Knitting Daily : Entrelac

Lady Eleanor, I Presume?

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:00:00 GMT


	Lady Eleanor by Kathleen Powers Johnson, from Scarf Style

One of my Knitter's Resolutions this year is to work with different stitch patterns. Kathleen Power Johnson's Lady Eleanor, from the book Scarf Style, has been on my list for years, and I think it'll finally make its appearance in 2013.

It's my birthday today, and I think I'm going to give myself a gift in the form of yarn for Lady E!

Lady Eleanor (shown at right) is one of those scarf knitting patterns that combines a stitch pattern with its perfect yarn. The woven look of entrelac shows off the beautiful colors of hand-dyed, self-striping yarn, breaking up the colors in such a pleasing manner. And I really love the long, knotted fringe; it's beautiful.

Knitting entrelac is easy once you get going. I've taken a couple of classes on this knitting technique and it's one of those stitch patterns that you don't want to stop knitting because you're dying to see what comes next. Check out Eunny Jang's free tutorial on knitting entrelac; you'll see how simple it really is.

Eunny also has a DVD workshop available, Entrelac Knitting, Basics and Beyond, which expands on the information presented in her free tutorial. It's a wonderful learning tool.

I hope you enjoy knitting entrelac. Maybe you'll want to knit Lady Eleanor with me!

Cheers,

P.S. Are you already an entrelac knitter? If you have any tips, leave a comment and share them with us.

Try Something New: Entrelac

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMT


*The Cochin Shrug by Eunny Jang comes as a free download with the new workshop, Knitting Entrelac: Basics and Beyond.*

Entrelac is one of my favorite knitting techniques for texture and visual interest in knitting. It produces a fabric with a woven appearance—tiers of tilting blocks appear to run over and under each other.

But the fabric is actually worked all in one piece as a series of interconnecting rectangles.

I took a class on entrelac from Anne Modesitt at Interweave Knitting Lab, and when I got home I promptly bought some beautiful Noro yarn and cast on the Lady Eleanor Scarf (shown at right) from the book Scarf Style.


	Lady Eleanor Scarf from the book Scarf Style

That beautiful yarn and the pattern has been pulled out and started, but it keeps going to the bottom of the in-progress projects pile when other things come up, like knit-alongs, chemo caps, and baby presents. I really need to pull it out and keep it out!

What got me started on the topic of entrelac is Eunny Jang's new video workshop Knitting Entrelac: Basics and Beyond. I recently got my copy, and as always, Eunny has inspired me. She makes it look so easy, which it really is.

I love it when I learn how to knit a technique that I thought was difficult only to find out how really easy it is. And entrelac is also one of those techniques that keeps you knitting, just to see what comes next, especially when you're using a beautiful, self-striping yarn like my Noro.

Although when I look at the design that comes with the video, Eunny's Cochin Shrug (above left), I realize that entrelac is really nice in a solid color, too. The beauty and texture of the entrelac stitch stands out wonderfully in the smooth, solid yarn Eunny choose for this shrug.

Join me as I step back into my journey in entrelac—get Knitting Entrelac: Basics and Beyond today!

Cheers,

P.S. Do you have any tips about how to knit entrelac? Share them with us in the comments!

Lovely Little Knits

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT


	Houndstooth Bonnet by Wendy Bernard


God's Eye Mitts by Alexis Winslow

Equilibrium Cowl by Carolyn Kern

West Side Socks by Mary Lycan

A note from Kathleen: I've seen knitted accessories all over the place, in stores here at home, boutiques I visit on my travels, and in the catalogs I get almost every day in the mail. I always think the same thing when I see them: "I'm so lucky I can knit these for myself!" I love being able to knit up a quick pair of mitts, a hat for a gift, or a pair of socks. So I always look forward to our special issue accessory magazines.

The newest is Knitscene Accessories, and as always, I spied a patter that I want to knit right away. It's the Houndstooth Bonnet by Wendy Bernard (pictured at right). It really is a bonnet, too; a bonnet for adults. I love it.

Here's Knitscene editor Lisa Shroyer to tell you more about this new issue.

Every knitter loves a little knit.

In this special issue of Knitscene, we bring you thirty-five designs that pack a lot of style and, in some cases, a lot of technique, into a small package.

You can play with luxe yarns, hand-dyes and novelties, or pull something from your stash and whip up a quick project.

The editorial themes range from rustic fisherman to urban hipster to out-there sci-fi. These crazy themes reflect the nature of accessories—they make your style from day to day. Use them to change up your look, your mood, even your identity.

Sweaters are the staples of a knitter's wardrobe, but little knits are the embellishment. I'd go so far as to say that accessories are the fun in your wardrobe—and your knitting bag.

While you're working up a pair of mitts or a slouchy cap, learn some new techniques. In these pages, you'll find tutorials on entrelac, Fair Isle, intarsia, twisted stitches, and the dangerous-sounding dropped stitch. Learn about people and companies working with yarn, discover a new tool or book.

An issue such as this offers trend-driven, yet still timeless, content for the serious knitter. Keep it on your shelf, come back to it again and again.


