Instant gratification
Instant gratification and knitting.
I’m a huge fan of instant gratification. But when we talk about instant gratification and knitting we’re usually talking about “instant gratification projects,” the projects you can start and finish in a sitting, quick-y little projects that give you a finished object “NOW.” The projects that are the antithesis of big shawls on tiny needles, I like knitting.
But really even these tiny projects aren’t instant gratification.
Four or five hours for a hat is about as delayed as instant gratification could get.
And I like my gratification a little more instant than that.
I don’t look for instant gratification from finishing my projects (mostly cause I wouldn’t find it.)
Gratification and satisfaction? Absolutely.
Instant gratification? Not so much.
I much prefer the instant gratification I get from the act of knitting.
The yarn, the needles, the movement, the rhythm.
It’s kind of like instant happy brain.
Knitting isn’t so good for instant object gratification.
But it’s fabulous for instant feelings gratification. Which is what knitting is really about, right?
Because if what we were after, was really the hat (right now), we’d just go buy the damn thing.
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Announce! Announce!
I sent these coupon codes to the mailing list yesterday afternoon, but figured I’d share them here too:
For $1 off a single pattern, use the code: tinytreat
To buy 2 single patterns and get a 3rd pattern FREE, use the code: lotsoflove
These coupon codes apply to my individual self published patterns on Ravelry.
They’ll expire this evening at 5(EST), so treat yourself now.
Come over to Ravelry, browse my patterns, and brighten up your week.
Noella – Mesh Swirl Shawl
Noella is now available on Ravelry.
Noella – The Mesh Swirls Shawl combines stockinette, mesh, and simple shaping to create a shawl that is the essence of meditative knitting.
Loop after loop.
Stitch after stitch.
It’s the perfect project to work on while catching up with friends and family.
“Noella” – a French Feminine form of Noël, which means Christmas.
I love this shawl specifically for it’s simplicity. I started knit it at the end of 2012 just two days before Christmas, as a gift for my mother, and ended up giving it to her in mid March – but I think I get brownie points for it being before Mother’s Day.
That being said – if you have more than two days – this shawl makes an excellent, special, last minute gift for any occasion. And if you don’t have more than two days, it makes a great project for sitting around, hanging out, talking, laughing, and knitting.
Yarn: 2,475 yards (2,263 meters), lace weight
you’ll be holding three strands of yarn together throughout the shawl, so you’ll need 3 balls of 825 yards(754 meters). Please keep this in mind if you’re substituting yarn.
Sample Shown in:
Jade Sapphire, “Lacey Lamb”;
3 balls, 825 yards (754 meters)/ball, colorway ‘225,’ 100% merino wool
Needles: US size 6 (4.00 mm)
1 set of 5 DPNs (optional)
1 32 inch (80 cm) circular (optional)
1 40 inch (100 cm) circular
use needles needed to obtain gauge
Notions: stitch marker (1); tapestry or yarn needle
Gauge: 23 sts and 36 rounds = 4 in (10 cm); in washed and blocked stockinette stitch
Blocked Dimensions: 35 inches (89 cm) in diameter, blocked
(exact dimensions may vary depending on how aggressively the piece is blocked)
Noella is now available on Ravelry.
Shawl Geometry III
Shawl Geometry III is here! YAY!
Shawl Geometry III: the relationships behind the numbers is the third part of the Shawl Geometry Series, and is nothing like the first two books. It’s not a book of formulas, or step by step knitting instructions. This is a book about theory. It’s geeky, and weird, and crazypants, and totally awesome all at the same time.
This book focuses on the relationships between shawl shapes. It shows how all of the shapes are connected, and how you can turn shape A into shape B into shape C, by slightly manipulating the placement of your increases.
Shawl Geometry III lays out and explains how 37 shawl shapes fit together, and are built off of one another. By explaining how the shapes are all connected, the book demonstrates the relationships between the shapes.
Understanding the relationships in your knitting means you know why and how to turn one shawl shape into another. It puts power and control over your knitting, in your hands.
Come get the book. Or check out the video and the map. Then get the book.
Here’s the small version of the video, but you can see the large version here.
…and have a fantastic weekend! -Holly
