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November 05, 2005
Fashionably late...
Yahaira tagged me with Carolyn's meme more than a week ago... better late than never.
What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
Already this is difficult. And unoriginal. But the truth is I can’t get enough Koigu, and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino (Baby and Aran) is my most-frequently-used yarn for my own designs.
Your favorite needles?
For speed, bamboo straights. I’ve got a few pairs of Addi circulars but find them too slippy, and not pointed enough for my taste. My Denises get a lot of use. One Day I will treat myself to some ebony needles. For sheer glamour.
The worst thing you've ever knit?
I gave up on bad knits some time ago. Now, things are frogged before they’re finished if they’re not going my way. When I was first married, I knit a huge aran from an old Rowan book for Mr Raitte, out of cotton. Not only did it weigh about 5lbs, it was far too big in every dimension. I think he wore it once, to pose for a photograph. It was frogged earlier this year. Way back in the mists of time there will be more disasters, but time is kind and they have receded from memory.
Your most favorite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
I really enjoyed the Backyard Leaves scarf I made for the recent SYNO swap. Before that I loved Kiri. I really enjoy well-written lace patterns. Knitting lace feels like making magic to me.
Most valuable knitting technique?
Confidence. Plus, getting to grips with mattress stitch made wearable garments a reality.
Best knit book or magazine?
I refer to Vogue Knitting frequently. And I always find something interesting in IK and VK. I'd love to read Elizabeth Zimmerman but have never quite got around to it.
Your favorite knit-a-long?
I’ve actually never knit-a-long. I’ve participated in two of Alison’s Sockapalooza', and the SYNO scarf swap. Getting stuff knit all for me by other knitters? I can’t pick a favourite!
Your favorite knitblogs?
I subscribe to well over 100. There’s a select few on the right.
Your favorite knitwear designer?
At the moment the garments I’m knitting are pretty much exclusively my own. I’m in awe of Stephanie Japel - her designs are beautiful, and so prolific. I usually find something to admire in Veronik Avery’s work too.
The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
I knit it January this year, it got worn til Spring and has come out again for this year: The Great Sweater. I’m thinking I need to design something similarly useful for chilly evenings spent conserving natural gas.
Other than that, Jemima and Pippa are in heavy rotation. And, my Clapothree.
If you haven’t done this yet, consider yourself tagged.
Posted by Amelia at November 5, 2005 05:46 PM
Comments
I will also treat myself to ebony needles...if they don't knit well, you'll look great knitting with them! I love your own designs especially jemima...it is gorgeous! Thanks for playing along:)
Posted by: Carolyn at November 5, 2005 09:04 PM
I'm so glad you did it!
I definitely need more confidence in my knitting repetoire, I have it for techniques but not designs if that makes any sense.
Posted by: yahaira at November 6, 2005 04:46 AM
Ah...the Great Sweater. Thanks for reminding me about this one...I forgot how cozy it looked. I've really got to make time for this - it's exactly what my wardrobe is currently lacking.
Posted by: Vicki at November 7, 2005 09:08 PM
We have similar tastes in needles. Love ebonys...thet are fabulous to knit with. I do use addi's (once in a while) but like you, would rather use something more pointy. Like Inox cirs and dpns and need more! I am considering purchasing the Denise set. What do you like about them.
Thanks.
Posted by: Saleknitter at November 11, 2005 03:47 PM