Finally! I was starting to think this whole weekend would be wash-out.
We got some work done despite the drear, but I’m continually amazed at how strong an influence the sun has over my mood and energy level. Even if I’m inside.
Right now I just want to go out an soak it up for what is left of my weekend. Maybe read the new issue of Interweave Knits. Or reread, I should say. It came on Thursday, and I’ve pretty much canvassed it it this point.
But I go thorough many stages in my reading of a knitting (or spinning) magazine.
First I flip through, back to front, getting an impression of the patterns. If something really catches my eye, then I may linger over the photos for a while, and take a look at the pattern, to get a sense of how it’s put together.
In stage two, I generally survey the articles- reading photo captions and scanning for items that strikes a chord- a new technique, a featured fiber, etc, etc.
After the initial rush of excitement that a new issue brings has worn off a bit, and I’ve regained my attention span- the third round is where I really dig in, actually reading articles and digesting the content. This stage can get drawn out for a while, especially if I’m mostly reading the mag while I’m eating breakfast.
In the fourth level of magazine review, I’m looking at details- mostly in the patterns. Daydreaming about possible yarn substitutions, imagining various modifications, how I might use that lace pattern in some other project, or sometimes just marveling over how lovely or clever a project is, just as presented.
Then the magazine goes into “resource” status. I start looking at the ads and the links. I get on my computer and visit sheep farms and yarn stores, and think about any trips I might be taking in the near future. I daydream of vacationing in New Zealand or some other wool-rich destination.
I’m on step three right now. Usually I don’t find much of interest in Summer Issues. Lots of cotton and linen, shells and sweater sets. I’m more of a Fall issue girl. Wool, in lots of rich colors. Texture and depth. But there are some things to like in this issue, particularly the Tidewater Wrap, and the Wakame Lace Tunic . I also really like the neckline on the Delft Tiles Tee.
Oh- and here is some more of that sweet Corriedale that I’m working on:
The color is really nice. Cool, pearly shades of gray. What do you think it wants to be?