Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Glutton for Punishment


I used to love the scariest rides at amusement parks. I still love them, but with herniated discs in my lumbar spine, I don't think it's too wise to ride them. The memories of pain shooting into my toes and dragging my leg when I walk, or not being able to sit without pain is all it takes to keep me grounded. It took a long time to heal from that injury. These days, I have channeled my thrill seeking into other endeavors--like periodic extreme knitting.

While stalking driving around my new neighborhood last week, I stopped into the knitting store that's close to my new house. I was looking for the perfect mustard colored button for the hat I knit for the Olympic challenge, when, through no fault of my own, I was led astray by their class schedule and the gigantic shipment of Lopi they had just received.

The words, "sign me up" escaped my lips with no effort at all. It came as naturally to me as breathing. Class begins Saturday and will interfere with spinning for the next four Saturdays, but I'll be getting the opportunities to knit a traditional Icelandic style sweater in the round and steek it when done while the instructor holds my hand. Although I love pull over sweaters, the idea was to challenge my inner knitter, and so, I'll be making a cardigan.

I think steeking a garment I've paid a fortune to create qualifies as a challenge. The only time I've ever taken scissors to something I've knit, is when I'm trimming ends and I've never entertained the idea of deliberately cutting something right up the middle and then wearing it.

Of course, the bigger part of the challenge is to be prepared every Saturday for the class. Exactly how I'll manage this while I simultaneously shop for appliances, pack, move and squeeze in time for a full time job, remains to be seen.

Have you steeked? Can you give me an idea of how many analgesics should be on hand before my garment meets my scissors?

Photo: Google Images

16 comments:

Miss T said...

No advice about steeking. However, I must note that you're killing me with those fabulous scissors. They're just gorgeous.

SkippyMom said...

I have to agree with Miss T - those scissors are, shall I dare say it, orgasmic. Just to display them would be a dream - is that a stock photo?

I have no hints on steeking, but if it is like any other endeavour you have undertaken it will come out like a gazillion dollars.

Good luck with the move and the class - can't wait to see the sweater.

NCmountainwoman said...

I've never done steeking. Closest I came was knitting clapotis in which you deliberately drop stitches (after you've knitted them a hundred times). Good luck. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Stephanie V said...

Like you, I've never had the courage to steek. As you can see, I think you're very brave. As always. Can't wait for those Saturday posts.

sandy said...

well I love those scissors, great photo...

I'm illiterate when it comes to knitting.

unmitigated me said...

I thought to 'steek' was what the magneets did to the freedge.

Rudee said...

MAW, I think I'll be steeking close to home with all the knitting I have to do by every Saturday.

Rositta said...

Nope, never had the courage to steek and probably never will. My heart couldn't take the stress. Have fun at your class and looking forward to seeing the finished product...ciao

Gail said...

I love those scissors and what the heck is Steeking?? I know you linked it but I just wanted to ask the question.

I have faith in your ability to do all these things and even house train a new puppy!

debra said...

You know that I am knitting-challenged, yes? So, I don't get it. What is steeking?

Anonymous said...

That is a word I have never heard of. I would be willing to bet you can do it. Good luck.
QMM

Rudee said...

Steeking occurs when the knitter completes a project, usually a sweater knit in the round (a tube) and then deliberately takes a pair of scissors and cuts the sweater open--right up the middle to make the pullover a cardigan.

Breathtaking.

laurie said...

forget steeking. i want those scissors!

Brenda said...

A new sweater I just bought and washed kind of steeked itself. I thought I was going to have to knit it back together again....and I sort of did to repair it. Have fun with your new class Rudee.

Jane said...

I've never done it, I'd love to have someone hold my hand while I was doing it for the first time too. Enjoy your class

Rose said...

I think you'll need way more than analgesics to do that. Can't wait to see how it goes, I know you'll be successful at it. I think a class is the perfect way to do it though. Even yarnharlot still has a healthy fear of steeking and you know how experienced she is. Although truthfully, you are quite advanced yourself!! How did the spinning group take the news?