August 18, 2004
Just back from vacation
If you want to hear about the vacation, check my other blog for the story, otherwise, I will spare you, hahahahahahaha.
Traveling on airplanes (eight flights altogether!) was a piece of cake with my Denise needles. Hahahahaha, sounds like a commercial. I was not even questioned, a single time. I also bought a Clover pendant in the States that made it through two airport security checks. I don't think they have a clue what it even is. I think the people that have been stopped with it must have had it in their pocket and security laid hands on it. When you look at it up close, it looks like some kind of ninja throwing star. On xray, it looks like a metal circle and not a weapon. I was prepared to mail stuff home though.
I am nearly finished with the T-3 shirt, I just have to seam the sides and sleeves. It turned out really nice, although I am not entirely happy with the way that I bound off the neck. I used my sock binding technique because I wanted the neckhole to be stretchy. As a result it is a bit floppy. I haven't tried it on yet so maybe it will be okay. I think that sock thing only works on wool or stretchy yarn and not on cotton. I learned the three needle bind off AND the magic loop technique totally on the fly - I have only heard them talked about and had not tried it and did not have any references with me to consult. I thought the Denise needles had limitations but now I realize that they absolutely do not. For the three needle bind off, I simply took off the second needle and used the cable as a needle. I have to say that I LOVE this method! It resembles my used-to-be favorite crochet seam except it lays much flatter. The crochet techique makes a fantastically strong seam that is really good for kids clothes but it is bulky. The magic loop took some imagination and a fair amount of doubt because I had never even read how it was done. But once I figured it out, it too was a fantastic addition to my knitting toolbag. I won't go so far as to say that I will throw out my dpn's but it is definitely an option for plane flights. On a related note, I bought the book "Socks Soar On Two Circs" to try. Again, I love using dpn's but I am willing to give it a try.
I managed to make it nearly my whole vacation, 12 out of 13 days, before visiting a yarn shop! I finally visited two in Illinois, one in Wheaton and one in Downer's Grove. A third that I was looking for was apparently out of business. The Downer's Grove one had just opened three weeks prior and was very pretty. It also sold expresso. This is a very good idea and would definitely seem to encourage in-store knitting, although I doubt it would encourage nonknitters to come in for coffee. They seemed fairly busy and looked happy. I got yarn for socks and the above mentioned book. The other knitting store, in Wheaton, was well established and had that happy chaos look that comes from a well loved yarn shop. This second one was the one that I would have chosen to sit down and knit. It was like being at a good friend's house. The first one was too new looking and even though they invited you to sit down, I was too afraid of damaging something. I am sure that in a year or two it will be more broken in. I look at yarn shops totally differently now that I am planning to start my own. Now I find myself evaluating what works and what doesn't. Kid table and toys are a resounding yes now that Seth has endured two knitting shops happily. Not putting prices on the shelf or yarn is a definite no no. Both shop owners hung back and did not bother me but both were quick to help and chat when I wanted to - a definite must. Making the store look like a fancy, high price salon is a no no. It makes people afraid to touch something and mess up the display. Starting off with a comfortably organized look is necessary rather than having everything arranged just so. Knitted swatches are great for fondling, knitted articles are not as necessary (although they are a nice way to demonstrate a pattern). Scarves are a wonderful way to demonstrate a yarn. In the new store, a customer asked to put on a shawl that was hanging in the window but the owner told her she didn't know how to get it off the display! In my dream store, I would not have anything that I didn't want fondled. I think allowing one ball of yarn for display in front of the shelf would discourage many balls from being tangled but still allow the customer to touch.
I also got a treat for me, Wendy and my secret pal that I will not mention here (yet).
Posted by DebC at August 18, 2004 10:56 AM
Comments
I lurve 3-needle bind off. I've been doing it almost exclusively for a while now. It's just so much neater for seaming. And it makes for less sewing. Anything for less sewing.
Which secret pal swap are you doing? I'm in 2 and 3!
Posted by: Lynn at August 22, 2004 08:00 PM