Learning

I hate that expression about a steep learning curve, but I'm actually breathless at all I'm taking in. Last time there was a massive knitting explosion (sort of thing) it was Kaffe Fassett, and it was quite a limited movement. Today, however, all facets of knitting are being explored. I'm learning about blocking with wires, about steeks, about designers, about tradition and about experiment. I want to try everything at once, so there has been another explosion, this time of WIPs.

So: these are 2 experimental wrist warmers.

The recipient was lukewarm at best about wearing them, so I won't have to make the pairs.

This is Nora Gaughan's Cable Spiral sweater, and I've just got to the interesting bit. Also on the needles: 2 tanks, one lace in Debbie Bliss's wool/silk mixture, and the second in Rowan Tapestry; it's going to have one of those twisted fronts - a cable made up of two strips of knitting twisted (I think).

Then there's the stash; I've added some of Debbie Bliss's Astrakhan stuff, bought from Chester Stash's sale, and (Yeehaw!) some of the Jaggerspun that Evelyn Clark makes so many of her shawls in - and it's lovely, with a soft sheen and an amazing drape.Can't wait to start knitting it - I have done a swatch, but that's reasonable!

And the blogs! What riches! all of these knitters out there, sharing their enthusiasm and entertaining us. And making us feel less guilty about stash building and ignoring household dust because they do it too! And then of course, the knitting forums and the knit alongs. I joined the Angel yarns forum last week, and can't believe what a warm welcome I received.

When I was a teacher, there were constant changes to adapt to (all creating extra work, of course). Now I'm equally challenged to learn, but with what fun! Thank you, all the knitters out there, who have me returning to the lap top several times a day to find out the latest idea or joke.

Now I just need to solve the problem of how to knit in comfort for the hours I want to spend, while keeping a book open at a suitable height, and i'll know Paradise has been achieved.