Day 26: Have you ever been a part-- or wanted to be a part-- of a knit-along (KAL)? What was it? If not, why?
I may have considered joining a CAL (crochet-along) once or twice, but I don't recall the particulars-- and in the end, I decided not to or just forgot about it. I like the idea of a KAL or CAL, but so far I just haven't felt compelled to join one. This is partly because I usually already have projects going and don't want to set them aside in order to start something new. Also, I'm not sure I'd like feeling the pressure to keep up with the group/meet the deadline.
I don't know... I guess I ought to try one, sometime. If I do, it will probably be a CAL instead of a KAL, because my knitting pace is pretty slow. With a CAL, I know I could keep up with everyone else, but I'm afraid I'd end up feeling left behind with a KAL. On the other hand, maybe attempting to keep up with the group would be just the kick in the pants I need to pick up my knitting pace. ;o)
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Day 25 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 25: Do you have a knitting book or place where you keep patterns, ideas, size measurements? Post a picture of it!
Most of my notes and ideas are kept online-- either in this blog or on Ravelry. (My Ravelry ID is MossyOwls, by the way.) I'm not big on taking and keeping measurements, because I rarely make anything where the fit is crucial. (Though I have sometimes wished I knew the hand/head measurements of family members, when I've been making hats or mitts for them.)
As for patterns, yes, I do have a few notebooks full of patterns I've printed from the Internet, free pattern sheets from craft stores, patterns printed on the inside of yarn labels, etc. Those notebooks aren't much to look at, really...
Here are a few photos of the 3-ring binders. There are a couple more paper folders (the type with the three prongs for holding loose-leaf paper), but they're even less interesting-looking.
I also keep a lot of patterns stored on my computer-- free patterns in PDFs and Word documents, mostly. I sometimes put those patterns on the Kindle instead of printing them off, but really, I prefer either working from the computer screen (which is only ideal if it's an easy pattern that I can quickly memorize or won't need to refer to often) or printing them out (usually after I've removed any photos, to save ink).
Most of my notes and ideas are kept online-- either in this blog or on Ravelry. (My Ravelry ID is MossyOwls, by the way.) I'm not big on taking and keeping measurements, because I rarely make anything where the fit is crucial. (Though I have sometimes wished I knew the hand/head measurements of family members, when I've been making hats or mitts for them.)
As for patterns, yes, I do have a few notebooks full of patterns I've printed from the Internet, free pattern sheets from craft stores, patterns printed on the inside of yarn labels, etc. Those notebooks aren't much to look at, really...
Here are a few photos of the 3-ring binders. There are a couple more paper folders (the type with the three prongs for holding loose-leaf paper), but they're even less interesting-looking.
I also keep a lot of patterns stored on my computer-- free patterns in PDFs and Word documents, mostly. I sometimes put those patterns on the Kindle instead of printing them off, but really, I prefer either working from the computer screen (which is only ideal if it's an easy pattern that I can quickly memorize or won't need to refer to often) or printing them out (usually after I've removed any photos, to save ink).
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Day 24 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 24: Have you ever made your own pattern or dyed your own yarn? How did it turn out?
I've "kind of" done both, I guess.
The pattern was a crochet pattern. (I'm nowhere near advanced enough in knitting to make my own pattern for that craft. Unless knitting a square in garter stitch with no specific directions counts as making a pattern. In that case, my very first project was "my own pattern"! (g))
The only time I did more than just modify a pattern (or complete wing it without writing anything down) was when I (fairly recently) tried to come up with my own motif. The resultant pattern (Prairie Star Motif) is nothing special. I'm sure it's been done before, but I did come up with it on my own. It was fun to try-- and I'd like to give it another try, sometime-- but I don't think I'm a natural pattern designer. I enjoy just following patterns more than worrying over how to make one of my own, even though I love the idea of designing a pattern of my own... It's a lot of work, though!
I've also only dyed yarn once. Multiple balls/colors, but all in one afternoon. I'd definitely like to try that again. In fact, I have the yarn and food coloring. I just have to decide how I want to dye it. I may wait until I have some idea of what I want to make. I've only used one ball of the my hand-dyed yarn, so far, and knitting something from at least one more ball might be a good idea... Give myself a better idea of how it looks knitted or crocheted up... It was lots of fun, though, and I'm frequently tempted to just go dye some of it and figure out later what to make with it.
