A ramble about the Master Knitting course

After I posted yesterday, I discovered that I have received my First Comment!!!

(I threw a first comment party in my living room and I'm not ashamed to admit it here. I am kind of ashamed that I discovered that cartwheels are no longer as easy to do as they were when I was 12, but I digress)

Abby asked for more information about The Master Knitter's course and I thought rather than messaging her privately (mostly because I don't think I know how to do that) I'd post information here for ALL my readers! Of which I have a million, I know. (I'm very popular.)

So on to the good stuff!
The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) has a plethora of resources on their site. Knitting is utterly serious and professional to them and I love it. Imagine going to one of their guild meetings and being entirely surrounded by people who know what you're talking about when you say your buttonholes always look like crap. Surrounded by people who knit in public and don't care what people think. Surronded by people who- even though they're older, younger, smarter, funnier, dumber, whiter, darker, whateverer- are kindred spirits. I have wanted to join this guild since I heard of it in 2009.

I haven't joined.
Reason: It costs money.
It's not really pricy to be a member. A year membership for an individual in the US is only $30. And more than half of that goes to your four-issue subscription of their incredibly helpful magazine Cast On.

Of course, I haven't read their magazine because like I said I'm not a member. But I've looked at the preview on their website about a billion times and the articles are incredible. The patterns are lovely, too, but I think the real benefit is the articles. They are written by masters! These are the Yodas of the knitting world, and I want to be them.

Just as an example, they have a "Fashion Framework" lesson series, and in each issue you learn something about a different type of garment. Let's pretend it's a raglan. They would show you wonderful pictures and explain it thoughouly and include a pattern to work from as you learn. Their "Fashion Framework" example is mittens.

I looked up the author, Adrenda Holladay (she's a real live master!!!)and found an article called "On your way to the Masters: by Hand" and stole this bit:
The Master Hand Knitting Program was announced in the Fall 1987 issue of Cast On as a way for members of The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) to have their knitting evaluated using specific criteria and guidelines. It was designed as an educational process, not a competition or contest. Although the program has evolved over the years, at its core it hasn’t changed much. Knitters work through three levels, each building on techniques demonstrated in the previous level. Each level is completed independently, and evaluated by the Master Hand Knitting Committee, before the knitter goes to the next level."

So basically it's a correspondance course. Which I think is really cool because I love getting mail.
So they send you big packet containing the Rules.
Actually, first you send them like $90. (which i say is totally worth it for all the personalized help and experience you gain. my family thinks i'm crazy but I'm totally doing it one day.)
Actually, first you become a member. So that's $30 first.
Then $90
Then the packet.
Then it begins.

Level 1 is like 16 swatches, each focused on a different skill. Say, cables or mirrored decreases. Each swatch has to be labeled with what size needles, what yarn you used, and what technique you're displaying.
In addition to the swatches you have questions to answer, a report about blocking to write, and a completed project to turn in. I think for level 1 it's a hat in the round.

Level 2 is more complicated swatches with like seams and lace and stuff. Projects included are a Fair Isle mitten, a vest and an argyle sock! AH!! argyle scares me! Again you have questions to answer. This time your report is on the history of knitting, and you also have to do 4 book reviews.

Level 3 is even harder, with swatches worked from charts. Again there is book work: a report on Aran and fair isle knitting. Craziest bit? Self-designed and knit aran or fair isle hat and sweater!!!

It's all complete craziness of course, but I'm still going to give it a try. Maybe when I'm thirty.

I did read many blogs of women who gave up the course. They said it wasn't worth the stress, since knitting is supposed to be relaxing for them. I read of a lady who was reduced to tears in her LYS after recieving her second rejection letter. But then, I also read of people who redid their swatches multiple times and eventually passed with pride.

I think it's really cool. I mean, a lot of people think they're really good at knitting or that they know practically everything already but me? I know my limits, I know my problem areas, and I know my knowledge is full of gaps. So it would be excellent to have help fixing my issues, and one day I'll totally do it. I swear hereupon holy blogitude.

Also, holy crap no pictures!?
What a boring blog.

Here, have a picture of my kid. He's a pirate.

And a badass.

So....tune in tomorrow for my brutally honest post that includes all my WIPs and why I abandoned them.

That means today is for rummaging, digging, and picture-taking. What FUN!!!

 

WIP Wednesday

Awww, I remembered that it was WIP Wednesday!
And I came online to post!
Unfortunately, I didn't bust out a WIP to work on today.
Instead I cast on (and finished) a new project.


What the hell is it? A sock? A....Willie Warmer?

