As we guessed from the last entry, I'm pretty much a self-taught knitter, learning from books and the odd yarn-store workshop here and there. And, of course, the internet. I've found lots of sites that have been very helpful in improving my knitting and I just thought I'd share today.

Common Threads Fiber Arts Store has great on-line knitting classes that are probably all anyone would ever need. And for free, there are some specific techniques animated at Dnt, Inc.. There are also a lot of clear instructions for techniques like duplicate stitch, I-cords, picking up stitches and seaming at Borealis Sweaterscapes. They've got an excellent page about short-row shaping and wrapping that I think has finally cleared up for me how to use short rows for smooth neck/shoulder decreases. And they've also got a page about intarsia, in case you want to see how it's really done! And be sure to check out Flor's page too for all kinds of helpful instructions, pictures, and links!

Tonight I'm going to a class at my local knitting store, a good yarn. I signed up for three classes this fall and am so excited that they're finally starting. They are all just one night workshops (with the twins I can't swing too many nights out) but I've gotten a lot out of the ones I've taken before. Tonight is Continental Knitting, which I am taking in order to force myself to learn to use my left hand. When I started knitting I had this horrible claw thing going on trying to keep tension on the yarn. Now that I've gotten down how to hold the yarn comfortably in my right hand, I am less than thrilled at the idea of starting over with the other hand! But I have to learn because my next projects are Dale of Norway sweaters for the boys. Thus, the second class I signed up for is Two-Color Stranded Knitting. Then, finally, the last class is on the real scary stuff, Steeking. Can't wait!