A bit of Catch-up (Extravayarnza)

A bit of Catch-up

So, things are a bit weird here right now. I'm knitting a ton, but I only have a few projects that can be blogged. I think this transition is going to take a bit to get used to.
One thing I do really want to share with you though is a swatch I'm knitting (yes, for the book, but I don't think it gives away anything wink*)

At Cat's retreat I was luckily gifted with a partial ball of Buffalo Gold yarn. I've been swatching all sorts of patterns to see what it wanted to be. I am so impressed with this yarn! At first in the ball it seemed stiff and maybe even a little rough. However as soon as I started knitting with it magic happened. The knitted fabric is silky soft & insanely warm. I pulled my brother over & had him wrap his hand in the swatch. He agreed that this yarn warms you up immediately. It's like an oven. The stitch definition is great, even with the slight halo that's forming the stitches show through easily. I'm just enjoying every stitch. I can't wait to start the book project with the yarn. (plus I saw on their website that they how have a blend with Nylon for socks! Buffalo is naturally non-feltable too!)

Next up, I'm knitting away on my handspun socks. I chose the Friday Harbor pattern from Knitting on the Road to commemorate my recent trip. I'm making a few modifications though. I shifted the top lace pattern so it flows better into the rest of the sock & I switched the heel to a short row heel. I can totally tell the difference in knitting with a 3-ply vs a 2-ply. I think all my sock yarns will be 3-ply from now on. Only, next time I'm splitting the yarn into 3 even parts before I start spinning. I had to finish up with some Navajo plying to use up the singles.

The other knitting project I can mention is my current anywhere socks. I knit the first one on the plane. The second one is riding in my KnowKnits pouch for any unexpected lines or knitting moments. The yarn is Socks That Rock Heavyweight in Mist.

Okay, one last thing to throw out there... I was so inspired by the amazing power of the visionary retreat. I'd really like to share a version of that creative power with all of you. I'm now brewing hosting a knitting retreat. Right now the thought is to find some secluded place in Northern Michigan & bring in a Nationally know knitting instructor to teach two days of classes, probably in October 2008. Today I looked around at conference/retreat centers & I think I found someplace that would suit our needs... Drummond Island Resort. Before I go any further in planning this I'd love to know what you all think (especially those of you here in Michigan). If there is enough interest I will be delighted to plan this event. The power of that many knitters in one place is amazing, you just leave feeling completely energized. I hope you all are willing to give it a try~

Posted on February 1, 2007 1:44 AM | Permalink

Comments (14)

LynnH:

I'd love to go... make it early October, I have a Ukulele Festival toward the end of the month.

Posted by LynnH | February 1, 2007 1:53 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 01:53

Sandra:

I've been on one knitting retreat in my life, and it was wonderful. I'd love to go on another one! Drummond Island looks beautiful.

Posted by Sandra | February 1, 2007 7:50 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 07:50

Lara:

I'd love a retreat and I have a sister in law that would love one too! You may also want to check out Crystal Moutain or one of the Boyne Resorts.

Posted by Lara | February 1, 2007 9:27 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 09:27

Jean:

I would be interested as well -- especially if there was time for some color watching. It's beautiful up there in early October. Can you match up roomies, too? That would be helpful maybe. Thanks for thinking of this!

Posted by Jean | February 1, 2007 9:53 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 09:53

Susie:

Me too! And since I'm more than halfway there, perhaps we can park people in my yard and carpool the rest of the way...

Early October is best up north because by the end of the month, all the leaves are on the ground...

Great idea, Rae! Thanks~

Posted by Susie | February 1, 2007 10:01 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 10:01

kristi and otis:

Count me in!

Posted by kristi and otis | February 1, 2007 10:22 AM

Posted on February 1, 2007 10:22