Saturday Was Wonderful

Deb didn't disappoint. Ms Gemmell lived up to the moniker - The 'Gifted Gemmells' - I've given her and her sister. Pleasantly, she is a regular, down-home type of girl who instantly made us feel comfortable. Her patience, as she guided us through our tiny, top-down, teddy bear sweaters was unlimited, bringing out the best in each knitter.

In Friday's post, I said it would be enough to just bask in her knitterly sunshine. It didn't matter if I learned anything. But learn I did. Deb shared with us her very favourite way of making increases along the sleeve line of her top downs. So Easy!!

In all, she had us do three different types of increases. The change in the appearance of the sweater when the increase style changed was amazing. Deb, bless her heart, pointed out the pitfalls of each type of increase. She explained when best to use a particular increase but more importantly, when NOT to use it.

Deb gave us tips about the underarm cast-on stitches and tips on joining them to the the body. She gave us tips on waist shaping and shaping sweaters for those of us with 'unbalanced' figures.

And best of all, she gave us tips on how to put in a zipper. I'd share, but then I'd have to do something really nasty to you with the knitting needles. After all, it's Deb's tip.

One of the participants had a great tip that I can share. From Sudbury, Gerry knits her buttons on as she knits the sweater. She makes the knit stitch with use of a tiny crochet hook through the button shank as she knits the button band. No sewing on of buttons!! Knitters are so smart.

We drank coffee and decimated the luncheon

set out for us.

Lady Grey and her new scarf look perfect.

I met new knitters who wore some wonderful hand knits.

I got my Cabin Fever books autographed and - surprise, surprise, two more Cabin Fever books came home with me. Top Down For Toddlers, and Baby V. Neither toddler nor baby do I have, but I can't pass up a good knitting book. All in all, a great way to spend Saturday morning.