Knit Lace Emerging -- Early Lessons Learned

Knit Lace Emerging 12 Jun 2016

Two projects in progress -- Paintbrush Kinit Lace Cowl in Alpaca with a Twist Fino ( 3002 pink) and Maple Leaf Knit Shawl in Miss Babs Yummy 2 ply (Infuriated - Wild Iris).

Lessons learned so far:

• Shoulders can be injured when you knit. Pay close attention to posture and even what type of chair. I'm still figuring this out -- the hard way. I discovered that knitting while sitting in my favorite lounge chair -- with its cushy wrap around back -- is part of the problem for me. I'm carrying my knitting around to various locations in our home trying them out for knitting comfort and available light.
• Choice of knitting needles makes a big difference in enjoyment, and even the potential for repetitive motion injuries. I've moved from bamboo to metal. The slope and pointiness of the needle tip makes a huge difference. I struggled thinking it was my lack of skill and ended up sore and frustrated. Sharp lace needles help. I'm still figuring out what length of needle tip and tip style in the circular needles will work best for me to reduce muscle and joint discomfort. The Maple Leaf shawl project is being knit with KnitPicks Options Interchangeables Nickel Plated circulars. I am knitting the cowl project using HiyaHiya Sharp Interchangeables 4".

Modern Colorwork Cowl in 3 colors -- On the Needles -- Practice for a 20 color project

Cast On -- First step in a colorwork cowl multicolor knitting sampler

Walking before Running

My cowl project on the needles today is the class project for Mary Jane Mucklestone's MODERN STRANDED KNITTING TECHNIQUES, an online class at Craftsy. She is a clear and knowledgeable presenter supported by the very useful close up visuals of her hands as she demonstrates. This is less like a class and more like a personal tutorial -- watching over the shoulder of an expert who provides basics and tips. I am very much enjoying the class video segments. Like other Craftsy classes the downloadable class materials are well done.

 I decided to do this project first before jumping headlong into a much more complicated multicolor project -- the East Meets West Satchel from Knitpicks. Stay tuned!