   |
June 30, 2011
Designer Stitch Markers for Hand Knits
This morning I felt inspired to make some designer stitch markers similar to those you see in fancy yarn boutiques. I pulled out some nylon coated stainless steel beading wire, some gemstone beads (rose quartz, hematite, sunstone), wire cutters (or nail clippers), crimping beads and pliers. Here is the end result:
June 25, 2011
Bridal Lelah: The Swatch
One of my least favorite tasks when starting a project is producing an accurate swatch. Many times I've compared the yard/gram ratio and picked a yarn that matched almost exactly. Since I want consistency in the yarn I chose for my wedding attire, that would not work for this pattern. Besides, it's a recipe pattern which means you knit a swatch and it tells you how to calculate the pattern so it fits you perfectly. No fussing with letter sizes or a schematic.
If your pattern is knit in the round your swatch needs to be knit in the round. If you don't like fussing around with dpns and want a relatively quick swatch that appears to be knitted flat, you can knit your swatch on circular needles. This method is like knitting an i-cord only with a hell of a lot more stitches. When you get to the end of your row you slide your stitches to the other end of the circular knitting and continue knitting with the right side facing you.
Unlike the i-cord, you'll carry yarn across much like a very long float in fair isle color knitting. Don't pull the string too tight or you'll strain your hands with every stitch. Also as you knit, your end stitches will be very distorted so make sure you knit about 10 extra stitches on each end or in this case I did an extra lace repeat on each end.
When your swatch is long enough, tighten the looser end stitches working bottom up with every float then cut the float in the middle so you can lay your swatch flat. I tied the end fringes together to make sure it stayed together. So finally my swatch is done. Here is what it looks like pre-blocking.
Last night, after I washed, blocked and dried it, I measured my gauge in a couple areas to make sure I have an accurate SPI count. I then calculated out the pattern and voila! It's ready to knit. I did my provisional cast on so today I can start fresh with the lace. I'm excited. Happy knitting!
If your pattern is knit in the round your swatch needs to be knit in the round. If you don't like fussing around with dpns and want a relatively quick swatch that appears to be knitted flat, you can knit your swatch on circular needles. This method is like knitting an i-cord only with a hell of a lot more stitches. When you get to the end of your row you slide your stitches to the other end of the circular knitting and continue knitting with the right side facing you.
Unlike the i-cord, you'll carry yarn across much like a very long float in fair isle color knitting. Don't pull the string too tight or you'll strain your hands with every stitch. Also as you knit, your end stitches will be very distorted so make sure you knit about 10 extra stitches on each end or in this case I did an extra lace repeat on each end.
When your swatch is long enough, tighten the looser end stitches working bottom up with every float then cut the float in the middle so you can lay your swatch flat. I tied the end fringes together to make sure it stayed together. So finally my swatch is done. Here is what it looks like pre-blocking.
Last night, after I washed, blocked and dried it, I measured my gauge in a couple areas to make sure I have an accurate SPI count. I then calculated out the pattern and voila! It's ready to knit. I did my provisional cast on so today I can start fresh with the lace. I'm excited. Happy knitting!
June 18, 2011
Correcting your Tension in Hand Knits
Since I usually knit in the round and rarely purl (if I do it's sporadic, usually in lace), my tension during purl stitches have loosened up over the past year. Some knitters knit looser while other purl looser. The affect can be shown in the following photos.
The first photo is the affect that uneven knitting has on the right side of stockinette. Some "V" stitches are longer than the row above. On the back side the uneven stitches are even more pronounced with visible rows. I searched google for a solution and answers ranged across the board:
I remember a while back someone online said it would block out but this simply did NOT happen for me. Maybe overtime it would but till then, my knitting would look sloppy. Not what I was looking for.
When you're done bind off and turn your swatch so the rev St st side is facing you. Stick a needle or pin in the ridge then turn your swatch to the St st side. If it's in an odd row (1,3,5) than your knit stitches are loose. If it's in an even row (2,4,6) than your purl stitches are loose.
After that I'd practice a bit with your new tension without distraction until it becomes second nature. Problem solved. Swatching and figuring out which stitch I made looser took about 15 minutes. Playing with my yarn tension and practicing afterwards took probably another 20 minutes but the tension is sticking and it showed in my work.
After I corrected my tension using this method, the backside lost the visible gaps between rows and the front looked even.
