Sinhaavalokan

That's Sanskrit for frequently looking back - literally or figuratively. The simile is drawn from the lion's instinct of looking over the shoulder once every few steps. Translated to us bipeds, it's a check of sorts to assess if we're on track by recapitulating the paces we most recently walked. This is unequivocally a virtue.

My first blog anniv. came and went. I didn't feel the need to discuss it. Today though, I would like to jot down some findings of my last one year:

- what's ergonomically poor: acrylic fancy yarns, lace knitting, and knitting synthetic yarn with metal needles. Oh, and continental knitting. Although much faster (and my preferred method), this technique strains the shoulders.

- surprise! woolease brand of yarn works very well for hats. This will stay my first choice for its affordability and accessibility.

- cotton yarn is heavy! And inelastic. The microfiber cotton blends work the best, if cotton it should be.

- variegated yarns do not lend themselves to stitch patterns. They're best knit in vanilla stockinette, garter or reverse stockinette. A rare exception is the 'sea foam' pattern from stitchionary.

- sock yarn which is wool reinforced with synthetic fibers are uncomfortable on the feet. I just might opt for 100% hand wash sock yarn the next time around.

- socks (made with sock yarn) take a loong time to complete. They have large surface areas and are knit with fine yarn using fine needles. I should perhaps try a pair with soft 100% wool worsted weight yarn. Given that they'll be used to warm my feet at home, the thickness will only help!

- 2 socks on 2 circs method for knitting 2 socks simultaneously is very rewarding. The symmetry achieved on the pair is picture perfect. Highly recommend it. As a bonus, you'll never suffer the dreaded SSS ('single sock syndrome' for the uninitiated).

- caps/hats are very useful. Really quick to knit and can be constructed in 'standard' sizes. Gloves and scarves are useful as well. Except, the length of the fingers would need be customized and as far as scarves go, sadly they're the most boring to knit.

- knit curly whirlees, teeny sweaters and jingle bells make sweet tree ornaments. Take a look and another one.

- garter rib is the most beautiful of 'em all ribs. Despite much experimenting, I cannot stop loving this stitch pattern for its elegance.

- if you're knitting fair isle (or colour stranding), learn how to weave the 2nd yarn (while you're knitting with one) to eliminate floats. This makes the fabric tighter and less puckered. Sara's blog 'Let Me ExplaiKnit' has some very useful posts on the subject of colour stranding. This video was of incredible help for me.

- if you're knitting colour work, do learn about the 'dominant yarn'. It makes an awful lot of difference to the finished product.

- mosaic knitting works amazingly well with felting. Click here to see a bag from my collection of FOs.

- colour stranding naturally lends itself to double knitting and steeking. It also makes the fabric double-layered and therefore, extra warm.

- while selecting yarn to knit accessories, colour-coordinate the projects to go with some clothes you already possess. Or make the accessories neutral. I know, this sounds intuitive but often, it's an effort to find the exact shades of yarn for the project. It takes an effort to plan the colours around the clothes we already possess.