I have actually finished something. In looking back through my archives, it has been two months since I actually completed any knitting projects. So, small though it is, I’m posting this, just because it’s my blog and I can.
I started this eons ago, and finally sat down last night with a Tivo full of JAG reruns, and finished the thing.
Yarn: Euroflax linen, sportweight, Pink Panther
Pattern: Dragon Scales Washcloth, from Knitters Stash.
Started: ??
Finished: August 29, 2006
Needles: Vintage faux tortoise shell straights, size 3.25mm (labelled Imperial size 10)
For: ?? This might be a gift, or maybe just for me.
What I learned: I learned that I hate knitting complex stitch patterns from text. I would much rather knit from a chart. I kept losing my place in the pattern until I sat down and charted it out, which only took a few minutes. I can’t quite figure out why this stitch pattern scallops on one edge and not the other. If this was a big shawl it would irritate me, but it’s just a facecloth.
I have a half a hank of the Pink Panther left (and a billion other hanks of Euroflax in other colors, I can’t resist the stuff), so I will cast on for one of the other patterns in the book before I forget where I put it.
I also made some new stitch markers last night. I have a whole box of beading supplies to make these, and I saw a Buddha stitch marker on someone’s blog recently (don’t remember where, if it’s you, let me know in the comments). I found little Buddha beads online, got them in the mail this week, and went to work last night. Really, these only take a few minutes to make.
Aren’t those just adorable? How can you not smile when you’re knitting with little fat Buddhas on your needles? Click on that to get the full effect.
I also bought some sheepy stitch markers recently, from Mousie Masala. Go see her, she has lots of good stuff. Here are the sheep:
And my Buddhas on the needles:
Click on that picture too, to make it big enough to see the Buddhas, and my little handwritten chart. You can see my fancy-shmancy needles there, too. Every time I show a picture of these, I get at least one comment about them. If you want them, scrounge around Ebay and watch for them. Look for vintage tortoise knitting needles, and you’ll find them. I have a whole vase full of them in various sizes.
Oh, OK, here they are.
And just in case anybody wants to see another view of what my lake looks like today:
This house was definitely built with the focus on the lake. We have three levels of deck/patio, and this one is off our master bedroom on the top floor. We call it the “crow’s nest”, and it is our private little retreat that nobody else gets to visit. It’s a great place for martinis in the evening. Which gives me an idea, it’s almost cocktail hour!
I’ve done that pattern, but used a mercerized cotton as it was what I had. How is the linen to work with? Love the Buddha beads!
Needles I want Buddhas on my ears!
The Buddhas are too cute! I haven’t seen tortoise shell needles – I’ll have to keep my eyes opened for those.
Your view and private deck are wonderful :o)
Wow, nice view! I need to pull out my copy of Knitters Stash and give that pattern a try – I have about six skeins of Euroflax in different colors. Yours is really pretty.
I like that dishcloth pattern; it’s elegant. And the Buddhas! Too cute.
Such pretty things to look at, all but the view is the hands down winner 🙂
If I told you how many UFO’s I REALLY have, you’d laugh. And I’d cry. If you can remember when you acquired the book the pattern is in, then you’ll have a better idea of when you started the washcloth. Which is very pretty, btw. Complicated stitch patterns need charting. I think I might have to buckle down and chart some things I’d been having a hard time knitting from written instructions. So far, using the charts for Kiri has been a major improvement. The deck view is very delicious!!
did i miss something? you guys bought a new place?! you gotta start coming back to SnB to keep us in the loop!!
What a great place to relax. I prefer charts as well, they just make more sense to me.
What’s not to love in this post!? The view, the knitting (Buddhas!) and needles, too. You live a charmed life;-)
Love the Dragon Scales cloth – that’s a nice stitch pattern (even with the scallop-ey business). The stitch markers are great!
i love the buddhas! And the dishcloth is gorgeous.
I wish I was there for cocktail hour 🙂
That is a really nice washcloth pattern. The yarn you used looks uber soft. 🙂 Those stitch markers are great. I love the sheep.
Happy Knitting!
oh my god, lorette, forgive my previous comment – i thought i was reading another blogger’s blog!! heh. good thing the weekend’s here. sheesh.
Your Buddhas are adorable! And I love that dishcloth pattern…must try that!
(((hugs)))
I love the dishcloth (or is that dishclothe?). I have a question. Is euroflax hard to knit with? I’ve heard folks fussing about it being hard on their hands, hard to get the stitches to look right, etc. I was looking at a bunch of euroflax the other day and was a little nervous about buying it. What’s your opinion on it?
Those Buddha stitch markers are the best! I’m so envious, and envious of your view too! Enjoy the hot weekend!
Gorgeous dishcloth/facecloth! Love the stitch markers – I have some markers from Mousie Masala, too.