Weak Resolve
The First Sleeve for the Bonkers RDP
It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that I decided to cast on the first sleeve of the BRDP. Yes, I am weak willed when it comes to these sorts of things. Some days it's just all about me. Amazing how a little cable down the center of a sleeve can make the whole sleeve knitting process a lot more satisfying. I'm hoping to finish the sleeve tomorrow night and get started on the next one. With any luck I'll have a new sweater on Monday...
However, I am developing some concerns about having enough yarn. They aren't to alarmist proportions yet, but my fiber senses are tingling. Hopefully they are just being over sensitive.
I had a lot of fun at our KIP tonight. In addition to the usual suspects (Carolyn, Heidi, Mary, Elisabeth, and Bonne Marie) we were also joined by Rachael and Alice -- who was knitting a very neat sock using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. It's such a blast to make new friends and I hope we see both of them at our next meeting in two weeks.
Mary was starting a sweater in KidSilk Haze. I've got lots of yarn to keep me warm right now (more on that on Monday, but suffice it to say that I when I finish the BRDP I am all ready to dance with Banff), but I have to say that the KidSilk Haze is really lovely and soft and inviting. Maybe I could tackle Birch? Hmmm....
I just ordered some KSH for Birch! And then a met another knitter who wants to do it too. Hmmm, knitalong? I'm awfully scared of the project though. I've never done lace.
Birch is not that tough. The worst part about it is knit-casting on those 300+ stitches and keeping the individal stitcches separated. KSH sticks together like velcro! The pattern itself is very easy and intuitive and after a few repeats I knew it by rote. For first-time lacers I recommend a lot of stitch markers (one after every pattern stitch repeat) and safety lines (one fine smooth cotton thread sliped through all stitches after every pattern row repeat) you can rip back to in ase of errors. Warning though: KSH does absolutely BOT like being riped back, frogged or tinked. Again, the velcro-effect.
Well, my birch is waiting to be taken off the needle to be ripped and re-cast on. Whatever blunder I made...it doesn't seem remotely fixable. I say go for it though Theresa. There are frequently auctions on eBay for 3 skeins of KSH. Beware though, my mom is knitting it in the khaki and it had white spots. :(
Theresa--your knitting should be all about you! Elsewise it's no fun at all.
Love the sweater.
Oooh, do tackle Birch. That way, I'll get to see someone else cast on a gazillion stitches of Kidsilk Haze and I'll stop whining about the ruffles on Elfin, already. Hee!
I have plans for Birch, too. I have the yarn. I'm doing it in Dewberry. The only problem is, I ordered the wrong length of circular needle; I got a 60cm instead of 80cm. People who've done Birch: will it fit on this, or will it be too squeezed up?
You would do a beautiful job with Birch, Theresa! And from my experience with this yarn, you would reallyreallyreally enjoy wearing it. I definitely agree with Thomas, though -- ripping it out is a big pain (but not impossible).