Master Knitter
Friday, August 29, 2014
See You Next Week
I won't be making a post this week as I have had unexpected company. I will post next week.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Wrap and Turn Short Rows
This week was devoted primarily to pattern writing, not my favorite thing. I had a technical article to write as well. I am happy to report that I finished everything and that the garments are safely in Zanesville ready for the photoshoot next week. The patterns are with the tech editor so all is well.
STUDENT NEWS
I only had one lesson to review this week! I guess everyone is on vacation. I have corresponded with several students who put the course aside for awhile. Again, it is my policy not to enforce a time limit. Do contact me so I can give you the latest versions, particularly for the Basics class. I revised it back in April to include links to this blog.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This week's tip is about short rows. I had a special request. There are several ways to do short rows and I will probably get around to those techniques but I will start with the most basic, wrap and turn. All short row techniques have one thing in common. You do not work to the end of the row. You turn the work to work the other side. If you just turn the work, for most stitch patterns, there will be a hole at the turn and that is what the various techniques address...how to avoid the holes. In the wrap and turn method method, you work to where you want to turn, slip the next stitch purlwise, bring the working yarn to the front or back (depending on the stitch pattern), wrap the stitch, and then return it to the left needle. When all of the short rows are complete, you work the stitch together with its wrap. This video shows the basic process: Wrap and Turn Short Rows
I'm not going to go into all of the uses for short rows as there are many. Typically, most knitters first encounter them to to shape shoulders instead of binding off stitches incrementally which produces stair steps. I've used this example for the photographs.
In this photograph I have used short rows to shape the shoulder slope. For one side, the wrap and turn is done on the RS and for the other, it is done on the WS.
The photograph below shows the short rows in progress. The increment I chose for the short rows is every four stitches. If you look closely, you can see the wraps.
When the wraps are worked, they create something that looks either like a "C" or backwards "C." If the wrap is worked on the purlside, it looks like a "C". If worked on the knitside, it looks like a backwards "C." If you look closely at the photograph you can see the wraps.
As I said earlier, there are several ways to work short rows. For those of you doing the Masters Program, you can select the method you want. This is something you should practice before doing the final swatch.
KNITTING SALON
There will be salon this weekend. Contact me for the date and time.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Here is the final photographs of the Holiday Top. It turned out better than expected. I did something interesting with the neck and armhole bands. You need to be careful when doing bands for sleeveless tops. They can be too heavy. This one is barely there and it compliments BJ's Cast On. I hadn't cut the dental elastics out of the piece yet. They show where the decreases/increases are for shaping. This is the front. By the way, I used short rows to shape the back hem! You can see the wraps if you look close!
This is the back. Of course, you could wear it the other way.
I finished the mittens as well. The garland for the photoshoot is about 6'.
Here is a close up. I did a mini garland for RedFish to display at their shows. They are going to put together kits for the garland as you would have LOTS of yarn leftover. The kits will have enought yarn for six mittens of each color.
STUDENT NEWS
I only had one lesson to review this week! I guess everyone is on vacation. I have corresponded with several students who put the course aside for awhile. Again, it is my policy not to enforce a time limit. Do contact me so I can give you the latest versions, particularly for the Basics class. I revised it back in April to include links to this blog.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This week's tip is about short rows. I had a special request. There are several ways to do short rows and I will probably get around to those techniques but I will start with the most basic, wrap and turn. All short row techniques have one thing in common. You do not work to the end of the row. You turn the work to work the other side. If you just turn the work, for most stitch patterns, there will be a hole at the turn and that is what the various techniques address...how to avoid the holes. In the wrap and turn method method, you work to where you want to turn, slip the next stitch purlwise, bring the working yarn to the front or back (depending on the stitch pattern), wrap the stitch, and then return it to the left needle. When all of the short rows are complete, you work the stitch together with its wrap. This video shows the basic process: Wrap and Turn Short Rows
I'm not going to go into all of the uses for short rows as there are many. Typically, most knitters first encounter them to to shape shoulders instead of binding off stitches incrementally which produces stair steps. I've used this example for the photographs.