 I made this beautiful object with some leftover Joanns Sensations Bamboo & Ewe from a pair of Monkeys I knit for my neice. A pattern which, incidentally, was completely obscured by the self-striping yarn. Now I know.
So this item was made with 5 size 1 needles, and the best part about the pattern was that it was completely customizable! This project was designed by Jennifer Lori; it's called Elphie's Camera Case and can be found by clicking this link. (PS, check out her cute personalized car pennant pattern! it's available for only 1.99 CAD)

This cozy is so amazing because:
1) it is entirely seamless.
2) you don't have to "get gauge." you just measure your thingie (CAMERA! Get your mind out of the gutter!) and then measure your gauge with whatever needles and yarn you want and then plug in some numbers on a worksheet and get a perfect fit!
3) you don't have to sew any buttons to it
4) the extra long seed stitch bit offers double protection for your screen. (Extra handy for my since I have no viewfinder and without the screen I'm doomed. Also, I may drop stuff.)

So here are some more pictures!
Remember, I took them with my cell phone because my camera was busy modeling her new dress.
So no making fun!

Snug as a bug in a rug.



How revealing!

 So that's it for WIP Wednesday.
Next time my WIP will be an actual work in progress. Preferably one of the ones that it hiding in my closet.
WIP Wednesday needs some rules, dammit!
1) Must already be on the needles on Wednesday
2) Preferably something I have not worked on in at least 5 days
3) Must work on the WIP/UFO for at least 1 hour
4) Must post one before picture and one after picture to prove I made any progress

Haha, we'll see how long I keep this up! ;)

Takumi Combo Video Review

Thanks to Abby from everywhere knits for giving me the great idea to post a video review! (I tried to comment on your blog that I'm stealing your idea but it seems I only know how to post blogs, not blog comments.)
 

A few details I forgot to mention:
Materials are....
Needle: Bamboo
Cord: Nylon.
Joint: Stainless steel.
Storage Case: Synthetic leather.
Elastic band: Polyurathane, nylon.
Cord Case: Olefin resin.

The needle lengths are 3 3/8” (size 3-10 1/2) and 3 3/4” (size 11, 13 and 15)



So there you have it!
Remember,
Pros are:
-Swivel
-5 useful cables sizes
-Very flexible cables (magic loop)
-Bamboo= warm, smooth, good finish
-Nice Case that zips closed
-Cables attach to all size needles
- $99 at Nancy's Notions

Cons are:
-Blunt tips
-No connectors
-No point protectors
-No size 2's
-Possibility there is a problem with connections


Get them cheap HERE

If you have any questions do email me at grandmastatus@gmail.com or send me a personal message on Ravelry. (username: grandmastatus) I'll do my best to clear things up.


This review is just my personal experience, and I'm not saying this is the best or worst set out there. Each knitter should find the right set for themselves as there are so many factors.

Questions to ask yourself before making a decision on a set of interchangeables:
-What needle sizes do I use the most? If you know that you only knit lace, there's no reason to get an all-inclusive set. You could easily pick out the steel Hiya Hiya small set with just sizes from 2-8 for $70 at fabric.com . The KA set also comes in different sets based on "small, medium, large" needle sizes, as well as their "expanded" which is good for people like me who "gotta catch 'em all"
-What material do I like best? If you have no idea if you'd prefer metal, plastic, or wood there are ways to try out sets before you buy. 1) Do you have any friends who knit? Can you borrow their needles? 2) At many fiber events companies will allow you to test knit their products. 3) For $20 you can order a sample of each of Knitpicks' options. It's called the Try It Needle Set and it could be a good starting point to deciding what materials your fingers like best.
-Have I considered all my options? Don't let the big sites trick you into thinking the only interchangeables are the Denise's, the Boyes, the Addis and the KnitPicks! There are other sets to consider. For example, the inexpensive Knitpro set looks like a great option. Especially for someone who might not be sure if they want to invest a lot into a needle set. (When I bought my boyes for $60, I had never used a circular needle before! After 7 years I have moved on to something with more quality, but I think I needed that practice set.) Here is another little known set that deserves recognition. Though, at $140 it is a bit pricey. Some other needle sets at the higher end are the very lovely Darn Pretty set from Dyak Craft. These ones, you have the option of choosing long or short needle lengths because apparently some people have issues with that.  And don't forget the Lantern Moons. All these sets have their own wonderful features, and each one is perfect for some knitters out there.
-What are the pros and cons of each set? The best way to find out what set is best for you is to try it, but since you can't always do that, you should talk to as many knitters as you can. Find reviews from REAL LIVE KNITTERS and form your own opinions!
-Where am I ordering from? I mentioned that I got this set for $99 and they retail for $170, right? Where you get your set can make a huge difference!
-How much am I willing to spend? Probably the first thing you notice about a new set is its price. Its price can be a deal-breaker. $170 was completely unattainable for me. I would never have bought this set no matter what it contained. Back in 2004, $60 was as much as I could possibly do. Set a limit, and shop around as much as you can. Ask other knitters if they have an old set they're not using anymore.
-Do I really need them? You have to answer this one for yourself. But for me, the answer is YES YES YES!! I love circulars since you can knit flat on the as well. Also, having it all right there at your fingertips is great for when you finished the ribbing on your sweater and have to switch to size 8's. But hey, that's just me. :)