	Enjoying the photo shoot, Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado, March 2012

I think you'll find the content constantly refreshing, constantly inspiring. I found working on this issue to be so—in fact, it's been one of the most fulfilling issues of my career so far.

This is good knitting, thanks to a group of designers and writers who work with passion for our benefit. Get your copy of Knitscene Accessories today, before they're all sold out!

Peace and happy stitches,

Knitting Lab: A weekend in knitter's Heaven!

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:22:00 GMT


Kathleen and Anne Berk, who's wearing one of her beautiful Bohus sweaters

I recently attended the inaugural Interweave Knitting Lab In San Mateo, CA and it was an absolute blast!

The classes were fabulous, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was exciting. I took a bunch of classes and I learned so much.

Here's a run-down:

Double Knitting with Annie Modesitt: I've wanted to learn this technique for a long time, and Annie taught a great class. We started with two colors and graduated to one. This is a wonderful way to knit pockets, bags, pillows and even socks because you actually knit two pieces of stockinette at the same time. Loved it.

My entrelac swatch in progress

Meg Swanson showing off a treasury of sweaters

My swatch from Cookie A.'s class

Bohus Knitting Tradition with Anne Berk: I was intrigued the Bohus technique (those beautiful, colorful yoked sweaters), and this class was so enlightening. We worked our swatches (sometimes with three colors in a row) learning how to manage our yarn, while Anne told us all about the history of Bohus. By the end of class my eyes were blurry but I loved every minute of it.

Charted Entrelac with Annie Modesitt: Annie is hilarious and she made this class really fun. I've wanted to learn how to knit entrelac for a long time, and Annie made it easy for me to learn. She taught the basic technique and then supplemented with a couple of tips that really helped a lot. She showed us how to knit backwards, which makes each little rectangle of an entrelac piece go really quickly, and we learned how to pick up stitches with a piece of yarn as we knit. I'll show both of these techniques on Knitting Daily in the near future.

EPS Updated with Meg Swanson and Amy Detjen: Meg Swanson is Elizabeth Zimmermann's daughter (in case you didn't know!) and she's an incredible knitter in her own right. Amy is Meg's assistant and master knitter as well. "EPS" is Elizabeth's Percentage System, which uses percentages of the bust measurement to map out an entire sweater. Meg talked about all kinds of ways to use EPS while showing us how to knit lots of increases, decreases, and other techniques that Elizabeth used in her sweaters. She also showed off amazing sweaters that she and Elizabeth knitted. It was amazing to see these knitted works of art, shown my Meg herself.

Custom Garment Shaping with Stefanie Japel: This class was really helpful to me. Stefanie talked about how to use your gauge swatch to make changes to a sweater pattern. She demonstrated several ways to calculate measurements to change the shaping of a pattern to match my own shaping, which is almost never represented in patterns. I'm an apple shape, you see, so no waist shaping for me! Stefanie gave us two of her patterns that are simple—but classic—and easily customizable. It was a fun class.

Traveling Stitches with Cookie A.: Cookie is brilliant, and she's really good at teaching her brilliance to "lay people." She taught us about her traveling stitch methodology while she passed around beautiful knitted socks as examples. I have three new sock patterns in my queue because of you, Cookie! We got to practice our new-found knowledge by knitting swatches from charts, which was really fun. Some intrepid knitters in class even worked up their own charts!

It was a wonderful weekend, and I can't wait for the next Knitting Lab in Manchester, NH October 4-7, 2012 and then again in San Mateo, CA November 1-4, 2012.

I highly recommend this event; I learned so much and am ultra-motivated to use my new skills!

Check out these reviews, too, one from Annie Modesitt and one from Clara Parkes.

Cheers,

Learn something new: Tunisian crochet

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT


	Betty's Tee, the knit version

A note from Kathleen: Remember Betty's Tee from the Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Knits (photo at right)? We all loved it, including the folks at Interweave Crochet, so much so that they asked Tram Nguyen to design a similar top in Tunisian Crochet for the Fall 2011 issue. Tram designed the Tunisian version in a luscious 100 percent silk yarn, and I think I might like the crochet version even better than the knit version!

I decided to try my hand at Tunisian crochet to see if I could possibly take on this project, and guess what? It's really easy! To learn how, click on the video at the end of this newsletter. Tunisian is a really fun technique, and the crochet version of Betty's Tee is really gorgeous. If I can do it, you can, too.

Here's CrochetMe editor Toni Rexroat to tell you more about Betty's Tunisian Tee.


*Betty's Tunisian Tee by Tram Nguyen, from Interweave Crochet* Fall 2011**

Sweater Workshop: Betty's Tunisian Tee

The instant I saw Betty's Tunisian Tee by Tram Nguyen, from the Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet, I knew I had to make this luscious silk top. I love the strong lines and textures created with a combination of Tunisian knit stitches and Tunisian purl stitches.

As I read the pattern and studied the sample garment, I realized that this entrelac top might look more complicated on the surface than the construction entails. This is really a great intermediate Tunisian crochet pattern! Let's look at the unique construction together.