The first photo is the affect that uneven knitting has on the right side of stockinette. Some "V" stitches are longer than the row above. On the back side the uneven stitches are even more pronounced with visible rows. I searched google for a solution and answers ranged across the board:
I remember a while back someone online said it would block out but this simply did NOT happen for me. Maybe overtime it would but till then, my knitting would look sloppy. Not what I was looking for.
- use a different stitch that doesn't highlight your uneven knitting (this can alter your over all gauge)
- knit in the round and go seamless (not always possible)
- use two different sized needles; the smaller sized needle for the type you knit looser (essentially a crutch)
- figure out which stitch you knit looser and consciously change your tension until your tension change is satisfactory. This is the most timely solution, possibly the most frustrating, and can be the hardest but it isn't a quick fix or avoidance like the others.
When you're done bind off and turn your swatch so the rev St st side is facing you. Stick a needle or pin in the ridge then turn your swatch to the St st side. If it's in an odd row (1,3,5) than your knit stitches are loose. If it's in an even row (2,4,6) than your purl stitches are loose.
After that I'd practice a bit with your new tension without distraction until it becomes second nature. Problem solved. Swatching and figuring out which stitch I made looser took about 15 minutes. Playing with my yarn tension and practicing afterwards took probably another 20 minutes but the tension is sticking and it showed in my work.
After I corrected my tension using this method, the backside lost the visible gaps between rows and the front looked even.
June 14, 2011
Shrug Modified
Gauge: 5 sts per inch
Needle: Set of 5 #6 Dps
Using crochet provisional cast on, cast on 56 sts; 14 sts per needle.
Tip: put a stopper on the beginning of round needle. Whenever you get back to that dpn, you have to move the stopper to the end of the working dpn, which makes it easier not to forget to count that row.
Knit 4 rounds ending the last round 1 st before marker, m1r, k1.
Next Round: k1, m1L. [58]
Repeat last 5 rounds 6 more times. [70]
Knit 6 rounds ending the last round 1 st before marker, m1r, k1.
Next Round: k1, m1L. [72]
Repeat last 7 rounds 2 more times. [76]
Knit 7 rounds.
Switch to rows and continue St st until about 25" across. Check out my blog entry on tension.
Knit 7 rounds.
First round: k to 1 st before marker, ssk, k1.
Next Round: k1, k2tog knit to marker. [74]
Knit 5 rounds.
Repeat last 7 rounds 2 more times. [70]
First round: k to 1 st before marker, ssk, k1.
Next round: k1, k2tog knit to marker. [68]
Knit 3 rounds.
Repeat last 5 rounds 6 more times. [56]
Work rows 1-9 of lace chart. Repeat rows 5-9 until cuff is desired length (approximatively 4"). Cast off in picot bind off.
Needle: Set of 5 #6 Dps
Using crochet provisional cast on, cast on 56 sts; 14 sts per needle.
Tip: put a stopper on the beginning of round needle. Whenever you get back to that dpn, you have to move the stopper to the end of the working dpn, which makes it easier not to forget to count that row.
Knit 4 rounds ending the last round 1 st before marker, m1r, k1.
Next Round: k1, m1L. [58]
Repeat last 5 rounds 6 more times. [70]
Knit 6 rounds ending the last round 1 st before marker, m1r, k1.
Next Round: k1, m1L. [72]
Repeat last 7 rounds 2 more times. [76]
Knit 7 rounds.
Switch to rows and continue St st until about 25" across. Check out my blog entry on tension.
Knit 7 rounds.
First round: k to 1 st before marker, ssk, k1.
Next Round: k1, k2tog knit to marker. [74]
Knit 5 rounds.
Repeat last 7 rounds 2 more times. [70]
First round: k to 1 st before marker, ssk, k1.
Next round: k1, k2tog knit to marker. [68]
Knit 3 rounds.
Repeat last 5 rounds 6 more times. [56]
Key: [ ] K [~] P [O] YO
Work rows 1-9 of lace chart. Repeat rows 5-9 until cuff is desired length (approximatively 4"). Cast off in picot bind off.
Remove provisional cast on on other arm and work rows 1-9 of lace chart. Repeat rows 5-9 until cuff is desired length (approximately 4"). Cast off in picot bind off.
Weave in ends; block as desired.
Weave in ends; block as desired.
Yes to the Dress!
