I knitted coasters today. I was happy with how they turned out, and the pattern turned out to be easier than I had expected. I got to try out a few stitches I had never done before. I learned how to increase using k1inc1, where you knit into the front and the back of the same stitch. It seemed confusing at first, then once I figured out what was happening it was difficult until I figured out that I could release the tension and give myself a little more slack. I'm just glad I have fingernails, I couldn't imagine doing it without them!
I also learned the bind off using three needles. I enjoyed not having to seem anything up at the end. I hate seeming. But I didn't enjoy the whole having to swap the stitches around on needles before positioning them into proper places. If anyone has any suggestions on an easier way to do that, please let me know!! That was tedious! The first two coasters it was hell, but as I got the hang of it, the only tedious part became swapping the stitches around on needles, the knitting the two at once was fairly easy.
About six months ago I knitted a fairly good sized swatch to try out a new pattern I had seen. I haven't been knitting that long so there's a lot that is still new with me. I have used it on my end table for my wrought iron coasters to sit on and to gather the moisture that falls off the coasters. I used the same yarn for my coasters I knitted, so it's a nice little thing I have going on.
I was pleased with everything. I really love the colors in this yarn. I knitted an entire bag with this yarn. The color change becomes hypnotic. I really wish it were another material, though, instead of just worsted weight but I like it just the same.
I still have a whole skein to use up!! I'm thinking of making dish cloths or a pinwheel blanket with the rest... not sure yet.