In this photograph I have used short rows to shape the shoulder slope. For one side, the wrap and turn is done on the RS and for the other, it is done on the WS.
The photograph below shows the short rows in progress. The increment I chose for the short rows is every four stitches. If you look closely, you can see the wraps.
When the wraps are worked, they create something that looks either like a "C" or backwards "C." If the wrap is worked on the purlside, it looks like a "C". If worked on the knitside, it looks like a backwards "C." If you look closely at the photograph you can see the wraps.
As I said earlier, there are several ways to work short rows. For those of you doing the Masters Program, you can select the method you want. This is something you should practice before doing the final swatch.
KNITTING SALON
There will be salon this weekend. Contact me for the date and time.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Here is the final photographs of the Holiday Top. It turned out better than expected. I did something interesting with the neck and armhole bands. You need to be careful when doing bands for sleeveless tops. They can be too heavy. This one is barely there and it compliments BJ's Cast On. I hadn't cut the dental elastics out of the piece yet. They show where the decreases/increases are for shaping. This is the front. By the way, I used short rows to shape the back hem! You can see the wraps if you look close!
This is the back. Of course, you could wear it the other way.
I finished the mittens as well. The garland for the photoshoot is about 6'.
Here is a close up. I did a mini garland for RedFish to display at their shows. They are going to put together kits for the garland as you would have LOTS of yarn leftover. The kits will have enought yarn for six mittens of each color.
Now that I have finished up all of the stuff for Cast On, I am getting a head start on my holiday knitting. When I was in SLC in May my friend Martha picked out yarn for her Christmas present. I generally make her socks but she wanted a scarf-y/shawl-y thing. She picked out some sparkly yarn. I loved a crescent shawl Mary had just finished and Mary was nice enough to gift me the pattern--Paula Emons-Fuessle's Sister Bay Shawl. The scarf will have a crescent shape but I am going to do an applied saw-tooth garter stitch border instead. I should have it finished by the end of the weekend.
Friday, August 15, 2014
BJ's Cast On
I spent the week finishing up the Nordic sweaters and the patterns. It always takes much longer than I think to write patterns. I am glad that I did the charts as I went along. I've got a good start on the Confident Beginner Garment. It is turning out nicely.
STUDENT NEWS
It was a slow week for me. I did receive a package from Italy from Giuseppina for the Swatch to Sweater class. Her design is absolutely lovely. Several students signed up for courses. It seems like knitters like to begin classes in the fall.
TIP OF THE WEEK
I know I promised to do more finishing videos but I got distracted by my current project. It is a fitted top which required a very loose cast on edge. A few years back I had a student at a conference (BJ) who showed me a wonderfully simple cast on which is very loose. It is perfect for this project. I've used it in projects in the past. It produces a cast on which is the same on the RS and WS. It looks like little purl bumps. Here is the RS.
Here is the WS. It isn't a long tail cast so you don't need to figure out how much yarn you need.
I've worked a few rows so you can see what it looks like on the RS and WS. Here is the RS.
Here is the WS.
The cast on requires a bit of practice but once you have it down it is very easy. BJ's Cast On
KNITTING SALON
There will be Salon this weekend. Drop me a note and I will let you know the day and time. It was tough picking a time. The UK basketball team is playing exhibition games this weekend.
CURRENT PROJECTS
The sweaters are FINALLY finished (except for cutting the dental elastics out of the sleeves. I hope I remember to do this before the photo shoot!) Note that the designs are different for each size. I especially like the baby size.
We decided to do a holiday top for the Confident Beginner series. When I was a new knitter I was terrified of shaping a garment and finishing it so that is what this project is all about. The top is fitted and the back (not shown) is longer due to short rows. Since I do videos for all aspects of these projects, they aren't transportable. I have to work to the section for the next video. I would have had this finished otherwise since I worked this week. The yarn is from S. Charles...two strands held together...mohair and a cotton with sequins. It really is a lovely fabric. It is a simple garment.
