Great Knitters of Inspiration and Intimidation!

One Great Knitter
Write about a knitter whose work (whether because of project choice, photography, styling, scale of projects, stash, etc) you enjoy. If they have an enjoyable blog, you might find it a good opportunity to send a smile their way. TAGGING CODE: knitcroblo3

Wow, this one is harder than the others! Always easier to talk about myself than someone else, I guess.... I have also tried not to read too many of the other posts for this topic before hand, because everyone that I read I say, "Oh, I love that person, too!!" I think I have it narrowed down to two Great Knitters... I just hope that I can do them justice!!

1. I love Norah Gaughan. Everything she does, whether I could wear it or not, is fantastic! The only thing I have managed to finish of hers is the Kingscot Cardigan from Twist Collective. It is my favorite thing I have ever made! She just manages to create such a sense of avant gard cool without making anything stuffy or unwearable.... It is a delicate balance, and I love her for it! I have seriously considered doing a year-long Norah Gaughan fest a la Julia and Julia, where I pick six Norah sweaters and just knit my heart out.... Caberet Raglan, here I come!

2. Anne Hansen of Knitspot is a constant source of awe and inspiration for me.... And intimidation! Her blog is so lovely, happy, serene. She creates such loveliness! I bought the Maplewing Shawl pattern, seen here, at SAFF last year. At that point, the pattern seemed well neigh impossible for me to accomplish.... I have gotten some lace behind me now, so I feel like it is somewhere within the realm of possibility.... someday!
All of her patterns are something to aspire to in my mastery of knitting. Wing of the Moth, Bee Fields, Trevi.... Artichaut is next in my queue! All so lovely! I am seriously considering another year knit along for stunning, complicated lace shawls. Why are there so many wonderful designs and so few days in the year??

The intimidation factor comes in with how easy she makes it all seem. Garden that would feed 20 all season long? Just a beautiful day with soil and sunshine! Lace shawl that I have to turn the tv off to have any hope of working without mistakes? Travel knitting! Whip up a sock pattern? Filler between other projects! I would pull my hair out.... But that is part of the appeal of the blog, the joyful sense of serenity with which she accomplishes such a creative, love-filled life. Anne, you are my hero!!

I think some of the reason I love knitting is all the creative people.... We are so lucky to live in a time when technology provides access to a great community of people, designers, blogs, and awesome patterns. It is the perfect knitting storm!!