knitting group and other miscellany

last night was the second meeting of the new knitting group at my workplace.
some from the first meeting didnt come back, one has conflicts and wont be joining us now. several emailed about missing. didnt hear from two others - emailed them today. but had three new people come - one newbie and one returning and one expert. the returning knitter had not brought any yarn or needles and we had a lively discussion of the yarn shop closest to our midtown office and what to expect when she goes there - and then about what kind of yarn to buy - with all of us encouraging her to get some lovely gorgeous yarn instead of something sensible and to try to let herself spend a bit of money on what she wants... i offered to go with her - remembering how intimidating some of the salespeople at this particular shop were to me when i was coming back to knitting - i only use them if i am in an ABSOLUTE emergency in terms of accessories and yarn (although i find their selection not very deep). anyway - our group member was little surprised that we were encouraging her to spend good money on good yarn instead of something "to practice" on. we all talked about how you can just rip it out - but that she deserved to create something gorgeous and wonderful for herself. it was amazing to see her realize this could be something she could really enjoy creating!

the expert knitter was a total surprise - a woman who retired from the firm but who keeps an office and comes and goes on her own...the surprise was that she showed up! i hadnt heard from her from any of the announcements i had sent out. she was a wonderful addition - a sharp intelligent presence who enlivened our conversation. i hope she comes again.

these first two meetings have been heartening to me - i was unsure what was going to happen and who would show up and how it was going to go but based on the delights of these two meetings, i am glad that it is taking off so well and look forward to the next one.

as to my projects. .. my order of 12 in circs from Halycon Yarns was delivered in two days (even tho it was ups three day!) so that was good for yesterday. i tried to work on the sleeves for the 3month version of the aran pullover but was tired by the time i got home -(there were some work things i had to attend to after the knitting group broke up).

i did manage to finish the little hat which i created to go with the pullover - i do need to measure and see if it is tall enough - not having a baby around, i have a good diagram for the width of the hat but not for the height - i guess i can check some hats in my baby books and see what - i made it about 6 inches tall - but it knit up so quickly that i can redo it if it seems too small - of course the baby is only two months at this point.... i did the same cable patterns as on the front of the sweater but added a few extra cables to make the pattern continuous around the hat and without the broad side bands of seed stitch that the sweater has.

(ok i am looking for a digital camera and hope to get one soon - like maybe this weekend - so just imagine a little aran hat ;o )

so today i will start the sleeves with the 12in circs and work them - first i have to write out the pattern in reverse (they are written to knit separately and sew in - i will do anything to avoid sewing seams....!!)

looking forward to this three day holiday - although we have our network downtime on saturday morning so that means its really only two and a half days.... BUT they are predicting SNOW sunday and monday - so perfect chance to stay in and KNIT and maybe finish up some of my UFOs that are accumulating - hmm, think i will dedicate this weekend and make it my "finish the UFOs" weekend - it would be great - since i have a bunch of little sweaters that just need seams and buttons and a lap afghan which i need to sew and cut the steek for and then finish the edges. i have some british mystery series i have been saving up - could be just the thing. and i really should do a sweep thru my accumulated stash and record what i have especially with the acquisition of new needles - it always reminds me, i need to update my needle inventory database. ok thats enough things to do!

happy knitting!