Since I couldn't carry the top around I started the last project...a mitten garland. The yarn is from RedFish. These are all the colors. The photo is pretty close. I let Elff pick the colors. I didn't want standard holiday colors. I am very pleased with how they are turning out. I think I will make 5 of each color.
STUDENT NEWS
It was a slow week for me. I did receive a package from Italy from Giuseppina for the Swatch to Sweater class. Her design is absolutely lovely. Several students signed up for courses. It seems like knitters like to begin classes in the fall.
TIP OF THE WEEK
I know I promised to do more finishing videos but I got distracted by my current project. It is a fitted top which required a very loose cast on edge. A few years back I had a student at a conference (BJ) who showed me a wonderfully simple cast on which is very loose. It is perfect for this project. I've used it in projects in the past. It produces a cast on which is the same on the RS and WS. It looks like little purl bumps. Here is the RS.
Here is the WS. It isn't a long tail cast so you don't need to figure out how much yarn you need.
I've worked a few rows so you can see what it looks like on the RS and WS. Here is the RS.
Here is the WS.
The cast on requires a bit of practice but once you have it down it is very easy. BJ's Cast On
KNITTING SALON
There will be Salon this weekend. Drop me a note and I will let you know the day and time. It was tough picking a time. The UK basketball team is playing exhibition games this weekend.
CURRENT PROJECTS
The sweaters are FINALLY finished (except for cutting the dental elastics out of the sleeves. I hope I remember to do this before the photo shoot!) Note that the designs are different for each size. I especially like the baby size.
We decided to do a holiday top for the Confident Beginner series. When I was a new knitter I was terrified of shaping a garment and finishing it so that is what this project is all about. The top is fitted and the back (not shown) is longer due to short rows. Since I do videos for all aspects of these projects, they aren't transportable. I have to work to the section for the next video. I would have had this finished otherwise since I worked this week. The yarn is from S. Charles...two strands held together...mohair and a cotton with sequins. It really is a lovely fabric. It is a simple garment.
Since I couldn't carry the top around I started the last project...a mitten garland. The yarn is from RedFish. These are all the colors. The photo is pretty close. I let Elff pick the colors. I didn't want standard holiday colors. I am very pleased with how they are turning out. I think I will make 5 of each color.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Vertical Buttonholes
I had really hoped to finish the Nordic Sweaters this week. The knitting is done. I am just sewing them together. Doing it right takes time, alas.
STUDENT NEWS
I only received one lesson to review this week but I got quite a few new students, including one from Bayreuth, Germany which is on my bucket list. Perhaps I should consider a hand delivery!
TIP OF THE WEEK
As I was teaching the Finishing Course in Manchester, I realized that there were a few topics missing in my videos. I will fill these in the upcoming weeks. This week, vertical buttonholes....If you do the Masters Program you have to do three swatches of different stitch patterns demonstrating that you can make an eyelet buttonhole, vertical buttonhole and a horizontal buttonhole. Some knitters are confused thinking this is how the buttonhole should look on the band. It refers to how the buttonhole is made.
There aren't that many ways to make a vertical buttonhole. The advantage of this type of buttonhole is that it can be any size you want (which makes it ideal for big decorative buttons) and that it is easy to make. The disadvantages are that it isn't very sturdy and quite a bit of clean up is required. Oh, those yarn tails!
To make one, you work to where you want the buttonhole and drop the working yarn. Use another ball to work to the end of the band. In the photograph I have used a different color, Work each side of the buttonhole until it is the size that you want and then work the entire row with one ball of yarn. It can be hard to gauge how big to make the buttonhole so I recommend working a sample first.
When you finish you have to deal with the yarn tails which is actually a good thing. You can use the tails to snug up the top and bottom of the buttonholes. If you don't do this, the buttonhole is very loose. This photograph shows the WS of the buttonhole. Notice how the tail weaves are woven in.
