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After pulling it apart three times, I successfully knit the swatch for my sweater. It's a simple "z" pattern with two colors. What makes it difficult is that it's a 1x1 rib, so I have much to count! It took me an hour to knit the 10 rows, but I finally finished it. Pictures to come.

Some suggestions from my local knitting store, Kiwi Knitting Company, really helped me. First, to knit a swatch before acting like an impulsive teenager and trying it on the sweater! I should have thought of that myself. Oh well. Second, to use a marker or a pin so I know which is the right side. I know it sounds silly to need a reminder, but with so much going on in my head with the knit/purl, counts colors, etc., it really makes it easier.

Happy knitting!

City Tweed DK Yarn Knitting Yarn from KnitPicks.com

Today, I finally learned Fair Isle. Well, as much as you can learn in one day. Learning the stranding wasn't too bad. I prefer stranding every other stitch than every single one, but the three stitch stranding was nice too. However, it got difficult when I had to read a chart and count the main color and contrast color. I had to count the number of stitches per color, but I also had to be alert to count for when I needed to strand. It became extremely difficult when I had to think about which side to strand on, like how to strand on the wrong/right side. Coupled with the counting, my brain felt like my head would explode. It's definitely not the kind of knitting I can do while watching TV.

I got so frustrated, that after an hour, I had to put the knitting down and go exercise. Actually, difficult knitting is the perfect incentive for exercise. I worked out extremely hard after I took a break from the knitting. So, this sweater project may help me to lose weight, which I need (sitting and knitting and reading all day isn't the best dieting technique...)

Being a teacher, I am constantly trying to work at a level of perfection. I know it's impossible to teach a class perfectly, but it's something to shoot for. Knitting, on the other hand, has taught me, again, how to learn. I know that I need to make mistakes in order to learn, which I find terrifying. However, I think that this project will help me to become a better teacher and learner because I will learn how to knit better and, with this direct experience, I can truly empathize with my students with all their frustrations in school.

Happy knitting!

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Being an avid knitting, I always enjoy visiting new yarn stores. Since I am near Noe Valley, I visited ImagiKnit (www.imagiknit.com). As I mentioned in a previous blog, it was amazing. There are two large rooms filled with yarn of all types.

 I was so excited to simply see all of the yarn. It kind of took my breath away. My local yarn store does have a great selection, but since there are a few rooms, the effect is not so intense. I spent a good 30 minutes simply touching the yarns and looking around. There were so many beautiful colors and soft wools (I particularly liked the Merino Wools). They also had yarn from sheep from the area and spun in the area as well. I could have spent more time, but my grandmother was waiting for me. I did end up buying two skeins of brown yarn to make a scarf for a Spanish friend of mine. The staff was also friendly and helpful. It was neat to see men working there who also knew a lot about knitting. I found it very helpful to ask a man´s opinion about colors for projects for men. They have an online catalogue, so I can always buy their yarns online. They also offer classes.

 I am very tempted to go back and buy more yarn, but I know I shouldn´t, considering how much yarn I already have at home. However, I´m sure that ImagiKnit will be around the next time I´m in the city.

Happy Knitting!

San Francisco is a beautiful city. I was lucky enough to be born across the bay and spend time here as a child. Now that I live elsewhere, I look at San Francisco differently, but certain childhood opinions stay with me.

Before moving to the desert, overcast days and fog didn't bother me. As long as it wasn't too hot, I was happy. I do remember that I loved driving through the fog; that it felt safe, like nature was wrapping me in a blanket that made me invisible to the world. Even the streetlights with the red and green halos seemed to be more of a memory than a reality.

Driving through the fog yesterday, I still had that left over sensation of safety, but now that I have experience driving and I know how dangerous it can be to drive in fog, I felt more tense. This time, rather than feeling the privilege of being hidden by the fog, like wearing an invisibility blanket, it made me feel isolated, alone, and depressed. It felt like I was on this journey through life and no one else existed or was there to comfort me. I was on my own. While part of me still enjoys the fog, I know that I could never live here again; I need the sunlight. It's been four days and not seeing the sun has already gotten me down. I am officially, and proudly, a desert rat.

Now, as I look out of my grandmother's window, who has a great view of the city and the bay, it is still overcast. However, like the rain, the fog seems to have taken out all of the impurities from the air and I am able to see San Francisco in a crisp, fresh way. Only a shining sun could make this picture perfect.


On the bright side, I did go to ImagiKnit, a famous knitting store here. I will write more in a future blog. Suffice it to say, seeing all the yarn made me giddy.

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