October 26, 2006
Not Much Goin' On...
Not much going on in my knitting world... I've been working on this simple two-color ribbed scarf for my four-year-old son. It's a simple 2x2 rib. Originally I started it in Brioche Stitch, but I kept dropping stitches and found it impossible to re-seat them properly on the needles when that happened. I dozed off a couple of times while knitting, and would awake to dropped stitches, so rather than rip out and start over for a fifth time, I copped out and switched to simple ribbing. It's ok, my little boy won't notice the difference; he'll be happy to finally have his mom-made scarf. (He's been asking for one for a while, but I've felt he's been too little for a scarf. Wouldn't want it to get tangled up on the playground!
New Book!
I finally received the long awaited Melissa Leapman book,
Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting. Wow! What beautiful designs! There's even a reversible cable scarf design in here, which is a concept I've been playing with.
I have a total fear of charted knitting patterns, and of course, this book is full of charts! I know my eyes will drive me nuts on this one. But I love cables so much that I'm willing to give it a try. This book has quite a few patterns in it, but it is also filled with stitch designs too.... plenty to keep the avid cabler quite busy! Love this book!
All for now...
October 12, 2006
New Scarf Design
I started working on a new scarf design recently and I thought I would report on my progress. I spent a couple of weeks playing with some new design ideas, and nothing much was working for me, until I stumbled on this stitch combination, and I love it.
Right to left (since that is the direction in which we knit, we have an eyelet, a left over right crossed cable, a 12-stitch panel in mistake rib, a right over left crossed cable, and another eyelet.
Here's the pattern:
Cast On 36 stitches.
Knit 2 or 4 rows of garter stitch to make a firm edge.
Begin pattern:
Row 1, 3, 7: K2, yo, K2tog; P1, K6, P1; K2P1 (four times); P1, K6, P1; SSK, yo, k2.
Row 2, 4, 6, 8: K4; K1, P6, K1; K2P1 (four times); K1, P6, K1; K4.
Row 5: K2, yo, K2tog; RC Cable; K2P1 (four times); LC Cable; SSK, yo, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-8 until desired length is achieved. Finish with the same number of garter stitch rows that you chose to do in the beginning. BO loosely.
Notes:
RC Cable: Sl 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, K next 3 stitches and then K3 from cable needle.
LC Cable: Sl 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K next 3 stitches and then K3 from cable needle.
Let me know if I can improve on these instructions. Hope you enjoy this pattern! I find it fun because I feel like I'm doing something different every row. I don't get bored wtih this one! And for me, that's a major plus.
That's all for now!
Knitting Resources
About Me - If you really GOTTA know who's writing this blog...
Got Feedback? Visit the Guestbook
Work in Progress: Aran Sampler Rainbow Blankie - Click this page to see all the cool designs that are going into this project!
Finished Object Gallery - This page doesn't have a lot on it! I'm notorious for not finishing projects. But check back from time to time as I just might surprise myself!
Trish's Knitting Library - This is an assortment of knitting books and related materials that I've enjoyed, so I thought I would share them with you.
Trish's Knitting Links - I surf a lot for knitting resources so I thought I'd start compiling my discoveries here. Check back often!
The KnitList - This is probably one of the oldest and most comprehensive knitting resources on the Web. There are literally thousands of members, and people are always ready to provide information and help.
KnitTalk - and if you're sick of the Knitlist and just want a warm fuzzy place to chat about knitting, try this group on for size.
KnitHatsNow - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit hats! We maintain an always-growing list of free hat patterns available on the web.
KnittingScarves - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit scarves! We maintain an always-growing list of scarf patterns available on the web. Crocheters are welcome, too.
Knitty - Very creative online knitting magazine. Great patterns and really great articles. Best of all, it's FREE.
Trish's Knitting Tips
Knitting Small Round Objects Without Double Pointed Needles (a.k.a., "The Magic Loop") - Learning this technique revolutionized the way I knit! The booklet which describes the technique in detail is published by Fiber Trends and is available through a huge variety of knitting retailers. I also found that I learned the technique on my own pretty well visiting this website: How to Knit Small Circumferences Using One Long Circular Needle.
Recently, I've found a website called Knitting Help.com where the Magic Loop technique is demonstrated. Click on the Advanced Techniques page to find the video.
My Own Patterns
Cables and Eyelets Scarf -- I put this pattern together and I'm enjoying it a lot so far! Of course, my sample is still in the UFO pile, but the pattern is a lot of fun to knit.
Fancy Cabled Braided Scarf -- My first pattern! I love cables, and I love this scarf. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Commercial Knitting Resources
The Yarn Market - My current favorite yarn store. A wide selection of beautiful and fun yarns.
Knitpicks - My other favorite yarn store. This one carries tons of accessories and doo-dads I can't live without! Recently, Knitpicks has begun carrying their own house-brand yarn. The reviews are good and the prices can't be beat! Be sure to check them out.
Denise Interchangeable Needles - I love these needles and I use them exclusively. I have two sets! The needle sizes range from 5-15, and the cables can be combined to make almost any length. I find these needles lightweight and easy to work with.
Favorite Knitting Blogs
WendyKnits - This one is a hoot to read and contains lots of info on really interesting projects! But, Kudos to Wendy's tip on Cabling Without a Cable Needle. I've read many directions before, but this one was the one that caused my "light bulb" to go off.
Archives
Visit My Other Sites!
Day Family on The Web - This is our family website; check often for updates on the kids and other news.
Parents with Disabilities Online - This is my project I manage for parents with disabilities. I really enjoy providing resources, information and support to families like ours, so that they know they're not alone.
Birtles Shorrock Goble - Founding members of the Little River Band, who have reunited and gave me the honor of doing their website!
Beeb Birtles' Official Website - The pleasure has been all mine to manage the web site for the life and times of Beeb Birtles, a founding member of the Little River Band.
DOT Disability Resource Center - This is where I work, and I also do the website for the office.
Powerscape, LLC - this is the website for my brother's business, which specializes in commercial power washing services.
©2004 Patricia Day; All Rights Reserved.
E-mail Trish: Trish@trishday.com