Here is the RS. This is a very neat buttonhole, particularly in ribbing. This is the link to the video. George was very helpful in the video. Vertical Buttonholes
KNITTING SALON
There will be salon this weekend. Send me a message and I will let you know the date and time.
CURRENT PROJECTS
As I said, I had hoped to finish these sweaters. No such luck. The baby size is done and I am halfway through with the child size.
Here is the adult size blocked.
STUDENT NEWS
I only received one lesson to review this week but I got quite a few new students, including one from Bayreuth, Germany which is on my bucket list. Perhaps I should consider a hand delivery!
TIP OF THE WEEK
As I was teaching the Finishing Course in Manchester, I realized that there were a few topics missing in my videos. I will fill these in the upcoming weeks. This week, vertical buttonholes....If you do the Masters Program you have to do three swatches of different stitch patterns demonstrating that you can make an eyelet buttonhole, vertical buttonhole and a horizontal buttonhole. Some knitters are confused thinking this is how the buttonhole should look on the band. It refers to how the buttonhole is made.
There aren't that many ways to make a vertical buttonhole. The advantage of this type of buttonhole is that it can be any size you want (which makes it ideal for big decorative buttons) and that it is easy to make. The disadvantages are that it isn't very sturdy and quite a bit of clean up is required. Oh, those yarn tails!
To make one, you work to where you want the buttonhole and drop the working yarn. Use another ball to work to the end of the band. In the photograph I have used a different color, Work each side of the buttonhole until it is the size that you want and then work the entire row with one ball of yarn. It can be hard to gauge how big to make the buttonhole so I recommend working a sample first.
When you finish you have to deal with the yarn tails which is actually a good thing. You can use the tails to snug up the top and bottom of the buttonholes. If you don't do this, the buttonhole is very loose. This photograph shows the WS of the buttonhole. Notice how the tail weaves are woven in.
Here is the RS. This is a very neat buttonhole, particularly in ribbing. This is the link to the video. George was very helpful in the video. Vertical Buttonholes
KNITTING SALON
There will be salon this weekend. Send me a message and I will let you know the date and time.
CURRENT PROJECTS
As I said, I had hoped to finish these sweaters. No such luck. The baby size is done and I am halfway through with the child size.
Here is the adult size blocked.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Joining in the Round
The conference was a great success, I am happy to report. The Yarn Tasting was a particular hit. Here is a photo of the goody bags as we were sorting the yarn for each. It gives you an idea of the scale.
We set the tables up as if for a buffet.
Everything went very smoothly and StevenBe and Stephen West were perfect hosts. They did a trunk show. Here is a picture of Stephen showing a shawl. Suzanne Bryan, one of the Co-Chairs of the Masters Hand Knitting Committee is in the background. The event would not have been possible without her, Binka Schwan and Charles Gandy's help.
The market was great. I spent quite a bit of time at RedFish picking out yarn for my next sweater. I was so glad they came. They had a great market as well.
STUDENT NEWS
It was wonderful meeting so many of my students. It means a lot that they come to the show. A few course orders were waiting for me along with some lessons to review.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This week's tip is a special request of someone working on the mitten for Level 1 of the Masters Program. It is something I never really thought about. I did an informal poll of the Co-Chairs to see what they recommended and I got several different responses so I have included several different methods.
When you work in the round it is necessary to join the last cast on stitch to the first. The most important thing is that you not twist the stitches. If you do, you will discover it a few rounds in and the only solution is to start over again. The next thing to watch out for is that the join be inconspicuous. If you are not careful you can have a long horizontal strand between the first and last stitch.
Method 1
This is the method I (and several of the Co-Chairs) use. When you are finished with the cast on, just go ahead and work the first stitch. Take care to pull the working yarn tightly. (This is Step 1.) The photo shows a mini swatch where I have done this. Notice the yarn tail.
