Not much about traditional Newfoundland knitting is simple. We wish we could promise otherwise. We continue to marvel at the complexity of vintage garments knit without written instructions. In Saltwater Classics because we seek to initiate readers gently into the mysteries of Newfoundland knitting, our patterns are graded by difficulty.
Our easiest designs, such as the Landfall Watch Cap and Family Vamps, can be knit when hove off on the sofa, being companionable and pretending to watch the hockey game. You will be flushed with knitting success.
After the scales have fallen from your eyes, get ready for something a bit more tangly. Most classic Newfoundland knitting falls into this category and it takes a bit of learning and practice to be good at it. As we say here, you’ll be as busy as a bayman with two wood stoves. But with Nan at Your Side tips placed just where you need them, what could possibly go wrong?
As to the effect on your own heart of knitting the complex Diamond Vamps from Little Heart’s Ease, we hesitate to speculate. Instead, we offer the consolation of philosophy.
He was the best kind starting off. Maybe he was hove off on the couch too much, took a bit too much time with the grooming, had to look awfully sleek when he went out. But you’d put up with that.
* EASY DOES IT
Shag-ups build character. Once you learn to sing the song it’s easy peasy. The journey is more important than the arrival. Walk before you run. Namaste.
* * TANGLY
Practice by patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. Ride the tide. There’s no gain without pain. Never give up the ship! Namaste.
* * * OVER THE WHARF
Oh, me nerves! We never promised you a rose garden. Would a man running for his life notice your mistakes? Namaste.
