It's All About Curious Handmade

I have managed to finish Magnolia, the second pattern in the Secret Sock Society, and I'm very happy with them. This pattern was a lot harder -- for me, at least -- than the first pattern in this year-long KAL from Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade. There are a lot of cables, and I cannot cable without a needle on fingering-weight yarn.

I think the yarn is a bit too busy for the pattern. Still, they are very pretty. This is the second pair I've knit from Great Lakes Tweed yarn, and they slide on like butter. This is truly a luxurious yarn!

The next pattern should come out in early June, and I'm looking forward to the next challenge. 

In the meantime, I'm working on another Helen Stewart pattern, the Spindrift Shawl. It's hard to believe that such a simple pattern can yield a stunning shawl.

Ok, so this picture doesn't do it justice. But I'm on the bottom lace now, and it is very pretty. I started this a year ago and somehow it got buried in the knitting basket. 

Thank you for all the comments about Magic Loop. I am relieved to find out that I am not the only one who struggles with this technique. A number of you suggested starting on DPNs and then shifting the stitches to the long circular. I am definitely going to try that!

Is This Why It Hurts?

I've been knitting great guns on my Harvest sweater, using the magic loop technique, which I really like. However, for the first time ever, my right hand and forearm really hurt.

Could it be that something about the way I'm holding that long needle is causing the pain? I'm not knitting more than I have at other points, so I don't think it's an issue of too much knitting. Has anyone out there found that certain techniques hurt their hands and/or arms?

Here it is the first Monday of spring break and I feel like I have to lay off the knitting. While that is kind of a bummer, it isn't going to ruin things for me. One advantage of having so many crafts, is that I'll just turn to embroidery or beading. I'm sure I can find something fun to do.

Besides, my house is in chaos, so decluttering is on the agenda for the entire summer. And so is work! After 10 years, I have moved on from 8th grade. In the fall, I'll be a special ed teacher at a high school. I'm excited about a new challenge and older studentws. It doesn't hurt that the school is a half-mile from my house. Both my children went to this high school, so I know a lot about it -- and it is a great place.

I'll be heading over there this afternoon to meet with my new boss. I've known her for years, and she is an excellent teacher.

Wishing you a pain-free week!