Whether you're trying to hit 10 in a row from the free throw line or mastering Poison's "Talk Dirty To Me" on Guitar Hero - we all need to do a little practice once in a while.
With one more sleeve to sew on the other Norah Gaughan knit in the making I have started a pair of Endpaper Mitts. I haven't done stranded knitting in a while and this is the project I needed to rev me up. I have been experimenting with how to hold the yarn, over or under, with the right hand or left hand... etc. I think by now I'm doing a hybrid of all those different techniques but so far really liking how it's coming out!
Since this photo was taken I'm about up to the thumb gusset. The only thing I didn't do which I may rip back in the end is the cuff. I used the new to me Italian Cast-on found over on Francesca's blog with the 2s instead of 0s and it ended up making the cuff way too loose. I plan on finishing it with the 0s and starting the 2nd one properly but I just don't feel like ripping it out Right Now... I'm just having too much fun fair isle-ing!
Other knits on the burner...
I have the color cards for Venezia Pullover but need to make some choices. I had ordered the yarn for the Phildar sweater but when the color arrived it looked more like Giants Blue than the steely blue I was going for - so that's just back to the drawing board (but only for a short time, promise! I wanna get that pullover started too!) And now I can make some Giants hats (and beer cozies!) for people I know! YEA! haha
Happily, things are looking up... I see Feburary on the horizion and what it means... Feb Break. For those lazy mornings (maybe even a stop at the gym... maybe.), knitting and drinking tea ... well we're almost there. Jan just really was filled with bummer news... I mean Heath now? Wow.
Looking good! Stranded knitting is so addictive!!! It took me a while to figure out what "hold" worked best too - I hold one in each hand....
Can't wait to see all the new and upcoming FO projects! Sounds like you've got a lot cooking!
Posted by: stacey | January 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
your endpaper is looking fab. i love the colors you chose. i've never done stranded knitting but i love those mitts and have been thinking of trying them for a bit....maybe.
so sad about heath, especially being an accidental od and all. ugh.
Posted by: meg | January 23, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I got some good advice on stranded knitting from this woman http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/
I still hold it all in one hand, though, it slows me down to try to use two hands.
Posted by: Denise | January 23, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Such a pretty color combo!
Your tension looks really good on the stranding. Can't wait to see these finished!
Posted by: Kirsten | January 23, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Those colors together are so yummy! I found stranded colorwork on DPNs to be fiddly and it took practice, but you'll find what feels most comfortable to you...and it's well worth it! I wear mine every day! :) xo-S.
Posted by: Nonnahs | January 23, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I really want to make the End Paper Mittens, too. I just got the transition gloves kit, to do that first, though. Tryig to build up my courage.
Posted by: Susan Davis | January 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I'm sure I don't use an approved method of holding two yarns, either, but I also don't really mind since it works for me. I love the idea of using a varigated yarn for these mitts. Can't wait to see more!
Posted by: abby | January 23, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Wow! I love the colors you're using!! I can't wait to see how they turn out!
Posted by: Keri | January 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I was thinking about making a pair as a "quick knit" - who the hell am I kidding? I love the color choices; the lighter one will make it look all the more color change-y.
Sounds silly, but I am thinking of having a Heath movie marathon since "10 Things I Hate About You," "A Knight's Tale," and "Brokeback Mountain" all top my favs list. Such a shame!
Posted by: Ava | January 23, 2008 at 05:06 PM
guitar hero and stranded knitting, 2 of my favorite addictions. your knitting looks beautiful.
Posted by: Kristine | January 23, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Good color choice for the mitts. They look really pretty although I am not a mitt person. I hold the yarn in my left hand between different fingers. It works for me so that's what counts. I tried the different hand/different color method but that was too fiddly.
Posted by: donna lee | January 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Your color choices are so pretty and that photo is gorgeous! I can't wait to see it all finished.
Posted by: tiennie | January 24, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Love the mitts! I've nominated you for a You Make My Day Award! Check the blog for details.... it's been making the rounds, you have probably already seen it!
Posted by: Julie | January 26, 2008 at 08:51 PM
You make my day!
Posted by: jillian | January 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
oh my goodness, those yarns are gorgeous! what are they?
Posted by: Kat | January 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Those mittens look great so far! :)
Posted by: Emily | March 07, 2008 at 03:03 AM