Delle (delle) wrote, @ 2008-03-11 12:49:00

I should talk about the weekend, but I won't just now, because it was sucky. I might go back to it once it's finished off tomorrow (please note, I know the weekend is finished, but the repercussions continue until at least tomorrow - oh and probably for every visit ever again to my in-laws).

Instead I'm going to talk knitting. I like talking knitting. I also like shopping knitting, and that takes a lot of shopping. A few months ago, there were many knitting accoutrements which I didn't get. I had no idea why people wanted stitch markers, other than they were pretty. They are pretty, but when I discovered short row heels and toes, I was suddenly very grateful for the two I had (note: I tried to do the first short row toe without them and it was impossible - I made such a mess. I have managed to do one using the YO method without stitch markers, but the first one I did was a T&W toe and there just wasn't enough difference to pick out where I'd got to). Next, I started knitting a top down cardigan for Rhiannon. Suddenly I am in need of 4 stitch markers so I'm using the two I have and improvising the others.

I've also bought so many needles. I used to make do with my inherited metal and plastic needles. Then I discovered bamboo, so now I have a set of bamboo straights (bought on the cheap from ebay). Then I wanted to knit socks, so I have 3 differently sized sets of bamboo dpns. For the top down cardigan for Rhiannon I needed a circular needle. I've never used circs before, so more shopping. My collection now boasts a single set of Knitpicks Harmony Options (4.5mm needles with a 60cm cable). A full set are going to be on my birthday list, if I can wait as long as October before getting more. I suspect not.

So yes, knitting is an expensive hobby - and that's before the yarn (there is some lovely Fyberspates hand dyed bamboo sock yarn which is calling to me, but which won't be bought until I've at the very least finished my current socks and Rhiannon's cardigan). I'm really enjoying it though.

cdngirleh 2008-03-11 12:34 (link)

Oh, is it ever. But at least you get something useful at the end, so it's not like you're throwing your money away. I made a bunch of pretty stitch markers, using the different methods described in this post. My favourites are the no-dangle bead/jump ring combo; I made a lot of those little ones for socks. I have the regular KnitPick circ set, and I love them. It's great having the exact needle you need when you want to start a project, instead of always having to run out and get another size. The cables are awesome for magic loop. Somebody at my knitting group last week had the Harmony set, and damn! Those are pretty. I might have to get some Harmony tips to go with my other set. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	cosmicavatar 2008-03-11 16:44 (link)
	Aww, I am sorry you had a sucky weekend (of course my curiosity has been horribly piqued) but I'm glad you have knitting to distract you. (Reply to this) (Thread)

starshine_wd 2008-03-11 17:59 (link)

Remember when I saw you and your mom at Cassie's (almost 5 yrs ago....EEEEEK!)? I was a crocheter and couldn't understand the appeal of knitting. Now, I'm so addicted I swear I'd have withdrawals if I didn't have SOMETHING to knit. I've just started making socks this past winter and I love it. So much, that I even have two sets of 4 different sizes of dpn so I can work on both socks at the same time. That way I don't get sick of it when I'm done one. I knit the ankle of each, then the heels, bodies, toes, you get the idea. And YARN!!! I'm so in love with yarn. No wonder I needed a higher paying job. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	bettiepie 2008-03-11 20:29 (link)
	Some of the crazy sock knitters I know do two at a time on two circulars. I haven't tried it, but I definitely like the idea of two at a time. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	bettiepie 2008-03-11 20:30 (link)
	Knitting is like cloth diapering. You CAN do it on the cheap, but there is so much nice (expensive) stuff to be had! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	cyndisision 2008-03-12 17:40 (link)
	Oh my, yes. Currently I have yarn out the wazoo, at least :). (Reply to this) (Thread)