Rather than going for a traditional dress, I'm knitting a skirt and a top. I found a pattern a while back called Intolerable Cruelty that I absolutely love. Although it is nice enough for a wedding I prefer the traditional floor length where you can't see your shoes. I started knitting it on the first this month but I approached my knee length, I needed to figure out how I wanted my skirt to end. I needed inspiration and I needed it fast. So back track a bit, and my dad surprised me with a Groupon a couple weeks ago for my favorite local yarn store. Art of Yarn has so many different books and patterns that my local bookstores just don't carry --- tons of potential. As I was flipping through Annie Modesitt's book, Romantic Hand Knits the pages... there it was. A floor length white skirt called Now Voyager that I couldn't see the model's toes. Perfect! So here is my list of modifications:
The only errata for Now Voyager is the gauge information wasn't provided. If you like her other patterns make sure you check for errata because although there are a lot of nice patterns to knit, there are lots of mistakes in her book and lots of knitters found her personal jargon confusing at times. Anytime you start a new pattern you should be checking two things: for any errata or designer notes not included in the pattern and Ravelry finished projects for that particular pattern -- especially for modifications you might like or notes others have voted helpful. It can save you a lot of time and heartache. Often I find there are some knitters who have done a better job at making their piece fit better than the official models.
Bottom line: I merged these patterns because I like the simplicity in stitch work; I can knit this skirt relatively quick with two kidlets under 2.5 years before the big day. Also, rather than emphasize stitch detail, I emphasized shaping. The ribbon corset on the back is the quick but more importantly, beautiful detail I was hoping for. Most lace skirt patterns I found were shapeless or too complicated. Since the bottom part of my shirt is lace, I didn't want to over do the lace and look like an over sized doily. I wanted to be consistent in the yarn I am using for both pieces and the patterns I chose allow that.
- Because of the yarn I choose and my gauge, I knit the pattern using the 1X instructions.
- Instead of reverse stockinette stitch for the pack panel, I just knit through the back loop.
- In the last decrease row of the shaping, rather than decrease by four stitches, I decreased by two stitches. This gave me a stitch count of 252 which allowed me to start at band 3 of the Now Voyager pattern. Beware: I made the mistake of starting on band 2 forgetting that 252 is the stitch count after completing the increases for band 2.
- I don't like the slip stitch rectangular detail on the skirt so to make it plain stockinette like the top of the skirt, I just knit where it said to slip the stitch.
The only errata for Now Voyager is the gauge information wasn't provided. If you like her other patterns make sure you check for errata because although there are a lot of nice patterns to knit, there are lots of mistakes in her book and lots of knitters found her personal jargon confusing at times. Anytime you start a new pattern you should be checking two things: for any errata or designer notes not included in the pattern and Ravelry finished projects for that particular pattern -- especially for modifications you might like or notes others have voted helpful. It can save you a lot of time and heartache. Often I find there are some knitters who have done a better job at making their piece fit better than the official models.
Bottom line: I merged these patterns because I like the simplicity in stitch work; I can knit this skirt relatively quick with two kidlets under 2.5 years before the big day. Also, rather than emphasize stitch detail, I emphasized shaping. The ribbon corset on the back is the quick but more importantly, beautiful detail I was hoping for. Most lace skirt patterns I found were shapeless or too complicated. Since the bottom part of my shirt is lace, I didn't want to over do the lace and look like an over sized doily. I wanted to be consistent in the yarn I am using for both pieces and the patterns I chose allow that.
November 15, 2010
Projects on the Go
I finally finished Evan's Lucky Pinwheel Blanket. It took a while but it was well worth it. It's nice and dense which is great for the season in a beautiful shade of green (see below).
Also in green, Verena Knitting on their site has a free pattern of the day. A couple days ago, there was a halter wrap top that I absolutely fell in love wit h; started knitting it right after I pulled out some yarn for the project. I absolutely love the different textures in this wrap --- it's what made it so unique.
Also in green, Verena Knitting on their site has a free pattern of the day. A couple days ago, there was a halter wrap top that I absolutely fell in love wit h; started knitting it right after I pulled out some yarn for the project. I absolutely love the different textures in this wrap --- it's what made it so unique.
Gearing Up for the Holidays
Gift Ideas
A Skein of Small Wonders. Take a skein or two of yarn and wind into a single ball. As you wind add small things like a bell at the start, a row counter, Kitchener stitch key chain, stitch markers, packet of darning needles, fancy buttons, shawl pin, needle tip covers, etc... anything that can be hidden while you wind the skein(s) into a ball. With the card, include the yarn label and a pattern that can be used for the amount of yarn given. Add the required knitting needles/crochet hook(s) and a bow and voila! One of the coolest knitting packages I've ever heard of.