Betty's Tunisian Tee is worked in the round from the bottom up in entrelac tiers: two pyramids at front and back (number 1 on the schematic at right), two diamonds that wrap around the sides (number 2), two "Vs" placed point to point with the first pyramid for the front bust and back (number 3), and two squares each for the sleeves (numbers 4 and 5). The directional striping in each tier is created by alternating Tunisian knit stitch and Tunisian purl stitch.

1) The Base Triangles

This top begins with a chain that is the length of the hip circumference. The first base triangle is worked, beginning with just two Tunisian stitches, from the lower left corner in rows that increase in stitch number. These rows are worked at an angle from the lower right point to the last row, which is the entire length of the triangle from the top point to the lower left point.

At this point, you will have worked into half of the beginning chain stitches. The second base triangle is worked in the same manner as the first. All of the beginning chain stitches should be worked, and you now have two triangles.

2) The First Entrelac Block

To begin the first body block, or the side diamond, pick up loops along the right edge of the first diamond. You will continue to work in Tunisian knit stitch and Tunisian purl stitch pattern, but because you are working at a different angle, these stripes will be perpendicular to those created in the base triangles.

Each successive entrelac block is worked in a similar manner, building the tee geometrically. I found the constructions diagrams (above) particularly helpful when I was figuring out this garment's construction. While I will admit that, on first glance, it resembles a battleship, this clever drawing is an excellent representation of the way the entrelac tiers are built into the final garment. If you fold the drawing along the lines I have drawn (above right), you can see what I mean (left).

Once you have wrapped your head around the intriguing construction techniques, this unique pattern is beautifully accessible.

Interweave Crochet continues to introduce new crochet techniques and pattern possibilities. And now you can subscribe to Interweave Crochet in print or digitally!

Best wishes,

P.S. Get a Tunisian crochet tutorial on CrochetMe, and when you're ready to tackle Betty's Tunisian Tee, join us in the crochet-along!

Spotlight on Modular Knitting

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT


The Sweet Hexagon Cowl from our new eMag, EntreKnits

I'm so excited about our new eMag, EntreKnits, which takes a fresh look at entrelac, mitered, and modular knitting. These techniques all start with one simple shape and grow into something greater—like knitting itself.

There are beautiful patterns, of course, along with interviews, historical tidbits, video tutorials, and lots about the math of knitting—which I never thought I'd be interested in, believe me, but I read every word and learned a lot! It made me realize that we knitters are a rather mathematical group, after all.

My favorite pattern is the lovely Sweet Hexagon Cowl by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark, pictured at left.

It's part of a quilt-inspired article in EntreKnits. Because quilts are the classic expression of geometry in textiles, so quilt-like designs are a natural in a collection of modular knitting.

The Sweet Hexagon Cowl is constructed of interlocking hexagon pieces that are knitted in the round. After knitting the first piece, all the following hexagons are connected to neighboring pieces using a combination of picked-up and cast-on stitches.

The simple color palette, in a tonal mix of four semisolid colorways, lets the random shift of colors take center stage.

It's gorgeous, and I just love the yellows, lilacs, and purples (even though purple and yellow are the colors of my rival university).

Knitting Trifecta


	The Cochin Shrug by Eunny Jang is a stylish entrelac project.


	Cochin Shrug, back view. I love how the entrelac squares make a V and pull up the hemline.

I like to have a couple (or three) projects going on at one time. I like something challenging for brain-exercise knitting, something simple for TV knitting, and something portable for travel knitting.

The techniques in EntreKnits are a veritable knitting trifecta because they fit all three categories. Entrelac, mitered, and modular knitting can all be portable, challenging, and, once you get the hang of them, easy.

Challenging: When you're first learning the techniques in EntreKnits, like knitting backward or joining dominoes in three dimensions, they can seem challenging. Luckily, the eMag contains videos, diagrams, and tutorials to help you learn these methods fast! So then they become . . .

Easy: Once you've learned these techniques, you're basically working the same stitches over and over to create a modular piece of knitting.

Portable: Most of the projects in this eMag are small enough to be portable. Even Eunny Jang's stylish entrelac shrug pattern (at right) is small enough to travel with.

Download your EntreKnits eMag today; I know you'll love it as much as I do—I've already looked at my stash to see if I have any yarn for the Sweet Hexagon Cowl. (Although I pretty much know that I'll be getting some of that yellow and lilac yarn!)

Cheers,

Happy New Year!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm having a party tonight!

I'm already thinking about tomorrow, though—I can't believe it's going to be 2011. Why does the time seem to go faster as we get older? My (totally nonscientific) theory is that we have more to worry about and our minds are working faster to process everything, so it seems like time passes quicker.

With time going by so fast, I feel like I have to evaluate my knitting projects and get organized! This organization bug seems to hit me two or three times a year. I'm moving in the next couple of weeks, so it's the perfect opportunity to go through my stash and organize my projects.

