Trying Something New....

I am going thru one of my being "bored" stages and when that happens I regroup my creative energies by challenging myself with a new pattern or learning a new technique. This time, I am trying a new technique. I am trying to learn how to knit using the "modular" technique. This technique uses knitted squares, triangles and diamonds to form articles of clothing or afghans. For the most part, you don't have to pick up stitches to create your finished article if you use Iris Schreier's instructions from her book "Modular Knits." There are other books available using similar techniques. The other book title I have is: "No-Pattern Knits" by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer. Iris's patterns are just beautiful and using the painted variegated yarns she recommends makes you want to knit her patterns forever. However; the yarns are on the expensive side, and before I "invest" I had better learn the techniques. I have been having trouble learning how to knit this way; but never fear, Iris has a Yahoo group that is more than willing to help you over the impending hurtles, and I subscribed.
I am working on a Baby Blanket that consists of 4 squares, and you only have to pick up stitches once to secure the first and second squares together to complete the finished blanket. Seems like it should be easy, but it wasn't at first. I can make another one now that I know what is involved, but need to finish the one I am working on.
I am not quite finished, but want to show a picture of what I have done so far. Perhaps you might be able to see how seemingly 'complicated' this can be. I hope to be finished in a week and will post the finished blanket for you to see. Hope it turns out alright.... Wish me luck!



In the photo above you can see two completed squares of the blanket. I am knitting a third square in the upper left-hand corner, while the fourth one is waiting 'in repose' on circular needles in the lower right-hand corner of the photo. The yarn I am using is by Red Heart. While I had my camera out and portions of my "working" yarn stash sat close by, I thought I would expose it to the "knitters" viewing this Blog. I don't know about all knitters, but I love looking at yarn. It makes my creative juices roll. These photos represent about one third of my total yarn stash. The other two-thirds will probably never ever be used. Why?? Because the colors might not inspire me anymore, or the texture might not inspire me, etc. Some knitters are fickle like that, and I am definitely one of them. Anyway..... these colors breathe "life" into my soul; therefore I keep them in plain sight each and every day, and keep them next to my chair.

Here is my "natural" fiber stash; wool, cotton, etc.

Here is my acrylic stash...

Here is my combination yarn stash. Some are cottons blended with acrylic; wool blended with acrylic, etc.