It's funny how a hobby progresses. When I started crocheting, I never thought I'd want to make a whole afghan-- just something small, like a scarf. Now I love making afghans. Back then, I never would have expected I'd someday be really interested in dyeing my own yarn, and yet here I am. Of course, I also didn't think I'd care to learn to knit... If I'm not careful, I'll end up spinning my own yarn, next. ;o) Maybe raising a flock of alpacas in the backyard... (g) (Only, I doubt alpacas would like our hot, humid summers. And to be honest, I'm not sure I want to be responsible for caring for largish animals. Medium-sized dogs are big enough. Plus, have you ever looked at the prices of alpacas? Crazy. It's definitely an investment...)
I've "kind of" done both, I guess.
The pattern was a crochet pattern. (I'm nowhere near advanced enough in knitting to make my own pattern for that craft. Unless knitting a square in garter stitch with no specific directions counts as making a pattern. In that case, my very first project was "my own pattern"! (g))
The only time I did more than just modify a pattern (or complete wing it without writing anything down) was when I (fairly recently) tried to come up with my own motif. The resultant pattern (Prairie Star Motif) is nothing special. I'm sure it's been done before, but I did come up with it on my own. It was fun to try-- and I'd like to give it another try, sometime-- but I don't think I'm a natural pattern designer. I enjoy just following patterns more than worrying over how to make one of my own, even though I love the idea of designing a pattern of my own... It's a lot of work, though!
I've also only dyed yarn once. Multiple balls/colors, but all in one afternoon. I'd definitely like to try that again. In fact, I have the yarn and food coloring. I just have to decide how I want to dye it. I may wait until I have some idea of what I want to make. I've only used one ball of the my hand-dyed yarn, so far, and knitting something from at least one more ball might be a good idea... Give myself a better idea of how it looks knitted or crocheted up... It was lots of fun, though, and I'm frequently tempted to just go dye some of it and figure out later what to make with it.
It's funny how a hobby progresses. When I started crocheting, I never thought I'd want to make a whole afghan-- just something small, like a scarf. Now I love making afghans. Back then, I never would have expected I'd someday be really interested in dyeing my own yarn, and yet here I am. Of course, I also didn't think I'd care to learn to knit... If I'm not careful, I'll end up spinning my own yarn, next. ;o) Maybe raising a flock of alpacas in the backyard... (g) (Only, I doubt alpacas would like our hot, humid summers. And to be honest, I'm not sure I want to be responsible for caring for largish animals. Medium-sized dogs are big enough. Plus, have you ever looked at the prices of alpacas? Crazy. It's definitely an investment...)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Day 23 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 23: If you had the supplies (and patience) for it, what project would you start today?
If I had the supplies, the patience, and the skill-- and if I didn't already have too many WIPs... I'm not sure. I have a ridiculous queue on Ravelry-- but most of those are patterns I probably won't ever make. Lots of them are very similar to one another, for one thing, and I only plan to use one those similar patterns (once I decide which I like most/best fits with my skill level or stashed yarn). I use my Ravelry queue more as a bookmark list of patterns I might want to make than as a "to do" list of patterns I definitely plan to knit or crochet.
Right now, if I didn't already have too many projects going, I'd probably sit down on the couch, thumb through my collection of crochet motif books, choose one (or more) that struck my fancy, and start a new afghan. I just really love crocheting motif-based afghans, and the planning/daydreaming phase is one of the best parts. They offer unrivaled opportunity to play with colors, and each completed motif gives you a little sense of accomplishment. And there are so many beautiful crochet motifs I want to try making...
I'd also love to start a lacy knitted shawl or stole, but considering how many problems I've been having with Multnomah, it feels like it's going to be a while before that one's done. (As a result of the problems I've had with that simple pattern, I'm questioning whether I'm ready for detailed lace in laceweight yarn, yet.)
Then there are doilies. I've been feeling the itch for thread crochet again. I have a project already in progress (the Hiddleson design named "Pretty Baby"), but the thought of starting something new is more alluring than the idea of picking up something already I've set aside-- especially since the pattern sometimes requires a little more attention and involvement than a modern pattern.
BUT.