I thought I'd do a list of knitting resolutions for this newsletter, but it occurred to me that I haven't checked in on last year's resolutions for several months! Let's do that now; here they are:

Learn the Norwegian cast-on. Done! I use this cast-on a lot now, it's a good staple and its stretchiness is perfect for hats and cuff-down socks.

Don't start any new projects until my important UFOs are finished! Mission somewhat accomplished. I finished several UFOs, including several of my knit-along projects. (I'm almost always the last one done with my own knit-alongs, and I never did finish my Every Way Wrap!)

Do an entrelac project. Nope, not done. I'm leaving this on my list for this year.


	Intarsia Beret from Inside Intarsia


	Circles from Inca Knits


	Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style

Practice my intarsia skills. This is partially done. I've practiced my skills, but I haven't done a real project yet so I'm going to bump this up to the top of my list. I love our Knitting Daily Workshop Inside Intarsia with Anne Berk (now available as a digital download!); I've had the Circles jacket (from Marianne Isager's book Inca Knits) on my list for over a year now, and Inside Intarsia inspired me to actually tackle this project. I have a couple of things to finish first, but I hope to get to this project by the fall. It'll be here sooner that I think!

So, here are my resolutions for 2011:

1. Knit an intarsia project; hopefully I've practiced enough to do Circles! But I think I'll start with Anne Berk's Intarsia Beret from Inside Intarsia, which I would love to make in brown, tan, and maybe a China blue.

2. Knit an entrelac project. I love Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style! It's also been on my to-do list, so I think it's about time to tackle it.

3. Finish at least one of my knit-alongs on time. That's a big goal for me, but I know I can do it. (The next knit-along will be announced here on January 3.)

4. Organize my knitting needles and catalog them in one of those cool iPhone Apps. I know I never need another pair of 9s, for instance, but can't seem to find any circular 4s. How can that be?

5. Take advantage of the aforementioned organizing bug! I plan to go through my stash and put together my works-in-progress projects (WIPs) so they're easy to finish. I'm going to put them in Ziploc bags with the patterns and needles, and I'm also going to make a list of which needles are in which WIP and keep it with my needles, just so I don't buy needles I don't need. I'll also put upcoming projects in bags with their patterns. I like to do this because it helps me visualize my stash in terms of finished objects, not just as bins of yarn.

I think that's enough to keep me busy.

It's been a wonderful year for me and I hope you've had a good one too. At my party I'm going to raise a glass to you, my Knitting Daily friends; thanks for a great year of knitting, fun, and friendship.

Cheers!

P.S. Leave a comment and tell me what your new year's resolutions are!

Discover a New Technique: Entrelac!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT


	The Basic Entrelac Scarf by Lisa Shroyer

Entrelac is a knitting technique that produces a fabric with a woven appearance—tiers of tilting blocks appear to run over and under each other. But the fabric is actually worked all in one piece as a series of interconnecting rectangles.

Also called patchwork knitting, basketweave knitting, or birch-bark patterning, entrelac can stand on its own in garter or stockinette stitch, or it can provide an interesting framework for other texture or color-work techniques.

I've had this technique on my knitting bucket list for several years now, but I haven't tackled it.

I recently got my Knitting Daily TV Series 500 DVDs, though, and host Eunny Jang did a "Getting Started" segment on entrelac. So I've put together a sort of technique knit-along because I'm following these exact instructions to knit The Basic Entrelac Scarf by Lisa Shroyer.

To begin the journey, take a look at Eunny's entrelac video tutorial at left. It's a great visual how-to, which always helps me immensely. (There's also a bonus in-depth tutorial on entrelac in addition to this getting started segment, only available on the KDTV DVDs!)

Anyway, Lisa wrote her pattern based on an entrelac Back to Basics article from Interweave Knits, also by Eunny. I'm excerpting the article here, with a link at the end of the excerpt to the entire article.

As Lisa says in her directions, the scarf project is a great way to practice your entrelac skills—and end up with a beautiful scarf!

Entrelac: Basic Principles
Entrelac fabric's series of tilted blocks are worked one at a time in tiers. Within a tier, blocks are worked in the same direction, either right to left or left to right. Each tier of blocks builds upon the one below it. Individual blocks are worked by picking up stitches along the selvage of a block from the tier below and working stitches of the growing block together with live stitches from the top edge of the next block below. To produce a piece with straight rather than pointed edges across the bottom and top, the first and last tiers must consist of rows of triangular half-blocks. For straight vertical edges, every other tier of a flatworked entrelac piece begins and ends with a triangle. Individual blocks may be worked over any number of stitches, and a piece may have any number of individual blocks. In all cases, each block contains twice as many rows as it does stitches.

Though the basic entrelac technique has several variations, the following method produces tidy results. When you practice entrelac for the first time, try working every other tier of blocks in a different color to emphasize the basketweave effect and to make it easier to identify the blocks and live stitches of each tier.

Note: When you work the first stitch of every row, you can slip it for a tidy pick-up edge, but be aware that you will lose some elasticity in the knitted piece.

