secret project
Here's an update on the hush-hush Kureyon project! I'm doing a fair-isle pinwheel pattern. I've noticed that in spite of the flood of new knitters and yarns, there is a dearth of interest in fair-isle (Wendy and a few others excluded). I want to ask you all: is this because it seems too difficult to try, or because people don't like the finished look of the project, or what? I want to assure all of you would-be fair-isle knitters out there that if it's the first reason, fair-isle is not hard. I do admit it takes a little (and I do mean little!) practice. While it's not rocket science, it is important to keep these three principles in mind:

1. pick up the new color from underneath the old color
2. keep what seems like a way-too-loose tension when floating from one color to another (I actually loop the float over my index finger)
3. any inconsistencies in your stitchwork (see above!) can be smoothed out in the final blocking process, especially if you use wool

A traditional fair-isle pattern will have you using no more than two colors on a single row, even if there are several colors in a single piece. Many of these tips are included in the Elle Tip Sheet, and by the way, Elle is a great and easy first fair-isle project. Once you get going, it's rhythmic and sort of addictive--and I really mean it when I say: if I can do it, you can do it too! So--tell me--if you haven't used the technique yet, why not?

new wheels!
Some of you may remember that back in the spring I was researching small SUVs for a future automobile upgrade--here's what I finally decided on! To say I love this car is an understatement. And several months ago I wasn't even considering this vehicle! I only decided to drive it at the urging of my DH--and once I did, I was hooked. Roomiest interior of ALL small SUVs, 4WD EX, and features the proven CRV engine. I'm in love!