Episode 269 Lush, Beans, and 2016 Review

Lush Cardigan by TinCanKnits (Emily Wessel), Beans the Cat by Linda Dawkins.

2016 Review: 1 design (Crooked Ewe Cowl), 10 Shawls, 16 pair of socks, 14 baby items, 3 adult sweaters and 16 accessories. 60 total. All are in my Ravelry Projects.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Have a lovely holiday and haste ye back! Thank you for listening.

Episode 269 Lush, Beans, and 2016 Review

Episode 268 Fair Winter’s White Quilt

Another pair of Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B Anderson, Making Magazine No 2 Fauna, Visit to Le Mouton Rouge Knitterly, and thoughts on first snow of fair winter.

Registration is now open for the Knitting Pipeline Retreat, Feb  17-18, 2017 in Washington IL. Workshops by Amy Detjen on Brioche Knitting. Links in blog and Ravelry groups.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

 

Episode 268 Fair Winter’s White Quilt

Merino Extrafine 2/30 col. dark blue cone 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Merino Extrafine 2/30 col. dark blue cone 500 gr

Merino Extrafine 2/30 col. brown cone 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Merino Extrafine 2/30 col. brown cone 500 gr

Knit These Basic Child's Mittens and Keep Some...

Updated August 31, 2016.

Mittens are a necessity for most kids' wardrobes, and these cute basics are so easy you'll spend more time fighting your kids to wear them than you did knitting them! I left mine plain for the photo but I'm itching to add a little heart or flower to one side of each, which will distinguish the left from the right.

These mittens are sized for toddlers and bigger kids, but they're really easy to customize, too, as long as you know the measurements for your kid's wrist and hand circumference and hand and thumb length.

Materials:

Gauge:

20 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches (5 stitches and 8 rounds per inch) in Stockinette Stitch in the round.

Size:

To fit a toddler (child). Wrist measurement for both is around 5.5 inches (but will stretch), with a hand length of 4 (7) inches.

Knitting the Mittens:

1. For both sizes, cast on 30 stitches, distribute on 3 double-pointed needles and join in the round.
2. Work in knit 1, purl 1 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Work 2 rounds in Stockinette (knit every round).
4. Knit 15, make 1, knit 15. 31 stitches.
5. K15, M1, k1, M1, k15. 33 stitches.
6. K16, M1, k1, M1, k16. 35 stitches.
7. K17, M1, k1, M1, K17. 37 stitches.
8. For larger size only, K18, M1, k1, M1, K18. 39 stitches. K19, M1, k1, M1, k19. 41 stitches.
9. Both sizes, work in Stockinette without further increasing to 1.5 inches from beginning of Stockinette section.

1. K15 (16). Put 7 (9) stitches on holder or spare needle, K15 (16). (An easy way to do this is to put 15 (16) stitches on each of 2 needles, keep the other stitches on a third and knit with a fourth. This makes the decreasing easy because you're working a decrease 1 stitch in from each side of each needle.)
2. Work even for 1.5 (4.5) inches.
3. K1, ssk, k9 (10), k2tog, k2, k2tog, k9 (10), ssk, k1.
4. K 1 round.
5. K1, ssk, k7 (8), k2tog, k2, k2tog, k7 (8), ssk, k1.
6. K 1 round.
7. Decrease as established every round until 10 stitches remain for both sizes.
8. Graft the top closed.

Knitting the Thumb:

1. With a new needle, pick up and knit 1 stitch at the beginning of the held thumb stitches. Knit across 7 (9) held stitches (you'll want to divide these stitches onto 2 needles) and pick up and knit 1 stitch on other side. 9 (11) stitches.
2. Knit in rounds for 1.5 inches.
3. Small size: K4, k2tog, k3. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread onto yarn needle, slip remaining stitches onto yarn and pull tight. Large size: K5, k2tog, k4. Next round, k4, k2tog, k3. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread onto yarn needle, slip remaining stitches onto yarn and pull tight.
4. Weave in ends.

Knit a second mitten in the same manner.

If desired, embellish with embroidery, a duplicate stitch motif or another embellishment of your choosing.

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Knit These Basic Child's Mittens and Keep Some...

Episode 267 Project Peace

Registration is now open for the Knitting Pipeline Retreat! Feb 17-18, 2017 in Washington IL.

Click here for PDF Registration Information, Registration form, and Workshop Information.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

 

 

Episode 267 Project Peace

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. green melange cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. green melange cones 500 gr

Christmas Ball FAQs

Here’s a compendium of info and links for all of the Christmas balls I’ve designed over the years:

These are my five, free Christmas Ball knitting patterns, below…

…and here is my Christmas Eve Collection, which is available for purchase through Ravelry:

All of the yarns used for these balls are available through my Kidsknits.com online yarn shop.

I definitely want to be helpful and answer your questions about any of my patterns.  But, as you know, it’s a very busy time of the year, especially for those of us who celebrate Christmas.  Double that, for those of us in the knitting business.  So, before emailing or calling with questions about these patterns, please read through the following information.  I think it addresses the vast majority of questions that might pop up.  After you’ve read it, if you still have questions, as always, feel free to post your questions here, email me at: mas AT kidsknits DOT com, or call my Kidsknits online yarn shop’s US toll-free number at 1-877-631-3031.

Today, I received this customer email, below, which included the two most frequent questions I get about the Christmas Balls’ construction:

I am confused about how to read your pattern- please can you help me since I absolutely love your Christmas ball patterns and want to make some!

I am unclear about why I need to “cast on 12 stitches” first (among my double pointed needles) when the first row in the chart has only two stitches which, when repeated four times, makes eight stitches- not twelve!  

Also, why do your directions say to “work rows 1 through 34” when there are 39 rows given on the chart?

 

Later this morning, after I sent her my reply, I’m happy to report that this is what she wrote back to me:

Thank you so much for your reply and for your clear explanation! Yes, it all makes sense now. The needles will fly today.

So I thought you might like to read that reply of mine:

Nice to hear from you!  I’m glad you like my Christmas Balls.

I can answer your second question quickly:  If you knit the entire chart, rows 1 through 39, all in one stretch, you won’t have access to the inside of the ball – it will be closed on both ends.  If you pause at row 34 (or thereabouts) you’ll be able to turn your ball inside out and neatly weave any loose ends in on the inside, where they won’t show.  If you read just a couple of lines further in the pattern, I think you’ll see it takes you through those steps.