Base Triangles (RS facing to begin)
Cast on 24 sts (or use any multiple of 8, the number of sts in each block in this sampler), using a loose cast-on such as the knitted cast-on (see box).
Row 1: (RS) K2, turn.
Row 2: (WS) P2, turn.
Row 3: K3, turn.
Row 4: P3, turn.
Row 5: K4, turn.
Row 6: P4, turn.
Row 7: K5, turn.
Row 8: P5, turn.
Row 9: K6, turn.
Row 10: P6, turn.
Row 11: K7, turn.
Row 12: P7, turn.
Row 13: K8, do not turn. The first base triangle has been completed.

With the RS still facing, the right selvage edge of the just-worked triangle forms the right side of the triangle, the 8 live sts on the needle form the left side, and the cast-on row forms the base. Repeat Rows 1-13 until all cast-on stitches have been worked. If you began with 24 sts, there will be three 8-st triangles on the needle ( Figure1).

Figure 1

Note: All figures show knitting with needle removed.

First Tier of Blocks (WS facing to begin)
Cast on 24 sts (or use any multiple of 8, the number of sts in each block in this sampler), using a loose cast-on such as the knitted cast-on (see box). Read more...

What do you think? Are you up to entering the world of entrelac with me?

Cheers,

P.S. Don't forget to check out the new season of KDTV! And if it's not on your PBS station, be sure and order the complete series on DVD.

Help! My Sweater is Too Short!

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Do you have a sweater that you continually tug on to make it just a little bit longer? Or do you stretch it and steam it over and over again to try to get a little more length?

I knew I couldn't be the only one who has knitted an entire sweater, seamed it, wore it a few times, and then decided it was a bit too short!

I've knitted a too-short sweater and actually fixed it! It can be done. You have to cut the sweater near the hem, though, so it's a face-your-fears sort of fix.

Lisa Kartus, the author of one of my favorite knitting resource books—Knit Fix—has written some step-by-step directions for lengthening a sweater after the fact. I thought you might want to add this technique to your bag of tricks...just in case you ever need it.

Changing Length from the Cast-On Edge

PROBLEM: The piece is too short or too long at the cast-on edge.

FIX: Lengthen or shorten it by removing the cast-on and knitting in the opposite direction. If you want to shorten or lengthen a sweater that was knitted from the bottom up, take out your scissors and skinny circular needle. It's impossible to unravel from a cast-on edge. You must remove any hemstitch patterns, whether they be ribbing or garter or what have you, because stitches knitted in opposite directions won't line up; they'll be shifted a half-stitch to one side.

You'll need scissors, a coil-less pin, and a needle three or four sizes smaller than the needles you used in your project. Here's what you do:

1. Decide where you want the new hem/cuff to begin and mark it with a coil-less pin. (If your sweater is seamed, take out the side seams.)

Ready? Take a deep breath.

2. Clip one stitch about two rows above the length you've marked. Turn your work around so that you're holding it hem side up.


Figure 1

Figure 2

3. Pull the cut yarn end through the nearest stitch, the one just above it. Before pulling the yarn end through the same stitch again, secure the stitch onto the small needle (Figure 1).

4. Remove the yarn end from this stitch and repeat across the row or round. If you snipped in the middle of the row, free all the stitches in one direction. Then free the remaining stitches in the opposite direction and secure using the other end of the circular needle. You'll know you're done when you're holding a needle full of stitches (right legs forward) and the hem comes off in your hand (Figure 2).

At this point you may want to close your eyes for a moment and recover. Me, I hear myself shouting, "Yes, it worked!"

Move the stitches onto the regular needle, join new yarn, and knit to the correct length. If there is no hemstitch pattern, insert one to disguise the change in direction.

When not to try a clip fix:
on modular knits, including entrelac and mitered squares.

Be careful with unraveling any nubby yarn, bucle, mohair, etc. It can be done by required teasing the fibers apart with great patience.

Bind off loosely.

You can also use this fix to redo hems or cuffs that are too tight or too loose.
__________________________________________________________

If you have to use this technique, it's fail safe, just like all of the other fixes in Knit Fix. If you don't have a copy, what are you waiting for?

Cheers,

Tune in to a new season of Knitting Daily TV!

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT


Knitting Daily TV hosts Shay Pendray, Eunny Jang, and Kristin Omdahl

Shay Pendray and Vicki Square

Eunny Jang in a sea of hats

Eunny Jang and Zontee Hou discussing the Little Lamb Sock Critter project

A note from Kathleen: Knitting Daily TV is such an inspiration for us knitters. I've learned so much, too, such as how to knit in ends, how to use the new novelty yarns, how to Artfelt, how to work a mitered square, and much more.

And now there's a whole new series of tips, tricks, interviews, demonstrations, patterns, and FUN!

Here's associate producer Annie Hartman Bakken to tell you more.

It's Here! Knitting Daily TV Series 500!

The newest season of Knitting Daily TV is about to air on Public Television stations across the country, with 13 new episodes hosted by Eunny Jang and featuring experts Kristin Omdahl and Shay Pendray. This is the best season yet, and we hope you'll knit along with us!

With each episode you'll learn new techniques, meet top-notch designers, and knit stylish projects.