Happy knitting!

P.S. If you're thinking about uploading a video using blogspots video upload tool? Don't. If you want to wait three hours and have nothing happen, go right ahead. But I'd advise you to just put the damn thing on youtube.

Some Personal Questions.

This morning I found myself talking to myself. (Again.)
This time, the topic was paranormal activity. See, I found some tarot readers and palm readers at the county fair on Friday and I talked to them because I can read Tarot cards as well. The one girl started making all these presumptions about me, including that I experience Deja Vu and that I'm psychic. When I told her I read only for myself, she claimed that none of them "could" read for themselves and that I must be repressing my ability. (I'm gonna go out of my way here and quote a tarot expert now)
"Projection is one reason why tarot cards are valuable. Their intriguing pictures and patterns are effective in tapping the unconscious. As humans, we all have certain common needs and experiences. The images on the tarot cards capture these universal moments and draw them out consistently. Peple tend to react to the cards in similar ways because they represent archetypes."- Joan Bunning
To me, this shows that it doesn't matter who you're reading for: the tarot is a tool for exploring your unconscious. For me, I don't really like thinking about my feelings and I never did. The tarot is a way to externalize my feelings. Kinda like, they sneak up on me. If I'm reading something out of a completely open-ended image, it says something about me. Then I can reflect upon that and chalk it up to experience.
I don't believe palm reading or tarot reading relfects psychic ability. Not really. Especially palm reading. I mean, the lines mean a certain thing based on where they are, how deep they are, where they connect, if they connect, what shape they are, etc. There is only one interpretation, and that's the one that's been in palm reading handbooks for years and years and years. Tarot, there's a bit more wiggle room. But I'd still call it intuition rather than psychic ability. If you see someone uncomfortable when you mention that the 2 of swords represents an unwillingness to look a situation in the eye, a bit of probing will usually unleash whatever is troubling them. Really, it's like how if people are uncomfortable talking about sex a good way to open the door is to talk about what you see on tv? Not like porn, just in like the news or on a movie.
One time, for example, me and my mom were watching the news and we heard about this teacher who apparently held an after school extra credit activity that was to watch two people have sex. And not just normal sex, but whips and clown wig sex. So that got my mom and I talking about whether it was right to do that, and that eventually got us talking about how sex is supposed to be more sacred than that. That's not something my mom and I would get to talking about without some kind of stimuli.
Same thing with the Tarot. Seeing these powerful images-that were invented to provoke human reaction- helps us to understand ourselves.
Here's another quote from the excellent book "Learning the Tarot," which is available for free here.
"You do not really need the tarot to access your inner guide. The cards serve the same function as Dumbo's magic feather." -Joan Bunning
So no, the cards aren't some end-all be-all last say in magic voodoo hoodoo. It's a freaking deck of cards. In fact, for all the people who believe they came from gyspies or from Egypt, here's a quote from Rachel Pollack, author of 78 Degrees of Wisdom:
"For years Tarrochi was seen primarilyas a game for gambling. Then in the eighteenth century, a occultist named Antoine Court de Gebelin declared the Tarot (as the French called the game) to be the remnant of the Book of Thoth, created by the Egyption god of magic to convey all knowledge to his disciples." Rachel Pollack
She goes on to mention that his idea was far more fancifull than factual, but that it was the 18th century and people were stupid. Actually, people are still stupid since they still believe it even though there are literally books on the subject. Books which I own, books which I'm quoting, books that people could read if they wanted to know anything about the tarot at all and not just play "Ooh! You got this card that means someone in your life is hurting you."

