Wow! Things are different now...

I began knitting in 1959 and recently picked up my needles again. I don't remember knitting with two circular needles or all the various methods of casting on. I made a baby hat with short row knitting and was fascinated watching it come together. I've been amazed at all the new things there are to learn. Thank goodness for the internet which has videos of things like how to use the Magic loop! Who knew!



I've tried knitting with two circular needles and I think it is wonderful. A few weeks ago I tried dpn and it was ok until the needle slipped out and I had to start over. I've been working on a sweater for my GD and I've used one circular and one straight needle. The circular needle is the size specified in the pattern but the straight needle is one size smaller. I felt that the stitches were too loose and know it feels right.



This sweater is an intermediate level pattern. The pattern consists of yo, ssk, psso and knit two together. I think I made an error is one of the first rows of pattern and need to start over. I think I'll start again with another skein so I can compare and see where I went wrong. It is frustrating because I'd done about 8 inches and I'm not happy about starting over but I want it to be perfect so there is no choice.



I've been fascinated with knitting socks but I've vowed to finish all the project I've started before giving them a try. I'm a little concerned about second sock syndrome so I'm planning on doing them both at the same time. My husband says not to make him any socks because he won't wear them. I think that is interesting because I've read that wearing hand knitted socks is what makes people keep knitting them.

Almost the weekend

It is almost Friday and the end of the week. This has been a really scary week with Citibank and Chase dropping my schools. I've heard of more layoffs. I'm worried about my friends. I don't know if I'm naive but I think I'm safe. People I never thought would be laid off have been.

I've started a baby sweater for Grace and Chris. It is a really easy pattern and may be too easy. I think I may embellish but that all depends on what it takes to complete it. I also want to make a baby yoda but I'm not sure about the yarn.

I'm hoping we'll have some good news soon!

next step

I managed to get over my hesitation to post a message on my blog. I think I'm getting used to this blog thing. Last night I went to Jo-ann Fabrics to buy more yarn and found that it was on sale. I needed more to finish the hoods on the two hooded ponchos I'm making. One is a dark blue for Grace's baby and the other is a light blue for my new grandson, Brady Charles. I've been thinking about knitting a wrap for a friend of mine and found this beautiful light blue yarn. There aren't enough hours in the day to work and to knit.

My first blog!

This is my first blog and I'm excited to give it a try. It feels a little uncomfortable to write about myself and to think that anyone is interested in what I have to say. Here goes! I have two things on my mind right now. The first is the new addition to our family. My second grandchild is a boy, Brady Charles. We took him home on Wednesday and he will be two weeks old tomorrow. The other topic is my new awareness or rebirth of interest in knitting.



Brady was a few weeks early and weighed in at 4lbs12ozs. He is a really pretty baby and it also a good baby. We don't want to say that too loud and jinx it. This whole boy thing is new to me since I had two sisters and two daughters and a beautiful granddaughter.



I picked up my needles to make a blanket for Brady and I'm hooked again. In the last month I've completed a blanket, two sweaters, two caps for Brady while working full time. I've started a sweater for my granddaughter, Ella Grace. It is a cardigan in a size 4 and it looks too big. I've put it aside but will finish it soon. I'm working on two Hooded Baby Ponchos in homespun and won't start anything else until they are complete. The first is in a light blue for Brady and the other is darker blue for his little cousin due in May. I'm anxious to get started on the Baby Joda and have the yarn.



I'm looking forward to taking some knitting classes. This whole knitting thing has changes over the years. I taught myself to knit from a little book (cost $.39) when I was in the third grade. My mother wasn't interested and thought I was nuts. I think I inherited my ability and interest from my paternal grandmother. I never knew her but I heard she was a great seamstress back in Scotland. Over the years I've done cross stitch, sewing, needlepoint and knitting. I'd like to learn about continental, fair isle, and sock making.



I think this is enough for now.