Many W’s in P & a Couple FO’s

Gosh, I have so many WiPs, I’m starting to feel anxious. Not that I’m a monogamous knitter. I think that life calls for different types of knitting: car knitting, TV knitting, sitting-at-the-table-paying-attention knitting and everything in between. We can’t expect to get all of these things from one project. But still, too many is too many. I guess I wouldn’t feel so bad if my many WiPs were the result of spring castonitis or yarn lust or something exciting. But they’re not. They are kind of grunt knitting. Not that I mind…I love knitting, no matter what for!

The majority of my current WiPs are samples for upcoming knitting classes. Though I’m only writing 4 new classes between now and the new year, I really wanted to update some of the ongoing beginner knitting courses (like the Knitter’s Crash Course) with some bright summer projects. 

How about some summery cotton spa cloths? I thought these would make great knitting projects for beginners during the warmer months and I must admit, I’ve enjoyed making the samples. Sometimes, it’s lovely to sit and make something pretty and pure and simple.

It’s always a challenge to find appropriate projects for Knitting in the Round. Hats are a perfect choice, but it’s tricky to find a good summer hat, so I came up with this one. You know how it is? You can be knitting the most challenging project in the world, rockin’ it and showing off all your skills. Yet it takes a simple little thing to bring real pleasure and put a smile on your face. This little cap is that project. Don’t know why…I just love it 🙂 Can’t wait to block it and take a proper photo.

I really wanted to offer a beginners lace class this year. It didn’t fly during the Spring session I had planned, but I think that was because the project was too big. A little hat is just enough to teach chart reading, laying in lifelines and other rudimentary lace knitting skills. I’m just not in love with the fabric of this hat…or more precisely, the gauge. I feel it is too tight to be really airy and it’s a bit of a squeaker yarn quantity wise as well. A bit of a re-think is due here, and maybe a nice sandy color.

Last summer, I did a Tea Cozy Class that was very popular. Originally, I had it planned as a knitting in the round class for beginners. Though I had some very clever folks in the class, I think perhaps it was a little tricky and, since at least half of it is worked flat, wasn’t really the perfect project for that skill. Nonetheless, everyone enjoyed it, so I decided to revamp the course and offer it as a project class, “The Big Polka Dot Pot”. Instead of focusing on knitting in the round skills, I thought I’d introduce intarsia using big polka dots. Fun idea, yes? I better hurry up…the class is scheduled for July 4. (Now can you see why I’m anxious??)

I could go on and on. I have at least 4 more photos, but I think I’ll stop there. I’m starting to give myself the heeby-jeebies!