When you are finished, use the yarn tail to neaten up the cast on edge. Think of this as embroidery. The next photo shows the same swatch with the yarn tail woven in.
Method 2
I've used this method as well. When you finish the cast on, slip the first cast on stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Pass the last cast on stitch over the first cast on stitch and onto the left needle. You then work this stitch. Crossing the first and last stitch provides a tight join. The photo shows this join. It is fairly inconspicuous.
Method 3
This method and the next one both require casting on one extra stitch. I have to say, of all the methods, this is my least favorite. You slip the first cast on stitch to the right needle and pass the last cast on stitch completely over the first stitch. You then transfer the first stitch back to the left needle and work it. If you look closely at the photograph below, you can see the stitch you have passed over the first stitch. After a bit of research on the topic, I found that this is the most common method. I don't think it is all that attractive.
Method 4
As with the last method, you cast on one extra stitch. You transfer the extra stitch to the left needle and you either knit (or purl) it along with the first cast on stitch.
Whichever method you use, weaving in the yarn tail properly can clean up the appearance. Here is a link to the video: Joining in the Round
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Sunday, August 3 from 2-5pm. Hope you can make it!
CURRENT PROJECTS
Before I left for Manchester, I finished the Child's Nordic, except for sewing it together. The sleeves are done as well. I picked up the neck band before I started the sleeves. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough yarn. Since this is all hand dyed, there is a bit of variation between the skeins. I finished and had 2 yards to spare!
I didn't get much knitting done at the conference but I have finished the back and am working on the charted section of the front for the adult size. This hasn't been blocked yet. I should have them all finished up this week. That is the plan, anyway.
Obligatory cat photo. Here is a photo of my poor blind baby, Petipa, checking out this sweater.
We set the tables up as if for a buffet.
Everything went very smoothly and StevenBe and Stephen West were perfect hosts. They did a trunk show. Here is a picture of Stephen showing a shawl. Suzanne Bryan, one of the Co-Chairs of the Masters Hand Knitting Committee is in the background. The event would not have been possible without her, Binka Schwan and Charles Gandy's help.
The market was great. I spent quite a bit of time at RedFish picking out yarn for my next sweater. I was so glad they came. They had a great market as well.
STUDENT NEWS
It was wonderful meeting so many of my students. It means a lot that they come to the show. A few course orders were waiting for me along with some lessons to review.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This week's tip is a special request of someone working on the mitten for Level 1 of the Masters Program. It is something I never really thought about. I did an informal poll of the Co-Chairs to see what they recommended and I got several different responses so I have included several different methods.
When you work in the round it is necessary to join the last cast on stitch to the first. The most important thing is that you not twist the stitches. If you do, you will discover it a few rounds in and the only solution is to start over again. The next thing to watch out for is that the join be inconspicuous. If you are not careful you can have a long horizontal strand between the first and last stitch.
Method 1
This is the method I (and several of the Co-Chairs) use. When you are finished with the cast on, just go ahead and work the first stitch. Take care to pull the working yarn tightly. (This is Step 1.) The photo shows a mini swatch where I have done this. Notice the yarn tail.
When you are finished, use the yarn tail to neaten up the cast on edge. Think of this as embroidery. The next photo shows the same swatch with the yarn tail woven in.
Method 2
I've used this method as well. When you finish the cast on, slip the first cast on stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Pass the last cast on stitch over the first cast on stitch and onto the left needle. You then work this stitch. Crossing the first and last stitch provides a tight join. The photo shows this join. It is fairly inconspicuous.
Method 3
This method and the next one both require casting on one extra stitch. I have to say, of all the methods, this is my least favorite. You slip the first cast on stitch to the right needle and pass the last cast on stitch completely over the first stitch. You then transfer the first stitch back to the left needle and work it. If you look closely at the photograph below, you can see the stitch you have passed over the first stitch. After a bit of research on the topic, I found that this is the most common method. I don't think it is all that attractive.
