Author: Christine

I have had problems with my right shoulder for at least 15 years, and one of the issues I have is numb fingers. It’s not carpal tunnel – they figured out years ago (thanks to fun rounds of testing – oh, so fun) that it originates with a nerve all the way up in my shoulder.

Trying to crochet a few months ago was almost impossible. Almost every time I worked on something, I would have a numb arm the next day. Working on a computer with a numb hand? Not fun.

Knitting is better, especially when I knit Continental. Unfortunately, I don’t purl well that way, so I’m still throwing with my right hand. I’m very cautious though, and stop if I notice any pain.

I’m going to start doing hand exercises now – I’m sure they will help. The 5-5-5 Workout, along with working on knitting loosely and maybe even some knitting and yoga.

Anyone else have any tips?

I’m over half way through the increase section of the Clapotis, after ripping it out and starting over at least 3 times. More actually, if you count the number of times I ripped out the first 3-4 rows. For anyone considering the Clapotis, I promise – it gets a lot better around row 8. Although I’m now eyeing the 144 rows I will be knitting in the Straight Rows and … wow. I’ve never had to knit so many rows with so many stitches. The Booga Bag has 100 stitches, but only about 100 rows total. I’ve made some long scarves, but the rows on those are short. 144 rows of 100+ stitches … wow. The fact that there is a pattern to the rows will help keep it interesting.

I’m making it with Plymouth Yarn’s “Bella Color” in a gray/blue stripe colorway. (Color no. 17) It was a hard yarn to get used to, and my Denise needles did not work well with it. I had to stop and get some metal circular needles yesterday so that I could keep moving on it. (Bamboo grips this yarn too much.) I’m now knitting on US#6 29″ circulars and it is smoooooth.

Now if I could just figure out how to purl the regular way Continental (instead of the Norwegian Purl), they 144 rows would probably go a lot faster. Throwing while purling is taking way too long!

Whoo hoo! After a yarn shortage scare, where I had to take out a row just so I could bind off, I have gotten the Booga Bag off the needles! (Picture on Flickr, with a mini version over in the sidebar.) Now I just have to find a pillowcase with a zipper and I will be felting it tomorrow! Yeah!

I love the colors, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out when it is felted, but I can’t even begin to explain how glad I am that I am done with this bag. I’m not allergic to wool, but there is something about this yarn that triggers a bad allergic reaction in me. I suspect it is the dye or the finishing that they use when they make it, and no one else has complained of issues with it like I have. Hopefully when I felt the bag, it will pull out the dyes that are bothering me.

I have the yarn to start knitting my Sophie bag (a dark, rich purple), but I think I’m going to work on my Clapotis first. The only other project still on needles is the “Jay Allen scarf,” named after Jay since I only worked on it in panels that he was on at SXSW. (I learned I’m a much better listener with the laptop closed and knitting needles in my hands.) I’m over halfway done with it, so it shouldn’t take too long to finish it up. I can work on the Clapotis at the same time. New projects – wheee!