Welcome to the knit-along for Ruth Homrighaus's fun new pattern, Buster. The pattern is available for free through Jimmy Beans Wool: http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/freeKnittingPatternBuster.asp. This knit-along starts now and has no definitive end-date. Personally, I hope to have my Buster completed by September '08, though I'd be ecstatic if I could finish it sooner. I don't know about you guys, but I know I'm often a multi-project kinda gal, and often have a project started in at least three different crafts (knitting, spinning, cross-stitching, embroidery, etc.). Plus, I sometimes am forced to do other things, like paint a room or clean my house. Life gets in the way and I don't want anyone to feel the pressure of a knit-along deadline. So, expect an active knit-along for at least a year.

Basic specs for this pattern: you'll need as much as 1540 yards of a main color worsted weight yarn, and 660 yards of three contrasting colors and US 6s and 5s. The yarn used in the pattern is Nashua Creative Focus Worsted, 220 yards/ball, in a wool/alpaca blend. If substituting, keep in mind that you're aiming for a gauge of 21 st and 25 rows = 4 in.

Ruth's been kind enough to join this knit-along and is willing to help any of us that gets stuck or has a question, so don't hesitate to post a question for her here.

Since this knit-along will host dozens of skill levels, don't be afraid to ask your questions--I have never knit intarsia before, but, like I told Ruth, it can't be any more difficult than rebuilding a 1974 carburetor! (She reassures me it's not that difficult.)

If you're a member of Ravelry.com (still in beta-test), check out the BusterAlong group there (I'm SparkCrafted on there). If you're not yet a Ravelry.com member, be patient!!!

Let's knit happy! Can't wait to see everyone's Busters!

Heather
sparkcrafted.blogspot.com