Method 4
As with the last method, you cast on one extra stitch. You transfer the extra stitch to the left needle and you either knit (or purl) it along with the first cast on stitch.
Whichever method you use, weaving in the yarn tail properly can clean up the appearance. Here is a link to the video: Joining in the Round
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Sunday, August 3 from 2-5pm. Hope you can make it!
CURRENT PROJECTS
Before I left for Manchester, I finished the Child's Nordic, except for sewing it together. The sleeves are done as well. I picked up the neck band before I started the sleeves. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough yarn. Since this is all hand dyed, there is a bit of variation between the skeins. I finished and had 2 yards to spare!
I didn't get much knitting done at the conference but I have finished the back and am working on the charted section of the front for the adult size. This hasn't been blocked yet. I should have them all finished up this week. That is the plan, anyway.
Obligatory cat photo. Here is a photo of my poor blind baby, Petipa, checking out this sweater.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Weaving in Yarn Tails for Intarsia Designs
I will not be making a blog entry until August 1st. I will be preparing for the conference in New Hampshire or at the conference.
I devoted a day to getting my handouts and kits prepared and shipped off to the conference. I had to get them there by the 16th. I tend to put off things like that so I wind up shlepping an extra very heavy suitcase. Not this year!
STUDENT NEWS
Just a few lessons arrived for review. I am really under the wire for getting stuff knit for the Winter Issue of Cast On. I looked at a calendar the other day and realized I am running out of time, especially since I will not be able to get much knitting done while at the conference.
On a different (less whiny note), I got a list of my students signed up for the Finishing Course in NH and I contacted them all to see if they wanted PDF copies of the handout before the course. The handout has so many photographs which don't copy all that well so I want them to have the chance to get a color copy if they want it or to load it onto a tablet. Most have contacted me to get the files.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This is the final entry for intarsia. When I was reviewing for the Masters Program, many Level 2 knitters could do the argyle sock but the final result was ruined by how they wove in the yarn tails. Anyone who has purchased a Christmas sweater knit in Asia knows what I mean. If you look at the inside of those sweaters you will find a collection of knots. If the sweater is tight all of those knots mean that it doesn't stretch all that attractively accross the chest. There may be holes or Santa's hat may be distorted. It is especially noticeable on a sock.
An intarsia design isn't complete until the ends are woven in. This also gives you an opportunity to clean up the design. If you notice any overly large stitches you can use a tapestry needle to shift the excess yarn the closest yarn tail. Experience has taught me that the best way to weave in a yarn tail in stockinette in the middle of a row is to use the duplicate stitch method. I have done TONS of videos on this and several blog entries (just check the index). The problem with doing this on an intarsia design is that the stitch path can be difficult to see. The key thing is to look at the RS of the work as you do it to make sure the tail doesn't show through and doesn't distort the design. Stretch it!
This technique requires that you weave in the yarn in the direction the yarn tail would have taken if it were knit. This can cause panic as it mean that the yarn tail will cross over into another color. If you slightly split the stitches as you weave in the tail, this guarantees that the tail will stay on the WS of the work and won't poke through. I've woven black yarn over white with no problems.
The following photos shows the RS and WS of the work. This is the link to the video: Weaving in Yarn Tails in Intarsia Designs
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Sunday this week from 1:30-3:20. Hope you can make it!
CURRENT PROJECTS
The Thigh High socks have been blocked but I still have to weave in the yarn tails. I think I will make a pair for me. They are very comfortable (I did have to try them on!)
I've started on the Nordic Sweaters. They are so much fun! There will be three...one for a baby, one for a child and one for an adult. I am doing different designs for the sizes. The baby size has a fawn instead of a deer. It is unbelievably cute. The yarn is from Baah. The main color is a deeper red than this shows. The contrast is actually a pale, pale green. The child's sweater will be in a deeper green and the adult will be blue. I got the draft of the Fall issue yesterday with the children's argyle vests. The models we used (absolutely adorable) inspired these sweaters.
