The Power of the Knitalong

A while back I read about magic loop method of knitting socks.  I was determined to find out about this mysterious trick, thinking I would have to wait a few years, and learn to be a better knitter first.  After knitting my first pair of socks on double points, I knew I wanted to learn magic loop and soon.  This is the exact moment when having a knitalong group is necessary, and valuable.
I went to knit night where a few ladies were knitting socks, among other things. I noticed Dawn was knitting socks with magic loop! I didn't want to intrude on her knit time, but was obviously staring at the knitting.   I mentioned that I really wanted to learn that, and she offered to show me.  She was concerned about showing me because she didn't feel she mastered the method, but to me she knew a whole lot more than I did, and I was eager to hear it. Between the cast on, and her demonstration of how to pull the needles, it took about 10 minutes to demonstrate.  I think I may have said, "That's it?"  Everything I knit in the round is using magic loop now.  A simple sharing of a knitting technique has totally changed how I knit and I am so thankful for the quick lesson.  You don't have to be a master to share knitting skills.  You only have to know a little something more than the next person, who wants to learn.  I was, and still am, so thankful for that little lesson.  I love the knitalongs!

My sock frenzy: Left, top down on magic loop. Center; toe up on magic loop. Right; started on dpns but learned magic loop and immediately switched while in the middle of the sock!

A Turtleneck Fit for a Chaweanie

It is nearly impossible to find a sweater to fit Ziggy, our chaweanie.  He is part dachshund and part chihuahua.  He has the barrel chest and length of a dachshund, but the slim body of a chihuahua.  I found this wurstwarmer pattern by FlintKnits, and thought it would be perfect for him.  I did have to make some modifications, because he is so thin in his body, but am very happy with the outcome.  Not only do you get a great pattern for your pup but you help a great cause!  The proceeds from the pattern sales go to Michigan Animal Rescue League.  

I really think Ziggy enjoyed the fact that I was making something for him.  He was very interested in the yarn, but more importantly, he was so ready to try on the sweater every step of the way.  Knitting needles poking and dangling from the sweater didn't keep him from sliding into his wurstwarmer!