Intarsia Panel 1

I've finished the first of five panels for the Intarsia Polka-Dot Baby Blanket tonight, except weaving in the ends, which are cleverly hidden for this picture. It's not perfect, but I'm pleased with how it has come out based on the fact that I'm just learning this skill. Four more panels to go. I think it's going to come out quite nice. I'll post in a few days with the second panel attached and the ends woven in. I'll attach it immediately because I won't be able to stand not knowing what it's going to look like. All in all, I'm pleased with how pretty this is, but I'm not sure this is a particular skill I will use terribly often. It is a real pain to manage all of the bobbins and goes rather slowly as a result. It might be okay for a couple of color changes in a specific item. This number of color changes though? I may stick to crocheted graph-ghans from here on out. :)

Status of the Sock

Here's the latest picture of the sock. I didn't work on it a huge amount this weekend because I was working on learning the Intarsia knitting. Overall I must say that I'm quite impressed with myself. It's just too cool that I'm so successfully knitting a sock. I really like the pattern this yarn is knitting into as well. It's coming out so pretty!! Will update again soon! It's supposed to be 16 inches long from the top edge before the next transition, so I have a good ways to go before it's complete.

Intarsia Knitting

I've been working on learning to do Intarsia knitting. The pattern is Intarsia Polka-Dot Baby Blanket from the Lion Brand Web site. It's a free pattern. If you haven't signed up there yet, I recommend it. They have lots of amazing free knit and crochet patterns. I've had to do some research on what Intarsia is and how to go about doing it. Two sites that have be immeasurably helpful are http://www.sweaterscapes.com/intars.htm and http://www.purlbee.com/intarsia-knitting-tutorial/ because they have good pictures. I am not yet happy with the back of the work. It doesn't look as neat as I'd like. The front of the work is coming out reasonably nicely though, and with work I think I can make it perfect. I have found that the bobbins have made things significantly easier as far as changing colors back and forth. I've used standard spring style wooden clothes pins because you can grab the yarn and hold it in place while the bobbin is not in use. I have also found that sitting in a larger chair makes it easier because I can place the bobbins in the chair to either side of me. The ones waiting are on the left. The one in use is on the right. I think this piece is about 1/3 of the way through the first of 5 panels. I will keep updating on progress.