Return to Knitting Camp

I traveled up to Marshfield these last two weekends to be a vendor at Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp.
I was tickled to be there.  I was a camper myself back in 1998 and 2000. Returning felt something like coming home.

I had already been knitting passionately for a dozen years or more when I first went to camp. I was mostly self-taught, but I thought I was a pretty skilled knitter. After all, I had mastered cables and had knit a few sweaters that actually fit.  Well, let's just say that I didn't know what I didn't know.  Knitting Camp opened my eyes to a level of knitting that I had never seen before. I was overwhelmed by the new techniques and inspired by the skill of Meg, her assistants, and my classmates.

I don't think I would be exaggerating to say that Knitting Camp changed my life. The experience of knitting in the community of others totally energized me. For a while, I went crazy for knitting retreats and lessons--seeking both personal growth (in the form of new knitting skills) and personal  relationships (in the form of knitting friends). Shortly after my first knitting camp, I began to design my own patterns and began to fantasize about the ultimate knitter's dream--owning my own knitting business. At my second Knitting Camp, I met a few fellow campers who  lived near me, and we decided we would get together to knit after Knitting Camp was over. We have been knitting together for 12 years now, and I count these ladies among my best friends. 

So thank you once again, Meg, Amy, Eleanor, Tammy, and all the Knitting Campers past and present for your knowledge and inspiration, for friendships found and dreams realized. 

All American Baby - Go Team USA

I thought I would show a little patriotic spirit in honor of the Olympics, so I designed this cute little sweater for new members to the American team.  The pattern is available as a Ravelry download here.

I had intended the sweater to match my All American baby hat, but of course, I changed the yarn (a little heavier gauge of 100% cotton) and I decided the stripes really needed to be 4 rows wide rather than 3, so of course, I had to re-write and re-knit the hat too.  I am pleased with the result.

I had to borrow a child from the daycare at work to perform modeling duty.
Actually, I borrowed two little friends.  My first model, is quite a big boy, and a bit big for the sweater (sweater = 12 month and model #1 = 18 month).

My second model was a  better fit, but he made it quite clear that he does not like to wear hats!