I devoted a day to getting my handouts and kits prepared and shipped off to the conference. I had to get them there by the 16th. I tend to put off things like that so I wind up shlepping an extra very heavy suitcase. Not this year!
STUDENT NEWS
Just a few lessons arrived for review. I am really under the wire for getting stuff knit for the Winter Issue of Cast On. I looked at a calendar the other day and realized I am running out of time, especially since I will not be able to get much knitting done while at the conference.
On a different (less whiny note), I got a list of my students signed up for the Finishing Course in NH and I contacted them all to see if they wanted PDF copies of the handout before the course. The handout has so many photographs which don't copy all that well so I want them to have the chance to get a color copy if they want it or to load it onto a tablet. Most have contacted me to get the files.
TIP OF THE WEEK
This is the final entry for intarsia. When I was reviewing for the Masters Program, many Level 2 knitters could do the argyle sock but the final result was ruined by how they wove in the yarn tails. Anyone who has purchased a Christmas sweater knit in Asia knows what I mean. If you look at the inside of those sweaters you will find a collection of knots. If the sweater is tight all of those knots mean that it doesn't stretch all that attractively accross the chest. There may be holes or Santa's hat may be distorted. It is especially noticeable on a sock.
An intarsia design isn't complete until the ends are woven in. This also gives you an opportunity to clean up the design. If you notice any overly large stitches you can use a tapestry needle to shift the excess yarn the closest yarn tail. Experience has taught me that the best way to weave in a yarn tail in stockinette in the middle of a row is to use the duplicate stitch method. I have done TONS of videos on this and several blog entries (just check the index). The problem with doing this on an intarsia design is that the stitch path can be difficult to see. The key thing is to look at the RS of the work as you do it to make sure the tail doesn't show through and doesn't distort the design. Stretch it!
This technique requires that you weave in the yarn in the direction the yarn tail would have taken if it were knit. This can cause panic as it mean that the yarn tail will cross over into another color. If you slightly split the stitches as you weave in the tail, this guarantees that the tail will stay on the WS of the work and won't poke through. I've woven black yarn over white with no problems.
The following photos shows the RS and WS of the work. This is the link to the video: Weaving in Yarn Tails in Intarsia Designs
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Sunday this week from 1:30-3:20. Hope you can make it!
CURRENT PROJECTS
The Thigh High socks have been blocked but I still have to weave in the yarn tails. I think I will make a pair for me. They are very comfortable (I did have to try them on!)
I've started on the Nordic Sweaters. They are so much fun! There will be three...one for a baby, one for a child and one for an adult. I am doing different designs for the sizes. The baby size has a fawn instead of a deer. It is unbelievably cute. The yarn is from Baah. The main color is a deeper red than this shows. The contrast is actually a pale, pale green. The child's sweater will be in a deeper green and the adult will be blue. I got the draft of the Fall issue yesterday with the children's argyle vests. The models we used (absolutely adorable) inspired these sweaters.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Intarsia Part 2
This entry will be brief. I didn't look at the calendar when I promised finish up the intarsia tip this week, not that I have any big plans other than cooking and knitting.
Just when I thought I was finished winding balls of yarn....I realized I hadn't thought about table decorations so I got some yarn in the colors of the conference literature and here we go again.
I looked at the calendar and realized that the conference is coming up soon and I haven't put my handouts together for the two classes I am teaching. One of my students has taken me up on my offer to do the homework (for a fee) so I have that to do as well. I know what I will be doing next week. One of my classes is sold out which is nice. I am teaching the two day finishing course. I am always surprised that students don't sign up for both days. Day 1 is sold out but there are a few spots left in Day 2. I will do some homework in case there are last minute sign ups.
