Knitting in Ireland and Portugal

It is time to post a few items I have been knitting this winter. I was so happy to find a teacher in Dublin before things locked down. She is absolutely delightful and we were able to meet in very small groups, behind masks, for a time. Here our instructor (in green) is showing a student how to wind her yarn onto an umbrella swift. When yarn is first dyed it is often in the form of a “hank” or coiled yarn tied in a few areas. After it is in a “hank” it can be wound into a ball or a skein and it is easier to knit as it doesn’t become a knotted mess. That is what they are doing in the picture.

Top down knitting “Pioneer” pattern from Ravelry

The first sweater I learned to knit was done as “top down” knitting. One begins at the neck with a cast on row and works down from there. I wanted to use my circular needles so I didn’t need to sew seams together when I finished. This worked well once I understood how many stitches are needed and where to divide for the arms and body. After I started this pattern I followed it with the help of my teacher. One thing I’ve learned about myself is I prefer to “create” my own pieces more than follow a pattern. Smile. But I’m quite sure this is because I had no teacher for two years while learning, only a spotty youtube connection. Now that I am learning to read patterns, I still count myself as a beginner, but having a teacher is making all the difference.

Front of first sweater…in process

Back of sweater

Finished Pioneer Sweater pattern on Ravelry

Pioneer Sweater

In general, I was pretty happy with my first sweater. The yarn is super soft and comfortable. But as with most things I knit, I do not keep them. We have exactly 3 duffel bags and we must fit everything into them to continue traveling. This one may find a nice home on a bench some day!

I have found a wonderful charity in Portugal that can actually use my knitting. Yay! They are a maternity hospital needing new born and preemie knitted items. Here are some pieces I have sent off recently.

Basket weave baby blanket

Nice yellow, soft yarn purchased in Funchal, at A.Rosa & Ca, Lda. store.

Rosa’s Yarn supply in Funcahl

Rainbow Baby Blanket pattern from Ravelry

Three baby blankets finished. I also did the blue and yellow blanket on the left in the Rainbow pattern.

Christmas Stockings for fun since we celebrated Christmas in Funchal this year.

Baby Knit Set in off white for charity. This is a simple 6 stitch “eyelet” pattern done over four rows. Easy and fun to knit.

Hat up close looks large in the picture but would barely fit around an orange!

Second sweater top down improvised

As I said, I enjoy knitting and designing as I go. So I played with this merino wool, Donegal yarn, purchased in Ireland and may be keeping this one. It is super warm and good for damp, cool weather. I used the “top down” beginning stitch count of my first sweater but after that, simply kept knitting. My instructor gave me a cable to do on the wrists.