But I digress.
After I reminisced on the people I met at the fair, I started thinking about some other questions.
"Do you believe in ghosts?" I asked myself.
And it turns out the answer is maybe, with a side of strong no.
I saw a ghost once. I was like 7 at the time and it was late at night. I definitely saw a ghost, and it was a dog and it was green and kind of see through. But I was like 7 and it was late at night. These are very important factors, because even though I definitely remember it...I was definietly like 7 and it was late at night and it could very well have been a hallucination or even a dream.
Since then I have seen no ghosts. I am 23 now, and for sure if I see one tomorrow I'll let you know and I'll change my beliefs immediately to yes there are ghosts (after ruling out insanity and the museum owner using a toothpick, three colored papers and a mask to pretend to be a ghost in order to make more money) I'm not saying I don't want ghosts to exist. It's not like they hurt people, and for some people it's nice to think their great grandma is watching over them. I believe it's possible that there are ghosts, I'm just saying I've never seen one.
Furthermore, Harry Houdini spent a good chunk of his life debunking the idea of life after death. He made a famous agreement with his wife that when he died, if there was indeed life after death, he would prove it was him with a secret code word. It never happened. She held seances for 10 years after his death and, in fact, people world-wide still hold seances for Harry Houdini. If these people were really contacting Houdini, I think he'd be so sick of it already he'd say the damn codeword and admit once and for all that ghosts exist. But he hasn't, so they probably don't. I mean, I'd say that qualifies as "unfinished business," wouldn't you?

So then I stopped and wondered what other beliefs I had.
I didn't know I didn't believe in ghosts. I mean, I knew that those crappy ghost shows are bullshit, but I've never really thought about just regular ghosts before.
So I wondered about God.
"Do you believe in God?" I asked myself.
Immediate answer "Not as a personified being."

I mean, I like the idea of them. I like the Greek stories, I like the idea of Zeus and Hades, and Ganesh and all those super powerful beings.



If I saw this guy in real life I would have to worship him. I mean look at all those arms! Imagine how many times he could slap me in one second.


But, even though I don't believe in personified gods, other people do. Other people always will. And because of their beliefs, such Gods exist.
You might claim that's faulty reasoning.
By the same token, you say, if someone believes whites are superior to all other races then whites are superior to all other races.
That's right, I say.
To THEM.
God exists inside each of us, however we choose to interperet whatever it is we decide has meaning.
Me? I'm an alcoholic and have to believe in a "Higher Power" because otherwise I can't do all the 12 steps and I'll probably end up in jail. But that doesn't mean I think "God" is up in heaven watching us, or that Hades is down under, or that there's a flying spaghetti monster. No, I'm sure a lot of people believe those things and that is fine with me.
but Me?
I believe in the knitting gods.
I offer knitted swatches.
I take what the knitting gods offer.
When my garment comes out wonderful I thank them.
When something goes wrong I wonder how I can appease them, what lesson they thought I needed learning.
It's an outlook.
And it helps.


Week TWO...of the Super Stitches Knitting Project

I remembered this morning that I had promised to update every Sunday.
Problem: I hadn't cast on a single stitch. So, I worked up all three swatches as quickly as possible during Vyvyan's nap. This is probably why I ended up with some ugly mistakes I'll zoom in on later.

So, this week's challenge was:
1) Simple Seed Texture
2) Diamond Brocade
3) Seed Stitch

The Swatches:

Week 2 Swatches

You will probably notice right away what swatch I had the most trouble with.
As a big surprise to me, the hardest swatch was the one I thought would be the most simple: The seed stitch swatch! (on top)
Here is a closeup:

Seed Stitch Swatch

1) SEED STITCH

As you can see, I knitted this swatch with two entirely different gauges. When I began the swatch, it was a breeze. I wasn't really paying attention because, well, it's seed stitch. I knit and purl all the time. Seed stitch is HELLA easy, right? Apparently not.

Somewhere, when I was researching the Master Knitter program, I read that for the seed stitch swatch they want a swatch that is 20 stitches wide (check) using worsted weight wool (check) that is four inches wide and long (check) that, when held to the light, has NO HOLES. I held it up to the light about halfway through and realized that my purls are so loose that in order to avoid gaping holes I had to tug like a mofo every other stitch. After that realization, I concentrated on the swatch and got a much better result. I thought about redo-ing it, but I think keeping it this way proves the lesson was learned.

Another problem with this swatch was that I came to a knot in the wool. And, lazy me, I left it there. Here is a closeup:



Big knot right in the middle.



2) DIAMOND BROCADE SWATCH

Diamond Brocade Swatch

The Diamond Brocade swatch was much easier than I had expected. I actually found that the less I concentrated on following the pattern, the easier it was to do so. I didn't do enough to actually memorize the pattern, but that's because this pattern is eerily similar to a pair of socks I've been (not) working on for 4 months.