You'll learn three easy buttonholes and how to spice up your handknits with various button styles, how to knit a hat in the round on double-points, all the need-to-know information on circular needles including the magic loop method, the basics of entrelac, how to crochet hairpin lace, and more.

And you'll love our new feature—knit-alongs! We have three projects we'll be knitting together, and we hope you'll join us on the adventure.

Here's a sneak peek of the first five episodes:

Episode 501: Ground Rules
Eunny Jang demonstrates how to avoid common knitting mistakes to get your knitting started on the right foot, Vicki Square teaches the South American join technique, and the knit-along for the Fallen Leaves Scarf begins.

Episode 502: Finishing Touches
Learn how to knit basic buttonholes, take a look at button choices on the market to decorate your knitting, learn how to felt a boutique-style flower tote, and continue the knit-along of the Fallen Leaves Scarf with simple slip stitch knitting.

Episode 503: Play with Color
Eunny demonstrates the basics of entrelac colorwork knitting, designer Lorna Miser talks about her playful methods of choosing yarn colors, and the Fallen Leaves Scarf project wraps up with seed stitch and basket weave knitting.

Episode 504: Hat Basics
Learn threes ways to knit a cap, join designer Jared Flood as he demonstrates a basic way to decrease stitches in the knitting of his Turn A Square Hat pattern, and begin the second knit-along: the Little Lamb Sock Critter.

Episode 505: Make It Unique
Eunny begins with a primer on joining yarns, spinner extraordinaire Amy King shows us her special techniques to spinning fuzzy yarns, Shay demonstrates simple embroidery techniques to spice up your knitwear, and the Little Lamb Sock Critter knit-along continues with the cabling section of the cute critter.

Be sure to visit KnittingDailyTV.com for all the tips and techniques shown on the newest season, free pattern downloads of projects seen on each episode, video previews, and more.

You can also search your local listings to see when the show is airing in your area (or purchase all 13 episodes on DVD!).

Cheers,

Annie

Customized Knitting: Altering Betty's Tee

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: Customizing for your body and wardrobe is one of the great joys of being able to make your own knitted garments. A few weeks ago, Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang presented a sweater workshop for Betty's Tee (Interweave Knits, Spring 2010). This cute tee is also an exciting knit because of the entrelac technique used throughout the pattern. Eunny's back again to bring us some alternate necklines just in case you don't want the V-neck look.

Neckline Alterations for Betty's Tee

The last time we talked about Tram Nguyen's Betty's Tee from the Spring issue of Interweave Knits, there were quite a lot of comments about modifying the neckline. Because of the unique construction of the tee, the back neck presents a wide, deep V— very pretty, but sometimes awkward to wear.

If you'd like to modify the back (or front!) neckline of Betty's Tee, you've got a few different options.

For all of these options, you should begin by picking up stitches along the area of neckline you want to cover.


Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

To fill in the entire back neck for a wide boatneck silhouette, pick up from shoulder point to shoulder point, as shown in Figure A.

If you'd just like to fill in the center V, pick up from the point of Entrelac Block 1 to the corresponding shoulder block, as shown in Figure E. Make sure to pick up an equal number of stitches on the right and left sides.

1) Short Row Neckline (Figure B)
Working along the picked up row of stitches, work back and forth in progressively shorter rows until the back neck is as high as you like. Add a few rows of garter stitch to keep the back neck from curling.

2) Mitered Neckline (Figure C)
Beginning with just the center few picked up stitches, work back and forth in progressively longer rows, adding more picked up stitches with every row and working a centered double decrease over the center three stitches of each right side row.

3) Entrelac-ish Neckline (Figure D)
This neckline echoes the makeup of the entrelac blocks. With the right side facing, work one right side row from right shoulder tip to the center. Turn, slip the first stitch, and work back.

Next row (RS): K2tog. Work to next-to-last stitch from previous row; knit this stitch together with one stitch from left side of neckline. Turn; slip the first stitch; work back. Repeat this row until all stitches have been used up.

4) Modified Entrelac-ish Neckline (Figure E)
Work just as for larger Entrelac Neckline, but pick up stitches and work only from the point of Entrelac Block 1 to the point of the corresponding shoulder block.

There's always more than one way to approach any knitting challenge. At Interweave Knits, our goal is always to make sure that knitters have the tools and information they need to make every knit perfect for them.

Experiment—and see what works for you!

Cheers,

Eunny

Sweater Workshop: Betty's Tee

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: It's time for our Sweater Workshop from the Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Knits. Eunny's here to take us through Tram Nguyen's Betty's Tee, a deceptively simple little blouse that's versatile and flattering. Take it away, Eunny!

Betty's Tee: An Adventure in Entrelac

The sweater I'm talking about today just gets more interesting the closer you look at it: Tram Nguyen's Betty's Tee takes a well-loved technique, entrelac, and blows its building blocks up to sweater-size proportions that are really fun to knit and make a flattering finished garment. I'm planning on actually knitting this one for myself eventually—but for now, let's take a closer look at its anatomy.

What makes this garment unique?

