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Yarn Along

18 August 2011 /

EEEEEP!!!!! – feeling more than a bit foolish! I have inadvertently posted the wrong link on Ginny’s Yarn Along. This is August 24ths post here is August 31st’s post!

I love all manner of needlework arts. Knitting, sewing, embroidery, cross-stitching etc… As with anyone, I need more time to complete all the projects on my wish list ;o) However, I am currently working on a gorgeous little number that is coming along quite nicely.

The end is in sight – I can just picture myself wearing this teemed with a nice pair of jeans on a cool Autumn day.

I have been knitting for years and find myself often sticking with a ‘safe’ option. However, I have recently been inspired by a woman who only started knitting in 2008 and is already designing her own Faire Isle patterns to knit for her children! I felt a little sense of shame and am determined to step out of my comfort zone and attempt some of those techniques that I have admired yet shied away from. I have a little lace work (eeek) that’s next on the list, and then perhaps a bit of Faire isle? hmmmm.

Cable work is me stepping out ;o) I have really loved working on the cables. This is my second attempt at this technique – this pattern slightly more complex than the first. I have been pleasantly surprised at how simple cable work has been and it has certainly given me the confidence to take up more challenging work.  I think the trick is to find a pattern that incorporates just a little of what it is you are wanting to try out. In both cable patterns I have worked on, only the top section has cable work. For my upcoming lace work, only the outside of the shawl has the lace and it is a simple lace pattern at that! This way it is not too daunting, it seems ‘doable’. Why not choose an easy pattern with just a portion in cables/lace etc. and give it a whirl? You might be pleasantly surprised ;o)

12 Comments

  • Leah

    18 August 2011 at 3:21 pm

    It's looking really nice! I have been knitting about 1 1/2 years, and have made some neat things. I find that I learn something new almost every pattern, which keeps it fun! I have not made myself anything yet though. I started, and then got bored with the project I chose. I want to make a shalom sweater for myself for this fall.

  • Carol

    18 August 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Your top looks lovely!
    I am a bit timid about trying new stitches and patterns also– but it is great to learn. I like your suggestion of trying patterns that incorporate a little of something new.
    The afghan I am working on has an interesting pattern and will be a challenge for me with lots of yarn overs and slipped stitches.

  • Shirley-Ann

    18 August 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Amanda – I truly admire you for jumping right in and I am super impressed that you started off with cables!!!! Well done!

    Leah, I agree – I've been knitting for years and still learn something new in almost every pattern. The Shalom sweater is L-O-V-E-L-Y! I've had my eye on that myself!

    Hi Carol, it sounds like you are well on your way with regards to new stitches! Look forward to seeing the finished thing on your blog ;o)

    Thank you all for your lovely comments. Now I'm off to visit your blogs!
    Blessings
    Shirley Ann

  • Gae

    19 August 2011 at 6:16 am

    Dear Shirley Ann,
    Wow that is a beautiful project. I really enjoy this space you have created here and so glad I followered you. My own knitting project is just awaiting to be sewn up and now I am starting another gnome. Thanks for visiting and I hope you come by again soon.
    Blessings
    Gae

  • Loving Learning

    20 August 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Hi Shirley, so glad to have found your new blog, have loved browsing through it. so enjoyed your recent call too, love to the family, Wendy xx

  • pinkundine

    31 August 2011 at 9:25 am

    It looks really soft and lovely, and the cables are fab – I was amazed that cables aren't nearly as complicated as they look when I first tried them 😉 Still no good at lace though!

  • Ellen

    31 August 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I understand your 'safety' issue. I haven't ventured into cables yet. Heard that they're really not that difficult, but…

  • www.OhThePlacesWellRoll.com

    31 August 2011 at 8:38 pm

    wow. i love this sweater. i also love that you are stepping out of your safe knitting zone. i am still so new to this that i am in my safe zone and not ready to leave yet…but as soon as i finish the 'safe' christmas presents…it will be time!

    🙂
    jen