Morning, all. After a day with both sunshine and heavy rain, today looks to be much nicer and, fingers crossed, Chris and I can walk to Groove. That will be so good.
Exciting news! I think it is exciting, anyway. I don't know if you knew but there's a new crafting 'show' coming on Channel 4 and it is called The Game of Wool, with Tom Daley.
Set against the picturesque landscapes of rural Scotland, the show is a competitive knitting series where ten contestants face weekly challenges, judged by a panel of knitting experts. From what we know so far, it looks set to follow a format similar to GBBO, but for knitting, as the contestants compete to become the UK’s first TV knitting champion.
The first programme is on November 2nd at 20:00 and I can't wait.
So, what with Strictly on Saturday and Sunday and now this on Sunday, I'm going to be very spoilt, although I did wonder why there's an overlap with the Strictly results show - until I realised that they are back-to back (on different channels).
While on the subject of knitting, I watched some knitting channels while 'researching' (I use that term very lightly) the Sophie scarf and noticed that many knitters use what I believe is called the continental style. I use the style my Mum taught me with the yarn in my right hand and the project in my left. I think it is called the slip off style? I just wondered - is the continental style easier, faster, more consistent? I might have a go and see if I like it.
If you knit, what style do you use?
Yesterday - I didn't do much housework - what a surprise!!! I did, however, make great strides with the Joseph blanket (that's what I am calling it - it's multicoloured!). It's lap blanket size so I can use it in the evening instead of turning up the heating. Just call me Scrooge!
I may not have done housework yesterday but I did start a sourdough loaf for Lindsey and also I made this.
Yes, a bit messy but it tasted OK (stronger tasting seasonings and fillings needed, I think) but it was OK and I have left for today plus some leftover sushi rice in the freezer.
And Alex likes the idea of having a go. Yay!
And Alex likes the idea of having a go. Yay!
Circuits was good too - I was able to give it full energy and that felt great!
Today HAS to be housework. I have piles of washing, old ironing in the basket, shame on me, and Chris is here for our chat on Thursday. At the moment, I wouldn't let anyone past the front door (only slightly joking here) . . .
Groove comes first though - lovely! And I have a loaf to finish off too.
Better get going - time flies, doesn't it? Have a great day. xx
I'm sorry, but a knitting competition on television!! What is happening ... can you tell I'm not a knitter. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've just been thinking about this and I don't watch anything that I don't do myself. I cook and bake so I watch Bake Off, but I don't sew, or knit, or ballroom dance. I guess there is an audience for all sorts of activities, those that love doing the things and those that want to learn how to.
I'm intrigued. It will be so interesting to see how it all works out.
Deletexx
I knew the knitting show was coming but not when and where. Should be interesting to see how it's going to work as knitting is quite a slow process.
ReplyDeleteI have always knitted continental style, i.e. yarn on left hand, but different countries have differen styles, how they hold the needles, different ways of wrapping the yarn around the left hand and fingers, how they work the stitches etc. etc.
Most of the tutorials I find are made by Americans, which wrap the yarn differently from how I learnt it.
I tried English knitting but just can't get it!
As you are an accomplished crocheter you shouldn't find it too difficult to switch over to continental knitting with the yarn on the left hand.
My friends tell me I knit faster, I'm not convinced, to me it just looks faster and I think if you are a 'thrower' in English knitting it looks just as fast to me.
I've had a go but oh, goodness - it feels very clumsy, to be honest. The way I hold the yarn, etc, doesn't work for knitting - not for me anyway. I need to practise, I guess.
DeleteRegarding the knitting show, I can't see how they can do longer projects, like jumpers, etc, unless they have a project running through the whole series. We will see, won't we?
xx
Sorry about the Anonymous, didn't notice, have to remember to change it every time I respond! xx The way the Americans hold the yarn doesn't work for me either, there is no 'feel' to it. I feed it between the little and ring finger from the back of the hand, then across the ring and middle finger on the palm side, then through the gap of the middle and forefinger and wrap it around the forefinger twice. To knit, I stick up the forefinger and hold the needle with the other three fingers, making sure there is some slight tension of the yarn. The right needle I insert into the first stitch knitwise, grab the yarn from the back of it and pull it through the stitch, thus creating a loop on the right needle, let go of the back of the stitch on the left needle and hey presto, a stitch on the right has been created. (insert, wind, pull through, let go) xx
DeleteWow - I will read that more carefully when I am feeling more awake - thanks so much for the detail. xx
DeleteCan't stand Tom Daley and don't think a knitting competition show is one I'd watch. I knit English style pretty quickly, but I did teach myself to knit continental style to see if it was quicker - I used a circular needle so that I only had to do the knit stitch and knitted most of a jumper and it's definitely quicker - but my fingers and brain are pretty much locked into English style, and as I can do this in a mindless way it's still the one I prefer, besides that I haven't a clue how to do patterns any other way. Give it a go, you may prefer it. Elaine
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting because after a couple of days giving it a go (as a practise thing), I feel the same. However, I changed my crochet style quite successfully and wouldn't go back so never say never.
Deletedoesn't seem to be enough needle to hold somehow. Again, it must boil down to practise.
For me, the mindless aspect is important . . .
I don't know what Tom Daley's presentation style is like. I only know him from diving . . . xx
I too was excited at the idea of the knitting show on TV, will be something different to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteKnitting styles, now you're asking 😀 I knit English style, a 'thrower ' and I'm quite envious of those that can knit ' continental ' - but my brain struggles with anything new........I have had a little go but it felt so strange and clumsy......... but if you could master it I think it is probably quicker! I'm intrigued that you have changed your crochet style, I don't remember if you've mentioned it before, I may have missed it.
Alison in Devon x
That's the term - a thrower. Thanks.
Deletexx
I’m happy to stick with the “ in, over, through and off” style that my Gran taught me when I was four years old. It’s probably so embedded in my brain that I can do it without thinking. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI suspect I will be too but, in the interest of lifelong learning, I will try t'other way and see. It won't come quickly, I know. xx
DeleteI probably use a mix of styles on the one garment and not intentionally or the one where I drop the least stitches!! I might just watch the show even though it will be mind boggling to me being such a novice knitter. Thank goodness for YouTube it has helped me out no end of times. X
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, wonderful YouTube. I am sure there are parts I wouldn't touch with a bargepole but it's really helpful if you want to see how to do something. xx
DeleteA knitting competition sounds cool! I wonder what they will make? The food looks very tasty!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Kezzie. I'm really not sure how it will all work out. I keep thinking Sewing Bee with needles and hooks . . .
Deletexx
I can not for the life of me knit continental. It just feels wrong for some reason. I wonder if eventually I will be able to get that knitting show on BritBox or even Acorn.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Now that's interesting - I thought that was the accepted way in Canada.
DeleteIf you can get Bake Off and Sewing Bee, I expect you will;, at some point. I guess it depends if it takes off. xx
I do hope that show comes over here. Would be nice to see some of the crafty shows
ReplyDeleteDo you not get any? That's a shame. xx
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