No Fear?
I've been knitting in earnest for about eight years now, and for the most part, I'm a "Just Do It" kind of knitter. If I want to make something I'll jump into it. If I don't posses a particular skill, I'll read up on it, and incorporate it .
Double pointed needles, entrelac, toe up socks, top down socks, short rows, and magic loop are among many of the techniques that I've picked up over the years. It doesn't mean that I like them equally, but I'm glad I have them in my arsenal.
...And then there's color knitting.
For some reason, I've been tepid about it. I've done relatively little and I like the results, but just haven't felt the love.
BarCampCHS Hat
When some friends asked me to design a BarCamp hat last year, I thought about it; brought the yarn, and set it aside. This year, I flexed a few designing muscles.
Charting and Sampling: Hurray! It looks like a fireball!
Prototype I. Turned out be a child's size but cute. Colors work. Nice contrast.
Protoype II: Still a little snug. Don't like the 4X1 ribbing. Not feeling the border around the fireballs, but getting closer to what I envision. Don't feel this blue is strong enough.
Protoype III: Almost there. Like the 3X2 ribbing much better. Stronger border around the fireballs. Need to bring the design down a bit and have a better crown.
Production I: Really like the red and black colors. Still need to fiddle with the crown.
Production II: Pretty pleased.
First Production Group: I'm happy with my first design. Of course I'll fiddle a little more.
Had a great time at BarCampCHS. Even had a session. KnitCamp! Here I am explaining my designing process using Patrick as a model.
Group photo. I'm in the very front with the brown pants. I'm not wearing my hat, but can you see some other hats in the group?
I felt inspired enough to start the Diplodocus Sweater for my nephew.
Kate's pattern rocks! I finally started this past Sunday, and I'm really wanting to get to the sleeves. I already want to make a couple more. I wasn't too sure about my color choices at first but I think that Donovan will like the camo feel.
I'm even thinking of the Nora Dress from the new Knitscene.
Color me GOOD!
Just like the boy bands, I do it All 4 Love!
Kudos to you for being a fearless knitter! And kudos to Patric for being so brave about getting up in front of a group of knitters. I've always been brave about knitting too. What's the worst that can happen?
Posted by: Dorothy | November 05, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I have to agree with Dorothy you should be fearless. My second knitted thing was a complex Pingouin pattern knit in the round bottom up. I taught myself so I didn't any idea as to what I should or shouldn't be able to knit so I tackled anything.
I love the diplodocus sweater and the fireball hats. I never heard of the "Camp" thing.
It sounds really interesting.
Posted by: Beverly | November 05, 2011 at 05:27 PM
I love the BarCamp hat, Vera. I wish I could've been there this year.
That dress will be awesome.
Posted by: andra watkins | November 06, 2011 at 12:24 PM