A Scarf's Tale

Yes, I know I'm totally bending the rules by having already started my project... but hey. Like I said, it's my first ever knit item, and I've been purling for less than a week. So, with no further ado, I hereby announce I'll be completing the 'Ribbed for Her Pleasure' scarf from Stitch 'n Bitch. GO TEAM PIE!

Howdy

I am in the midst of seaming my very first sweater, which I should complete in a day or two, even though this is a stupid easy pattern, because setting sleeves made of stop-rolling-dammit stocking stitch is driving me INSANE. Still, I soldier on.

I'm Ana. I am still deciding exactly what to knit from my embarrassingly vast collection of pattern books and my scary huge stash, because while knitting is so much fun, just, you know, buying yarn and patterns is much more exciting. And did I mention my knitting needle fetish? Anyway, I am leaning towards either "Basil" or "Rosehip" in Chocolate Fudge yarn from the Rowan Summer Tweed collection. Both are listed as easy knits, but this is Rowan we're talking about, and their definition of easy is not necessarily the same as mine.

In conclusion: Go Team Pie!

Welcome, my friends

To the blog that WILL end, though it may turn into some bizarroverse 3WA knitters forum. Who knows?

We are the few, the proud, the knitters of ThreeWayAction, which despite its name is not a site for WOO HOO teh_SEX! but is instead a discussion board. Together, we have thrown down the (gauntlet, mitten, fingerless glove, YMMV) and are entering the Knitting Olympics.

I'm Chicagowench, and I will be knitting the Rowan "Beth" out of the ribbon twist collection. As an extra carrot and stick to myself, I will reward myself with a gift certif to jimmy beans wool if I also bang out a hat.