Now, for your first question:  Take another look at the chart…the whole chart.  Don’t miss that shy, little column of stitches on the far right!  That counts as #1, and then you have the two stitches that are right next to each other, making stitches #2 & #3.  With four repeats of those three stitches, you’ll get your 12 starting stitches.

It is possible to build the chart so that all three starting stitches are contiguous; but, that’s not the best idea.  Once you get over not noticing that shy column on the right, in the end, there are several benefits to doing it my way: The motifs are centered between the increases and decreases; all increases and decreases occur on either side of shy Column #1, so Column #1 becomes a helpful guideline as you knit along – if your shaping is done correctly, it will be one straight line from the bottom of the ball, up to the top, just as it is on the chart; in the end, having the increases and decreases centered around Column #1 and having Column #1 as a straight line makes for a more balanced, aesthetic result.

Here’s an old blog post of mine in which I further explain the Christmas ball shaping: http://ift.tt/2g4oMw1

I hope that helps and that you have a wonderful Christmas.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you’re still not 100% certain about the shaping, you should definitely click through on the flat-charts-for-round-shapes link, above.  That old article of mine is quite helpful for some folks!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here are links for each of my Christmas ball patterns and the yarns they use:

Christmas Balls (free):

The Christmas Balls patterns use Heilo, Falk and Gullfasan yarns.

Star of Bethlehem (free):

The Star of Bethlehem pattern uses Heilo (or Falk ) and Gullfasan yarns.

Two Strands Christmas Ball (free):

 The Two Strands Christmas Ball uses Freestyle yarn.

The Christmas Eve Collection:

Everything in the Christmas Eve Collection uses Falk yarn.

My online yarn shop, Kidsknits.com

My knitting kits

My PDFs on Ravelry

Christmas Ball FAQs

Episode 266 February Retreat Information

2017 Knitting Pipeline Retreat Information

Feb 17-18, 2017 (Fri 2 PM to Sat 4 PM)

 

with optional Yarn Crawl/Workshop Fun Day on Thursday Feb 16 and Fri Feb 17, 2017

Crossroads United Methodist Church

1420 N Main St, Washington IL, 61571 (corner of N Main and Rt 24)

 

• Friday, Feb 17th Doors open at 2 PM. Dinner at 6 PM
• Saturday, Feb 18th Doors open at 8 AM. Retreat hours: 9 AM to 4 PM

 

Thursday Feb 16th    Yarn Crawl and Workshop Fun Day

Thursday Workshops require separate registration. See Workshop Registration

Click here for PDF Registration Information, Registration form, and Workshop Information.

Vendor Application is here.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

 

 

Episode 266 February Retreat Information

Episode 265 Within and Wonderful Wallaby

Review of Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul by Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook. Wonderful Wallaby by Carol Anderson/Cottage Creations.

Knitting Pipeline Retreat information will be in Episode 266. Registration begins Dec 1, 2016.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN

Haste ye back!

Episode 265 Within and Wonderful Wallaby

How to Change Colors for Stripes in Knitting

When you're ready to start working the second color, simply drop the first color and pick up the yarn for the second color. Knit the first stitch.

This stitch will look really loopy, loose and awful when you first knit it, but persist. When you're further along in the row you can tighten up the last stitch of the previous row and the first stitch on this row by pulling gently on the yarn tails.

Speaking of yarn tails, make sure you leave a tail of at least six inches at each end of each stripe.

This will make it easy to weave your ends in securely later. Alternatively, if your stripes are short and you're going to use the same color again, you can carry the unused yarn up the side so it's where you need it when you need it again.

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How to Change Colors for Stripes in Knitting

On Swatching for Gauge

A knitter wrote to me this morning, wondering if she had misinterpreted something or done something wrong because she could not get the 32 x 38 stitches per 4″ gauge for a Dale Baby Ull pattern (Peace Sweater).  Her stitches, and resulting swatch, were too small.  She was surprised because she had even tried needles one size larger, but that didn’t change things appreciably. As she had said, “Usually my gauge is only off 1-2 stitches regardless of yarn/needles I use.”

I was happy to respond to her because it gave me the chance to write up something to share with all of you regarding one of the most important steps in all of Knitting.  Here’s my response:

I don’t think you’re doing anything “wrong”, per se and it’s great that you’re checking your gauge. You just need to keep testing and adjusting accordingly. And that’s perfectly normal and good.  In fact, it’s so good that I’m going to share your question (anonymously) and my answer on my blog, for this really gets at the most important question knitters can ask about getting a satisfactory fit from their projects.

If you could take any given yarn on the planet and ask all knitters on the planet what size needles they ended up having to use to achieve one pattern’s gauge (or one ball band gauge), you’d end up with a very wide range of needle sizes.  The majority of knitters would typically fall within a range of four or five needle sizes; but, as with any large, statistically significant population, there could be some real outliers, too. When you look at the big picture, you see that there are myriad variations, not only in any yarn’s characteristics and any available needle sizes, but also in knitting methodologies and personal knitting tensions, and it’s helpful to remember that those disparities arise both on the pattern publisher’s and the pattern user’s sides. Even for an individual knitter, one’s own knitting tension can vary over time.  Not only is it possible that two different needles marked as the very same size can have slight variations, it’s also possible – indeed, common – that knitters can get considerably different gauges when using the very same needle size, but in different materials.  For instance, the drag on wooden needles frequently produces a noticeably looser gauge than the slickness of metal needles of the very same size.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon to hear some knitters say, “Oh, I’m an ‘average’ knitter – I never have to check gauge!”, but that’s simply a senseless notion. When you think of all of the possible permutations of the many variables involved, no matter how experienced any knitter might be, it’s impossible to predict exactly where any of us might fall in the perfect needle size selection game.  If we have predetermined dimensions in mind for our projects, unless we’ve used the same, specific pattern/yarn/needle size/needle type combination within the recent past, not only should we do a gauge swatch before diving in, as you’re doing; we should keep testing different needle sizes until we find the best match for us, whether we’re using the finest wires or giant tree trunks.  The “right” needle size is nothing other than the size that works for you.

I can share a couple of time-saving observations from my own experience:

#1, take good notes!  Keep a file showing the date, project, yarn, needle size, needle make, needle material, stitch type and your resulting gauge for every swatch you make.  While I eternally advise swatching before diving in, at least by checking where your gauge fell the last time you used the same variables, you can usually narrow the swatching experience down to one or two tries. (Or not.)

