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| Though I have tons of pics OF my knitting I could only find this one of me knitting from 4 years ago on the DFDS ferry from North Shields to Amsterdam. Helluva sunset! |
Introduction I guess, I'm Stacey I have been knitting for a long time, it is about 14 years since I became a Knitter with a capital K. Like most folks my Nana taught me to knit when I was about 6 or 7. Both my Nana's were ardent knitters, and helped and encouraged us. My Nana Frances had terrible arthritis and when she couldn't manage her needles anymore she moved to a knitting machine so the gene is strong in me. When I started knitting again I mostly used straight needles with the right needle tucked snugly in my armpit, just like Nana. I rarely held the needle and was pretty fast actually but over the years I have moved to using mostly circular needles - they are much easier to shove in your handbag! One of my favourite things is that I have a pair of my nana's knitting needles (she died 30 years ago this year I think) which are bent to the shape of her body. I love those needles.
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| my Nana Frances with me my siblings and cousin in her back yard. Late 1970s |
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| The only photo I can find right now of Nana Kathy. This is after her stroke. She died in 2008. |
A few knitting preferences for me - I always find this stuff interesting so hopefully you will too:
I love knitting on circular needles but I do not like magic loop. I never magic loop if I can help it -I will very occasionally for sleeves if I don't have DPN's in the right size but that is all.
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| last finished item. A mix of handspun and Jamiesons |
I love DPN's I can't fathom why everyone doesn't. They are logical and easy and practical. I always knit socks on them and always top down. I do not like toe up socks, I am all about the cuff down.
I don't have a ball winder or a swift. I LOVE hand winding balls with the skein either looped over my knees or round a kiddos arms - the kids are less keen but bah, I feed clothe and house them so they can suck it up! I really love the yarn moving through my hands and I really feel like it is the starting point in a project for me. If I absolutely need a centre pull ball - I currently can't think of a good reason why - I have a nostepinne and I use that to wind my ball.
I am an not a monogamous knitter. I always have multiple projects on the go, usually a few pairs of socks (at least 3 at the moment) and a main project which at the moment is a vest/tank top.
I knit English style but can also knit continental, if knitting with 2 colours I will knit with a colour in each hand.
I am also a spinner. I've been spindle spinning for about 8 years and got my first wheel about 3 years ago, it is a Kromski Fantasia and I LOVE him. He is called Marty McFlyer for a good reason but that's a story for another day. I also have a Electric Eel wheel nano, I was part of the Kickstarter for it and though I like it I don't LOVE it. But I did also join the Kickstarter for the full size Electric Eel 6 electric wheel which came a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I also was very much hankering for a traditional style wheel and got a Ashford Traditional wheel a few months ago (he is called George McFlyer because of course he is!) and we are getting to grip with each other. It is a learning curve and I don't find spinning on him easy like Marty. So yes, wheels are addictive and expensive so be careful!
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| Marty McFlyer |
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| Lorraine McFlyer and Cat |
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| lovely Hilltop Cloud fibre for this years Tour de Fleece |
I have not processed any fleeces myself and don't own carders or combs. I tend to spin commercial fibre but I have been watching a lot of youtube videos about processing and though I said I would never go there - I think the day is coming! :-D
I love spinning a lot but knitting is my first love, I don't really feel right if I don't at the VERY least have knitting on me, in my bag, on my knee just nearby, so yeah, I have a problem but right, I could stop anytime!
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| Always knitting! |
Oh and I decided to call this blog Geordie Shawl because I am from Newcastle Upon Tyne and I thought it was funny! :-D
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