Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Greetings Unravelers! It’s the very last Unraveled Wednesday in February! And while we certainly had a wintry February here in Pittsburgh – the snowiest one since I moved here 7 years ago! My thoughts are turning to changing season knits. However, I have been giving my new knits a good work out and they are doing a good job of keeping me warm! And I am sure that the weather will be suitable for wearing my latest finish for a good bit of time before it is too warm for it.
This week the online classes for MDSW were available and I signed up for a couple of spinning classes with the hopes of improving my spinning skills. These classes qualify for Bucket List Classes as well! First I signed up for a class on Twist taught by Maggie Casey. Twist… the hardest part of spinning. I hope to learn how to better control how much twist I want in my yarns. I also signed up for a class on spinning Columbia Sheep with Judith McKenzie. April looks to be an incredible month for learning! Which is a good thing because I finished another skein, and while it absolutely needs a bit more twist in the plying, I feel like my spinning is in a rut… I spin my default spin every.single.time. Sigh.
This week, however, I have a finish!! This sweater was a long time in the making, but she is done and I can’t wait to wear her! I started this sweater way back in October of 2019 and I finished it yesterday! Notes on the knitting… I should have knit the body a wee bit longer, sigh. Ripping back and adding a couple of inches is not something I am even considering though because of that strand of mohair. And, of course, I needed to wind another skein of yarn with just 10 rows to go in the second sleeve. It will be getting a nice soak this morning and I hope to have some glamour shots next week!
I do have a generous amount of the Briar Rose Fiber Angle Face left over to knit something else with. This was the largest hank of fiber known to the Knitiverse… a sweater plus is a very good bargain. Sadly, I don’t have enough of the mohair to strand with it. But there is a matching hat (Ravelry link) that will work with the mohair I have left!
I also had some unraveling this week… the fabric for Steve’s sock from last week just seemed a bit loose to me… so I ripped it out and will cast on again later today with smaller needles. Good thing I was not very much further than the photo from last week!
The reading this week has been just lovely… the perfect companion to sleeve knitting! Nothing like a good mystery to keep you engaged, right?
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vera and a murder…what’s not to love? This latest installment in the Vera series does not disappoint. I have so enjoyed watching the development of characters as this series has progressed. I highly recommend this series!
The English Assassin by Daniel Silva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In The English Assassin we are invited to learn more about Gabriel Allon… and what we learn makes him even more interesting. This story unfolds with a journey and a death (of course, lol) and how it progresses is fascinating. I learned about Switzerland, art, and music. I highly recommend this series and I am eagerly awaiting the third installment in this series.
That is what my making week looked like, what about you? What kept you company while you were making this week?
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I can’t wait to see your finished sweater!!! And, sorry about Steve’s socks, but better to unravel early than to keep going when you know it isn’t right. I’m going to check out those books – I’m sure my library carries those series and I’m finding mysteries to be so enjoyable right now.
Ah I love that sweater, the color, the halo, the warmth! And your spinning looks good to me now, but I’m glad to know you will be learning more as the year progresses. Those books both sound like something to keep me company while knitting, so I am going to check them out. Thanks!
I’ll be a cheerleader-in-the-bleachers as you work to take your spinning to the next level! And I love the new sweater. That color is just wonderful! (Any chance it may block a little longer? Or is it “heavy” enough to grow as you wear it? Keeping my fingers crossed. . . ) I love a good, old dependable Ann Cleeves series. I was so sad when I realized I’d caught up on all of them. . . Now awaiting any new installments . . .
I will keep my fingers crossed that you’re able to get a bit more length from your finished sweater in blocking — I can’t wait to see it on you!
Have you washed your most recent skein of handspun yet? I find it so hard to judge twist fresh off the wheel. I have no doubt that the Maggie Casey class will be useful.
You know, I never took a spinning class after the initial 4 where I learned the basics, and I probably should have. Good for you for doing this and intentionally working on making your spinning better. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished sweater.
so many pretty yarns in many lovely colors, sigh. Makes me want to cast on all the new projects!
I agree that it’s hard to beat listening to a good mystery while knitting! I STILL haven’t read any Vera mysteries — how can that be?!
I’m so happy you finished your sweater and I can’t wait to see the finished pictures. And your spinning classes sound like such a treat – I’m excited to hear how they go!