June's technique is knitted-on edging. In keeping with my plan to use stash yarn and patterns I own, I'm knitting the Hydrangea Neckwarmer from the book Brave New Knits. I'm done the main body, and have started the edging. This is a new skill, but not a difficult one. The pattern calls for a provisional cast-on for the edging, but I will seam at the end. The yarn is variegated and pattern is lacy, so a small seam in the edging won't be noticeable. It was less awkward than the provisional one in the original pattern.
I'm enjoying the challenge of learning (or practicing) new things, but am happy that I've stuck with using pattern and yarn I own. It's so tempting to buy new patterns and yarns. This allows me to search through my books and patterns for things I may have overlooked before, and match with yarns to knit things I may not have considered before. Can't wait to see what July brings!
When you search back through your patterns, do you ever discover patterns that didn't appeal at first sight but as the years go by, you come back to them and suddenly see new things that make them attractive now? I don't know whether it is the development of our skills or just changing tastes over time.
ReplyDeleteIf we were to knit and crochet all the patterns that we have at least once, do you think it would keep us occupied for years? When I think about my pattern library in that way, I realise that there is no real need for me to buy any more patterns to have fun with crochet.
I commend you for your resourcefulness.
I am finding patterns I didn't think I'd knit, which is like rediscovering lots of patterns in my library. Searching by a new technique brings up things I didn't even know I had! I agree, it's likely skills and change in taste. I often look at a magazine with one or two ideas in mind, so revisiting it with a new focus makes the pattern collection feel new again!
DeleteThat's great, Sarah. How did your Hydrangea Neckwarmer edging go? Once you feel comfortable with the knitted-on edging, will you go back and try again with the provisional technique?
DeleteI love smaller projects for learning - you can revisit something familiar repeatedly and try out different techniques and methods on something familiar and compare the effects.
The edging turned out well! I often put things from the blocking mats right into the gift bin and forget to photograph them. Think I’d better do that before it gets gifted for Christmas!
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