For this swatch, I cast on 25 stitches because it has to be a repeat of 12 +1.
Thinking back on it, I should have cast on 37 stitches and done all three on the same swatch just like it shows in the book. Somehow I was clinging to the idea that I might be able to sew the swatches all up into a blanket, but now I don't know who exactly I thought I was kidding. There are a ton of swatches and they're all going to need different cast on numbers. Plus there's a whole section on edgings. Better to just knit each swatch as I see fit, and most likely NOT make a blanket out of them.
Oh, I had an issue with the Diaond Brocade, too. Not really a knitting issue. More of a Cast On issue. I put 24 stitches on the needle and knit the first row to the end and realized hey! i don't have enough stitches!
Which was probably because it has to be a repeat of 12+1.
So I increased one stitch using a KFB before the last stitch. That way the small bead might pass as the purl I needed right before the last stitch. I don't think it worked. Next time I'll have a redo.
Closeup:

You can totally tell I increased one

3) Simple Seed Texture

I absolutely adored making this swatch. I love how simple it was, how easy it was to find your place in the pattern, and how pretty it looks. I never thought  would enjoy this pattern, because it looked really boring and easy. Turns out the effect is totally worth it, and I'm already imagining a red and green hat using this stitch pattern to mimic a strawberry. ♥

So that's it for this week!

Upcoming swatches are:

1)Double Moss Stitch

2)Chevron Seed Stitch

3)Deep Chevron Pattern

In Other News:

Video Review Tuesdays and WIP Wednesdays are coming soon!

This Tuesday, tune in for a review of the Clover Takumi Combo Interchangeable Needle Set 

(Including the best place to find it CHEAP!)

Week ONE....of the super stitches knitting experience

The Book I plan on utilizing to up my skillz yo

Spent $10 for some plain white wool for this project. Here it is balled up and ready to go!

Week one challenge WAS:
Knit 3 swatches:
1)Stockinette Stitch
2)Reverse Stockinette Stitch
3)Garter Stitch

I expected this to be a lot worse than it was: I feared I would die of boredom. I did not, mainly because I was watching TV while I swatched.
I used size 5 needles, and CO 20 sttiches for each swatch.
Finshed gauge is 5 stitches to the inch for each swatch. All are 4" wide. Which is utterly surprising to me.
However, the swatches are not blocked so they look rather roly poly.

PICTURES, as promised. (I bought a new camera for $30 dollars for my birthday. The price should give you an indicator of what quality the camera is. Also that should be some explanation of the photos, hopefully.)

The garter stitch swatch looked the best, mainly because it lies flat.

Can you tell I didn't block them yet?

This is so wonky and ugly. I keep telling myself it will be worth it when I get to the impressive patterns stitches. I hope I'm telling myself the truth.

And all three of my little babies together.

 I'm not going to pretend I took forever making these swatches perfect.
I didn't. I didn't even care about these swatches and I still don't.
After all, it's not like  I'm partaking in the course yet, so I don't have anyone critiquing my work except me. And, big surprise, I don't know what to critique yet. So the fun stuff isn't happening for a few weeks, when I get to cables, lace and all that jazz. But I will faithfully knit and post all the boring stuff until I get there. After all, I spent like $20 on that book and so far I haven't used it except for admiring stitch patterns I've never tried!!!

 And, finally, the beautiful bag I keep it all in. (Got the bag for 1.99 at my local Barnes and Noble.)

One of my favorite books! Though I worry that by the end of this book I'll reflect upon "to kill a" in a very bad way.

 And that's it for this week!

Next week we have some exciting new stitch patterns:
1) Simple Seed Texture
2) Diamond Brocade (a 12 row repeat)
3) Basic Seed Stitch

Only really worried about the diamond brocade because I mess up a lot on stitch patterns with lots of repeats. But, hey, that's why I'm doing this! To improve my knitting skills, to expand my stitch pattern experience, and mostly to decide WHICH patterns I hate doing and which will be fun to add to a new design.

I've actually decided to do it....

Using the book "Super Stitches Knitting" I am going to increase my knitting skills and prepare for the Master Knitting Course. For my birthday, I'm buying myself a NICE pair of rosewood knitting needles (probably size 5) to be used solely for the purpose of knitting my way through the 300+ stitch patterns in Super Stitches. I'm giving myself one week for each PAGE. (each page has about 3 or 4 different patterns) and-as i'm not crazy- not giving myself a time limit. I'm also getting a big ol' skein of Fisherman's. I'm going to start TOMORROW. (because it's sunday and thus the start of a week)
I will post pictures of the yarn, the new needles, and the cover of the book.
I will post on Every Sunday, the overview of my challenges for that week.
baby needs me to read to him now.
tomorrow!