A Follower Shall I Be

For the most part, I tend to avoid trends. I still don’t have an iPhone, for example. OK, I do have a BlackBerry, but that’s different, and I did have the latest Apple launch marked on my calendar, and yes, I really want an iPad (despite its name). But when it comes to knitting, I’ve been mostly trend free. I’ve not knit a Girasole, though I don’t have anything against it or those who do. It’s beautiful, but it’s not me. But, I did decide to hop on the bandwagon and knit a shawlette. I picked a pattern, knit a few rows, and then discovered another shawlette pattern. So, I frogged that and am working on the Milkweed Shawl. I’m using Palette in Whirpool, which is the yarn that I was using for the original choice. (Incidentally, if you purchase the Milkweed Shawl pattern by January 31, it will benefit humanitarian efforts in Haiti.)

Now, another very popular pattern is the Clapotis, which is available for free on Knitty. I don’t dare venture a guess as to how many people have knit it. But, I’ve not been one of them. I’ve thought about it and even downloaded the pattern–multiple times, but that’s another story. Then, the other day, I was looking for a scarf pattern and came upon it again. So, I decided to start that one, too. Since one of my New Year’s goals is to knit from stash, I went stash diving to find enough of one color of yarn. I wanted to use Palette, but I didn’t have enough. But, I did find this:

This is Ruca Multy from Araucania Yarns. It’s 100% sugar cane from Italy. I think I bought it originally for a lace shawl, which, for some reason, never got made. It’s incredibly soft, but it does seem to be a bit splitty. Anyway, it’s going to become a Clapotis. Now to come up with 18 stitch markers.

There are a lot of people with a Clapotis on their needles or about to be cast on. For some of us, it’s the first one. For others, well, let’s just say some are in double digits in their Clapotis creations.  So, I decided to have a Clapotis KAL on the Knitting Purls group on Ravelry. If you’ve always wanted to knit one, or if you’re one who have knitted many, please come and join us. I’m sure some of us will have questions.

So, since I’m going to be knitting a Clapotis, does that make me a trend-following automaton? According to some, probably. But the fact of the matter is that it’s a beautiful scarf pattern. And why do we knit? So we can have something beautiful. Just because we may want to knit something many other people have does not make us unoriginal or nonthinkers. We’ve not necessarily drank the Flavor Aid (it wasn’t Kool-Aid, for crying out loud) or become a Stepford creation. We’re knitting something we like and invite you to do the same.

Book of Fair Isle Knitting

In case you haven’t noticed, there seems to be a lot of Fair Isle out there. I’ve heard several knitters say they’re finally going  to take the plunge and knit something Fair Isle. When it comes to Fair Isle knitting, one person’s name frequently comes to mind: Alice Starmore. Someone gave me a Barnes and Noble gift certificate for my birthday, and I knew immediately that I was going to get her Book of Fair Isle Knitting. After all, when I talked to anyone about fair isle, they always told me I had to get that book.

Now, I have to say that I have been disappointed in some books that people have told me are “must-haves” for knitters. Sadly, among them have been most Elizabeth Zimmerman books. I realize that borders on sacrilege among knitters, but it’s true for me. It’s a writing style thing.

I’m very happy to say that those who told me about Alice Starmore’s  Book of Fair Isle Knitting were not wrong! She begins the book with a brief history of the style. The chapter on patterns and the pattern library are phenomenol. I especially love the peerie stitch patterns. These are perfect for smaller items or for embellishment on an item rather than an all-over pattern. The patterns are arranged by number of rows, which helps those designing their own items.

The color section can help one see how the world around them can lead to color selections for Fair Isle knitting projects. The technique section is unrivaled. She even makes steeking unscary. (Well, almost.) There are a few patterns, including ones for a tam, mittens, and gloves that I think I’ll be making. The book concludes with a chapter on designing your own Fair Isle project.

The photos are gorgeous. Techniques are explained thoroughly and clearly; the diagrams are actually large enough that one can see what is being demonstrated. Charts are easy to read and follow.

If you have any interest in knitting Fair Isle or in color, check out Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting. (Thankfully, some of her books are being reprinted, so we don’t have to pay the $100+ some people are selling the originals for.) It will be a welcome addition to most knitting libraries, even if you only use it for the pattern dictionary. But, I think at least some of you will find the courage to tackle that first Fair Isle project after taking a look at her book.

Don’t forget, you have until January 31 to get your answer in for the latest Designer Discovery.