1) Adapting a classic technique for modern fit. Entrelac is usually thought of as a flat technique that mainly influences surfaces—because it has some shape and size limitations, it's usually relegated to (beautiful) shawls, panels in sweaters, and straight tubes like those in socks. Betty's Tee, on the other hand, takes the sculptural possibilities inherent in the technique and runs with them—a fresh, modern take on a classic.

2) Intriguing construction that's both simpler and more interesting than it seems. Betty's Tee is essentially knitted in the round—there are only two very small seams to sew. Each entrelac block is knitted flat, however, which means that you'll be knitting back and forth for most of the garment.

The magic is in how these large entrelac blocks fit together. Take a look at Figure 1, below, which represents an exploded view of the garment with some fold lines and construction lines marked: Two large base triangles form the hem of the body. Two large blocks become most of the body. Smaller blocks—still fitted into the entrelac patterning—form extensions that run up and over the shoulder, and two final smaller square blocks become the bridges that connect the front to the back.

Now match notches to notches and take a look at Figure 2, below, which shows how all these pieces fit together: The body and base pieces fit into a neat tube, and the shoulder extensions fold over and join to the opposite side. Very clever! Every new block is formed by picking up along an existing block, so there aren't even any ends to weave in, except after sewing the two small seams that finally connect shoulders to fronts.


Figure 1		Figure 2

3) Clever detailing. You've noticed by now that we've been working with straight squares and rectangles and then forming them into a straight tube. But the human body isn't a straight tube, of course—we like our sweaters to flatter. The designer came up with a really clever solution for this—a simple, large-scale rib that gives some elasticity to the fabric, letting it cling where it should and drape away where it shouldn't. Because the ribbing follows the direction of knitting, the ribs run in perpendicular directions, creating a fabric that has great stretch both horizontally as well as vertically.

4) Customizability. This sweater is an amazing blank canvas for surface design. How about throwing a baby cable into your ribbing? Or working a larger-scale cable motif into each block? How about lace, or colorwork that tilts on a bias? You can pattern the blocks however you like as long as your gauge will let you work with the basic construction.


Try a cable design.		Or even a Fair Isle pattern!

If you've never worked with entrelac before, you may want to learn more about the basics by downloading Beyond the Basics: Entrelac. Once you've got the hang of this basic technique, dive into Betty's Tee with me!

How will you be knitting it? Leave a comment and let me know!

Have fun,

Eunny

2010 Knitting Resolutions (and vote for the new KAL!)

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Well, here we are in 2010. I can't believe it. I think I've said before that I thought we'd be flying around in little spaceships by now, or at the very least using Star Trek medicine—I love how they put a puff of air in your neck and you're cured of cancer. If only!

Anyway, let's talk knitting! We all have resolutions that we make each year—some out loud or on paper, some in our minds (Iose weight and save money!). I've got some knitting resolutions that I'm going to say out loud and put on paper. Hold me to 'em, folks!

1. Learn the Norwegian cast-on. It's similar to the long-tail cast-on, but more elastic. Great for socks and hats—at least that's what my friends all say.

2. Don't start any new projects until my important UFOs are finished! This one will be hard to keep, but I need to try. I have so many UFOs that I'm out of a couple of sizes of needles! I can't buy more needles (this goes under the "save money" resolution heading), so I need to finish those projects. This doesn't include the accessory projects I have going all the time, though, or our knit-a-longs!

3. After some UFOs are finished (hopefully by the end of February) start on some of the Interweave sweater projects I lined up in this post about my knitting calendar. First up, the Cabaret Raglan.

4. Do an entrelac project. I've never tried this method, and there's a beautiful shawl pattern that uses self-striping yarn and the entrelac technique. One of my Seattle knitting friends made it and I've coveted it ever since I saw it on her.

5. Practice my intarsia skills. I don't particularly like doing this technique, but I do like the way it looks, especially for kids. I've had an intarsia dog sweater on the needles for two years. Bad me.

I think that's enough for one year; I have to save room for all of the knitting opportunities that will just present themselves!

A New Knit-a-Long!

Here are four patterns I'd like to knit. Which one do you want to knit with me? Take the survey and let me know. We'll start our new KAL on January 11.



The Heather Hoodie Vest by Debbie O'Neill	William Street Socks by Lisa Shroyer	The Slanting Gretel Tee by Petra Manis	Floating Spiral Hat by Owen Biesel

The Heather Hoodie Vest is actually already on my needles. It's fast and easy and so cute! William Street Socks are cozy socks knit on #3 needles; they're perfect for clogs. I saw the Slanting Gretel Tee in person and it's so flattering! The Floating Spiral Hat is a quick knit, and it's a unisex design, too.

So vote here for your favorite and let's get knitting.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Welcome to a New Issue of Interweave Crochet!

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: The new issue of Interweave Crochet is about to hit your mailboxes and local yarn shops! Here to give you a preview is editor Marcy Smith. This issue of the magazine features a really cool technique that knitters will be interested in: Tunisian crochet. It gives the look of knitting, but it's fast and very textural—just what you'd expect from a crochet stitch. Here's Marcy to talk more about this fascinating stitch and the Winter 2009 issue of Interweave Crochet.

