[splitimage]

I'm not scheduled to work on the telephone support line tonight, so I was able to sign up for another knitting class. This one is on making shawls on circular kneedles. It also involves using different colour yarn. Both those things are new to me. So I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm probably also going to pick up enough yarn to make another beret, and see if they have a simple touque pattern.

It should be fun.

splitimage

Hi Splitimage,

I'm new here but saw your post, nice to say hi to a fellow knitter. Your class sounds like it will be interesting. I haven't used circulars yet either. I have a bunch of them stashed away waiting tho.

Have fun at your class!

[splitimage]

Hi Anika,

I still consider myself a newbie knitter. I learned to knit when I was in a psych hospital in 07 but up until now, all I've been making is scarves. I felt it was time to branch out into other shapes. So last month I took a class on knitting in the round and made a beret. It turned out really well.

Tonights class was really fun, although it was super challenging. I learned more about knitting with circular kneedles, knitting with 2 colours, and lay overs. The shawl I'm making is going to be predominantly purple with cream stripes.

I also went into the store early and got shown how to do a long tail cast on which is much faster than the cable cast on which is all I've known how to do up until this point.

I also bought more wool to make another beret while the pattern is still fresh in my mind, and the wool and pattern for a simple toque.

I'm really having fun with knitting and it's a great distraction.

splitimage

[Junerain]

That sounds nice and fun.......good to hear good things from ya!!!

Knitting is a good distraction, I agree.

I wasn't allowed to bring my needles or yarn onto the psych ward when I was hospitalized. A safety precaution, but I sure wished I was allowed. All I had left to do was pace, and someone was already pacing the hall, I didn't want to make it into a pacing relay.

I learnt to knit when I was five. I stopped doing it for many years and then picked it back up again. I love knitting in the round! I've taught myself a lot of skills but there's so much to learn. I haven't taken a class yet. I'm Terribly shy, but I've thought about it many times. Maybe I'll try one.

Your shall sounds great, nice colours. I knit and felt my sister some ballet flats. That was the last project I did. I was given some beautiful wool, bright orange, purple, turquoise and pink. I don't have a large income so I don't get to use really nice wools often. Now I just am thinking what I could make with this beautiful stuff.

I find it harder in the summer to find things to make. I don't want to wait till winter to use them.

Oh that's funny, I learnt the long tail cast on first and then I taught myself the cable cast on from a book. Opposites

[splitimage]

Anika,

Both times I've been in the psych hospital, knitting was allowed, thank heavens. The first time I was in, they actually would supply a ball of yarn, and kneedles, and teach you to knit during crafts. I didn't actually learn at the hospital though, I took a class on 2 weekends when I had a pass to go home. It was actually pretty funny. The first class was on casting on and the basic knit stitch, and the second class was binding off and making a fringe, so I basically had one week to knit the entire scarf. So whenever I wasn't in group, I was basically in the lounge knitting my head off. My psychiatrist thought it was kind of funny - I just kept explaining that I had a deadline.

I like taking classes. I don't really learn well from books, I need to have it explained to it, and be able to see it and ask questions. I'm lucky my favourite yarn store offers all kinds of classes, and they're not super expensive. Classes are capped at a maximum of 4 people, which is nice because I'm really shy too, and it means you get a fair bit of individual attention. The next class I'm doing is in August, and it's learning to knit mitts. Then I figure I'll be able to do hat, scarf, and knit sets.

I know what you mean about wanting to wear what you've made right away, but I have to keep knitting year round, as I give a fair bit away as gifts, as well as keeping a selection for myself.

Your new yarn sounds really nice, I like multicoloured yarns. Hope you think of something nice to make with it.

splitimage

Oh man, not fair. Sounds like I need to get flown to the other side of the country next time I am hospitalized. I had absolutely nothing to do in there. There was a puzzle table but I had little focus or attention span for a puzzle. There was also t.v. but I don't care for t.v. much if I am agitated.

I often wish I knew someone or had a grandma that could teach me new skills. It is a bit hard from books.

I didn't describe my wool well. It's single coloured, just separate colours, separate balls. haha k that's more clear, less clear.

I was thinking maybe some slippers for myself maybe. I found a nice pattern with cabling up the front past the ankle. I don't usually make things for myself. And I am in love with the felting process ( or fulling). I find it pretty therapeutic.

Good luck with your shawl, I'd love to see your finished product.