Deluxe Beginners Kit. Many beginners kits aren't as nice as they could be so why not make your own? Include a book that you wish you had or you used to learn how to knit. If your friend is tech savvy, include a list of the best youtube video tutorials she'll need and the link for Ravelry so she can keep track of her projects. Add a list of your favorite inspirational quotes and knitting tips. For the first project pick an easy scarf pattern, the needles for it, stitch markers, a gauge/needle sizer, darning needles and needle tip covers. You might even want to make coupons for free instructional time. Wrap everything in traveling tote or basket.
Knit-a-holic help. Have a friend whose stash keeps growing to epic proportions? Help her get organized with clear plastic tubs and baskets Make a homemade yarn index (a scrapbook with pages with spots for how many skeins left with their location, pictures of completed projects with specific yarn, notes about it, a gauge swatch etc). Make a knitting needle holder with matching darning needle holder. Get a fishing tackle box as a portable knitting organizer. Get a scale for weighing leftover yarn. Get a swift and/or ball winder.
On the Go. Fill a travel bag with knitting essentials. Include a couple of patterns that don't require much thought that can easily be done while at a game, knit-a-long, an appointment or on the bus/car/train. A interchangeable circular needle kit and/or double pointed needle case can help manage needles on the go (besides circular needles fit in smaller places than straights).
Need More Time? Create an I.O.U coupon card complete with pattern photos, measuring tape, swatch ideas and the promise to make the item for them by a certain date in the colors of their choosing. If you don't know their measurements, include a matching form they can fill out and return to you.
Splurge on Quality Tools. It can be a beautiful drop spindle, hand crafted needles/hooks, fancy glass shawl pin, decorated darning egg, sock blocker etc...
Adopt a Sheep. Adopt a rare breed in a loved one's name and they can receive it's wool for a year. There are lots of programs online available.
Hat for a Friend and a Person in Need. Knit a hat then put together a kit for making the same one for your friend's favorite charity. Provide the prepaid envelope to ship. You can also do the same for socks, scarves and mitts or anything else you see fit.
A Skein of Small Wonders. Take a skein or two of yarn and wind into a single ball. As you wind add small things like a bell at the start, a row counter, Kitchener stitch key chain, stitch markers, packet of darning needles, fancy buttons, shawl pin, needle tip covers, etc... anything that can be hidden while you wind the skein(s) into a ball. With the card, include the yarn label and a pattern that can be used for the amount of yarn given. Add the required knitting needles/crochet hook(s) and a bow and voila! One of the coolest knitting packages I've ever heard of.
Deluxe Beginners Kit. Many beginners kits aren't as nice as they could be so why not make your own? Include a book that you wish you had or you used to learn how to knit. If your friend is tech savvy, include a list of the best youtube video tutorials she'll need and the link for Ravelry so she can keep track of her projects. Add a list of your favorite inspirational quotes and knitting tips. For the first project pick an easy scarf pattern, the needles for it, stitch markers, a gauge/needle sizer, darning needles and needle tip covers. You might even want to make coupons for free instructional time. Wrap everything in traveling tote or basket.
Knit-a-holic help. Have a friend whose stash keeps growing to epic proportions? Help her get organized with clear plastic tubs and baskets Make a homemade yarn index (a scrapbook with pages with spots for how many skeins left with their location, pictures of completed projects with specific yarn, notes about it, a gauge swatch etc). Make a knitting needle holder with matching darning needle holder. Get a fishing tackle box as a portable knitting organizer. Get a scale for weighing leftover yarn. Get a swift and/or ball winder.
On the Go. Fill a travel bag with knitting essentials. Include a couple of patterns that don't require much thought that can easily be done while at a game, knit-a-long, an appointment or on the bus/car/train. A interchangeable circular needle kit and/or double pointed needle case can help manage needles on the go (besides circular needles fit in smaller places than straights).
Need More Time? Create an I.O.U coupon card complete with pattern photos, measuring tape, swatch ideas and the promise to make the item for them by a certain date in the colors of their choosing. If you don't know their measurements, include a matching form they can fill out and return to you.
Splurge on Quality Tools. It can be a beautiful drop spindle, hand crafted needles/hooks, fancy glass shawl pin, decorated darning egg, sock blocker etc...
Adopt a Sheep. Adopt a rare breed in a loved one's name and they can receive it's wool for a year. There are lots of programs online available.
Hat for a Friend and a Person in Need. Knit a hat then put together a kit for making the same one for your friend's favorite charity. Provide the prepaid envelope to ship. You can also do the same for socks, scarves and mitts or anything else you see fit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)