theraineysisters knitting and so much more

Even though I don’t make a lot of $$ teaching knitting classes, I really love to do it.  I am, by title, an educator in my “real” job, but to be honest, I feel more like one in my knitting classes.

Yesterday and today I am teaching a series of short classes on basic finishing techniques at my LYS.  I really enjoy these classes because they take you right to the heart of knitting and what I enjoy about knitting: honing your skills, learning from others, and connecting with knitters.  Yesterday’s crew included some of my favorite people, so it was fun.

One of the things I say in all of my classes is that I am sharing MY way of doing things and if they took the same class from someone else, they would probably hear something different…maybe even completely contradictory.  By taking classes from different people, you gather tools for your own personal knitting toolkit.  You may take one thing from person A, another from B, and another from C.  Lessons learned that feel right to you and work for you.  I try not to be dictatorial: “You have to do this in this exact way, or else!”  I don’t approach my own knitting that way so why would I impose it on others — and the policing of everyone else’s knitting would be exhausting!

Yesterday we were discussing some technique, and one of the knitters said, “[insert very famous name here] said she never does that.”  So we discussed the pros and cons and why she might do it one way and I choose to do it another.  Like I said, we all have our own approach to things. 

So back I go today to immerse myself in dialogue about knitting, technique, and learning from all of those around me.  Another good day!!

I am peeping out from my front door to say HI and share a small-scale FO that took a long time to finish.  I have been off work all week and so you would think I would have gotten a lot done — au contraire, mes amies!!  I have spent most of my week driving!  Just random driving back and forth, from here to there, taking people hither and yon. 

I did finish my Swirl Scarf.  I absolutely love the scarf and love the yarn I used 🙂 .  It goes very well with my winter coat, and I’ll use it a lot in this harsh climate of ours:

Pattern: Swirl Shawl, from Jojoland — I made the scarf instead of the shawl
Yarn: Acero in three colors (one skein of each), by Brooks Farms (420 yds/100 gms, 60% Superwash Wool, 20% silk, 20% viscose
Needles: US 5 dpns
Finished Size: 9″ by 63″

Pros and Cons:
Overall Grade: A-
The pattern: as mentioned in a previous post, I thought there was something amiss with the pattern, so I made a minor change in the hexes.  However, I did end up with a more angular motif because I played up the hexagonal aspect rather than rounding it out.  There is a lot of knitting involved with this project and it is very putsy, but I did weave in my ends along the way and blocked it as I went along, too.  After every set of three swirls, I steamed the three just completed.  It made it easier to pick up the next set of hexes.  No sewing together at the end!

The yarn: gorgeous yarn; great to work with; love it, love it, love it! (Tell us what you really think!).

The scarf: I love this scarf and will use it a lot!

As for the blog, Sally and I are doing some secret knitting and may not have as much to write about in the coming weeks.  We will keep you posted!!  😉

Not much going on here in the northland!  But, I feel a little brave.  Tuesday night at ~7 pm as I was just heading out the door for the evening, my younger daughter asked if we would host a pasta party for her soccer team after their game the following afternoon.  Hmmm.  Many questions came to mind: how many girls would be coming; would the parents be included; how much food would I need; who would shovel clean the house; how do you keep pasta hot for a crowd????  Etc.  I do not do a lot of parties at my house, so entertaining is always a dilemma.  But, I thought about it and asked myself: do you want to be the mom who says no or the mom whos says yes??  So, I said YES!!

And of course it went off without a hitch!  I had enough food for 50…though only 9 girls attended.  They all seemed to have fun, and it wasn’t all that much work.

Next time, I won’t need to be brave!!! 

PS — The girl hiding in the picture is my little hostess!

It may BE summer in Minnesota, but it sure doesn’t feel like it!  It is in the 50’s today!!  Hubby needed a coat to take out the dog this morning…brrrrr.

I am taking the next week off, so will hang out and lead a life of leisure for the next few days.  Yay!   I went to see the new Harry Potter movie last night and LOVED it!!  Did any of you catch the knitting reference?  I about leapt out of my chair!

Sally and I are doing some stealth knitting, and I am plugging away on my Swirl Scarf. 

Scarves are boring to post about — they look the same, just longer!   There are now 14 strips completed as opposed to the 5 shown above.  I’ll end up with 19 or 22 at the end.   That’s all for now 🙂 !