On My Way to the Masters

One of my goals for this year was to get my Master of Hand Knitting Level 1 certificate, and since it's July, it was about time to start. Last Thursday, I dove right in and have been frantically knitting, researching, and writing. So far, I've done 8 of 17 swatches and a whole bunch of writing. I still have lots of knitting and writing to do. The amount of research and theoretical knowledge they require for the submission is sort of overwhelming!

This does mean my Whispers got slightly de-prioritized, but I'm still on track to finish it this week. The front shoulders are done and I've started the back shoulders. I suspect the top may end up a little shorter than ideal, but that's what layering is for, right?

Looks like the frantic pace will continue right through the end of the year! I have some exciting events coming up, which I will tell you about soon.

PS - If you've done the Masters Program, I would love to hear your thoughts. What did you think of the process? Any tips?

Whispering

My Whispers top is coming along pretty quickly (it was just a swatch a couple of weeks ago). It is knit in the round from the bottom up, so I've knit past the underarms and finished the pleats. Maybe I can be done by next week? If you're making one too, come show us in the KAL thread!

Pattern: Whispers by Veera Valimaki
Yarn: Toil & Trouble Merino/Cash Sock in Charybdis

In other news, I've finally added Jupiter to my online shop. This is a lovely subtly variegated yarn, predominantly royal blue with hints of purple. I think it would make a gorgeous shawl, don't you?

Book Review: What Alice Forgot

I am way overdue on some book reviews! I read this book a couple of months ago and then promptly failed to write about it.

I can't remember where I first heard about What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, but I saw several people speaking well of it online. I couldn't resist getting my own copy.

It's a sweet story about a woman, Alice, who suffers head trauma and forgets the last ten years of her life. This includes having birthed her three children, and the disintegration of her marriage to Nick. The book follows Alice as she gets to know who her present self is, and how much she differs from who she was at 29. It ends up being an interesting exploration of the way we choose to remember things, and the important things we sometimes forget.

While Alice is the protagonist, the book also follows Elizabeth, her sister, and Frannie, a quasi-grandmother figure. Elizabeth's perspective is shown through journal entries, and Frannie's through a series of letters. I didn't enjoy Elizabeth's entries but they provided a lot of information on the relationship between Alice and her sister. Frannie's letters I found totally unnecessary - and I would love to hear your opinion if you've read the book.

All in all, I do recommend What Alice Forgot. It's sweet and endearing.

I made the mistake of meeting Julia at a bookstore last week, and came out with a very large pile of new books. I'll have lots of books to talk about in the next few months!

Pattern Review: Freesia Shawl

Pattern: Freesia by JumperCablesKnitting
Yarn: Toil & Trouble Single Sock in Wine Harvest

Just under three weeks and my shawl is done! Ok, 99% done. The knitting is done, the yarn ends are hidden, and soon as my Boardwalk is done blocking, this shawl will be getting a good soak and block. This pattern is knit on the bias, so you can make it as big as your yardage permits. The increases happen almost every row so you end up with a deep point, which I prefer. This shawl will definitely need to be blocked to get the eyelet detail to show better and even out the warping.

I love using this single-ply sock weight yarn because it knits into a very soft and fluffy fabric, which makes for very cozy neckwear. I can't wait to wear it in the fall! Are you making one too as part of the Freesia KAL? Show us your progress in the forum thread!

Up next? My Whispers KAL starts this Friday. I've got my gauge swatch going so right on track so far! If you want to join, you can find more info in my Ravelry group.