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.

• 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. 

So how do you figure out which is looser, your knit or purl? The method I liked best was on knittsing's blog. Essentially you cast on about 20 or so stitches and knit a swatch with alternating color bands, 4 rows each, carrying the color loosely up the side (I preferred using 6 rows).

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.

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]

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.

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:

• 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. 

I currently am working on band 7. Since each band has a different amount of rows, I don't know how many more I will have to knit. I'm also not sure I'm a fan of the picot hem on the bottom so I might be looking for a neat crochet edging detail when I get there with the left over crochet cotton I have from my necklace. I've tried it on and I'm loving it so far. I can see myself wearing this skirt over and although I may dye it a different color after the wedding.

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.

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.

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.

Where I've been...

For the past month and a half I've pretty much been getting ready for the latest addition to our family, Evan and also getting settled into our new home. During that time I pretty much reduced my knitting time to a halt with the exception of the few hours I spent on Evan's pinwheel blanket (still a wip but only the border and finishing left).


This week, I finished a couple meathead hats I've been working on for a friend's twin boys due in December (shown on left and below); the baby shower is tomorrow. I'm also catching up on my swap squares for my Baker's Dozen group. I've been thinking about the projects I have going on and all that needs to be finished.

I've also just started new project to challenge myself, the Zodiac Scarf by Tina13 who designs some truly amazing free double knitting patterns from all different genres. Check her work out on Ravelry. You will not be disappointed. I love having a challenge on the go where I learn something new; it keeps things interesting and my skills growing. I've never done double knitting before. On youtube I found some videos to learn the technique and also discovered that two socks can be knitted at the same time in the round by double knitting. For now I'll stick with reversible scarves but I totally want to give that a try someday.

There were also a few sites I went to for written/photo directions. Learning how to double knit has been an adventure of sorts. There are many teachers and tutorials but I have yet to find a complete source with all the information in one place. I think I smell a project coming on.

Anyway, back to my boys and my knitting needles. Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!

New on the Needles

It's been a while since I last posted. Lots going on. I've been reading and looking up more on techniques than designing lately. I've also gone queue crazy on Ravelry. Here's some of the highlights:


Ebony Wrist Warmers: check!
I just found out that my local book store carries Verena; a German based magazine that is printed in other languages. I picked up the Summer 2010 and just completed my first project from there, Wrist Warmers :) They turned out great and knit up relatively quick. The written directions were a little confusing but I figured it out. I will probably make another pair with a few mods. Longer and a but looser. I also hemmed the picot edging as I knitted.

New treasure to replace the lost
While I was browsing through my favorite thrift store for donated needles and yarns I came across two skeins of Lion Brand Chenille in forest green... the same yarn I used for my first completed knitted project, a scarf I had made a couple years before I met my hubby. I sent him to work with it (it was a cold night) and he accidentally lost it. It was was my favorite winter scarf and I thought I'd never be able to replace it... until now. I made my mother one in the wine colorway last November. It's just basic garter stitch but the texture looks so much more elegant with this yarn. I can't wait till it's done!

Drop Spinning
At the WWKIP Day event a few weeks ago I met a woman who was drop spinning. Since the initial investment is much cheaper and more portable than working with a wheel, I thought I'd give it a try. I picked up some prewashed, brushed and dyed fibers and gave it a go. I love it! I also found out there is a local guild here that teaches and rents out wheels and a reasonable rate so I might give that a try as well. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to knit out of the yarn I spun but I'm excited! It's still a work in process and I'll have to get pictures up and find some good links.

Lace
Recently I've become very interested in lace patterns. With today's available yarns and innovations in knitting tools, designs and techniques the idea of old granny lace is gone. I am particularly attached to the Haruni shawl (meaning "grandmother" in Tolkein's elven language). I also found a book called "A Gathering of Lace" that I have on hold at a local used book store. I noticed a lot of the directions and patters appear to be well written. I'm looking forward to working on some of the projects in that book.