photographs under halogen

I figured that I better dash any hopes that you, beloved reader, might have had for decent photography immediately. The workshops with Miriam Felton this weekend were fantastic, the pictures of said workshops are significantly less so.

Anyway. I took the Introduction to Lace Design class and it was completely worth sitting for six hours, charting lace on teeny-tiny graph paper. I think we all learned new tips and tricks that will come in very handy with future projects.

But, before I begin to wax eloquent (trans. "bore you to tears"), I thought I might mention Sandy's upcoming Surprise Ornament workshop.

Tomorrow night (Nov. 12), 6:30 - 8:30pm, participants will knit one of three mystery Christmas ornament patterns and take home the kits for another two. The yarn above is used in the ornament I designed for the class. We still have a couple of spots left, if you want to make a special holiday gift for a friend or family member. Or, if you just want three really cool handknit Christmas tree ornaments for your own tree.

Now back to the lace, and bad halogen/ flourescent lighting photos:

We had quite a few early birds. They (well, the whole class) were treated to a display of many of Miriam's designs, which were arranged around the room for inspiration.

Once everyone had arrived and imbibed some caffeine, we were given several sheets of graph paper and blank charts. We were instructed to choose a lace motif (or two...) that we wanted to use:

Between everyone in the class, I think we had nearly every book on lace, stitch patterns and designing there is for knitters. Books were being passed left and right, charts were being diligently reworked and we were all getting writer's cramp.

By the end of the workshop, I had two charts (for two different shawls, I'm ADD). Here's the crazier chart I created:

Miriam seemed quite impressed with my display of lunacy. I forgot to get permission from the other students, so we won't be showing their charts today.

Next came the swatching:

Where we all tried out the first few rows of our individual designs and did one of many things: rip (I did that twice), change projects to cool down, switch lace yarns (again, twice), continue on with knitting, or...rechart. It was kind of interesting to see how people reacted to their own swatches.

All in all, I think everyone enjoyed the class and left happy with their designs. I hope so, anyway. I can't wait to see if all the participants finish their projects or go on to design something else.

And, with that little narrative, I am leaving you to work on the upcoming newsletter. Ooh, and on Thursday, maybe we'll have a photo or two of our mystery ornaments...

5 things.

So much to do, so much to say. And never enough time.

But, in terms of imminence, there are 3 noteworthy announcements:

1. All Noni patterns from the Noni Knits Trunkshow will be 40% off for the next couple of weeks. Check out the sale area and see what's available at a discount.
2. Alas, we must bid the Skif Trunkshow farewell. We've had it for several months now (to the exclusion of others) and need to send it along to another funky LYS. If you really want to try one of the sweaters on, now is the time to do it. They ship out next week.
3. The November Sock Club kit is going into the mail this week. It will be available to local members on November 3rd, so they'll get their kits at the same time as out-of-state members. Incidentally, the 3rd is also a "No Mean Feet!" night, if you're feeling the need to cast on your kit immediately with people who will understand your addiction.
   

In less imminent news (#4 on our list)... I finished my Seraphim Shawl!! It's so exciting to have it done in time for Miriam Felton's visit. I can't wait for her Introduction to Lace Design workshop (I am so signed up for that), since I already have my shawl sketched out. Which means, if you count me and the other 2 students in the class, there are only 5 spots left, since both workshops are capped at a maximum of 8 students.

But, for your viewing (and my preening) pleasure, we brought the shawl along to a photoshoot this afternoon. 3M is nicely OCD about the good photography and I was hardput to choose just one photo, so here are three:

(I think this was 3M's favorite)

Project details:

• Pattern: Seraphim Shawl by Miriam L. Felton
• Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm
• Yarn: Knit Purl's The Natural Collection, hand-dyed with natural dyes by Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks just for us. Used just over 2 skeins. And now I really wish we had more of this yarn, since it was sooo nice to work with.

And, if you want more artistic photos (or more specs), here's the set. Or it on ravelry. Can you totally tell I am beside myself for finishing this?

Finally, last but not least (#5), the Sock the Vote yarn is here! I wish I had a photo (might be on the list for Thurday's post) to prove it, but it is officially for sale. Behind the scenes, we have an unofficial bet going on which color will sell out first. I think it's going to be a toss-up between Michelle and Hillary, but I could be wrong. I guess we'll find out soon.

'Til Thursday, happy knitting!