#2, consider the other person’s / project’s viewpoint!  Maybe your dear friend A is the world’s greatest sock knitter.  If so, he probably uses an extra small needle size, since he probably wants his socks extra warm and durable. Maybe he’d tell you to use a needle size smaller than you want. On the other hand, maybe your dear friend B is the world’s greatest lace knitter.  She probably uses an extra large needle size, to make her lace airy and fluid. Maybe she’d suggest a needle size larger than you want. Similarly, the yarn labeler &/or pattern writer at yarn manufacturer X might use the Continental / “picking” method of knitting; maybe at manufacturer Y, the American/British “throwing” method dominates.  By just turning the wrist an extra degree or two, folks at manufacturer X (let’s call them “Dale” ) can significantly loosen up their gauge versus what the very same yarn/needle combination might get for the designers (and yarn labelers) at Y.

I hope you’ve found this helpful.  *Happy swatching…and note taking!  (Repeat from *! )

Mary Ann

 

On Swatching for Gauge

The Flourishing Scarf

The Flourishing Scarf, designed and knit by Mary Ann Stephens using Dale ECO Baby Wool (espresso / background) and Dale Alpakka (mist blue / motif).

“The Flourishing Scarf”, just released this week.  I’m immensely pleased with the result of stranding with one color in Dale Alpakka, the other in magnificent, new, organic, ethical and pure Dale Eco Baby Wool.  As I explain in the pattern:

There’s a certain synergy in using these two different fibers together.  The lofty, sport weight alpaca compresses nicely when stranded with the fingering weight wool to produce sharp motifs in extra-warm fabric. The body and bounce of the wool helps to keep the alpaca from drooping. The soft luster of the alpaca adds to the contrast against the matte wool.  When choosing your colors, remember: the more your two colors contrast, the more clearly your details will show through.

Here’s the link to the kits, available in your choice of colors.  I love being able to give a little treat back to my beloved yarn customers when I issue one of my own designs as a kit.  So, the scarf kits are priced $5 less than the sum of the parts.  They use five 50g balls of Alpakka + five 50g balls of ECO Baby Wool.  If you’re a regular reader here, you know how I’ve loved using Dale Alpakka since it came out a few years ago.  If you’re a wool lover and, like me, you’re always on the lookout for the highest quality wool possible, I think you’ll be thrilled with Dale’s brand new ECO Baby Wool.  Not cheap, but thoroughly exquisite – the best 100% wool I’ve ever used!

Here’s the PDF on Ravelry.  After getting the PDF, if you decide you’d like to use my Dale yarn combination, just put a note on your a la carte yarn order and I’ll  refund the $5 off that way, too.

The Flourishing Scarf

11 Essential Skills Every Knitter Should Master

Episode 264 Abide Shawl, Brioche, Eagle Crest

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Swift by Shannon Cook

Toddler Swift in my projects

Journey: A Collaboration by Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook

Quince & Co Chickadee

Abide Shawl by Kirsten Kapur

Blacker Yarns Swan Falkland Islands

Drop Dead Easy Knits by Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan, and Kirsten Kapur

Chromatic Cowl by Amy Detjen (free)

PrairiePiper’s Chromatic Cowl

Visit the Knitting Pipeline Group on Ravelry to enter the drawing for a Sock-tacular Prize from PrairieBagWorks, Hue Loco, SlapYourLlama on etsy, and Sockruler.com.

Haste ye back.

 

Episode 264 Abide Shawl, Brioche, Eagle Crest

Episode 263 Quill Shawl, Smooth Operator, Rhinebeck

Quill Shawl by Helen Stewart, Smooth Operator Socks by Susan B Anderson (2 pair), and thoughts on New York Sheep and Wool Festival also known as Rhinebeck.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

 

Episode 263 Quill Shawl, Smooth Operator, Rhinebeck

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. dark blue cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. dark blue cones 500 gr

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. burgundy cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. burgundy cones 500 gr

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. black cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. black cones 500 gr

ANGORA Yarn Angora Super 2/10000 cones 200 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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ANGORA Yarn Angora Super 2/10000 cones 200 gr

Yarn 2/25 wool/acrilyc for knitting machine 12-7 cones 400 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 2/25 wool/acrilyc for knitting machine 12-7 cones 400 gr

Yarn 2/25 wool/acrilyc for knitting machine 12-7 skeins 400 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 2/25 wool/acrilyc for knitting machine 12-7 skeins 400 gr

How to Convert a Stitch Pattern for Circular...

This Garter Stitch Cowl was worked in the round by knitting a round, then purling the next.  Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.

By Sarah E. White

Updated April 13, 2016.

Knitting in the round (aka circular knitting) is a popular choice for speed and ease of knitting, and it's almost required for some projects such as socks and hats. But if you want to work a stitch pattern in the round and you only have instructions for the pattern worked flat, how do you go about converting a stitch pattern to be knit in the round?

When knitting with circular needles, the key thing to remember is that you are always working from the right side, or what will be the outside of the work when it is worn or used.

What would be the wrong side rows if you were working flat are just every other right side round when knitting circularly.

Backward and Opposite

Because the knit stitch and the purl stitch are opposites, to get these "wrong side" rounds to look right on the right side, you have to work stitches the opposite of what you would in flat knitting.

The classic example is Stockinette Stitch, which is worked flat by knitting a row and purling a row.

continue reading below our video

How to Do Stockinette Stitch

In circular knitting, instead of purling that row, you're knitting a round -- the opposite of what you'd do knitting flat. Likewise with Garter Stitch, which is knit every row when worked flat, you have to purl the second round in order to get the classic corrugated look.

With more complicated stitch patterns you have to think a little bit more about what you're doing when you convert flat stitch patterns to circular knitting, but it's not too difficult. The rounds that would have been wrong side rows are both opposite and backward from the way you'd knit them flat.

It's easy to visualize that if you think about something like a knit 3, purl 1 rib. Worked on a multiple of 4 stitches, you'll end with a purl 1. When you work the wrong side, you'll knit 1, purl 3 across. In circular knitting you just keep repeating the knit 3, purl 1 -- opposite and backwards of what you'd do knitting flat.

Reading Your Knitting

For basic stitch patterns, an understanding of what the finished stitch pattern is supposed to look like and the ability to tell a knit stitch from a purl stitch make it easier to convert a stitch pattern from flat knitting to knitting in the round.

Take Seed Stitch, for example. All you're doing when you knit Seed Stitch is stacking knits on top of purls and purls on top of knits. Knowing that, you can just look at your knitting and knit the opposite of the stitch you're presented with and you'll never have to pay attention to which round you're on.

Other Considerations

What if you want to convert something a little more complex, like a lace pattern? The patterns that are easiest to convert are those that have a plain wrong side row (where you're just purling or knitting across) because that way you don't have to worry about trying to figure out how to work a lace pattern opposite and backward!

Another important thing to keep in mind is that many stitch patterns knit flat have extra stitches (it's that "plus 2" in a pattern that says to work it over, say, multiples of 6 plus 2). Those extra stitches balance a pattern out when it's knit flat, but they aren't necessary when working in the round, so take them out of your calculations and conversions.

Likewise any knitting instructions that come outside the main pattern repeat (before or after the section with the asterisk) should be omitted. These are the same balancing stitches that aren't needed when working in the round.

Basic Stitch Pattern Conversions

Here are some of the most common stitch patterns you might want to convert into knitting in the round and how to do it:

• Garter Stitch: Knit a round, purl a round
• Stockinette Stitch: knit every round
• Seed Stitch: Knit 1, purl 1 around on round one; purl 1, knit 1 around on round 2 (assuming an even number of stitches)
• Ribbing: Repeat the same round (knit 1, purl 1, knit 5, purl 2, etc.) on all rounds
• Reverse Stockinette: Purl every round

Resources for Knitting in the Round

For more stitch patterns in the round and tips for knitting all sorts of projects on circular needles, check out Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden.

The Up, Down, All Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard is another great source for working stitch patterns in different directions, because it shows how to work patterns top down, bottom up, flat and in the round, which is great if you're knitting parts of the same garment in different directions.

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How to Convert a Stitch Pattern for Circular...

Episode 262 Catching up with Bronwyn and Sarah

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

Episode 262 Catching up with Bronwyn and Sarah

Episode 261 Golden Sand and Knitbot Wool Trip Giveaway

Golden Sand by Joji Locatelli.

Hannah Fettig of Knitbot offers a giant giveaway of her Wool Trip Yarn. See her Wool Trip video and her first video podcast on her Knitbot YouTube channel!

Iceland Tour 2017 information! May 26-June 5, 2017

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

 

Episode 261 Golden Sand and Knitbot Wool Trip Giveaway

Episode 260 Iceland Tour 2017

Join Amy Detjen and me on a Knitters Tour of Iceland! Organized by Celtic Journeys, the trip is designed for knitters and people who love sheep and wool! Visit the dramatic landscape of Iceland and experience Icelandic knitting traditions first hand. The tour includes a workshop with Helene Magnusson in her studio where we will learn to knit a traditional Icelandic shawl. There are just 18 spots on this tour so be sure to act quickly! We hope you join us!

Download the information here.

Dates: May 26-June 5 2017

Episode 260 Iceland Tour 2017

Episode 259 Little Leaves and Mittens

Is it true that yarn wound into a cake will stretch and ruin your gauge? 

I knit more than a dozen Little Leaves by Alana Dakos and a pair of mittens for charity.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

Episode 259 Little Leaves and Mittens

Episode 258 Asana Shawl and WIP Wrangling

Asana Shawl by Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade. Angelus Novus by Renee Callahan aka EastLondonKnits.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

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Episode 258 Asana Shawl and WIP Wrangling

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. burgundy cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Episode 257 Amulet Shawl

 

Finished Projects: Amulet Shawl, Socks, and Entrechat

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

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 Haste ye back!

 

 

Episode 257 Amulet Shawl

11 Essential Skills Every Knitter Should Master

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. burgundy cones 500 gr

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Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. black cones 500 gr

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Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. black cones 500 gr

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. dark blue cones 500 gr

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. dark blue cones 500 gr

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. light brown cones 590 gr

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Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. light brown cones 590 gr

CASHMERE MULTIPLY 4600 Yarn 100% Cashmere cones 1 kg

CLEANING TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

If you want your sweater in cashmere always remains soft and fluffy , follow these tips :

    Soaking them in warm water with a mild detergent or shampoo for hair ( usatene very little ) , adding in case of scratches or bright colors a bit ' of white vinegar.
    Let it soak for a short time, up to ten or fifteen minutes.
    Do not rub it gently and manipolatelo .
    Patiently rinse several times and with so much water , always warm , until the water is completely clear .
    Do not squeeze it , but remove the water by pressing gently .
    Wrap jerseys in a terry towel to remove excess water .
    Hang on a horizontal surface , taking care to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
    Let dry at room temperature , never close to a heat source .
    Stiratelo with a strong jet of steam without a press with the iron.

A little tip : wash your jerseys often in Cashmere , so that the fibers will find new strength and your boss will be as good as new .

OPERATING TIPS FOR INDUSTRIAL FINISHING PRODUCTS IN CASHMERE

For best results we recommend a dry cleaning quote followed by a wash with water treatment facility .

FIRST STEP :
OPERATING TIPS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRY AND FINISHING PRODUCTS IN CASHMERE
Sample orientation dry treatment machines " Donini D- 150" from kg.25/30 and about 400 gallons of perc Ethylene .

    Load the perc Ethylene at room temperature and spin the mesh for a period of time which can vary from 1 minute to 6 minutes.
    Download the solvent and spin the mesh without the bath perchlore Ethylene for a period of time that can vary from 5 minutes to 8 minutes, depending on the type of stitch and the desired result .
    At the end of treatment and spin dry.
    It is advisable to keep the temperature of the perc Ethylene under control, because a few degrees of temperature change of the solvent affect the final result. Particular attention must be paid to the variation of the ambient temperature due to the change of the seasons , are in fact just a few degrees of change to get a different result.
    Continue finishing the treatment with water .

SECOND STEP :
OPERATING TIPS FOR THE TREATMENT OF WATER AND FINISHING PRODUCTS IN CASHMERE
Sample orientation of water treatment machines " Lavenda " kg . 4/5 and about 125 liters of water

    It is advisable to do a pre-wash with water at about 30 ° C , using 3 grams of soap per liter of water, for a period of time of about 2 minutes.
    Download the bathroom and restart with water at a temperature of 35-40 ° C by adding 3 grams of soap per liter of water , treated for a period from 2 to 6 minutes depending on the type of color, mesh point and the desired result .
    At the end of treatment rinse the meshes in water at 30 ° C.
    Do not spin dry thoroughly and vests immediately to avoid wrinkling .
    Drying at a temperature of 75 ° C for 15-20 minutes, then continue for 3-5 minutes , stopping the flow of hot air . We recommend that you remove the mesh dall'asciugante well dried to prevent wrinkling .

Additional tips :

    The bath ratio should be 1:25 to 1:30 , that are necessary for every Kg 25/30 liters of water.
    If the water has a hardness greater than 7/8 degrees is necessary to install a water softener .
    And ' prudent to make sure that the water supply to the machine at the desired temperature and to be careful not to heat the water in the car with the mesh inside.
    You should always make the treatment on their shirts inside out.
    We do not recommend the use of any additive and / or fabric softener .
    The treatment carried out with water temperature above 40 ° C may result in undesirable color change of color ; therefore recommend that you carefully check the actual temperature of the solution, however it is good practice to test all the colors before proceeding with production.
    If you decide to avoid the prior dry cleaning , it must nevertheless be carried out for all the pastel colors and stained garments .

We remind you that these statements are only an indication .
If the operation is done on a machine of another type , you have to consider the possibility that there is a different mechanical action , therefore , in this case , our suggestions may require variations .
We recommend that you always run the tests in order to assess the outcome of each color in different knitting stitches , to leave this unchanged in the wash water , the liquor ratio and temperature, acting only on the time of treatment.

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CASHMERE MULTIPLY 4600 Yarn 100% Cashmere cones 1 kg

TWINS Italian Linen 100% 3/1 cones 1 kg

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Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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TWINS Italian Linen 100% 3/1 cones 1 kg

Yarn Wool Merino Extrafine Superwash 2/30000 cones 1000 gr

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. anthracit cones 500 gr

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Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. anthracit cones 500 gr

ROYAL 2/56 yarn 100% merino extrafine col. dark blue cones 500 gr

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ROYAL 2/56 yarn 100% merino extrafine col. dark blue cones 500 gr

Episode 256 Verdure Times 3

I share some Pipeliner contributions to our SSK discussion. I completed 3 pair of Verdure (fingerless mitts) by Alana Dakos and a pair of man-size socks.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

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Episode 256 Verdure Times 3

SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool skeins 400 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool skeins 400 gr

Episode 255 Slip Slip Knit Myth

We are busting the myth that SSK and K2tbl are the same and interchangeable in knitting. No, they are not. Don't be embarrassed if you believed this, but let's get it straight. 

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

Episode 255 Slip Slip Knit Myth

Tips for Baby Knitting

Jamie Grill/ Tetra images/ Getty Images

By Sarah E. White

Updated June 23, 2016.

There comes a time in every knitter's life when she or he is called on to do some baby knitting, whether for her own child or for a friend or family member. Some people are even motivated to start knitting because they want to make something for a new little one in their life.

But not all baby knitting patterns are created equal, and just any old project won't always suit your needs. Here are some considerations you might want to think about when looking for baby knitting patterns.

Fiber Content

Cotton and washable wool are probably the most popular choices for baby things because they are easy to care for, but you'll find patterns running the gamut of fiber choices, from bamboo to cashmere, alpaca to silk.

Of course a lot of the more luxurious knitting fibers are not so easy to care for, so consider the parents you are knitting for before you choose to knit an item that will have to be handwashed or that might not take kindly to stain treatments.

When I knit for non-knitters, I try to choose yarns that are machine washable, but when I knit for knitters or others who I feel I can trust to take good care of garments that need a little more attention, then I'll bring out the alpaca and other handwash fibers.

No matter what fiber you choose or who the gift is for, it's always a good idea to include care instructions in the package.

Construction

When it comes to knits for babies and small children, there are two main things to consider in terms of how items are constructed and worn: ease of putting on and taking off and safety issues.

It can be difficult to get items over the heads of babies, both because they tend to have large heads and because they don't like things that go over their heads. A cardigan, V-neck or kimono-style top is a much better choice than a crewneck.

Of course comfort is an issue when it comes to the choice of yarn, too. Babies have sensitive skin, so the softer the yarn you choose, the better.

The other piece of the construction issue is safety. Projects without long ties are good choices, because ties can get caught in small spaces and pose a strangulation risk.

If buttons are used, make sure they are sewn on very securely. Using a zipper instead of buttons may make more sense for small children who may pull off a button and swallow it.

You might also want to think twice about projects that are very lacy or have a lot of small holes in them. Small children can potentially get caught in such garments, but the beauty of a lace receiving blanket or a blankie with eyelet edging can't be denied. It's just something to consider.

Colors

For some people it's hard to resist those pastel pinks and blues, but some parents don't like the cliches and may even be trying to limit those colors in their baby's life (or they may not know the gender of the child until it is born).

For that reason it pays to talk to the parents before you start a project to make sure that the color you've chosen will work with the parents' preferences. You don't want to spend a long time making a garment that will never be used because the recipient doesn't like the color.

Heirloom vs. Everyday

The final important consideration when contemplating baby knitting is whether you want to knit something that will be considered an heirloom or something that will be used day in and day out.

Most people I knit for get items that are meant to be used well, which is another good reason to use machine washable fibers.

But every now and then a special child will warrant a more precious project (like that lace receiving blanket mentioned above). In that case you can probably choose a fiber that needs more attention when cared for because it won't need to be washed as often as, say, a blanket used daily for tummy time.

Your relationship to the person you are knitting for and the amount of time you have to spend on the project will likely play into your decision about what exactly to knit and whether it's an item for everyday or something to be treasured (which is not to say a project can't be both).

And there are times when all logic goes out the window, you find a perfect pattern or a beautiful yarn and you just have to knit it, even if it's not the most sensible choice. That's a fine way to choose a project, too.

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Recommended article from FiveFilters.org: Most Labour MPs in the UK Are Revolting.

Tips for Baby Knitting

Learn How to Knit a Moss Stitch Lap Afghan

A close-up of the moss stitch afghan.  Sarah White

By Sarah E. White

Updated January 15, 2015.

Sometimes you just need a little afghan. This project as written comes out long but narrow (mine is about six feet long and almost three feet across), so it's perfect for folding over and lying over one lap, wrapping around your shoulders, or using over two laps.

This project uses moss stitch, a simple pattern stitch of four repeating rows. If you want to change the size of this project, you must keep with multiples of two stitches to make the pattern work.

Materials:

• Four skeins worsted-weight yarn for 900 to 1,000 yards total (I used Red Heart Hokey Pokey, a 100 percent acrylic yarn that has been discontinued. Their Fiesta, an acrylic and nylon blend, would also be nice)
• Size 10 US (6 mm) circular needle, with at least a 20-inch cord

Instructions:

1. Cast on 144 stitches using your favorite method.
2. Do not join in the round. The circular needle helps distribute the weight of the piece.
3. Repeat the following four rows for pattern:
   • Row One: Knit one, purl one across.
   • Row Two: Knit one, purl one across.
   • Row Three: Purl one, knit one across.
   • Row Four: Purl one, knit one across.

