Knitting Resolutions or Rules

Resolution #1: Spend more time at Kiwi Knitting Company.

In case you are new to Tucson and/or have not been to Kiwi Knitting, the shop is located on the south side of 6th Street, a bit east of Tucson Blvd and across the street from the parking lot for Rincon Market. There are only three parking spaces in the front of Kiwi but much more in the back. There is a driveway beside the shop on the east side to the back. The back door is usually open so you don't have to walk around to the front. There are lots of ways to spend time - shop, take classes, come for Monday Knit Night or Second Saturday Sock Group, or just hang out surrounded by yarn and knitters.

Kendra, a Kiwi teacher, suggests: How about recuperating from the holiday crush with some nice, soothing garter stitch. There are lots of patterns, starting with almost anything Elizabeth Zimmerman. The Stripe Study shawl was popular this year. A survey of Ravelry may give you more leads.


More Knitting Resolutions

I am not sure these are resolutions as much as rules. Either way I have resolved to stick to them this new year with an excuse clause that allows for flexibility and forgiveness if needed for health and sanity.

Resolution #2: No more than five knitting projects in progress at one time.
That means once there are five projects going one must be finished before starting a new one. This resolution usually works until seduced by a pattern or yarn or the need for a gift. Then it works to keep the projects at no more than six- usually.

Resolution #3: Evaluate any UFO i.e unfinished object that has been untouched for too long.
"Too long" is undetermined but can be assessed by a feeling of a long time. The evaluation determines if the UFO should be finished, unraveled or re-designed. One of these actions should be taken immediately once the decision is made.

Resolution #4: Buy quality yarn.
Staying within a budget is important in today's economy so shop sales. Knitting requires a lot of hands-on time with yarn. This time will be more enjoyable and the end product better if the yarn is lovely, appropriate for the project, great color or colores and a joy to handle while watching the project grow. This principle applies to knitting needles and knitting notions too.

Resolution #5: Get organized.
It is always nice to know what you have and where to find it. Re-organizing seems to be necessary at frequent intervals too. It almost seems like the yarn shuffles itself around and multiplies.

Resolution #6: Start with the stash first for patterns and yarns.
Then supplement with new yarns or a new pattern as needed. A good excuse for going shopping at the local yarn shop.

Resolution #7: Always have a mindless project in progress and one that is more challenging. Mindless projects are great for those times when the mind is not fresh or there is some distraction. Challenging projects keep the mind engaged and learning and are perfect for quiet focused time when less errors are made.

Resolution #8: Take knitting classes.
There is always something new to learn - techniques, color combinations, designs, finishing, beginning, embellish, fitting and on and on. At the very least it might be what is not appealing or a better way.

Upcoming Classes at Kiwi Knitting

In keeping with the resolution on taking classes, here are some of the classes this month at Kiwi's. For more details see the classes in the newsletter on the Kiwi website.

1 Color Brioche - January 13th

Lace Elements - January 17th

Cast Ons- January 25th

Entrelac Hobo Bag- January 31st & February 7th

Lace Scarf- January 24th & 31st

Mariposa Shawlette-January 9th, 16th & 23rd

Socks Your Way-January 10th, 24th & 31st

Swirl Jacket-January 14th, 28th & February 11th

Lace Anyone?

Scarf to be knitted in the Lace Scarf class: