Knitting Daily : Finishing

Interweave Knits Accessories Preview!

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Remember that hilarious line from the movie Steel Magnolias: "the only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize"? Well, our new special interest publication, Interweave Knits Accessories, is a collection of patterns that'll keep you from becoming an animal for years and years!

With more than 60 favorite projects (at about 25 cents per pattern!) from the pages of Knits, KnitScene, and Interweave books, Interweave Knits Accessories is packed with patterns. You'll find pages and pages of scarves, hats, socks, gloves, and mittens—quick projects to go with everything in your wardrobe.

I love small projects because you can practice your skills on a small scale, perhaps challenging yourself a little here and there! And in today's economy, we could all use a couple of one- or two-skein projects, right? Shop your stash to find yarn for many of the patterns in Interweave Accessories.

You'll also get several popular "Back to Basics" tutorials, such as Finishing Details, Circular Knitting, Getting Started with Socks, and the Grand Plan Mitten Chart (I'm going to check this one out ASAP!).

Here are some of my favorite projects:


Koolhaas Hat	Forbes Forest	Orenburg Lace Triangle
Jared Flood	Kathy Zimmerman	Galina Khmeleva

I've admired the Koolhaas Hat since it debuted in the first issue of Interweave Knits Gifts, so I think it's about time to make one! I like the unisex appeal of this hat, and Jared Flood's designs are always a pleasure to knit. Forbes Forest is also a great unisex design, one that will work equally well with a fancy coat or a down vest. The Orenburg Lace Triangle is so beautiful—I love a stylish shawl, and this one is timeless.


Sideways Grand Hat	Subway Mittens	Citrine Socklets
Laura Irwin	Colleen Meagher	Marilyn Webster

The Sideways Grand Hat is a wonderful blend of fashion-forward and vintage style. This is one that looks good on many face shapes. You'll love the handy pocket in Subway Mittens, whether you need a spare subway token or an extra quarter for the parking meter! I love anklets, and the Citrine Socklets are cozy, pretty, and comfortable. They're designed with a beautiful silk-merino yarn, too, one that'll keep your tootsies warm throughout the winter.

So check out the preview for all of these projects and many, many more! I know you'll enjoy this wonderful collection as much as I do.

Cheers,

Kathleen

P.S. Glove update! Thanks to all of you who chimed in on my yarn choices for the gloves I'm making. More than 400 of you commented! I ended up choosing the Koigu because of several comments about the wearablilty. Votes-wise, I think the Malabrigo came in first, followed by the lost-tag green, then the Koigu. I weighed the green, and I was afraid I didn't have enough to make both gloves—wouldn't that be awful?! I have a dim memory of making a pair of baby booties and a hat from that green . . . So, Koigu it is! I've cast on and I'll post photos as I go. Thanks again for making this so much fun!

Knitted Cardigans: Buttonholes 101

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The cardigan sweater is a classic for all seasons. You can throw it on over a T-shirt in the fall and spring, keep a light-weight cardigan on hand for chilly summer evenings, and wear one as a top in the winter. I have several cardigans in my closet and I wear them all year.

There are so many ways to knit cardigans, too—in the round, top down, or in pieces. I like the top down raglan method the best—it's a lot of knitting (LOOONG rows), but when it's done, it's done. And if you're brave you can just knit in the round and cut your sweater up the front to make it a cardigan! (This technique is called "steeking" and it works best with wool; I wouldn't try it with a slippery yarn.)

We recently published a free ebook, Knit Cardigan Patterns From Knitting Daily: 7 FREE Knitting Patterns. (If you haven't downloaded your copy, please click on the link and get yours today!) One of these seven patterns is sure to strike your fancy: from lacey and feminine to bulky and casual, there are a variety of styles to choose from.

Whichever cardigan you choose to knit, and whichever technique you prefer, one thing almost all cardigan sweaters have in common is buttonholes. Today I'm going to show you how to make two different kinds of buttonholes, the one-row buttonhole and the eyelet buttonhole.

One-Row Buttonholes

This buttonhole is a good one to have in your arsenal because it works really well with medium to extra-large buttons; I normally use this buttonhole with 3/4-inch or larger buttons.

To decide how many stitches to use while working this buttonhole, simply place your button on your fabric and see how many stitches it covers. Subtract one stitch, and that's how many stitches you should use. This example, from The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square, uses five stitches.



Step 1	Step 2	Step 3

Work to where you want the buttonhole to be, bring the yarn to the front, slip the next stitch purlwise, then return the yarn to the back.

Step 1. *Slip the next stitch to the right needle, then pass the second stitch over the end stitch and drop it off the needle. Repeat from *.

Step 2. Slip the last stitch on the right needle to the left needle and turn the work. Move the yarn to the back and use the cable method to cast on 5 stitches as follows: *Insert the right needle between the first and second stitches on the left needle, draw up a loop, and place it on the left needle. Repeat from * 4 more times. Turn the work.

Step 3. With the yarn in back, slip the first stitch from the left needle and pass the extra cast-on stitch over it and off the needle to close the buttonhole. Then work to the end of the row as usual.

Since some of us find videos easier to learn from, here's Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang with a video tutorial on the one-row buttonhole. (She demos the cable cast-on here, too!)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Eyelet Buttonhole

The eyelet buttonhole is self-sizing—bulky yarns make large holes that accommodate large buttons; fine yarns make small holes that accommodate small buttons.

Work the eyelet buttonhole on the right side of the work as follows: yarnover, then work the next two stitches together. That's all there is to it!

You can use an overcast stitch to reinforce the buttonhole if you think your yarn might wear or if your yarn is really flexible and you want to stabilize the size of the buttonhole.

I hope these buttonhole techniques will be a welcome addition to your finishing skills.

Cheers,

Kathleen
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NEW KAL ANNOUNCEMENT

I'm thrilled to announce the next knit-a-long: Fresco Fair Isle Mitts. More than 4000 of you voted, and the mitts won by a small margin. (The Freyja Hat and the Snowflake Scarf tied for second.) Our new KAL starts today, so click on the link to download your pattern for $5.50, run to your stash or your LYS for yarn, and cast on! Here's the link to the official KAL forum. Knit on!

The Central Park Hoodie (and Voting for the Next KAL!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Central Park Hoodie Knit-a-Long is officially over, although there are many of us still knitting like the wind to get this puppy done so we can wear it already!

I've got a sleeve left and the finishing, which is at least a week's worth of work. I'm knitting steadily, though!

We had an amazing amount of participation in the KAL: almost 800 comments! People really loved the project and shared their tips and tricks so generously. It was, and continues to be, a wonderful KAL, and that's because of the people involved. Thank you all so much for making this a really fun couple of months of knitting the Hoodie; I'm looking forward to knitting with you again in the next KAL (see below for voting!).

Here's a parade of beautiful Central Park Hoodies for you to enjoy, and if you're still working, don't despair—you're in good company. The KAL forum will be available forever, so post away!


Catherine's CPH	Artful Soul's CPH	Peggy's CPH


TMS's CPH	Teresa's CPH	Aporanee's CPH


Mardi's CPH	Candace's CPH	Barbara's CPH

What Should We Knit Next?

Several of you expressed interest in working an easy fair isle project, so all of my choices for the next KAL incorporate that technique. Fair isle is such a fun and rewarding technique—it takes the "just one more row" syndrome to new heights! (Just take a look at the fabulous new book of fair isle and colorwork patterns The New Stranded Colorwork by Mary Scott Huff. She's done an amazing job developing beautiful patterns for this technique.)

The Cactus Blossom Pullover and the Tomato Sweater are great first sweater projects that incorporate a bit of fair isle work. The Fresco Mitts and the Freyja Hat are both beautiful, quick-finish projects—which might be good for this busy time of year. The Lady's Duet and the Snowflake Scarf are easy and very "gift-able," and both scarves would work for the man in your life, too.

I hope one of these strikes your fancy, too!


Cactus Blossom	Fresco Mitts	Freyja Hat


Lady's Duet	Earflap Hat	Snowflake Scarf

Click here to vote for your favorite; I'll announce the winner next Friday.

Cheers,

Kathleen

The Knitted I-cord: "I" is for "Ingenious"

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The venerable Elizabeth Zimmermann rediscovered and named the I-cord (the I-cord, called a "stay lace," was mentioned in Victorian needlework manuals). The "I" stands for "idiot" because Ms. Zimmermann thought the technique was so simple anyone could do it (even an idiot, I guess!).

I think the "I" should stand for "ingenious." The I-cord is simply a tube knitted in the round with two double-pointed needles (I've done it with a long circular needle, too).

The I-cord is one of those things in knitting that is endlessly useful. The technique is somewhat idiot-proof, once you get the hang of it, and it's also really mindless knitting (especially if you need a long I-cord, like in the Greek Pullover)—the I-cord is something to do in front of the TV or with a good audio book on board for sure!

Here's a quickie tutorial:

With a double-pointed needle, cast on the desired number of stitches. *Without turning the needle, slide the stitches to other end of the needle, pull the yarn around the back, and knit the stitches as usual; repeat from * for desired length.

(The illustration above shows knitting the stitches after you've slid the them to the other end of the needle.)

The I-cord Beanie: A Perfect Baby Topper

I've used I-cords for many things, but my favorites are those little hats where you finish up by making three or four inches of I-cord and then tying it in a knot. So cute!

I made a pair of booties and an I-cord hat for a friend who had a preemie baby, and he wore it all winter. He's a big boy now, but that hat is well-documented in photos.

There's a similar hat in my arsenal, one that I call the Noodle Cap. It's a simple cap pattern, like the one in the photo, but to finish it I knit about eight, 4-inch long I-cords and then attach them to the crown of the hat. It looks like there are noodles coming out of the top! It's especially cute if you use a white or cream yarn for the cap and different colors for each of the "noodles."

A Smooth Finish: The Applied I-cord

One of the best uses of the I-cord is in finishing. The technique is called "applied I-cord" (or sometimes "attached I-cord") and it gives you a really smooth, nice-looking finish that's perfect around armholes and necklines.

The Ruched Shell by Lou Scheila (below) is a nice example of the applied I-cord used in finishing; note the pretty neckline and smooth, even arm openings.

Here's how I do the applied I-cord.

With garment's right side facing and using a separate ball of yarn and circular needle, pick up the desired number of stitches along the garment edge. Slide these stitches down the needle so that the first picked-up stitch is near the opposite needle point. With a double-pointed needle, cast on the desired number of I-cord stitches. Begin knitting the applied I-cord as follows:

Step 1. Knit across the I-cord to the last stitch, then knit the last stitch together through the back loop with the first picked-up stitch on the garment.

Step 2. Slip the number of cast-on stitches back to the right hand needle (so, if you're doing a three -stitch I-cord, slip three stitches back to the right-hand needle).

