Webigail

Anxiously, I ran into the house. I ripped into the package, as if an invitation to the white house awaited me behind the flap on the envelope. It was my book. My new, book.

I’m sure all of you are wondering, “Just how many books can she own?”

This may very well be one of the last, as I cannot see a need for any other…ok, that’s until my EZ arrives. Then I’m officially done buying books (at least until Nicky Epstein comes out with a new one.)

At any rate, I was a little disappointed with the condition of the book initially. The covers are fine, but the pages are yellow and brown in spots. I then opened the book to just the information I needed to complete my current project. I experienced momentary brain freeze, could not figure out how to calculate how many rows I need to decrease on to taper my sleeves.

As I was reading a little index card fell out, onto the floor. I picked it up and glanced at the previous owners knitting notes and measurements. Instantly, this used book turned into a family treasure that had been passed on to me from a fellow knitter.

The book’s age spots make this book even more valuable.

As for a review of the content - I haven’t had or used the book long enough to give a valid assessment, but judging from the first few pages that I’ve scanned, I’d venture to say that it’s certainly a keeper!

Check back later for a thorough review.

About two weeks ago I went on a yarn quest. I took a magazine into my LYS and Melissa helped me pick out the colors that inspired my “need for more yarn”. As if I do not already have enough yarn falling out of every crevice, right? BTW, thank you Melissa; you have the patience of Job.

Nonetheless, I had this magazine with me and charged right in and insisted…ok, begged Melissa to help me find comparable colors. The Cascade wall is not to be tackled alone, without supervision, as it’s like the black hole. It kinda just sucks one up into this vacuum of color euphoria. However, I digress. I cannot find exactly what I’m looking for, as the ideal pattern only exists in my own head.

When I left the store, I had way more yarn with me then intended, but that’s never a problem, as color and hues are what invigorate me. As I was driving home, I had an epiphany of sorts. I own 2 of the 4 Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting Patterns; I have invested in just about every book that I think will aid me in my need to improve my skills. I spend valuable time, not knitting, but thumbing through my books, or seeking out the “just right” pattern, when that pattern doesn’t exist.

All of this leads me to my next journey. I want to take my knitting to the next step, which is to learn how to design. Yeah, yeah I know that designing is not you learn, as creativity is not taught, but I have ideas. Yep, that’s right folks, somewhere in that hamster cage, there is an idea or two that require a little nurturing.

I have concepts, just need to figure out how to take them from my head, to graph paper and patterns without losing steps in translation. I am accustomed to buying fabric on a whim, throwing it onto the floor and just whipping out an outfit. But, I don’t want to make the same mistake that I made with my sewing. I never learned to use patterns. I managed to make some really nice things, as my mother was quite a seamstress, but I do not know how to use my tools properly.

Knitting on the other hand, is not that simple to me. I cannot just throw stitches onto my needle, keep the pattern in sync and end up with a finished project that says, “WOW!”

With all of that gibberish said, I’m kicking it all up a notch:

1. I’m going to take a sewing class. I cannot fudge my skills with my new sewing machine. Other than forward/backward, I need to use attachments, all of which I own, but I can’t just press a button and have a certain stitch appear.
2. I’m going to invest in a private lesson. I need to understand how to construct my own pattern, or at the very least, how to implement a stitch-pattern into something as basic as a sweater, without it becoming discombobulated. I’ve already spoken to someone about getting this going and as soon as I figure out which direction I want to pursue, I’ll take action.

Wish me luck. I have this one idea stuck in my head and I cannot seem to shake it. It may not mean anything to anyone else when I can get it on paper, but it will mean the world to me!

As usual, my impulsive shopping has lead to me owning two copies of the same book. I accidentally ordered two copies of Knitting From the Top by Barbara G. Walker.

The book is $20 plus free shipping (if applicable).

UPDATE: Sorry this book just hit the post office and is heading to its new home.

Using #7 needles
Gauge = 4 stitches per inch/ 6 rows per inch.

We are still moving things around in my house and once spring arrives, it’s only going to get worse. So, I’m going to keep an online “diary” of my swatch info. This way, if I cannot physically locate my swatch, I’ll be able to refer to my virtual swatch of the yarns I use frequently.

Using size #7 needles, St st - gauge = 5 per inch/ 7 rows per inch.

I was trying to find the last attachment on my list for my Singer 15-91. Naturally, most of the search results turned up on ebay.

I placed a couple of bids and actually hit the jackpot with one bid. I have accessories and attachments and screws and parts for daaaaays. My parts-cup runeth over. However, there was no blind-stitch attachment. It was the very last thing that I needed. So, I searched again and found Jacqui and Jakes blog. They had not one, but TWO blind-stitch attachments and manuals for sale.

The price was reasonable, just needed to know how much shipping would cost. I’m so glad that I inquired. Not only was the price great, but there were no inflated shipping costs, no one to play bidding wars with, and the Singer Blind Stitch attachment #160616 was in perfect condition, just as described.

If you’re in the market for vintage and antique sewing machines and accessories, I definitely recommend Jacqui and Jake. They are great to do business with! My Blind Stitch attachment arrived safe, sound and ready to use.

My boys left about two hours ago. It’s just the girls (Penny and Blue) and me.
So “we’re” going to knit…or sew…or knit AND sew…or crochet…

There’s just too much to do and now that I actually have the time, I do not know what to choose.
I’ve got purses to line, sweaters to line, yarn to use up, fabric itching to be used. What’s a girl to do?