As I've exclaimed here several times before, entrelac was a technique that I have tried numerous times, but to no avail. I've read different patterns from various designers and swatched a million times, but there was a common issue with all of my prior attempts. There was always one word or thing within the pattern that I didn't understand which made it difficult for me to continue.
But I was determined after the announcement of Vogue Knitting Live NYC that I was going to conquer entrelac once and for all...and I DID! After I signed up for the entrelac class, I went ahead and purchased Rosemary Drysdale's book since she was going to be the instructor. I also wanted to try one last time on my own accord by following her instructions in her book, so that I wouldn't be intimidated or shy in her class. My plan worked...partially anyways. I still came to a point of confusion and had to stop. But my attempt helped me in the class because I had already experienced how to read the overall pattern and was able to breeze though up to the point where I needed clarification on what the next move meant.
Turns out, I wasn't the only one baffled either. Rosemary told the class that a knitter who she sent an entrelac pattern to knit up for her book also couldn't get the part I was stuck on (which was the Left Hand Corner Triangle). Knowing that a professional knitter was stumped like me and at the exact point as me made me feel great. It reminded me that it was completely alright that I didn't understand. Then I got excited because I knew I was going to leave the class finally conquering entrelac.
The class was 3 hours long, and I had only 2 rectangles, 1 left hand triangle, and the ending triangles to go. I left confident that I was not going to mess it up at home.
I surprised myself a lot and realized for the first time how far I've come in knitting over the last five years. My classmates were also a pleasure to knit and chat with. We shared personal life and knitting stories, including Rosemary, with one another and everyone assisted those next to them who came to a spot of confusion too. It was truly an unforgettable experience for me in many ways.
Next up on my 2011 knitting resolution list is Fair Isle. My plan is find a good book and some patterns and take it from there. This year, I'm truly stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm also currently in the process of designing for my online boutique (due to open later this year)! So I'll be crafting and creating these next couple of months.
Dana
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