Step 3. Knit across the I-cord to the last stitch, then knit the last stitch together through the back loop with the first picked-up stitch on the garment.

Step 4. Continue in this manner until all picked-up stitches have been used.

Here's a video tutorial, too.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

I've seen the applied I-cord used well on felted bags, too. The bags are sometimes finished with two applied I-cords on top of one another, which felts into a sturdy, rounded border around the opening of the bag. It's a really nice finish when felted.

Case Closed: The I-cord Closure

I-cords can be used as pretty closures, too. Check out the Asian-style closures (at right) on the Mandarin Blouse.

My friend Leslie showed me how to make a really pretty I-cord knot closure: The Chinese Knot, which is nice on a cardigan for a little Asian flair. You could use it on a one-button cardigan instead of the button. The knot is from Knit Kimono, by Vicki Square. Here's my version:

Click here for instructions on making the Chinese Knot closure.

In Elizabeth Zimmermann's book The Opinionated Knitter, there's a photo of Ms. Zimmermann with her glasses on an I-cord strap, which shows yet another use for this versatile technique. I hope you'll try some of these projects that incorporate I-cords.

Have a great weekend!

Kathleen

Knitting Daily TV: A New Season (Plus a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: We're so excited for our fourth season of Knitting Daily TV. Our TV crew taped the season this week and while it's fresh in our minds, we wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain at what went on during the three-day taping. So enjoy this quick look, and if you don't get Knitting Daily TV in your area, please take a minute to write, call, or email your PBS station and ask them to get with the program (pun intended!). And in the meantime, be sure and check out seasons one, two, and three!

Here are producers Annie Hartman Bakken and Jaime Guthals to talk a little more about what season four has to offer you.

Here in Beachwood, Ohio, we just wrapped the taping of the fourth series of the Public Television show, Knitting Daily TV—with some exciting new changes.

We're thrilled to announce that Interweave Knits editor Eunny Jang is now the single host of the show, joined by regular guest expert Shay Pendray and the show's newest talent, crochet guest expert Kristin Omdahl.

Plus you'll see interviews with some of your favorite industry designers and personalities, like Lily Chin, Clara Parkes, Mags Kandis, Linda Cortright, Cecily Glowick MacDonald, Melissa LaBarre, Linda Pratt, and many more!

Although we certainly have a fabulous time when we all gather in Ohio, much work was to be done.

We crammed the tapings into three long days with cameras continuously rolling and we even managed to revamp the current show's 15-second opening with a fresh, new look.

Check it out:

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Series 400 will be the best season to date, with lovely guests and new patterns, more back to basic tutorials, and even a new series dedicated to learning to crochet—from the basic chain stitch to elaborate motifs, you'll definitely build your confidence with the crochet hook.

What to Expect

With Series 400 you'll learn how to "release your inner knitting geek," knit building-block style, see how reversible cables add innovation and versatility to your wardrobe, learn how to design knitwear on a knitting machine, and more.

We hope you'll tune in to Knitting Daily TV on your local PBS station—series 400 will begin airing at the end of January 2010. Look for more information in upcoming Knitting Daily blogs.

Cheers,

Annie Hartman Bakken and Jaime Guthals
Producers

P.S. Have an idea for next season? We're back in the studios again in March! Leave us a comment below and tell us what you'd like to learn in 2010.

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We've got a special free pattern for you today, fresh from Knitting Daily TV Series 300, which just finished airing.

Kristen Rengren, author of Vintage Baby Knits: More than 40 Heirloom Patterns from the 1920s to the 1950s (STC Craft), was a guest on episode 302 of KDTV.

She shared her fascinating process of researching and collecting patterns for her book—she looked through hundreds of patterns! Kristen ended up with a wonderful collection of vintage patterns that are updated for today's knitters.

The Cleo Kitty slippers (today's FREE PATTERN!) were discovered in a New Zealand pattern book published in the 1950s. These darling slippers knit up so quickly; perfect for a last-minute shower gift!

Click here for more about Kristen's book and her appearance on KDTV, plus some finishing tips for the Cleo Kitties.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathleen

Knitting and Crocheting: A Successful Relationship (Plus a Finishing Tip!)

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

A note from Kathleen: Even though I'm a knitter first, I look forward to seeing each new issue of Interweave Crochet. There's always something that inspires me to try a new pattern or stitch. This time, the inspiration came from an article by the ever-adventurous Franklin Habit. Here to tell you more about Franklin and his foray into crochet is Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet—check out the preview of the fall issue! Marcy and her colleague Wimi were lucky enough to spend some time crocheting and laughing with Franklin. (And see my crochet finishing tip at the end of Marcy's story. It's the perfect edging for your knitted sweaters.)

Here's Marcy!

Flirting with the Hook

Here at Interweave Crochet, we love to share the joy of crochet. Even more so if we can bring a knitter on board.

So imagine our delight when we discovered that Franklin Habit, intrepid knitter and author of It Itches, had a dalliance with the crochet hook. We met up with Franklin in Chapel Hill, NC, in February. You may have read Franklin's hilarious cartoons and essays; he's even funnier in person.

With me at the reading was Wimi (say "Wee-Me"). Wimi began life as a Best Friend Doll then took on a career as a crafts journalist, meeting crafters throughout North Carolina. Nowadays, my little knitted friend hangs out with her on-again, off-again Peruvian boyfriend, Smyth, who is crocheted. They work daily to overcome their differences.

