Do you knit slowly?

I never really thought of myself as a slow knitter. I do knit more slowly when I work on complicated patterns and things. But I was watching all those videos from the links I posted yesterday. Some of those knitters are speed demons! So I started to ask myself. Do I knit slowly?

I can really cruise on certain projects like my mom's pillow cover which is mostly stockinette. And in truth a lot of those knitting videos are of people knitting stockinette. But I feel so frakkin' slow watching those videos.

I don't have any particular reason to worry about my knitting speed other than the fact that I'd like to be able to knit more things in a shorter amount of time. I think for that reason alone I'd like to work on being faster.

Check this out!

If you like to see the way other people knit, you need to check this link out! (Rav Link)

And yeah, I totally stole this shit from The Wilk over the Fucknits. But I knew some of my friends over here might not see it unless I posted it. So here it is. So cool!

Pool on Purpose!

Just thought I would post a quick link to show you guys a sock yarn by Wollmeise called Wild Thing. This is a yarn specifically designed to pool and flash in exaggerated ways. So I guess I'm not the only one who digs the flash and pool!

Flash and Pool Examples

I had some questions about what flashing and pooling were from yesterday's post. I thought I'd post some examples for you all.

I don't think people will mind my links to their pics, as they willingly posted them to a thread on the different pooling and flashing effects.

So, first I give you flashing (rav link). An effect that tends to go back and forth giving the appearance of a "flash" of lightning. I really like how this can look. Here (rav link) is another cool example of flashing.

This (rav link) example is great for showing how pooling can look like it is part of the design.

Another great example of pooling.

To the left you see my own example of pooling. Very cool, I think.

So all in all, I really like pooling. And like the Yarn Harlot said in her blog, the surprise is what is fun about knitting with variegated yarns!

Flash and Pool

So I have been working on Jeanie this weekend and I have been doing the whole "work with two balls of yarn because they're hand-dyed and not exactly the same, so you have to work two or four rows of each and switch off and on to avoid noticeable difference or pooling and flashing" thing. I don't think I like it. I mean, I love the yarn and they are actually different.

But I miss the pooling and flashing. I know I am not supposed to like pooling or flashing. I know that many people go to great lengths to avoid pooling and so on. But part of the mystery of the hand-dyed hank is the fact that I have NO IDEA what will happen when I knit it up. That is part of the excitement of working with something that is completely unique!

I have not been a big fan of variegated yarns over the years since I started knitting. But one thing I will say is that hand-dyed yarns are supposed to be different and special. To me, the pooling and flashing is just a manifestation of the individuality of each skein.

So, I have decided to stop switching back and forth. I don't care if one end of my wrap is darker than the other. I don't care if it pools and flashes. It just make it that much more interesting to me.

Jeanie

Okay, so I cast on for Jeanie using the provisional cast-on tutorial at bella knitting.

I am happy to report that I made it through the cast-on and foundation row relatively unscathed. I am now too tired to continue on the next row. I mean, have enough time to make it through, but not the mental fortitude I am afraid.

My only problem with this pattern? You really do need all 19 stitch markers and I have 12. :-( I don't want to wait for some that I order, so I'll have to revert to the yucky plastic ones I have. Either that or the old-fashioned tie them on in contrasting yarn. :sigh:

Hopefully I'll have some pictures tomorrow!

ETA: Nothing much to add info wise, so I'll just post the picture to yesterday's post! I only wish the colors of this yarn could be better seen. It's truly beautiful.

And now for some knitting!

Yes, can you believe it? I am actually going to post about knitting. Wow. Let's see, what do I need to update you on?

Project 1: The MOM Project (rav link).
Yarn: Shine Worsted from Knitpicks, dyed by me using Dharma Trading Fiber Reactive Dyes
Pattern: My own pattern that will be available after the big reveal!

Project 2: The Yarn Swap Clapotis.
Yarn: The Linen (Flax) Yarn from Anna.
Pattern: Clapotis from Knitty


Project 3: Wrap for Me. YES ME!
Yarn: Twatweasel Yarn (Mox Nix)
Pattern: Jeanie



So more info and WIP photos tomorrow!