Some Fun Aspects of Being Bilingual

One of the fun things about being bilingual is how I think in both languages.   Earlier this year I saw an interview with the comedian Sugar Sammy and he mentioned how he thinks in English first and then translates to French. Depending on the subject I think in French and others I think in English.

Take knitting for example.  I taught myself how to knit using French books and one of them had the terms translated in various languages.  I was able to use it to work with English knitting magazines like Vogue Knitting. 

Although I started learning in French I have noticed I work more with the English terms except for counting.  The other day I was knitting the lace slouchy hat and realized I was counting my increases in French.  I thought it was just a one time thing but no; I count my rows and number of stitches in French.

Tha lace slouchy hat I was knitting.

Another funny aspect of being bilingual is when it comes to movies.  Don't tell me the French name of an American movie.  I wouldn't know which one you are talking about.

So, bilingual readers, what are some funny aspects you have from being bilingual?

Lace Beanies

I have been working on these lace beanies lately.  I had to unravel and rework it because it was starting to look more like a slouchy hat than a beanie.  After a few tries I finally got the right amount of stitches and number of rows for the beanie look I wanted.

Isn't the finished one just cute?

Grape and red lace beanie

New Colours for the Lace Scarf

I have been knitting new colours for the lace scarf.  Below is the tangerine colour, so lovely and silky looking which you can't quite see in the photo.

Tangerine lace scarf in progress

I have already added in my Etsy shop the lace scarf in red and off-white.  The red is a really beautiful shade of dark red, no hint of Santa Claus red at all!

Red Lace Scarf

Off-White Lace Scarf

I have more yarn in my stash to knit a few more lace scarves and I am looking forward to knitting these colours, especially the emerald green!  It is such a beautiful green.  The lace stitch is such a simple one ( it's only 4 rows ) I can easily knit it on the métro going to work.

Emerald green, rose and celery green yarn.

The Knitting Pattern Shop is Open!

I have had so many requests for the patterns to my creations, especially the cozies, that I have opened up a knitting pattern shop.  It is called Knits By Nat Designs and right now there's only one pattern in it.  It's the pattern for the Sweet Violets Coffee Cup Cozy.

Sweet Violets Coffee Cup Cozy

Writing patterns is a lot more difficult than I imagined.  I keep wondering if I forgot something or if I'm putting in too much information.  I also intend to have the patterns available in French as well.  Now, I just need to post in my French blog.

This week I have renewed with an oldie but goodie lace creation I knit for my shop a few years back.  It's knit with a Little Arrowhead Lace but I find it makes such a lovely spring scarf.  They should be available in my shop soon.

Little Arrowhead Lace Scarf in the works

Working on the Little Arrowhead Shawl

I have been wanting to knit shawls for a while now but somehow the construction of how they are knit was puzzling me, especially when it comes to lace patterns.  I have knit one which was basically rows of purl/knit and some eyelets but it wasn't a lace pattern per se.

So looking through Ravelry I found this basic Arrowhead pattern shawl and decided to knit it.  I have already knit a few scarves with this very lace pattern and realise how simple a lace pattern it is.  It's a pattern by Pam Allen and available at Interweave Knits : http://www.knittingdaily.com/free-lace-knitting-patterns-collection/

Here are some shots of my progress with the shawl.  Here's a few pictures of it in progress.

 

I am really enjoying knitting this shawl and already thinking of some wonderful lace patterns I can knit.  I am using Bernat Satin yarn and looking forward to see how it will block.

Spring/summer scarves

With the weather slowly warming up, I am enjoying knitting spring/summer scarves.  I love working with lighter yarns like cottons or cotton/viscose and knitting lacey creations.  Right now I am particularly enjoying knitting a simple but gorgeous lace rib.  I already have a few listed in my Etsy shop and am working on other colours.  You can see a detail of the lace rib on the bottom pic.

Etsy Teasury and blog post

Yesterday was the day for my knitted creations.  My emerald green scarf is featured in the Emerald With Envy Treasury on Etsy ( thanks rubescent! ) and my Burgundy, Olive and Orange scarf is featured on the blog I heart Vegan Accessories ( thanks Shannon! )  The Treasury will expire Saturday, February 20th. 

Black scarves

Lately I have had orders to knit scarves in black; one cabled and the other lace. The cabled one was a nice and quick knit although I did have a hard time finding a nice yarn I wanted to work with. It is now enjoying its new home in New York City.


For the lace scarf I knew exactly what yarn I wanted to use from La Bobineuse and it turned out gorgeous. It is a nice simple lace pattern but knitting in the black and with the 3-ply yarn was a bit of a challenge. This one is enjoying its new home in the vicinity of Québec City.