Time for Tunisian

Does knitted entrelac make you sweat? Pick up stitches, knit back and forth, turn and turn again, keep the angles turned right round. It's some work. It's really a love-it-or-hate-it kind of sport.

Here's a way to get the same look without the sweaty edge of angst: Tunisian crochet. The fabulous Sunset Ruana on the cover of the Winter issue of Interweave Crochet is worked a series of squares and triangles, just like knitting. You pick up stitches along one edge and join to the previous block as you go, just like knitting. But you do all this with a crochet hook, instead of a knitting needle, which is much easier.

Tunisian crochet is a fusion of knitting and crochet, which will make the process feel very familiar to knitters. With Tunisian crochet, you pick up the stitches all along the edge and keep them on the hook, just like knitting. Then you work them off one by one, just like knitting.

At the end of the row, you have just one loop left. You then pick up stitches along the next row and work them off. The right side always faces you, so there's no turning. For the ruana, you don't need any special tools. The rows are short enough that you can use a regular crochet hook instead of a longer Tunisian hook. Do select a hook that has the same circumference all along it, without the flattened thumb rest.

The Winter issue of Interweave Crochet provides all the basics for learning Tunisian crochet. In addition to the ruana, you'll find three more great Tunisian patterns, including the Katharine Vest by Dora Ohrenstien and the Aubrey Coat by Tram Nguyen. The Flip-Floor Pillow by Brianna Mewborn is worked in one piece with cunning wedges of alternating simple stitch and Tunisian purl, which really does look like the knitted purl stitch. (For these projects, you will need a longer hook; if you have the Denise interchangeable needle set, you can purchase crochet hooks that fit onto the cords.)


The Aubrey Coat	The Flip-Floor Pillow	The Katharine Vest

Tunisian crochet can produce some really fabulous fabrics, not possible with either knitting or traditional crochet. The basic stitch creates a fabric that looks much like woven fabric. Another stitch looks exactly like stockinette stitch-but with twice the warmth, making it perfect for outer wear. Give it a whirl. I think you'll like it.

Read more about the history of this intriguing technique in Beyond the Basics. And meet Angela Grabowski, who funnels her passion into creating new Tunisian stitches, including some cable work that looks just like knitted cables.

Create a Gift for a Homeless Child

In this issue, the Craftivism feature by Betsy Greer suggests four patterns to make and donate to an organization called Project Night Night, that will get the items into the hands of homeless children. Interweave Crochet assistant editor Toni Rexroat designed an amigurimi project called Frog Charming. So grab the new issue, your hook, and some yarn, and make one or two of these froggies to donate to a little prince or princess charming in need!

And that's not all! Click here to preview all of the exciting projects in the Winter 2009 issue of Interweave Crochet.

And happy new year! We wish you a happy and healthy 2010!

Best,

Marcy

Knitting with Homespun: A Gift-Giver's Delight

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:30:00 GMT

True confession: I've never spun a single inch of yarn. Really embarrassing true confession: I've never wanted to spin a single inch of yarn. (I'm sure that'll change as I get to know more about spinning, right?) So why am I even talking about spinning? It's all because of the yarn, folks. The wonderful, unique, goodness that is handspun yarn. (And because of the Quant. The what, you ask? The Quant. Keep reading.)

I have knit with my share of homespun and I love it. There's something so satisfying about buying a skein or two (Etsy, anyone?), choosing a beautiful accessory pattern, and knitting it up. I usually use my super-special hardwood needles with homespun, just to make the experience that much more luxurious.

There's also something a little sad about giving the project away as a gift, which is usually what I end up doing.

I once knit a scarf out of the most funky, thick and thin homespun that had bits of fluff, felt, and sparkly things randomly interwoven. I ran it with a DK merino in a solid that picked up the brightest color of the fluffy stuff. This was a simple side-to-side garter-stitch pattern that really showed off the spectacle of this yarn.

Then I gave the scarf away. I've been pining for it ever since, secretly being a little mad at the recipient, and I've never been able to find the yarn again.

In the spirit of letting go of my resentment, I'm going to start some new gifts with homespun. I was flipping through the summer 2009 issue of Spin Off magazine--and there it was--the perfect simple-ish patterns that really shows off the beauty of homespun yarn: TA DA . . . the Quant, by Star Athena.

The Quant is a nifty entrelac head wrap-the perfect one-skein wonder and beginning entrelac project. It's a wonderful head scarf for late fall and early spring in Spokane. (In the dead of winter you would need about three of them to fully encase your head, leaving an air hole or two.) For me, it achieves two things: I can practice my entrelac and have some great gifts as a result.

There's something for everyone with the Quant--you spinners can spin yarn specifically for this pattern, and us knitters get another excuse to buy some more lovely homespun--maybe yours!

Just remember to at least take to take a picture of your next homespun project before you give it away.


	My entrelac swatch in progress

	Meg Swanson showing off a treasury of sweaters

	My swatch from Cookie A.'s class