When I first started working on the Leaf Pullover in the “All Alpaca” pattern book, I thought the pattern might be difficult for me. But, I decided to just go for it, and figure it out as I went. (I have lots of knitting friends and resources online, so I’m not afraid to try new things.)
But, I had no need to worry. This pattern is EASY!
I’ve been amazed to see the gorgeous leaves just magically appear as I knit. The stitches are simple, and each round of knitting is just flying off my needles. The only stitch that was a little confusing was the M1P. In this stitch, you pick up the strand of yarn between the stitches, and purl in the back of the stitch. Purling in the back of a stitch is hard to do when you first try it, because you have to turn around the work on your left needle in order to purl on the back side. But, I finally figured it out, and now things are going smoothly.
I’m almost finished with the leaf section!

When I was working on the Bernat Star Afghan, one of you (Karen in Texas) asked about my craft room. You thought it was funny that I was knitting in a room with a wall of yarn behind me. Karen, I decided to take a few photos of my craft room (yarn cave), so you can see where I do my knitting every day.
This is my knitting chair. I just love it. It supports my back very well as I knit, and the armrests are spread out, so my arms have room to move for knitting. There is a nice full-spectrum light on the table beside me, to help in seeing my stitches clearly, as well as for reading patterns and charts.

In this photo, you can see the entire wall behind my knitting chair. I have knitting and other craft supplies all the way to the ceiling!

Just across from me, I have a small bookcase, filled with knitting books and magazines. Sometimes, I will take a break from my knitting, and look through the patterns, dreaming of all the knitted items I wish I had time to make. There are also some good reference books there, to help with trouble spots in my knitting.

On the other end of the room, there is a television and DVD/VCR combo. I like watching PBS, TruTV, HGTV, Discover, NatGeo, and the History Channel (sorry Karen…no NCIS). If nothing is on TV, then I put in a DVD or video. Occasionally, I will listen to a book on tape, or music.

Sometimes, I just turn off everything, and knit in silence….very soothing. Quiet knitting helps to calm my soul, just listening to the steady rhythm of my knitting needles, and feeling the soft yarn flow through my fingers. Nice!

Where do the rest of you do your knitting? Do any of you have a craft room like me?
- Shandeh

























Hey everybody! Here’s what clue #7 looks like all cabled up:





















