So, I started a post the other day but then Little Miss Grabby Hands thought my keyboard was the most interesting thing in the world and kablooey the long post was gone. My fault because I didn’t save along the way. And it was a little overlong anyway. Let’s try this again!
The New Year is upon us and it’s time to think about what I’d like to accomplish in 2010. Sparky and I have an ongoing conversation about where we want to be in 1, 5, 10 years as a family, professionally, personally, financially…. It is so wonderful to have a life partner who has such enthusiasm and vision for our future together. We complement and challenge each other in important ways so together we know we can accomplish all the things on our list.
In this spirit of goal setting I’m looking ahead with my knitting as well. This year I plan to master knitting with color. I’ve done a bunch of projects where I’ve added stripes or created blocks of color. But I really haven’t done a lot with specific techniques like intarsia (inserting a block of color on a solid background) or fair isle (using several strands of different colored yarns simultaneously). Additionally, it’s time to tackle entrelac (it’s easier just to show you what this looks like: http://knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/entrelac.htm ). I did take a color work class a long time ago and have made little attempts at utilizing these techniques, but haven’t really tackled any big projects.
As luck would have it, I’ve got a couple of projects lined up that should give me just the push I need to master the art of knitting with color. First up is the inherited polka dot sweater ufo (knitterese for unfinished object) handed down by my college friend Michelle. This is the perfect example of intarsia. This is definitely going to be a challenge and I’ve frogged it twice already. By the end of this project I’ll be an accomplished intarsia knitter for sure.
The next project is a special request from a friend who wants a Christmas stocking. This pattern utilizes minor fair isle elements and a lot of entrelac. It’s going to a be a lot of fun and will also present a pretty big challenge. Bring it on! This pattern is found in “Knitting in America” by Melanie Falick. http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-America-Patterns-Profiles-Americas/dp/1885183275 Unfortunately, I don’t have a great pic to show but will post as I make progress.
I’ll continue to make things for H as well as for any new babies that arrive to friends and family. There are a number of different doll patterns that I’d like to try, which has the added bonus of using up the stash. It would be nice to make something for myself (maybe finish up that green vest?).
Additionally, my intention is to continue to develop this blog and learn more about the technical and artistic ways to make this a forum that extends beyond just my own development as a knitter. That includes improving my photographic skills and staging my pictures better.
What are your goals for 2010? What are you excited to try/learn/improve?