So after the reading, Wimi sidled up to Franklin to see if he had any insights into dealing with Smyth. And, as you can see, they hit it off right away. Franklin confided that he too has struggled with crochet. Wimi asked if he could write about it. And the result is “Filet of Soul: One Man's Journey into Crochet,” in the Fall issue of Interweave Crochet.

In a tale that begins on a Greek island and moves to Chicago—with Franklin curled around a crochet hook in the fetal position—Franklin unwinds his story of coming to understand and respect crochet. In between are stints of '70s-afghan-trauma therapy and spates of an odd disconnect between head and hands. By turns hilarious and poignant, Franklin's story demonstrates that even the most confirmed knitter can have a happy flirtation with crochet.

Take a whirl yourself in the Fall issue, where we offer several sweaters that will have you marveling at the style capacity of crochet. There are five quick gifts to crochet, as well as five patterns that call for just one skein of yarn. With a couple of beginner patterns and seven advanced beginner patterns (including a lovely laceweight shawl and an afghan that had a non-crocheter in the office reaching for a hook), you'll find something to sink your hook into. And everything you need to know to get started crocheting is right there in the magazine.

So spice up your own fiber life with Interweave Crochet!

Best,
Marcy

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The Reverse Single Crochet Stitch: A Nice Finish

Kathleen, here!

I've used the reverse single crochet stitch—also known as the "shrimp stitch" or the "crab stitch"—so many times it's almost my finishing signature. It gives you a nice, almost picot-looking edge that perfectly finishes a cast-off edge or a neckline.

At left is an example of this technique, on a sweater that I knit for my mom a couple of years ago. I like it with the delicate white yarn and cable pattern.

Here are the directions for this versatile stitch:

Step 1. Working from left to right, insert the crochet hook into a knit edge stitch, draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook, and draw this loop through the first one. *Insert the hook into the next stitch to the right (figure 1), draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook again (figure 2), and draw this loop through both loops on the hook.

Step 2. Repeat from * until the entire edge has been covered (figure 3).

Cut the yarn and secure the last loop by pulling the tail through it.

I hope you'll try this finishing technique, I think you'll like the result.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Gearing Up for Gift-Giving (plus two free bag patterns!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

We're having the most beautiful early fall here in Spokane. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and all of my TV shows are starting up again. Well, I guess the TV shows are starting again everywhere, but that's still a sign of fall to me. I always knit while I watch TV, so I'm looking forward to some evening knitting time again!

And although it's just the beginning of fall, those winter holidays will be upon us before we know it. I've been giving knitted gifts ever since I started knitting, and this year will be no exception. Because of Knitting Daily, I'm busier than I have been in the past, so I need to get started ASAP. My past gift-giving efforts have included felted slippers, hats, mittens, and stuffed animals—smallish things that can be done in two or three weeks. This year, though, I have some projects in mind that need longer lead-times.

I've been so inspired by the books Knitted Gifts and Crocheted Gifts; I'm looking to those two books for holiday gift ideas. While none of these patterns are enormous undertakings, taken together, there are quite a few stitches that need to be knitted, so couch and stash, here I come!

Here are some of my gift contenders:

Ballet Flats (from Knitted Gifts)
by Marta McCall

There are lots of felted slipper patterns out there, but this one tops my list for its unique style and beauty. I would love to have a pair of these myself, but I think I'd like to give a pair as a gift even more. My sister would really appreciate these and they would look lovely on her; she has a sophisticated sense of style and a pair of Ballet Flats would suit her perfectly.

Animal Crackers (from Knitted Gifts)

by JoLene Treace

Nephew Henry loves dogs and cats, and I know he'd get a kick out of an Animal Cracker sweater. The knitted hem, cuffs, and rolled collar are such nice details on this sweater pattern and there are options for a dog, a cat, or a bear. Which one do you think is cutest for Henry?

Gentleman's Scarf (from Knitted Gifts)

by Veronik Avery

Although billed as a man's scarf, change the color (maybe) and the Gentleman's Scarf is appropriate for anyone. The stitch pattern is a zigzag and cable pattern that's knit at a fine gauge. Choose a yarn with some cashmere content and this gift will be a favorite for years! My mom's been wanting a pink scarf, and she always appreciates a nice gentleman!

Free (Gift) Bag Patterns!

Swirling Bag
by Kathryn Merrick

This one's from Crocheted Gifts, and it's a free pattern!

It's so nice to get gifts in a reusable bag, and this one is the definition of reusable. It's made from renewable cotton, and who wouldn't love to get a gift wrapped in a gift? Even if you're a novice crocheter, Kathryn's Swirling Bag is something you can accomplish. The color choices are endless—the sample is knit from Rowan Cotton Glace, which comes in so many colors it's staggering.

The Market Bag
by Vicki Square

Take a look at another free pattern, the knitted Market Bag. It's a wonderful gift for the eco-conscious shopper we all have on our list. I've "wrapped" gifts in reusable grocery bags (especially food gifts—imagine a baguette poking out of the top of the Market Bag) and the recipeints have been so happy with the ultimate in reusable giftwrap!

Why not take some time to plan your holiday gifts so you don't end up finishing things on Christmas Eve (believe me, I speak of what I know!)

Cheers,

Kathleen

Fair Isle Fever: The Ivy League Vest

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Sailing the Fair Isles

In my knitting, I tend to get inspired by something and just jump right in, whether or not I know how to do certain techniques. I figure that hands-on is the best way to learn, so I go for it. Fair Isle intimidated me more than usual, though, so I found a beginning class and signed up.

The pink and purple hat (left) is the result of that class. (It's a class pattern, so it's unpublished.) The yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, and it's really cozy and warm, though I wish it were a tad longer to totally cover my ears.

I fell in love with the skull cap pattern (right) and knit it up for a Christmas present two years ago for my brother. (The pattern is We Call Them Pirates.) He loved it so much that he wore it out and I had to knit him a new one last Christmas.

This year I have a new hat in the works for my brother, one of the "faux isle" patterns where you use one solid color and one variegated color to achieve a multi-colored Fair Isle look.

I've mentioned before that I've only done a couple of Fair Isle projects (see the hat photos below), but now I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more Fair Isle!

Fair Isle Made Easy

I've just had the opportunity to watch the new Knitting Daily Workshop DVD, Introduction to Fair Isle: The Ivy League Vest with Eunny Jang.

For almost an hour I was mesmerized by Eunny's Fair Isle design, the Ivy League Vest (click on the link for a free pattern download!). Eunny talks of the various principles of Fair Isle knitting, such as picking the right yarns, various ways to hold that yarn, keeping your tension even (tricky in Fair Isle!), and how to change colors easily.

Plus, Eunny has some great finishing tips that I will certainly be putting into use. I really do feel like I could be successful and have a great time with a Fair Isle sweater project!

This pattern is designed so well, even the ribbing makes use of the colorwork throughout the piece.

Eunny provides a demo in steeking, which is the process of cutting the armholes and neckline after you knit your sweater completely in the round. She cuts with confidence, making it look easy. The edges really don't unravel!

Here's a clip from the steeking section of the DVD, where Eunny cuts an actual steek and shows us how to pick up stitches on the resulting edge.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

See how easy that cutting part is?

I've got a yoked Fair Isle cardigan on the needles, which I put it down to do the Central Park Hoodie, but I think I'm going to pick it up after the hoodie is complete. I'm knitting it out of Cascade 220; the body is brown and the yoke is pink, blue, and cream. It has steeks, so I'll definitely be reviewing Introduction to Fair Isle before I tackle that step!

Maybe the next project in Kathleen's Knit-a-Long should be a Fair Isle project! What do you think?

Cheers,

Kathleen

"Spin-Off" into the International Year of Natural Fibres

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:31:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: There's so much going on in the knitting/yarn/fiber world lately, and we're all so lucky to have access to it through Interweave's various publications. Spin-Off magazine, for instance, is a wonderful resource for spinners, but as a knitter, I find several things of interest in each issue I see. There are some really neat features in the upcoming fall 2009 issue of Spin-Off (which will be on the shelves on September 15), so here's editor Amy Clarke Moore to give you a little preview of the exciting offerings in this unique, fiber-lovers' magazine, including an amazing declaration from the United Nations to honor natural fibers.

Spinning Off into the International Year of Natural Fibres

I've been the editor of Spin-Off since 2000—and so far I've worked on thirty-eight issues. Wow, has that time flown by!

Each issue, I think, "This is my favorite. Our readers are going to love this one." Well, this time, with the Fall 2009 issue, my feelings about the issue exceed that feeling by one hundred-fold. Maybe it is because it was so fun to come up with a concept for this one.

The United Nations has declared 2009 the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) and Spin-Off magazine is all about natural fibers every issue, every year, every second (well, occasionally we talk about man-made fibers, but mostly we talk about natural fibers).

Once we jumped up and exclaimed, "Yes! Let's celebrate the IYNF! in the Fall 2009 issue of Spin-Off," we sat back down again—rather quickly with our hands on our chins—"Wait a sec. How do we celebrate natural fibers in a way that we haven't done before in every single issue, every single year since the magazine was born over thirty-three years ago?"

Then it hit us, we're all about making yarn from scratch, let's look at the very beginning of cultivating fiber—we'll investigate growing cotton, raising silkworms, and look into being owned by goats. We'll put out a call for entries by our readers and invite them to show us what they've made absolutely from scratch.

So even if you never pick up a spindle, as a fiber enthusiast you're bound to find something in this issue of Spin-Off that captivates your imagination.

Fall Leaves Shawl Project

You'll love the Fall Leaves Shawl project: six spinners/knitters made eleven stunning versions of the same lace shawl using different techniques for achieving color and texture in the shawl. At left are some samples of this beautiful shawl. You'll see even more samples of the shawl, plus get the pattern, in the fall issue of Spin-Off.

And there's yet another exciting knitting feature in this issue. . .

The Horseshoe Cap: Get into the Spin-Off Gallery!

Here's a pattern we're giving to members of our website: The Horseshoe Cap by Janet Wray (photo at right). We've invited spinners to spin and knit their own version of the Horseshoe Cap to submit to our Handspun Gallery for the Summer 2010 issue of Spin-Off. Guidelines are here. Join spinoffmagazine.com and receive the pattern free!

(When you join Spin-Off.com, you'll need to provide your email and a username. You'll get a confirmation email, then you'll log in to the site. When you're there, go back to this window, and click the free project link. Click on the green download arrow on the right and you'll get the free pattern.)

A note about the Horseshoe Cap pattern: Since this pattern is written for spinners, it starts off with "Finishing," which we knitters expect to see at the end of a pattern. In this case, the finishing section talks about finishing up the actual making of the yarn before starting the knitting process. So don't be alarmed—if you're using mill-spun yarn, just skip to the second paragraph under the "Finishing" heading and cast on.

Here's to a year full of fiber adventures!

