TIDAL LEAVES

I must go down to the sea, 
for the call of the running tide
is a wild call and a clear call
that may not be denied.

~ John Masefield

Knitting had long been a desire
of mine, one I have even dreamed
of until I finally decided to teach
myself how. May will make three years
since I picked up my first knitting
needles and a ball of yarn, sat in
front of the computer screen and
learned how to cast on. I would
cast on 50 stitches, pull them out
and start over. From there I moved
on to learning the knit stitch. and
how to purl. I made a scarf, then I
pulled it all apart and did it again,
slowing building my confidence.

Since then I have knit a few scarves,
hats, cardigan, fingerless mitts and
a couple of cardigans. I knit every
single day, year round and actually
start to have panic attacks if I don't
have a project on needles.
And since I often visit your spaces
I know you understand because I
know you have the same love for
knitting that I do.

 Knitting never fails to bring me
thrill me and this past week I broadened
my knitting world a little more and
learned to knit from a chart.

Chart reading has intimidated me, so
while I looked longingly at beautiful
pieces others turned out, I thought that
was a skill beyond me.

Last Saturday I sat down and did a lot
of research on pattern reading; while
most knitter's knit and read a chart from
right to left, I needed to make a few
minor changes since I knit from left to
right. I learned that once you know the
key symbols knitting from a chart is so
much easier than a written pattern.

I knit Autumn Leaves Stole using
a lighter weight yarn and making it
a scarf to better suit the climate here.
This will be a gift for my only daughter's
birthday next month.
This was also my first time using
Malabrigo Yarn and I must say it was
a pleasure to use, so  nice, soft and
squishy.
I really need to make another trip
to the lys to pick up the skein they
had in orange, oh my!

Knitting has opened a whole new,
beautiful world for me, just like
blogging.  Thank you for all the
help, tips and most of all for the
love and friendship you have given
me over the past three years.

Now, can you recommend a must
knit pattern, my needles are empty.