1. Join new yarn as needed until you are close to the end of the final ball. Cast off. Weave in ends using a crochet hook or needle, trimming extra-long ends if necessary.

Make the Pattern Your Own:

This is an easy pattern to modify because you can make it longer just by using more yarn. If you basically doubled the amount of yarn called for, you'd get a more square afghan.

Also experiment with different yarns to make your own unique afghans. This is such an easy pattern you could make several throws in different colors that you could have out in your house seasonally.

Add this project to your Ravelry queue.

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Learn How to Knit a Moss Stitch Lap Afghan

Episode 254 Talisman Shawl and Holyrood

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

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Episode 254 Talisman Shawl and Holyrood

Summer Clearance Sale – More Kits!

Here they come – more awesome, one-time kit specials on eBay using custom colorways with a discontinued color or two.  Today, I’ve put together a bunch of kits using my “NY Nordic Hat” design.  Here’s an example:

The two hats at the top are the samples that were originally knit for the pattern.  The charts in the middle, left show you the six different color placement possibilities.  (Isn’t it amazing how many ways you can play with three balls of yarn?! )  And, at the bottom, you have a photo of the Dale Garn FreeStyle yarn that will be coming in your kit.

Today’s kit specials:

Custom colorways for my “NY Nordic Hat” kit specials on eBay.

Have fun!

Summer Clearance Sale – More Kits!

Learn to Knit While Casting On Knitting with...

The next step in performing the knitted cast on, exactly like the next step in forming a knit stitch, is to loop the yarn that is attached to the ball over the point of the right-hand needle, going counter-clockwise.

Hold the yarn loosely in your right hand. This is known as English knitting, right-hand knitting or "throwing," which is different from Continental knitting, in which the yarn is held in the left hand.

(You can of course do the same thing continental style if that's the method you want to learn.)

Be careful not to loop the yarn over both needles, and don't pull too tightly or your stitches will be hard to work. Your loops should be tight enough to stay on the needle, but loose enough to slide the second needle through with ease.

This is a concept known as tension, and like in other parts of life, too much tension makes things more difficult. As you become a more experienced knitter, you'll learn what feels like the right amount of tension in your work.

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Learn to Knit While Casting On Knitting with...

Summer Clearance Sale

Happy Summer, Knitters!

I hope you’re all having a delightful summer so far.  But, it’s time to start thinking ahead to get some wonderful fall knitting off to a great start at a very low price. I’ve been busy this week posting some sweet bargains on eBay for lovely, but older, Dale books, plus some custom-colored kits for some of my designs.

Here’s the kit idea: You get my $5 to $8 pattern for free, and you get great yarns for my designs on sale, while I get to move out discontinued colors to make room for more glorious, new fall yarns. I’ll be adding kits to the sale gradually, but if you’re thinking of doing one of my designs using at least 50% discontinued colors, now is the time – let me know and you’ll get my (personal-use) normally $5 to $8 pattern for free!

Here’s an example of one of the first kit sales that I’ve added to my summer clearance sale on eBay; I can’t wait to see my popular North Star Hat in those lovely purples!:

http://ift.tt/296GMkN;

I have other colorways for the North Star Hat already posted, with more to come, too.  Here’s my list of eBay summer clearance sale items:

http://ift.tt/296GI4F

Be sure to bookmark that eBay page!  I’ll be adding more great sale items to it all summer long.  Have a wonderful summer!

P. S.  – I just took the above photo yesterday, but that’s the same, old North Star Hat prototype I knit years ago.  I’ve worn it and washed it more times than I can count, yet it still looks (and feels) like new!  The aran-weight Dale Hegre I used for it is really phenomenal yarn. I LOVE it!  I don’t understand why Dale Garn hasn’t done more with it here in the US.  I guess the fact that Dale tends to focus more on the sport/DK & fingering/baby ranges has something to do with it.  But let me tell you – if you like an extra-soft, but still very durable and warm, aran-weight 100% wool at a very reasonable price, here’s your ticket! 

Summer Clearance Sale

Episode 253 Hurray for 6 Years!

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Thanks to each one of you for listening to the show. Your participation and involvement have helped me keep the show going for 6 years.

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN.

Haste ye back!

 

Episode 253 Hurray for 6 Years!

Show Off Your Inner Geek with These Knitting...

Updated July 08, 2015.

Knitting is somewhat of a geeky pursuit, and a lot of knitters happen to be -- or be friends or partners with -- people who are geeky in other ways, too. From fans of science fiction and fantasy to computer geeks and beyond, there are a lot of ways to express your passion in knitting projects.

When I think of geek knitting, the first thing that comes to mind is the Doctor Who Scarf. This giant scarf -- there were four variations in the show but they're all massive at 12 to 14 feet long -- was worn by Tom Baker during his incarnation of the Doctor and is a classic costume accessory.

The site linked above has what are considered the official patterns based on the scarves worn on the show, and the site is pretty obsessive in its authenticity.

There's also a knee-high sock pattern based on the original colors, which is a lot of fun and might be faster than knitting a giant scarf. (Designed by Lesley Brownlee.)

Other Doctor Who Projects

While the scarf is probably the most essential knitting project for a Doctor Who fan, there are many others.

Maybe an iPad cozy that looks like a TARDIS? A baby jumper that looks like a Dalek? A toddler TARDIS hat?

Or what about a knit sonic screwdriver, mitts inspired by the sweater vest worn by the seventh Doctor, a plush TARDIS or Dalek or even an amazing shawl designed by Kate Atherley with TARDIS designs knit right in?

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Episode 252 Calligraphy Cardigan

Calligraphy Cardigan by Hannah Fettig plus listener questions and a lot (maybe too much) about how much I love trees.

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN

Haste ye back!

 

 

Episode 252 Calligraphy Cardigan

Yarn 100% merino extrafine 2/28 col. green melange cones 500 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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Episode 251 Fall Retreat Information

I am so excited to announce a new location and format for the Fall Retreat (formerly Cornerstone). It is now Knitting Pipeline Eagle Crest Fall Retreat!

Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you!