I'm pushing away temptation. I have too many projects already in progress, and I'm going to finish at least one WIP before I start something new.
If I had the supplies, the patience, and the skill-- and if I didn't already have too many WIPs... I'm not sure. I have a ridiculous queue on Ravelry-- but most of those are patterns I probably won't ever make. Lots of them are very similar to one another, for one thing, and I only plan to use one those similar patterns (once I decide which I like most/best fits with my skill level or stashed yarn). I use my Ravelry queue more as a bookmark list of patterns I might want to make than as a "to do" list of patterns I definitely plan to knit or crochet.
Right now, if I didn't already have too many projects going, I'd probably sit down on the couch, thumb through my collection of crochet motif books, choose one (or more) that struck my fancy, and start a new afghan. I just really love crocheting motif-based afghans, and the planning/daydreaming phase is one of the best parts. They offer unrivaled opportunity to play with colors, and each completed motif gives you a little sense of accomplishment. And there are so many beautiful crochet motifs I want to try making...
I'd also love to start a lacy knitted shawl or stole, but considering how many problems I've been having with Multnomah, it feels like it's going to be a while before that one's done. (As a result of the problems I've had with that simple pattern, I'm questioning whether I'm ready for detailed lace in laceweight yarn, yet.)
Then there are doilies. I've been feeling the itch for thread crochet again. I have a project already in progress (the Hiddleson design named "Pretty Baby"), but the thought of starting something new is more alluring than the idea of picking up something already I've set aside-- especially since the pattern sometimes requires a little more attention and involvement than a modern pattern.
BUT.
I'm pushing away temptation. I have too many projects already in progress, and I'm going to finish at least one WIP before I start something new.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 22 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 22: Have you ever stricken someone off your to-knit-for list because they didn't appreciate / take care of your last knitted gift to them?
No; most people have at least pretended to appreciate the things I've made for them. (g) I do sometimes wonder if anyone wishes I would take them off my to-craft-for list... ;o)
As far as someone not taking care of the my handmade gifts, I don't think I've given anything that needed very special care-- partly for that reason. Some people on my list might not appreciate being given something that needs to be handled with kid gloves, and others might have a hard time remembering (since there's no built-in tag with washing instructions).
However, that's not to say that I don't ever give something that needs hand-washing, etc... I think the fingerless gloves I gave to my mother and sisters last Christmas were made of yarn that suggests laying flat to dry. I believe I included a written note to mention that. However, if they're like me, they probably won't be washing their gloves very often to begin with-- and if they do forget and throw them in the dryer and shrink them (or whatever else might happen)... Oh well. They were pretty fast projects. The yarn was bought on clearance (very cheaply). It certainly won't be the end of the world.
Really, part of giving a gift is letting it go. If we're going to be worried about it, keeping tabs on whether they're using it / taking care of it in a manner that matches our own standards, maybe we should reconsider giving it at all. I understand that a lot of effort goes into making a gift, and we certainly have the "right" to not give a person handmade presents (for any reason that occurs to us)-- but I'd try to imagine how I might feel about a gift that the recipient was always checking up on. A present that comes with too much responsibility is more of a burden than a gift.
No; most people have at least pretended to appreciate the things I've made for them. (g) I do sometimes wonder if anyone wishes I would take them off my to-craft-for list... ;o)
As far as someone not taking care of the my handmade gifts, I don't think I've given anything that needed very special care-- partly for that reason. Some people on my list might not appreciate being given something that needs to be handled with kid gloves, and others might have a hard time remembering (since there's no built-in tag with washing instructions).
However, that's not to say that I don't ever give something that needs hand-washing, etc... I think the fingerless gloves I gave to my mother and sisters last Christmas were made of yarn that suggests laying flat to dry. I believe I included a written note to mention that. However, if they're like me, they probably won't be washing their gloves very often to begin with-- and if they do forget and throw them in the dryer and shrink them (or whatever else might happen)... Oh well. They were pretty fast projects. The yarn was bought on clearance (very cheaply). It certainly won't be the end of the world.