—Amy Clarke Moore
Editor, Spin-Off

Another Technique for Finishing: Crochet Edging

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:30:00 GMT

A Note from Kathleen: My main craft is knitting, but several years ago I took a crochet class because I expected that I might like that craft, too. And I do enjoy crocheting, especially for items like baby blankets--it's simply so much faster than knitting. What I didn't expect was that knowing how to crochet could bring so much to my knitting. I use crochet skills all the time; the crab stitch (sometimes called the "shrimp stitch" or "backwards single crochet") is a lovely finishing stitch for necklines and the front edges of cardigan sweaters. The edging options are endless, really--just check out the array of crocheted edging resources out there!

Here's Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet, to share a perfect crochet-ending to a knitting story.

Rescuing a UFO with Crochet

Maybe you're not like me. Maybe your gauge is always spot on and the vision you have for your garment works perfectly.

Maybe you don't have a box of false starts and “Good golly, what was I thinking?” portions of garments. Maybe you don't have things that are too big / too small / just plain unwearable.

Well, I've got them. And when I finally admit that the thing just isn't working, sometimes I rip it back to a ball right away. And sometimes I stuff it in the Denial Drawer. Deep inside. And the balance is again tipped between unfinished objects (UFOs) and finished objects (FOs).

A recent Feng Shui unearthed a vast expanse of knitted purple fabric that I recalled, after a moment, wanted to be a guernsey back in the day. It was HUGE. But the texture is intriguing and I can see why I didn't rip it back to its essence. It would make a good kid-size blanket, if it were jazzed up a bit. It was time to remedy the balance: this UFO could become an FO, with a little help.

Now, I like knitting as much as the next fiber gal, but I Do. Not. Like. To. Pick. Up. Stitches. Especially a gazillion stitches around the edge of a thing that I don't like all that much anymore. Given that option, I'd just as soon stuff it back in the Denial Drawer. But there's a better solution, one that is accessible to anyone who loves all things yarny: crochet.

That's right. Crochet. With crochet, you work with just one stitch at a time, creating the edge as you work around. And it doesn't really matter how many stitches you make, so long as they look pretty even when you're done. And when you're done, you're done. You don't have to bind off a gazillion stitches. Just one.

To finish my blanket, I used the Simple Shell Edging from The Harmony Guides: Crochet Edgings and Trims, hot off the press. This book will guide even the most novice crocheter through the process. The Simple Shell Edging is a two-row edging, with the first being a base row of single crochet.

Because the edges of my knitted swath are pretty even and stable, I was able to make it even simpler: I eliminated the base row. So I just commenced crocheting green shells around the purple swath until my UFO became an FO—just a different FO. (To see the specifics of where I decided to put my hook when making the edge, check out the blog on CrochetMe.)

And now all is harmonious: I have one less item in my stash of “good gollies” and Project Linus has one more item in its stash of blankets.

While many of you already subscribe to Interweave Knits, now is a great time to add Interweave Crochet to your tool box. Get a free trial issue of Interweave Crochet and discover more fabulous edging ideas, amazing sweater patterns, expert tips, and more. We're on the front lines of the crochet revolution and we'd love to have you join in!

Best,

Marcy
Editor, Interweave Crochet

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Free Pattern: Lovely Lace Shawl (Plus More Lace Tips!)

KD Sandi — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:36:00 GMT

Tips for Joining A Shawl Worked in Two Halves

Some long rectangular shawls or scarves are worked in two pieces and then joined at the center. Why? Because certain lace patterns produce a lovely scalloped or patterned edge at the cast-on end, but do not produce a matching pretty scallop at the bind-off end. If you were to work the shawl or scarf in a single piece, the two ends would look very different--and most knitters prefer the swoopy fancy cast-on edge to the comparatively plain bind-off edge!

Designers resolve this by knitting one half of the shawl which is then set aside while casting on and knitting another matching half. The two halves are then joined, usually by...no, no, don't run away, not yet anyway...grafting them together using the Kitchener stitch.

There's that dratted Kitchener stitch again. Just when we all were having so much fun, knitting a gorgeous lace shawl, that silly grafting thing had to go and sneak up on us at the very end. The existence of that sentence, "Now graft the two halves together using the Kitchener stitch" has stopped many a knitter from knitting certain perfectly lovely shawl patterns.

Methods for Joining the Two Halves and (bonus!) Saving Your Sanity

You can substitute a three-needle bind-off for the Kitchener stitch. This is easy and quick, but it can produce a pronounced ridge right down the middle of your shawl.

Another method, suggested by Alice Halbeisen, the designer of the Lace Shawl pictured above (and this week's free pattern!), is to bind off each half very loosely, and then stitch the halves together. This second solution works quite well, with only a minimal ridge if you do it carefully.

Here are some tips for seaming success:

1. If there is a "plain knitting" row, bind off on that row instead of a "lace knitting" row.
2. Bind off in pattern, meaning: If there are a mixture of knits and purls, knit the knits and purl the purls as you work the bind-off row.
3. Use the mattress stitch to sew the seam.
4. Carefully match column for column as you sew.
5. Use pins or locking stitch markers to "baste" the halves together to help keep the stitches and columns matched up.
6. Be sure to catch the legs of the very last stitch in each column, and alternate columns as shown in this tutorial.

