Damn, Knit & Blast It

Great excitement today!!

The postman arrived with a Special Delivery Parcel for me - but I can’t tell you what was in it!

I’ll explain.

I saw a plea from KnitOnTheNet for sample knitters to help with testing patterns and knitting samples for the republication of Jane Waller’s book A Stitch in Time. The book was originally published in the 1970s, featuring over 100 original knitting & crochet patterns from the 1920s through to the beginning of the 1950s.

I really value these online knitting magazines like KnitOnTheNet, Magknits and Knitty - full of free patterns, knit-news and technique advice -I have learnt heaps from them. I feel that we knitters should support them if we want to keep them! With that in mind, and too much free time on my hands I decided to offer my services.

There was a well thought out form to fill in asking about my knitting and crochet skills and what techniques I’d be happy with.

Then the big question - Regraded pattern knitting, Test knitting or Sample Knitting?

• Regraded pattern- you knit the pattern in your own yarn, keep the the garment but send details of amendments and problems back to KnitOnTheNet.
• Test Knitting - you do swatches in yarns and stitch patterns supplied
• Sample knitting - The pattern and yarn is supplied - the garment and pattern is returned to KnitOnTheNet to be used in exhibitions (and hopefully photos for the book!)

I chose the Sample Knitting!

Call me easily pleased but I was so flattered to be chosen as one of the knitters. I know they had a huge response.

Before you ask - No - I’m not being paid to do it. I will however get a mention in the book and a free copy once it’s published and the thrill of knowing my garment is out there being looked at at exhibitions (and I’ll probably be sad enough to go looking for it at exhibitions too!)

So back to my exciting parcel - what was in it? What am I knitting?

Unfortunately, this is all I can show you until the book is published!

It’s understandable that they don’t want their designs all over the web, stealing the thunder from the book. I will be able to show you once the book is out so rest assured. I’ll be taking photos!

What can I tell you?

• It’s a pattern from the 1930’s.
• It’s on fairly fine needles but nothing scary that I haven’t used normaly
• It’s a ladies garment
• It’s fabulous and if I’d seen it in a book I’d want to knit it.
• It’s in a pure natural fibre that’s a dream to work with and probably cost a king’s ransom!
• It’s in a colour I wouldn’t normally choose but I like it.
• I cast on the back within 10 mins of opening the parcel and am halfway to the armholes already

Damn - I’ve just given away another secret - It’s got armholes!