Dashing and Learning New Things!

I had my first finished object of 2008 just a few days into the year: a pair of Dashing made of Cascade Venezia. Venezia is 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk, and I loved working with it. The Dashing pattern was fun to work too and I think it took me 4 or 5 days to complete the mitts. I have to confess that using the Venezia was not my idea - Tina had used it for her mitts, and when I tried them on, they felt heavenly! (Click to embiggen pictures.) I need to learn to crop my photos before coming to my blog. So sorry. Also, as a rightie with a gimpy left hand, the gloved hand photo was a challenge with this morning. Talk about camera shake! ; )

A few weeks ago when I had been in the LYS I had seen a sample of this adorable baby sweater from the Mission Falls Wee Knits Too pattern book displayed in the store. The store was offering a class on the sweater, and I know the instructor for the class is fabulous. I pondered on this little knit for a week or two, as I don't really have a baby in mind to warrant the kind of investment I'd be making, but I sure wanted to make that sweater and take the class. I've never knit anything with full garment construction. I've only done top down, and although I've dabbled a bit with fair isle in a hat, I've not done intarsia. Anyway, you know the rest of the story. First class was Tuesday night, and we were to knit up to where the heart begins in the middle of the sweater back. The instructor said it was OK to knit ahead in other areas, so I made one sleeve and will probably get the other one done before our next class this coming Tuesday. I do like the instructor very much and can see that the investment in class will be well worth my money. The little tips and tricks you learn from an experienced knitter are invaluable. I am using Mission Falls 1824 Superwash Merino Wool. It will be a nice little sweater. I may have to buy myself a doll to dress up periodically. ; )