Sock Summit

So my Mom and I headed to the Sock Summit this past weekend. We walked into the trade hall and I just had to stop. I had never seen that much fiber in one place in my life. It was hardcore overload. I gotta say, I was much better than I could have been. I only ended up with only 2 skeins of yarn and about 8 fiber tops. The damned fiber was just so pretty! I am going to spinning until the end of time and still won't be done. Worth it though.

I hadn't heard about the Summit until well after signups for classes had closed so we didn't do any of those (they were hella expensive anyway) but we did do a little hour walk in class. It was a stretchy bind off class. I don't knit socks often, partly because I have such a problem with my cuff being too tight. This should fix that! It was kind of odd and difficult to set up but it was worth it! A very nice, loose bind off based on the Kitchner stitch. I wish I could figure out a way to do it on straight patterns too.

It was amazing. I am super glad I went. I really can't wait for the UK ravelry week next summer now! It is practically next door to Edinburgh in Stirling (less than a half hour train ride). Yeee for knitting.

Sweater number two

So after the success of my Leisl I decided to try my hand at another Ysolda design (I really can't wait to meet her once I get back to Edinburgh), the Vivian sweater. Now she didn't publish this herself and boy can you tell. The pattern is a major pain to read. It just isn't well written. One of the charts is less than clear that it is supposed to be repeated. ALL the charts are ALWAYS read right from left, even though every row is shown. It starts on the wrong side (which I just don't like personally). Ugh. Pain in the butt.

Once I got it going it was ok, but it took me a couple of attempts. Once the pattern was established it is quite nice and mindless. It is going to be a very nice sweater when it is done, but the pattern is a pain.