Ultimately, however, every knitter sooner or later should become proficient at the Kitchener stitch. It seems to be some sort of scary monster that intimidates a lot of us; but really...it's just another knitting technique, just like entrelac or turning a heel or short rows. We're all knitters, and that means we're smart enough to Kitchener! I admit: I can graft when I need to, but I still have to look at the diagrams and in the process there's a lot of words coming out of my mouth that my momma wouldn't approve of. And so this summer, I'm making it one of my personal goals to conquer that silly grafting thing, once and for all. After all, who's the boss of my knitting? Me, that's who. So stay tuned! And don't forget to download the free Lovely Lace Shawl pattern.

-- Sandi

Sandi Wiseheart is the founding editor of Knitting Daily. She is now the author of the popular Knitting Daily blog: What's on Sandi's Needles.

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Marianne Isager: Bringing the World to You in Stitches

KD Sandi — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:35:00 GMT

I've been lucky enough to live in several countries (Israel, Australia, the U.S., and now, Canada), and in several U.S. states (California, Hawaii, and Colorado). Early on, my mother took me and my sisters to the local museums and cultural heritage spots, to help us learn about our new home and its history. I found myself entranced by Australian Aboriginal paintings of the Dreamtime and by native Hawaiian applique quilts; by liturgical tapestries and embroideries in Jerusalem, and by Amish quilts I saw in San Francisco. I took photos or made sketches; sometimes I just sat and stared at a particularly wonderful piece, trying to burn its beauty into my memory, so I could keep it with me always.

It never occurred to me to incorporate those memories into my knitting--but then, I am not Marianne Isager.

If you have not met Marianne or seen her work, you are in for a treat with today's Designer Spotlight video. She's quite charming, and when she talks about her extensive travels, she conveys such a quiet enthusiasm that you immediately want to book a plane ticket. Marianne's special gift is to take the imagery and cultural motifs of the places she visits and translate them into some of the most gorgeous sweaters you have ever seen. If you have not looked at her book Knitting Out of Africa, then we have a little treat for you today: a video of Marianne talking about some of the sweaters from that book, and showing us photos of the artwork and scenery that inspired each one.

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If you have trouble watching the video above, click here to view it.

Love hearing your favorite designers talk about their work? One of the most popular features on Knitting Daily TV is the Designer Spotlight, where the hosts interview creative folks like Cookie A., Norah Gaughan, Wenlen Chia ("Twinkle"), Teva Durham, Vivian Høxbro, and more! The designers showcase their newest designs, demonstrate techniques, and talk about what inspires their work. Don't miss a single episode of Knitting Daily TV Series 200--purchase the entire second season in our online store (and pick up a copy of the Series 100 DVDs as well, if you want the whole set!).

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I'm suddenly on a finishing kick. I realized I had a few pairs of socks sitting around that were ABT--"All But Toe"--so those are now done and on my husband's feet where they belong!

Finishing Tip: Mattress Stitch Tutorial

KD Sandi — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Do you have some Spring projects hiding in your closet that are ABS: "all but seamed"? I bet you do. Seaming up projects is something many knitters express outright hatred for--they love the knitting part, but when it comes to the seaming, even a beloved project can go right into the back of the closet to languish in pieces. But the way I see it is: If you finish up those Spring projects, then you'll be guilt-free about starting some pretty summer tops!

I think a lot of knitters dislike seaming because they fear "ruining" the project with a bad bit of finishing. But if you know how to stitch a seam properly, the seaming is a breeze--plus, you get to actually wear your pretty handknit sweaters!

Today, I'm going to show you the basics of mattress stitch. And it's really, really not hard! (I promise. Would I lie to you?) The two things you need to know to work mattress stitch are: Bars and Legs. Yep, Bars and Legs, my friends.

Bars: If you take a close look at a piece of stockinette knitting, you will notice that there are "bars" connecting every column of stitches. Stretch the knitting a bit, you'll see a column of stitches, and then a column of bars, then a column of stitches. When stitching a vertical seam, like a side seam, you catch a bar of one side with your needle, then a bar from the other side, then a bar from the first side again. A full photo tutorial for a vertical seam is here.

Legs: If you look at the bottom of a piece of stockinette, you'll see the two "legs" of each bottom stitch sitting at the base of each column of stitches. When stitching a horizontal seam, such as a shoulder seam, you catch both "legs" of a stitch at the end of a column with your needle on one side of the seam, then catch the legs of an end stitch on the other side, and so on. A full photo tutorial for a horizontal seam is here.

What if seaming isn't the reason you haven't finished your sweaters? What if you've dropped some stitches, or there's a mistake several rows back? We're all human, we all make mistakes; the secret to being a great knitter is knowing how to fix your mistakes. Interweave's book Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters is a wonderful resource for all kinds of knitting problems--it has clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions to help you get out of all kinds of tangles! Look for Knit Fix at your local yarn shop, or order it here.

Now go finish up a few projects! After all, you want to wear them, don't you?

Enjoy!

--Sandi

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? There are two new little people arriving in my family this summer, and I'm working out what to make for them. One little person is going to get the Sólás Caomh, a delicious cabled blankie from Interweave Crochet Spring 2009; the other little person's gift hasn't been chosen yet.

The Joy of Toe-Up Socks

KD Sandi — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:37:00 GMT

Note from Sandi: There's more than one way to work a sock, as many long-time sock knitters will tell you. Most of us learn to make them by starting at the cuff--but if you find that this method isn't making you happy, then perhaps you could try knitting socks from the toe up. Here to explain this versatile and easy technique is an excerpt from Interweave Knits Summer 2007 by Ann Budd, author of Interweave's Getting Started Knitting Socks. Ann's a huge fan of handknit socks herself. (Ann's bio states that she has not worn a store-bought sock in years, and has never met a handknit sock she didn't like!) Here's Ann!

