I usually don’t write about retreat experiences because my mind goes to such a peaceful and relaxing place that a small blog post doesn’t ever seem to do it justice. But there were a few things this weekend that I need to share. First up: the fair isle class.
Thank goodness this was the first class on the schedule because it took a lot of brain power. I knew I was going to be knitting with two yarns, but hadn’t really thought about the how: with two hands…at the same time…picking and throwing. I have never knit the English/American way before!
The teacher was great. She showed us how to do it and somehow we all did—just like that. Following a chart helped keep my mind off of Oh My God I’m Knitting With Two Hands and it just clicked. Once I got the tension in both yarns correct, it was smooth sailing.
My mind is already racing with design ideas. Plus, there’s a whole new world of patterns that are now possible. First on the list is a new fall hat for Bella using the chart we used in class. I can’t wait!
What a great class! I’ve tried fair isle a few times and always end up frogging because I can’t keep the tension constant on the picked yarn. Someday I’ll figure it out, but I’m not sure when I’ll have any quiet knitting time in the next several years… :)
Knitting retreats are so much fun! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
That sounds wonderful – I’ve always found the idea of Fair Isle very intimidating!