Really, part of giving a gift is letting it go. If we're going to be worried about it, keeping tabs on whether they're using it / taking care of it in a manner that matches our own standards, maybe we should reconsider giving it at all. I understand that a lot of effort goes into making a gift, and we certainly have the "right" to not give a person handmade presents (for any reason that occurs to us)-- but I'd try to imagine how I might feel about a gift that the recipient was always checking up on. A present that comes with too much responsibility is more of a burden than a gift.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 21 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 21: Do you knit gifts for friends and family for the holidays or birthdays?
I haven't been knitting long, but yes, I do knit and (more often) crochet for family for holidays and birthdays (and the occasional "thank you", etc. sort of gift). It started way back with the knitting loom and those fuzzy novelty yarn scarves. (g) I like to think that the gifts I make now are nicer than those scarves were...
I feel a little self-conscious when giving people handmade gifts-- like I'm obligating them to express appreciation (true for any gift, really) and possibly bombarding them with "stuff" they won't even like or use (again, could be true for any gift, but at least many store-bought gifts are exchangeable...)-- but I try not to worry about it too much. I will say this, though: Any family member who may read this, please, please don't feel obligated to keep or use something I've given you. If it's just taking up room, please feel free to donate it or pass it along to someone else. If it's been completely messed up, throw it out. I won't be offended. I probably won't even know, but if I ever do find out, I won't be offended. (g)
I like making gifts because it allows me to make more things than I could justify if I were making them just for myself or my home. I can make a favorite pattern multiple times. I can make toys-- something I'd be unlikely to make for myself. I can give a unique, personalized gift-- something that you can't easily get from the local shops. For the price of a skein or two of yarn, (sometimes) I can make something nicer than what I could buy with the same amount of money. And finally, there's just something fun and special about having the secret of making someone a handmade gift.
I haven't been knitting long, but yes, I do knit and (more often) crochet for family for holidays and birthdays (and the occasional "thank you", etc. sort of gift). It started way back with the knitting loom and those fuzzy novelty yarn scarves. (g) I like to think that the gifts I make now are nicer than those scarves were...
I feel a little self-conscious when giving people handmade gifts-- like I'm obligating them to express appreciation (true for any gift, really) and possibly bombarding them with "stuff" they won't even like or use (again, could be true for any gift, but at least many store-bought gifts are exchangeable...)-- but I try not to worry about it too much. I will say this, though: Any family member who may read this, please, please don't feel obligated to keep or use something I've given you. If it's just taking up room, please feel free to donate it or pass it along to someone else. If it's been completely messed up, throw it out. I won't be offended. I probably won't even know, but if I ever do find out, I won't be offended. (g)
I like making gifts because it allows me to make more things than I could justify if I were making them just for myself or my home. I can make a favorite pattern multiple times. I can make toys-- something I'd be unlikely to make for myself. I can give a unique, personalized gift-- something that you can't easily get from the local shops. For the price of a skein or two of yarn, (sometimes) I can make something nicer than what I could buy with the same amount of money. And finally, there's just something fun and special about having the secret of making someone a handmade gift.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Day 20 of 30 Days of Knitting
Day 20: Do you knit in public? Was anyone offended / incredibly happy / curious that you were doing so?
I have only knitted or crocheted in public a few times. Or, actually, I guess I've done it more than that if you count sitting in a car in a parking lot (while waiting for my husband to come back out to the car). Once while I did that, I had the windows rolled down, and a woman who parked next to me commented on the doily (favorably) and asked if it was very hard to crochet lace. :o) (I answered that it wasn't really that difficult, but it was time-consuming. Possibly I should have added that it can require patience, because soon afterwards, I found a mistake and had to rip back and re-do!)
Apart from that, I can only recall knitting and crocheting in public twice-- once per craft-- at family get-togethers. Both times, someone commented on it-- favorably / curiously ("What are you making?"). I can't imagine anyone-- especially in my family-- being offended at the sight of someone knitting or crocheting in public, unless possibly they felt that it was a situation where you should be giving all your attention to someone or something else...
That said, I rarely make the choice to knit/crochet in public (beyond sitting in the car on long drives/waits), for a few reasons.
Reason #1:
Not enough time. I don't often have occasion to go out and sit in public for extended periods of time. When I do need to go out, I'm usually busy doing something else the whole time, so there's no time for knitting.
Reason #2:
Inconvenience. Even with small projects, it can feel like a hassle to make sure I bring everything I need-- and often my projects are too large to be convenient for hauling hither and thither.