Show notes are found at http://ift.tt/1uIXctN

Knitting Pipeline Eagle Crest Fall Retreat 2016

With Workshop by Amy Detjen, Knitting Author, Designer, Teacher, and of KnitCircus Yarns and Podcast

October 19-22, 2016

Eagle Crest Camp and Retreat Center (A Ministry of the Salvation Army) is located in rural Washburn IL, along the hilly bluffs of the Illinois River. This beautiful natural setting will be especially gorgeous in mid-October, our prime color season in Central Illinois. It is easily accessible by car, about a 30 min drive from Washington IL or Peoria. The address is 823 Columbia Rd, Washburn IL 61570.

• Arrive Wednesday October 19 (check in time 3-5 PM)
• Check out by 10 am Saturday, October 22, 2016

 

Single Occupancy             $420.00

Double Occupancy (will have your own bed)           $320.00

 

Includes:

• 3 nights lodging in Heartland Lodge at Eagle Crest. Rooms are motel-style with private bath.
• All meals from Wednesday dinner through Saturday breakfast.
• Workshop with Amy Detjen on Friday and casual time with Amy from Thursday to Sat morning.
• Small, intimate retreat with lots of one-on-one time with Paula, Bronwyn, Sarah, and Amy Detjen.
• Your own Knitting Pipeline Retreat Bag

 

Hosted by Paula Emons-Fuessle

Knitting Pipeline Podcast http://ift.tt/1uIXctN

 

To Register:

• Fill out the registration form and postmark no earlier than Monday June 20, 2016. Registrations will be accepted after this time pending space availability. I will confirm registration by email and on Ravelry by July 15, 2016. Deposits are due August 15, 2016.
• Full payment is due by October 1, 2016. Checks may not be cashed immediately so don't worry if your check has not cleared.

Episode 251 Fall Retreat Information

How to Convert a Stitch Pattern for Circular...

This Garter Stitch Cowl was worked in the round by knitting a round, then purling the next.  Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.

By Sarah E. White

Updated April 13, 2016.

Knitting in the round (aka circular knitting) is a popular choice for speed and ease of knitting, and it's almost required for some projects such as socks and hats. But if you want to work a stitch pattern in the round and you only have instructions for the pattern worked flat, how do you go about converting a stitch pattern to be knit in the round?

When knitting with circular needles, the key thing to remember is that you are always working from the right side, or what will be the outside of the work when it is worn or used.

What would be the wrong side rows if you were working flat are just every other right side round when knitting circularly.

Backward and Opposite

Because the knit stitch and the purl stitch are opposites, to get these "wrong side" rounds to look right on the right side, you have to work stitches the opposite of what you would in flat knitting.

The classic example is Stockinette Stitch, which is worked flat by knitting a row and purling a row.

In circular knitting, instead of purling that row, you're knitting a round -- the opposite of what you'd do knitting flat. Likewise with Garter Stitch, which is knit every row when worked flat, you have to purl the second round in order to get the classic corrugated look.

With more complicated stitch patterns you have to think a little bit more about what you're doing when you convert flat stitch patterns to circular knitting, but it's not too difficult. The rounds that would have been wrong side rows are both opposite and backward from the way you'd knit them flat.

It's easy to visualize that if you think about something like a knit 3, purl 1 rib. Worked on a multiple of 4 stitches, you'll end with a purl 1. When you work the wrong side, you'll knit 1, purl 3 across. In circular knitting you just keep repeating the knit 3, purl 1 -- opposite and backwards of what you'd do knitting flat.

Reading Your Knitting

For basic stitch patterns, an understanding of what the finished stitch pattern is supposed to look like and the ability to tell a knit stitch from a purl stitch make it easier to convert a stitch pattern from flat knitting to knitting in the round.

Take Seed Stitch, for example. All you're doing when you knit Seed Stitch is stacking knits on top of purls and purls on top of knits. Knowing that, you can just look at your knitting and knit the opposite of the stitch you're presented with and you'll never have to pay attention to which round you're on.

Other Considerations

What if you want to convert something a little more complex, like a lace pattern? The patterns that are easiest to convert are those that have a plain wrong side row (where you're just purling or knitting across) because that way you don't have to worry about trying to figure out how to work a lace pattern opposite and backward!

Another important thing to keep in mind is that many stitch patterns knit flat have extra stitches (it's that "plus 2" in a pattern that says to work it over, say, multiples of 6 plus 2). Those extra stitches balance a pattern out when it's knit flat, but they aren't necessary when working in the round, so take them out of your calculations and conversions.

Likewise any knitting instructions that come outside the main pattern repeat (before or after the section with the asterisk) should be omitted. These are the same balancing stitches that aren't needed when working in the round.

Basic Stitch Pattern Conversions

Here are some of the most common stitch patterns you might want to convert into knitting in the round and how to do it:

• Garter Stitch: Knit a round, purl a round
• Stockinette Stitch: knit every round
• Seed Stitch: Knit 1, purl 1 around on round one; purl 1, knit 1 around on round 2 (assuming an even number of stitches)
• Ribbing: Repeat the same round (knit 1, purl 1, knit 5, purl 2, etc.) on all rounds
• Reverse Stockinette: Purl every round

Resources for Knitting in the Round

For more stitch patterns in the round and tips for knitting all sorts of projects on circular needles, check out Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden.

The Up, Down, All Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard is another great source for working stitch patterns in different directions, because it shows how to work patterns top down, bottom up, flat and in the round, which is great if you're knitting parts of the same garment in different directions.

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How to Convert a Stitch Pattern for Circular...

SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool skeins 400 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

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SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool skeins 400 gr

SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool cones 400 gr

Rating:

Have recently placed my first order and am extremely impressed with the customer service. I have been given details of the shipping arrangements, which I am able to track (which for an overseas customer gives peace of mind that the consignement is on its way. I will definitely recommend this company to others and look forward to placing more orders with this company.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

SPORT Printed Fantasy Yarn 100% Wool cones 400 gr

Dale Garn Book 312 – Spring & Summer Tops

Dale Garn Book #312, Spring and Summer Tops.

Dale Garn’s new Book #312 has ten new designs for ladies’ warm weather tops – mostly knit, but a few are crocheted.  Half of them are perennial classics – tanks, tees and basic pullovers that combine standard shapes with lovely yarns to deliver something special – and especially useful – to augment your summer wardrobe.  The other half consists of more fashion forward, trendy designs that can lend an updated spark to an outdated wardrobe.  (And if, like me, you find yourself lamenting that your summer wardrobe could use more than a spark – like maybe a bonfire – this might be the one little summer knitting book that could cover all of your bases.

