KAL (knit-a-long) and a Valentine treat

Barbara B had a Valentine treat for each of us today, sourdough bagels with assorted toppings. They will be perfect for serving my turkey burger dinner tonight! Thanks Barbara!

We had great conversations about childhood memories and the card games we played with family. Maureen and I grew up in neighborhood apartment buildings where all ethnicities got along and watched each other's children. She learned how to play pinochle in the park across from her home. 

At the age of 3, I learned "bad words" from the Italian couple who lived next door! LOL!

Last week we decided on a pattern to make together so we could learn how to knit the brioche stitch. The Royal Icing Headband is knitted flat and then the short ends are sandwiched together and sewn for a cute folded feature. Carole's is first up and she's doing a great job for the first try, as is everyone participating. 

 

Margaret chose a heathered mauve DK weight yarn and as you can see on her paper pattern, she has made notes because we found easier ways to make the I-cord edging than the way the original pattern is written. The original pattern makes you k1,sl1,k1, on right side for the first and last 3 stitches and on the wrong side you have to sl1, k1, sl1 which can get confusing. 

But an easier I-cord edge is to knit the first 3 stitches and slip the last 3 purlwise with the yarn in front on every row. 

Barbara K had a second go at it after she discovered a mistake (we've all been there!). This pattern definitely teaches mindful knitting since every time I spotted a mistake in my work it was because I let my hands operate on automatic pilot.

Maureen chose a lighter weight yarn than Barbara's so she also had to downsize the needle.

Nancy took her time to concentrate on the steps involved and eventually we all decided to scrap the written copy and opt for the simpler method to make I-cord edges.

Barbara B had a few false starts until she was able to wrap her brain around the process. This brioche stitch is definitely a brain exercise but once you get it, you get it.

The ladies all think this knitting stuff comes easy to me but as I often tell them, I make all the mistakes so they don't have to. I must have started this 6 times before I figured out how to "read" my stitches so I could see which stitch came next.

I almost forgot to show you Carole's neck lamp with magnifier. She bought it recently to help with her knitting and now she can work with light weight yarns and needles again.

I think we've all exercised the little gray cells enough for one day. I am going to pick up a brainless pattern to relax so I can keep those needles clicking! Happy Valentine's Day everybody!