Topic: percentage knitting
Three weeks will see the first Countrywool Sock Weekend. This winter will see the first Countrywool Sock Weekend Retreat. I am up to my ears in editing sock patterns for teaching. I hope that all knitters who attend these gatherings will come away with a clear understanding of 3 distinct and different ways to make socks. A bonus at these retreat/weekend gatherings are the new knitting skills knitters add to their repertoires: Figure 8 Cast On; Twisted German Cast on; sewn down Cast Off; long circular seamless sock magic loop knitting, etc. These weekends will be jam packed with new and exciting ways to enjoy making the mundane yet much beloved sock.
As I try to be as exact as I can about detailed instructions for those moments when they will NOT be at the weekend and can ask questions, I know there will be stupid errors in any pattern I write. I agonize over how to eliminate as many of them as I can, so that knitters can enjoy the pleasure of working continuously and with great success through my directions. This is the cry of any pattern writer, and she is dependent upon expert knitters/pattern testers to proof knit her directions. I am lucky that many of my knitting friends will check out my directions for goofs and typos, and I always include a phone number/e-mail on the finished pattern so knitters can get to me right away with any question.
But, I am continually amazed at how helpful a spreadsheet can be when working up the particulars for any set of directions. I have been using Microsoft EXCEL for 2 years now, and every time I go back to it to check on sizing variations, I am again grateful that it can be so helpful so quickly. I cannot tell you how often my Algebra skills have come into play as I work out unique pattern formulas, and then EXCEL will just convert all 12 sizes in an instant.
This is true magic.
The Peace Fleece Socks pattern will have a Figure 8 Cast On, worked on one long circular needle in the magic loop style, with a Peasant Heel and Sewn Off Bind Off. It will fit feet 5" around to 12" around. And if I am really lucky, EXCEL caught all the inequities in the pattern process.
I am toying with organizing a Pattern Writing Retreat at Countrywool. Anyone interested? Let me know.
