Happy 2010!

I don't know about you but 2009 couldn't leave soon enough for me. And did you notice it left on the night of the blue moon? Gotta be good luck. I refuse to accept anything less!

So here's to fresh starts, fresh ideas, fresh ways of looking at old problems. Here's to being happy with what we have while we're lucky enough to have it. Here's to aiming high and hitting the mark.

And here's to knitting. It kept me sane these last few months. Seriously. The simple act of making loops and knots with pointy sticks soothed my soul and kept me from playing in traffic.

Did I tell you my big news? I finally finished a lace project. Okay, it's only Branching Out but I did it and believe me if I can finish a lace project anyone can. (Don't tell anyone but I actually had fun. There's something mesmerizing about all those YOs and K3Togs.

We take our triumphs where we can get them! I can't wait to see what 2010's gonna bring.

So what have you been up to? I've missed you all more than you'll ever know.

Branching Out (Take 2)

I'm telling you because you're the only people on this planet who will find this information even remotely newsworthy but if I don't shout it out somewhere fast I'm going to explode.

I'm actually knitting lace (again) and kinda/sorta liking it.

Yes. The Original Lace-o-Phobe is a few pattern repeats into Branching Out (aka Baby Lace) (Lace for Dummies?) and I haven't totally crapped it up or thrown myself out a window. I'll admit I'm using telephone poles for needles (US8 Addi Lace) and rope (Elsebeth Lavold Silky Cashmere) but I'm doing it and I'm thrilled beyond all reason.

Does this mean I actually like knitting lace? I'm not sure. The floppy, indistinct nature of it still doesn't sit well but I'm loving all those freaky S1K2PSSO commands. They make me feel all accomplished and Zimmermanny.

I have five skeins of Silky Cashmere and I hereby pledge that all five of those suckers will be part of a Branching Out scarf before the year is out.

Honest.

Branching Out (giving up)

That's my last attempt at Branching Out. (Patternworks Bretton yarn, KnitPicks Options US 6)

I was very distressed by the ripply cast-on edge, decided I was a worthless lace knitter, and quit my umpteenth attempt. Then I went to Ravelry and looked at some other examples of Branching Outs in progress and saw quite a few ripply versions. I'm not quite sure what it means but I was glad to see I'm not alone.

Strange how seeing it in a photo as opposed to seeing it on the arm of my sofa makes me want to try once more.

The trick would be getting it right this time.

Lace comments and helpful hints welcome. (Liz, your lace work is breathtaking! And Nancy, based on your photos I bought the Druchunas book.)