Thank you for all of the positive comments about the new lace top. Its progress has slowed as expected because I had to do some other things yesterday — darn it!! I did start the front and got through the second lace pattern, and also tried to start Anya for my “at-work-mindless” knitting, but it is still not quite right, so I have a few more adjustments to make. The pattern has a small mistake and then there is the issue of my “customizations,” though these will be few (“I like you very much, just as you are.” — MD).
Michelle asked if I buy my yarn at my LYS or on-line. I tend to do both, but primarily at my LYS. Because I teach at two shops, I get a discount. It usually makes it cheaper for me to buy there AND I like to support yarn stores — to keep them around. Also, there is the instant gratification aspect. That said, if the yarn I want is not available at one of the two stores with aforementioned discount, my loyalties end. I will buy the yarn where I can find the best deal.Â
I teach classes so I can afford beautiful yarn. I won’t waste my time on crap. It takes as much time to knit something with Red Heart acrylic as it does to knit with merino wool, but what do you have when you are done? I have made this mistake in the past — as my friend Peggy said, “I only have so many stitches left, so I’m not going to waste them knitting on something I don’t love.”
PS — Michelle, I’m not “one of those.” I know people who can knit like speed demons and get fair isle sweaters done in a month (you know who you are! :)). It takes me months to finish those. The reason I get things done is because I spend a lot of time at it. I wish I was faster because there is so much knitting to do!!
I also lament the fact that I’m not more productive- and I really admire
those who are, but it’s really about the process for me, even more than the
finished product.
And I totally agree, buy the best material, not necessarily the most expensive
you can get. I plan on taking mine beyond the grave, and I’ll be up there
a long time.
Comment by Lorraine — October 23, 2006 @ 8:46 am
I was intrigued by a merino/silk/cashmere at a better price. I googled just for the heck of it and find Jo Sharp Silk Aran at $8.50 for 98 yds and Kathmandu at $8.95 for 104yds. I buy my yarn in local shops but sometimes the web is a good way to get a feel for prices.
Where are you finding Kathmandu at such a great price? Maybe you’re hesitant to say but at least what is the price differential you’re finding??? Or can you get a discount on the Kathmandu but not the Jo Sharp?
Just trying to understand…
PS: the lace is lovely. I keep trying to get through the project queue because I think then I’ll be able to start things when inspiration strikes!
Comment by Gerrie — October 23, 2006 @ 11:28 am
Ya, that Wendy needs to slow down!
Your friend Peggy is so wise. I’ve never purchased Red Heart but I do buy “store brand” for those things that I are a fad to me.
For Gerrie, http://www.carodanfarm.com/ has it at $6.95 but I’ve bought it on sale at lower price.
Comment by Marina — October 23, 2006 @ 11:38 am
From Susan — my yarn was $7.50/skein retail. And Marina quoted a good price. I started working with it and it is very nice — nubby, but that’s what I wanted. Anya is basically stockinette so I wanted some interest from the yarn itself.
And, Marina — you know I meant you, too!!!
Comment by surly — October 23, 2006 @ 1:28 pm
I wonder if we all had more time to knit, if we would wish for more? I probably would 🙂
Comment by Carol — October 23, 2006 @ 2:01 pm
So true! Sometimes I get mad at myself for not having starting knitting sooner so that I would have been enjoying it back
then, as well as now..silly huh?! I did go to Borders today and treated myself to the new Knit It!, In Knitters, and Vogue Knitting. I’m just a glutton for punishment and love to add to things I can’t get done list. 🙂
Comment by Michelle — October 23, 2006 @ 8:05 pm
Very frustrating to be a new knitter and very slow….I admire the speedy knitters but started late and have to accept it. I started out getting cheap yarn because I did not know better.
Now -I think I am becoming a sort of a yarn snob.If it takes me a month to finsh these socks in progress- I’ll use only beautiful, soft yarn .Comment by katomliz — October 23, 2006 @ 11:37 pm