Reason #3:
Consideration for others. I often worry that if I pull out my knitting/crocheting at a get-together, it will seem rude-- like I'm purposely shutting myself off from everyone else (more than usual (g)). Now, I know this is silly. For one thing, I don't usually talk much, anyway, being more of a listener in groups. Also, I am fully capable of crocheting/knitting and following a conversation. I don't think anyone would really care whether I crochet... But then I come back to the "not enough time" issue, unless it's a long get-together with extended periods of just sitting around and chatting.
Reason #4:
Shyness. People are likely to comment on / compliment whatever I'm making, and that just makes me feel awkward. (*sigh*) Logically, I know they're only trying to be friendly and take an interest in what I'm doing-- and maybe the interest is even genuine-- but I can't help but feel that they'll think I'm tiresomely fishing for compliments... "Ooh, look at me! I just pulled out a crochet/knitting project and you can't help but notice what I'm doing, so you are now expected to say something nice about it." I feel somewhat the same way about giving handmade gifts. (*embarrassment*) This is why I think I'd feel less self-conscious knitting/crocheting in front of strangers (on public transport, for instance) than in front of people I know. I don't care as much what strangers think of me.
...Wow, this got long. Obviously, I have some Issues to work through, on this topic. ;o)
I do like seeing what other people make-- no matter what craft they do-- so I should probably just not think so much about it and carry my most portable WIP around with me wherever I go. Maybe I'll be the spark that gets someone else interested in learning to knit or crochet!
I have only knitted or crocheted in public a few times. Or, actually, I guess I've done it more than that if you count sitting in a car in a parking lot (while waiting for my husband to come back out to the car). Once while I did that, I had the windows rolled down, and a woman who parked next to me commented on the doily (favorably) and asked if it was very hard to crochet lace. :o) (I answered that it wasn't really that difficult, but it was time-consuming. Possibly I should have added that it can require patience, because soon afterwards, I found a mistake and had to rip back and re-do!)
Apart from that, I can only recall knitting and crocheting in public twice-- once per craft-- at family get-togethers. Both times, someone commented on it-- favorably / curiously ("What are you making?"). I can't imagine anyone-- especially in my family-- being offended at the sight of someone knitting or crocheting in public, unless possibly they felt that it was a situation where you should be giving all your attention to someone or something else...
That said, I rarely make the choice to knit/crochet in public (beyond sitting in the car on long drives/waits), for a few reasons.
Reason #1:
Not enough time. I don't often have occasion to go out and sit in public for extended periods of time. When I do need to go out, I'm usually busy doing something else the whole time, so there's no time for knitting.
Reason #2:
Inconvenience. Even with small projects, it can feel like a hassle to make sure I bring everything I need-- and often my projects are too large to be convenient for hauling hither and thither.
Reason #3:
Consideration for others. I often worry that if I pull out my knitting/crocheting at a get-together, it will seem rude-- like I'm purposely shutting myself off from everyone else (more than usual (g)). Now, I know this is silly. For one thing, I don't usually talk much, anyway, being more of a listener in groups. Also, I am fully capable of crocheting/knitting and following a conversation. I don't think anyone would really care whether I crochet... But then I come back to the "not enough time" issue, unless it's a long get-together with extended periods of just sitting around and chatting.
Reason #4:
Shyness. People are likely to comment on / compliment whatever I'm making, and that just makes me feel awkward. (*sigh*) Logically, I know they're only trying to be friendly and take an interest in what I'm doing-- and maybe the interest is even genuine-- but I can't help but feel that they'll think I'm tiresomely fishing for compliments... "Ooh, look at me! I just pulled out a crochet/knitting project and you can't help but notice what I'm doing, so you are now expected to say something nice about it." I feel somewhat the same way about giving handmade gifts. (*embarrassment*) This is why I think I'd feel less self-conscious knitting/crocheting in front of strangers (on public transport, for instance) than in front of people I know. I don't care as much what strangers think of me.
...Wow, this got long. Obviously, I have some Issues to work through, on this topic. ;o)
I do like seeing what other people make-- no matter what craft they do-- so I should probably just not think so much about it and carry my most portable WIP around with me wherever I go. Maybe I'll be the spark that gets someone else interested in learning to knit or crochet!
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