One more thing I never thought I'd say.

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you'll notice that I have what appears to be an aversion to miles of garter stitch.  In fact, the only thing larger than a baby sweater that you've ever seen me knit that is worked in garter was Mermaid.  Mermaid kept my interest because of all the fun shaping builti into that garter stitch -- mindlessness was not part of that equation. And actually, when it came to the baby sweaters -- I used stockinette versions!

Given that history, you may find it odd that I've come to truly appreciate the miles of garter stitch that are involved with knitting Inebriate of Air (also known as my modified Emily Dickinson shawl).  The original Emily got you into miles of garter stitch, starting with 545  stitches... In my insanity, mine started over a thousand. (And yes, I will be whining about that for a while.  Sorry about that).

So, why am I enjoying all this garter?

I'm using it to practice continental knitting. 

My gauge in contintental (or picking) is pretty much the same as my gauge in whatever it is you call the knitting in which one throws the yarn instead of picking it.  But, even though there are all sorts of advantages to the continental style, I seem to drop into throwing every time.  I mean EVERY time.  Despite the plan...when I pick this up, I still find myself picking up the yarn with my right hand.  I can't even blame this on having learned to crochet first, because I hold my yarn in my left hand when I crochet.  I'm hoping that these long rows of garter (remember that whole starting with well over a thousand stitches part) will help my hands fall into this not-really-new habit. That will make it easier to really work that lovely Bohus kit that I've been planning to knit for so long. (I think I bought the kit something like three years ago.

Comments

[kmkat]

I think the throwing style is called English (as opposed to continental). Welcome to the Other Side, and good luck!

[Colleen G]

I also believe that real knitters knit English ;P Does this practicing have anything to do with me asking you to teach me to throw?

[NeedleDancer]

Nope -- no relationship -- Ill happily teach you to throw....

Im just seeking balance --- here there and everywhere :-)