Knitting difficulty

I tried a pattern in the Vogue Magazine that was intriguing. However, as with any pattern, there are always modifications. The yarn I used, although the right weight and gauge, was too heavy for the pattern and will not drape as nicely as a softer yarn would(see above).

It is always difficult for a new knitter to determine if a pattern is going to be within their skill level. The Vogue magazine has a temperature-type gauge that helps a knitter decide if a pattern is going to be within their grasp. Over the years, I have developed a system of my own:

Beginner: Television on, comfortable chair, visiting with others. No Post-it necessary.
Intermediate: Television on, comfortable chair, Post-it following pattern rows, no other distractions.
Experienced: Television off, sit at table with more than one Post-it on pattern and row, no one else in room.

The above pattern was for experienced knitters, in fact I had to start it three times before I could get beyond the first four rows. Remember regardless of your level of knitting, there will always be patterns that will test your experience and patience.

How to knit

I have been thinking about knitting and the questions that are asked by people interested in learning to knit. Most of them are interested in the basics; how to cast on, the knit stitch, purl stitch and casting off. Once these basics are mastered the student just needs to sit and knit. It's the student that puts the knitting aside and doesn't practice the basic stitches that doesn't progress.

The harder aspects of knitting; reading a graph (or chart)and doing more complicated stitches become a challenge. I love starting a new pattern that is so complicated I have to use a Post-it to keep my place on the chart line by line. A pattern that is so difficult I can't even have the television turned on and woe to anyone who calls me at that point! This is a challenge--one that I try to do at least once a year.

Too many knitting projects

I have been sorting through some of my in progress knitting projects and began working on a couple. One is a pair of lacy socks that take a lot of attention and the other one is an afghan pattern that I've made before so I have an easy project when the socks become too complicated and I want a break.

I am determined to finish all of the projects but some sooner than others! One of the projects that took precedence was the prayer shawls as I wanted to have several for a backlog. Also, I was trying to get some items ready for the Christmas bazaar however we aren't going to have a table until next year which was very disappointing. Hopefully, by next year I will have a nice little inventory--if I don't start too many fun projects.

One of the drawbacks of having several knitting projects in progress is remembering where I left off in the pattern and also the intricate details of each pattern. Using a Post-it for a line marker on a chart helps me keep my place and I write notes about the size on it.