Something Old, Something New

Nothing bridal here, but I really am working on both the old and the new.

Two more finishes.

I decided to do the easy finishes first. The little mug rug yesterday was pretty typical.

Last night I did the hand sewing on the small braid quilt I mad last year. I can now consider it finished.

I didn't list the knitting UFOs, but they do exist. This shawl was also finished last year. All it needed was to darn in the yarn ends.

This is a great pattern for someone who wants to try lace knitting, or who wants a project you can do while watching TV. Only one pattern row, and then one purl, one knit and another purl, before the next pattern row. Basically cast on, do a few rows of garter stitch (knit every row) and then begin the pattern. Knit for 75 inches and do some more garter stitch and bind off.

I finally figured out where this shawl is going. I always knew I was going to give it away, and I will do that tonight.

And something new. I have never knit a sock in my life. I've been knitting for 60 years. Sweaters, lace shawls, you name it, and I've done it. But no socks.

I'd heard of 2 at a time socks, and since I've always knit cardigan fronts and sleeves in pairs at the same time, it seems sensible to just do that with the socks too.

Since this is a totally new technique for me, I'll be reading the book a bit before I cast on.

I got the yarn, book and needles at Conversational Threads in Emmaus, PA. A very interesting store. It was only one store when I went there last a few months ago. It has now doubled in size, and has a handicapped friendly entrance. But what pleased me the most was that the place was full of people. They run a UFO class on Tuesday mornings. And there had to have been 10 people still there when I walked in about half an hour after the class should have closed.

This is an old fashioned yarn store in some ways. If I get stuck and only need a little help, they will give me that for free. If I need more there are two of those classes a week. And if I need a lot of one on one, I can purchase that by the hour.

This kind of place has not existed in my adult lifetime. There have been yarn stores, but mostly hanging on by a thread. There was one in California before I moved from there, but I didn't have the time or energy to do much of anything except work and come home then. This is going to be fun.