Thursday, April 29, 2010

#34 - KNITCROBLOWEEK, DAY 4: MORE TO LEARN

I'll probably start to sound like a broken record, but it's true: One of the things I so love about knitting is that there are seemingly endless amounts of things to learn. And for most techniques, I'm practically fearless and happily dive head-first into a project without the slightest clue what I'm doing. Knitting in the round? Sure, why not. Cables? Count me in. Lace? It's just a few yarn overs. Entrelac? Sounds good to me!

photo © hello yarn

But one technique has me (figuratively) shaking in my boots... Colorwork. Why oh why? So much of it that I love, so many knitters whose work with it that I adore, but I have yet to try, already years into my knitting life. And one poor pattern patiently awaits in my Ravelry queue: Hello Yarn's Fiddlehead Mitts. A classic mitten with scrolling detail, which I covet when I see it pop up on other's project pages. I am certain that after a bit of reading and perhaps a class or a little help from my friends, I'll be knitting away on these without a care. Until then, I'll look at them longingly, from afar, simply waiting... until I know what I'm doing.

To read other posts by knitters and crocheters participating in 'blog week,' just google search 'knitcroblo1' for day 1, 'knitcroblo2' for day 2, etc.

15 comments:

agirlinwinter said...

I'd love to make those mittens, too. I'm too scared by colourwork to try them, but one day...

Chase & Snow Oy said...

Just give it a try! Colourwork is a lot of fun.

Maiden Jane said...

I did my first colorwork last year. I made a yoke sweater. But to get the hang of it before hand, I knit the KISS purse from Sally Mellville - one of her books - probably Color. You only use two yarns - one main color and then a Noro. I got comfortable with carrying the yarns in two hands. The best part is that it is felted so all the little imperfections fade away!

janicebotterill said...

Hi Rachel - thanks for popping over to stitchingandknitting - those mitts are luverly. Think you should give it a go. I think maybe there should be a knitcroblo have-a-go week as we've all confessed the things we want to do! See you again soon.

KnitSpirit said...

Colorwork is a goof challenge! I have to improve my technique for this! ^^

Ida said...

I know you can do it. Just give it a go.

AC said...

Those mitts are lovely...let's give it a go!

biomaj5 said...

I'm trying to work up the nerve to do colorwork as well.

Allison said...

The key with colourwork is to start with a small project. Those beautiful mitts are perfect.

Katie, a dyer at Yarn Love said...

I love Fiddlehead mittens. They're so pretty. I second the "just do it" advice. Colorwork can be awkward at first, but once you get the technique, you'll wonder why you were ever scared. This is my favorite clip for learning how to knit with one color in each hand.
http://www.philosopherswool.com/Pages/Twohandedvideo.htm

Leah said...

Broken record, but seriously - just try it! Colourwork is fun, and if you start with something small (like those mittens), there's less chance of heartbreak.

Anonymous said...

Love those mittens :) go for it :D whats the harm? Can always frog it :)

Fuzzy-Pink said...

The key to colour work is just good tension. Not all the hard. I am sure that you can do it. I sometimes think we are living our knitting lives in reverse .. I started with colourwork, and have been just now starting with the cables and lace ...

Love the mittens .. perhaps a KAL for the fall???

Anonymous said...

They're in my queue as well, waiting waiting waiting...

g-girl said...

maybe you ought to practice on something smaller first? then you'll see that all your fears will have been for nought.