Working Socks From The Toe Up

In general, I like to knit socks from the top down, beginning with a cast-on at the top of the leg and ending with the Kitchener stitch at the tip of the toe. But sometimes it's practical (and preferable) to work in the opposite direction--from the tip of the toe to the top of the leg. With this method, you cast on stitches at the tip of the toe, work the foot to the desired length, work short-rows to shape the heel, then work the leg to the desired length, finishing with a flexible bind-off at the top of the leg. One advantage of the toe-up method is that you can try on the socks at any point along the way to make sure that they fit just right.

Another advantage of toe-up sock knitting is that the heel is shaped in short-rows without a heel flap or gussets. You won't have to count rows in the heel flap or pick up stitches for the gussets, which can be particularly helpful if you're working with a highly textured yarn that obscures individual stitches or you tend to have trouble seeing the stitches. And best of all for many knitters, when you work from the toe up, you don't have to work the Kitchener stitch.

Working socks from the toe up is also a good idea if you're worried about running out of yarn. Begin with two balls of equal size, one for each sock. Work the foot to the desired length while you have lots of yarn, then continue up the leg as far as you can before the ball runs out. This is a great way to economize with expensive yarn--buy a single ball for each sock and use every precious yard.

-- Ann Budd

The full version of this article, complete with detailed how-to information and stitch number charts, appears in the Summer 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. Check it out!

If you'd like a step-by-step guide to knitting socks, including size and gauge charts and basic stitch patterns, ask for Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd at your local yarn shop, or buy it here.

Want to try a toe-up sock?
Here's two great free toe-up sock patterns!

If you've never tried toe-up sock knitting before and want a great free sock pattern, there's two in our FREE sock pattern ebook!

The Caspian Sea Socks are a knockout, with an intricate colorwork design, down to the patterned soles. This free sock pattern comes complete with detailed full-color charts and step-by-step instructions.

The William Street Socks were designed based on Ann Budd's article mentioned above, and sport big thick cables which stretch to cushion your feet...or the feet of someone you love! This sock pattern is appropriate for either men or women, and is specially designed to fit larger feet--because everyone deserves a pair of handknit socks!

This easy sock pattern is available in our FREE sock pattern ebook:

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily:
5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Sandi Wiseheart is the founding editor of Knitting Daily. She is now the author of the popular Knitting Daily blog: What's on Sandi's Needles.

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

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So what kind of sock patterns are in this eBook? Let's see. There's a knitted lace sock pattern, a cabled sock pattern, a colorwork sock pattern, a men's sock pattern, and an easy beginner sock pattern. Something for everyone!!

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Knitting Without Seams

KD Sandi — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Note from Sandi: The following is excerpted from Interweave's new book, French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs, by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes. Kristeen's book will be quite a treat for those of you who hate sewing up seams in your knitting-- all 18 patterns in this book are seamless!

Here's an overview of three of the five seamless construction types that Kristeen presents in her book.

Types of Seamless Construction in Knitting

The beauty of top-down raglans is their simplicity and ease of construction. You can achieve a perfect fit by trying on the garment as you go and making custom adjustments along the way.

A top-down raglan begins with the number of stitches required for the neck circumference. The four body sections (front, back, right sleeve, and left sleeve) are delineated by markers, which indicate where increases will be made to shape the yoke. The increases create diagonal lines that follow the boundaries between the four body sections as you work the distance from the neck to the armhole.

Considering that many patterns specify working a garment in pieces from the hem to the neckline, most knitters learn to construct garments that way. This method can make custom fitting difficult because it isn't clear how the pieces fit together until all of the knitting is completed and the seams are sewn. Seamless bottom-up construction, on the other hand, lets you try on the garment as it progresses as well as cast on lovely scalloped lace edgings at the hem and sleeves.

You construct bottom-up seamless garments in the same way as their made-in-pieces sisters, but you knit the front and back simultaneously in a single piece to the armholes, work the sleeves in rounds from the cuffs to the underarms, then join the pieces and work the yoke in a single piece to the neck.

Top-down seamless set-in sleeve construction gives knitters who love seamless construction the means to achieve the sophisticated look of made-in-pieces sweaters without the tricky and often frustrating armhole seams. For the simultaneous body and sleeve method, the sweater begins at the shoulder line with a provisional cast-on for the entire width of the shoulders. You work the front and back separately, with short-rows worked across the back. You then join front and back as you pick up stitches for the sleeves at each armhole edge.

Sandi here again: Reading through Kristeen's book was a bit like having all sorts of little lightbulbs go off in my head. My background is in sewing, so I'm fairly comfortable with making pieces that fit and seaming them together. But studying the diagrams and techniques in this book helped me visualize garment knitting in three dimensions--which, of course, is invaluable considering that we humans are built in three dimensions! I'm totally stoked to try knitting a seamless set-in sleeve sweater now that I've seen the lovely photos of the Viola above.

Tune back in on Wednesday, when I will have some great seamless knitting tips from Kristeen.

For more techniques and tips regarding these types of constructions, plus patterns and information on two more seamless techniques--side-to-side and bottom-up set-in sleeves--look for French Girl Knits in your local yarn shop, or buy it online from our store.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I've been finishing up things this week--seaming sweaters that had long languished in my knitting closet, for one thing--and now I have to decide: do I start the Central Park Hoodie my sister asked for, work on baby gifts for all the new members of my family, or start another lace shawl that is a gift for (shhh) someone else? Choices, choices.