STUDENT NEWS
The number of students that sent in lessons and signed up for the courses have really dropped off this month. It is officially summer vacation time.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Last week's tip was the introduction to intarsia. The technique itself isn't difficult. What makes intarsia a challenge is yarn management and tension issues. As I said last week, I've always found diagonal designs in intarsia the most satisfying. The tension seems easier to control. Where I've had difficulty is on vertical columns. Tension at the color joins can be difficult. When you begin and end rows, tension can be an issue. Changing colors in a vertical line is a lot like beginning and ending rows. The key thing is to avoid pulling the yarn tightly when changing colors. When you do this, you pull yarn from several of the stitches just knit, not just the last one. Using just your needle tips helps as well. Another thing you can try is to wrap the yarn the opposite way for the new stitch which means you have to work it through the back on the next row. I've tried all of these and have found them somewhat helpful but the best way to fix the tension is to look at the work when you are done BEFORE you have woven in the yarn tails and to use a tapestry needle to manipulate the stitches. For that reason, I don't weave in my yarn tails until the piece is done. Yes, this is a gigantic pain as it would be much more pleasant to do it as you go along but you have more control over the piece if you do it this way. The videos shows the techniques I tried. Vertical Intarsia
This photograph show the RS of the intarsia design. Notice that the tension on the right side is slightly better than the left side. I haven't fixed the left side yet. Next week I will do a video on clean up and weaving in the yarn tails.
Here is a photograph of the WS. Notice how the colors are interlocked at the join. If you don't follow the rule of picking up the new color under and to the right, you will get holes.
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30. I have to drive to the airport late in the afternoon.
CURRENT PROJECT
I finished one sock. I've changed the name to thigh highs. They are longer than over the knee. I haven't blocked the first one yet. I'm hoping to finish the second on early this week.
Just when I thought I was finished winding balls of yarn....I realized I hadn't thought about table decorations so I got some yarn in the colors of the conference literature and here we go again.
I looked at the calendar and realized that the conference is coming up soon and I haven't put my handouts together for the two classes I am teaching. One of my students has taken me up on my offer to do the homework (for a fee) so I have that to do as well. I know what I will be doing next week. One of my classes is sold out which is nice. I am teaching the two day finishing course. I am always surprised that students don't sign up for both days. Day 1 is sold out but there are a few spots left in Day 2. I will do some homework in case there are last minute sign ups.
STUDENT NEWS
The number of students that sent in lessons and signed up for the courses have really dropped off this month. It is officially summer vacation time.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Last week's tip was the introduction to intarsia. The technique itself isn't difficult. What makes intarsia a challenge is yarn management and tension issues. As I said last week, I've always found diagonal designs in intarsia the most satisfying. The tension seems easier to control. Where I've had difficulty is on vertical columns. Tension at the color joins can be difficult. When you begin and end rows, tension can be an issue. Changing colors in a vertical line is a lot like beginning and ending rows. The key thing is to avoid pulling the yarn tightly when changing colors. When you do this, you pull yarn from several of the stitches just knit, not just the last one. Using just your needle tips helps as well. Another thing you can try is to wrap the yarn the opposite way for the new stitch which means you have to work it through the back on the next row. I've tried all of these and have found them somewhat helpful but the best way to fix the tension is to look at the work when you are done BEFORE you have woven in the yarn tails and to use a tapestry needle to manipulate the stitches. For that reason, I don't weave in my yarn tails until the piece is done. Yes, this is a gigantic pain as it would be much more pleasant to do it as you go along but you have more control over the piece if you do it this way. The videos shows the techniques I tried. Vertical Intarsia
This photograph show the RS of the intarsia design. Notice that the tension on the right side is slightly better than the left side. I haven't fixed the left side yet. Next week I will do a video on clean up and weaving in the yarn tails.
Here is a photograph of the WS. Notice how the colors are interlocked at the join. If you don't follow the rule of picking up the new color under and to the right, you will get holes.
KNITTING SALON
Salon will be on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30. I have to drive to the airport late in the afternoon.
CURRENT PROJECT
I finished one sock. I've changed the name to thigh highs. They are longer than over the knee. I haven't blocked the first one yet. I'm hoping to finish the second on early this week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)