Sunday morning, Close Knit, favorite yarn shop in Portland, offered the class I've been looking for. Leah, an accomplished knitter (pretty too, should have taken her picture), led a one hour session on "Bring your knit problem." Mine, as always has to do with gauge, gauge, gauge because I always want to use yarn different from the printed garment recipes.
Joining me at the table was Doris, another customer with issues, who asked, "How did that vest work out?" We'd met earlier in the year when I struggled with finishing, "Surprise Pocket Vest." Along with another Close Knit expert, Jennie, we mused over the best way to attach the pocket/collar strip shown here.
Last summer, the proprietor here helped me select the two yarns--Cascade Ultrapima 100% cotton for the body and Rowan Revive, recycled silk/cotton/viscose for the pocket/collar. The textures of the two are great contrast. Very pleased with the outcome and wanted to thank the designer, Barbara White of Barbara's Designs. Could not locate her or INKnittters, now out-of-print. When we left New York, it was one of many yarn mags I photocopied a pattern (this one from Spring 2004 issue) I hoped to make.
Gave the hard copies to Knitty City, my beloved place in Manhattan. They sold them for $1 and gave the proceeds to local charities. Often while sweating my way through the parts, I wished for the original and was glad to get input from the women at CloseKnit. Yes, there still are many others still in my possession...think it's time for them to move on too.
Because I have not kicked the habit: still purchase knit magazines every now and then. Knitting another vest from Spring/Summer Vogue. My version will be really, really different. The big white flower is an idea for my next performance but seems more of a fit for the east coast--or British royalty.
Had you missed that sleeves are never in my repertoire?