Here are a few examples, with sizes and requirements:

A simple, crocheted poncho with nicely finished details. It’s elevated to an elegant cool weather wrap, or a stylish beach cover-up, depending upon your choice of yarn. Use Erle mohair/silk/wool for the soft, warm, rose-colored version. Use Vipe mercerized cotton for the cool & crisp white cover-up.  There are two sizes: S/M & L/XL.  You’ll want 4 (5) balls of Erle, or 12 (13) balls of Vipe.

A 100% stockinette stitch waterfall cardi. The easiest way to add elegance to a wardrobe…as long as you knit it in a gorgeous, light and drape-y yarn like Erle.  The pattern offers seven sizes: (XS) S (M) L (XL) XXL (XXXL) and calls for (3) 4 (4) 5 (5) 6 (6) balls of Erle.

Who couldn’t use a few more summery, cotton tops?! Knit them in 100% mercerized cotton Vipe (extra soft, with a subtle sheen) or 100% regular cotton Terne (crisp, with a matte finish.) Tank top, upper left: Sizes = (XS) S (M) L (XL) XXL; you’ll need (4) 5 (5) 6 (6) 7 balls.  Short-sleeved Tee, upper right: Same sizes, (6) 7 (7) 8 (8) 9 balls.  Ribbed V-neck tank, bottom:  Sizes = (XXS) XS (S) M (L) XL; you’ll need (4) 4 (5) 5 (6) 6 balls.

Another crochet stand-out! Customize your # of repeats on the bottom for anything from a mini-length beach cover-up to a knee-length dressy-dress. A zipper along the left side makes for easy dressing.  Use either Terne or Vipe.  Sizes = (S) M (L) XL.  You’ll want (10) 11 (12) 13 balls for the length shown.

Effortless style in an easy-to-knit design. Three sizes: (XS-S) M (L-XL); you’ll need (16) 17 (18) balls of either Vipe or Terne.

Dale Garn Book 312 – Spring & Summer Tops

Which yarns are DK yarns??

This morning, for the umpteenth time, I received a common question about DK yarns.  “DK” stands for “double knitting” – a name which often proves confusing.  I suspect it arose from the fact that two strands of fingering weight yarn held together give you about the same result as one strand of DK weight yarn.

Here’s today’s knitter’s question:

“Hello! Of your yarns which of them would be considered DK weight? Thank you in advance for your insight.”

I figured it was time for the Full Monty explanation.  My response:

For several reasons, that’s not as simple a question as it sounds.  But, it is one that I get fairly often.  So, today, I am going to give you a detailed answer – probably more than you bargained for – so that I can put it on my blog, too, and hopefully help the many  knitters with the same question about DK weight yarns.

 

First of all, as you can see here, even within the so-called industry standards, (to the extent that there are any), there’s some overlap between DK and Sport weight yarns:  http://ift.tt/L1ojK8  But, let’s start by taking the Craft Yarn Council’s 21 – 24 stitches per 4″ DK range.

 

The next question becomes, “Is that the ball band’s gauge, or the finished item’s gauge?”, for the two are not necessarily the same. Typically, the ball band gauge is the gauge suggested (but never mandated) by the yarn manufacturer for a plain, stockinette stitch fabric that would be considered suitable for a sweater knit in that yarn.  The stitches knit at the ball band gauge should be neither compressed, nor loose.  But, by either focused intent, or by accident, your finished item’s gauge could be considerably different. (Reason #953 why we knit a gauge swatch before diving into our projects!)  Usually, you’ll want your finished (and swatched) gauge to match your pattern’s gauge, although plenty of knitters will intentionally knit at a tighter, or looser, gauge than a pattern suggests, to target an in-between size they have in mind.

 

Or not.  There are no rules here – only suggestions.

 

Not everything that we knit has the same drape. Lace, for instance, requires a more fluid drape than most any ball band gauge would suggest.  So, we usually need to knit lace at a looser-than-ball-band gauge (using a larger needle, ending up with fewer stitches per inch.) Items that we want to make especially warm &/or durable, like mittens, socks, hats, some bags and even some sweaters, are often intentionally knit at tighter-than-ball-band gauges (using a smaller needle, ending up with more stitches per inch), giving us compressed stitches, resulting in a more solid fabric with a stiffer drape.  And, of course, there’s always the simple matter of taste: One knitter’s “fluid” is another knitter’s “sloppy”.  One knitter’s “warm and cozy” is another knitter’s “stiff as a board”.

 

And then, as if things aren’t already complicated enough, sometimes, a yarn company might simply change its ball band gauge suggestion, without changing the yarn!  Dale did exactly that a few years ago with their Heilo and Falk yarns.  After decades of suggesting a gauge of 24 stitches per 4″ / 10cm for their Heilo “Sport weight” yarn – and, indeed, perennially marketing it as the premier “Sport” yarn – without changing the fiber, the yardage or the ball’s weight, when sweater fashions recently became more fluid, or “drapey”, (i.e., more profitable for all clothing manufacturers because they use less fiber per piece, but not necessarily what every knitter wants), Dale changed the ball band gauge on Heilo from 24 stitches per inch (classic Sport weight) to 22 stitches per inch (classic DK weight).  Falk, which has always been billed as Heilo’s same-weight equivalent, followed suit.  Some people prefer the new, more drapey suggested gauge for Heilo and Falk, but plenty of folks (me included) still stick with the old, tried-and-true sport weight gauge for sweaters in those two yarns.  “Knitter’s choice!”

 

Now, with that hopefully-not-too-confusing background, I’ll try to answer your question more directly:

 

The Dale* yarns I stock that show DK weight suggestions (i.e, 21 to 24 sts per 4″/10cm) on their ball bands are: Heilo, Falk, Lerke,Gullfasan and Eco Wool (just starting to stock the new Eco Wool. Eco Wool yarn page will be coming soon.)

 

The finer-than-DK Dale yarns I stock which could be knit at a looser-than-ball-band gauge, to work well for a lace pattern that has a DK gauge, would be: Alpakka, Baby Ull, Daletta, Eco Baby (coming soon), Lille Lerke, Terne & Vipe.

 

The heavier-than-DK Dale yarns I stock which could be knit at a tighter-than-ball-band gauge, for denser/ warmer / more durable fabric with a DK finished gauge, would be: Cotinga, Erle, Freestyle & Hegre.

 

*(I do stock some other yarns for kits for some of my designs, but it’s these Dale yarns which I do both kits in and sell a la carte.)

 

Hope that helps!  Have fun with your DK project!

 

Best,

 

Mary Ann

Which yarns are DK yarns??