How I came to knit Blackberry
Last week I was at JCPenney and I saw this adorable wrappy sweater thing. It was kind of like an oversize shrug and it looked nice and cozy. They only problem was that it was all shiny and acrylic-y. I thought I would be able to find a pattern for something similar out there somewhere. And guess what? I did. It was in the current issue of Knitty and the pattern is called Blackberry.
So yesterday I went home sick from work (yes, I have caught ANOTHER bad cold 
) and decided that I would take the opportunity stop at the yarn store, A Grand Yarn, on my way home. I never get to go there since they are always closed when I’m off and open when I’m working. But I thought that a nice stop in the yarn store would bring about healing powers, so I stopped in. I was so stoked to see an generous supply of Rowan yarns! And they had the yarn that I needed for Blackberry, Rowan Chunky Print. Yay!
I really did intend to wait to cast on until after I finished at least my sock. But I was going to my Mom’s house to eat dinner and watch movies and I wanted a portable project to take over there so I cast on for Blackberry. To my delight, I knitted the entire back portion in a few hours while I was there! Yep. I loves me a quick knit.
I’ve been Memed!By my fellow skate betty Heather (of Pixiestikz)!
What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
Oh gawd! I’m sure I haven’t even found my all time favorite yarn yet, but I’m trying 
. So far, have really enjoyed knitting with Noro’s Silk Garden. I like the way the yarn stripes in gorgeous colors.
I also really, really, really love Koigu. It’s nice and soft and, again, the colors are beautiful. And they don’t pool so much. which is a good thing.
Your favorite needles?
Hands down, Addi Turbos. I bought my first pair a few months ago and I TOTALLY get why people love them now. I am now in the process of collecting all the sizes.
The worst thing you’ve ever knit?
Oh boy. I think there have been a lot of really bad things. Pre-blog, I knit a E.Z. style seamless sweater in Lion’s wool-ease. it ended up being hideous. It has since been frogged.
Post-blog, I would have to say that my least favorite knit is my orange poncho.
It doesn’t fit right and there are tons of obvious mistakes in the knitting.
Your most favorite knit pattern (maybe you don’t like wearing it, but it was the most fun to knit)?
I really enjoyed knitting my Apricot Jacket. It doesn’t look the best on me but it was a really fun sweater to knit.
I also really enjoy knitting socks. There is something magical about turning a heel, I think. As slow going as it is, I really like the socks I’m currently working on.
Most valuable knitting technique?
I’ve been sitting here staring at the screen with this one…I really enjoy all of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s little tricks. I like doing her little half-hitch M1 since it doesn’t leave any holes. I believe I read about that in Knitting w/o tears.
Best knit book or magazine?
What can I say? Knitting Without Tears holds a special place in my heart. Actually the first knitting book I got was Zimmerman’s Knitting Workshop. It was loaned to me and I never returned it. I feel bad about not ever returning it, and I have paid the karmic price for that. But I do love that book, as well and refer to it often. I learned how to knit with Knitting Workshop.
As far as magazines go, Interweave Knits is my favorite.
Your favorite knit-a-long?
Both of the ones that were hosted by Lolly. Lucky Clover and Socktoberfest. I have met some really cool knit bloggers via those two knitalongs.
Your favorite knitblogs?
Hmm..i have lots of favorites. It’s hard to choose even a few. I love all of my knitbuddy’s blogs.
Your favorite knitwear designer?
I am drawn to many Kim Hargreaves designs. I also love Teva Durham. I also really like Marnie Maclean’s designs, also. Oh, and Stepanie Japel, too.
The knit item you wear the most?
I’ve been getting lots of mileage out of Lucky Clover. When the weather gets colder I will wear some of my warmer sweaters like Sundby and Klaralund.
Katherine from knitpowers memed me too, a couple of weeks ago and I apologize for not posting my answers. I’m still thinking about what to write.
Take care guys and have a wonderful weekend! i’m going to go take some Theraflu and pass out.
5 comments November 5th, 2005