Knitting Daily : Socks

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!

Fill Your Calendar with Knitting Projects

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I love calendars, especially wall calendars, and I spend a lot of time every year in the bookstore choosing something that will inspire me every day. It's a tough choice, too, because with wall calendars, you look at one photo for a whole month.

I've said before how lucky I am to have this job, and my luck knocked on the door last week in the form of the UPS gal, who handed me a package containing what will be my wall calendar for 2010. It's the new Spin-Off Calendar, and it's truly inspiring to someone who loves all things yarny. The photo at left is so beautiful, and that's just one of twelve!

(I can't believe we're coming up on 2010, though. It sounds so futuristic—I thought we'd all be flying around in spaceships by now!)

As I looked through my new calendar, I started thinking about my knitting and some of the projects that are in my queue. I thought it might be neat to plan my knitting for the year. I know some of this won't happen—we all have things that come up to disrupt our knitting plans (like cool new patterns we must knit now!)—but it was fun to look through my bookshelves and my Ravelry queue and schedule some projects.

A Year of Knitting, a.k.a. "Best Laid Plans"


Cabaret Raglan	Sculptured Lace Scarf	Soap Bubble Wrap	Bacchus Socks
Norah Gaughan	Kenny Chua	Connie Chang Chinchio	Alice Bell

I've had the Cabaret Raglan in my queue almost as long as I've had my Ravelry account. I love the simplicity of the Cabaret—it's a raglan pullover, but the eyelets and two-stitch cable patterns really dress it up. I think I'll tackle this in January and February.

The Sculptured Lace Scarf is something that I can knit at the same time as the Cabaret Raglan, because I like to have more than one project on the needles. I love the tight lace and cable pattern in this design.

The Soap Bubble Wrap is knit from a flax yarn but I have a linen blend linen in my stash that will be perfect. This warm-weather beauty will be a good knit for the spring months. For my alternate project, it's got to be the Bacchus Socks. There's an option for knitting these without the bobbles on the foot portion, which I think I'll do so I can wear them comfortably with shoes. These socks are just beautiful.


Tangled Yoke Cardigan	Harvey Kimono	Simply Marilyn	Side Slip Cloche
Eunny Jang	Louisa Harding	Debbie Bliss	Laura Irwin

I really like a cardigan, and the Tangled Yoke is a classic. At a gauge of six stitches to the inch, it's a nice, light cardigan that won't add bulk. I like the fabric that's produced when I knit on size 5 needles, and that's the needle size called for in this sweater. The cable pattern on the yoke draws the eye toward the face, too, which is a nice feature. This project will hit during the summer months, and while I don't like to knit with wool in the summer, I do like to have a new sweater to wear in the fall, so I'll have to deal with it, won't I?

My second summer project will be a Harvey Kimono. If you have a little one in your life, these darling kimonos couldn't be more perfect. They're so cute and they knit up fast. There's an option for a boy version or a girl version.

In September and October, I'm penciling in Simply Marilyn. This pullover is just that: simple. The big cable up the front and the cowl add a classic, cozy feel, and the larger gauge makes quick work of this sweater. It's so pretty in pink, too—or maybe I should do it in a soft blue since I already have two pink sweaters!

The second project for fall is the lovely Side Slip Cloche. There's a sample of this hat at my LYS and everyone who tries it on looks great—even me! It's a sophisticated hat that's fun to knit. My mom's been asking for one since she saw it on the cover of Boutique Knits last fall, so I'll put this on my holiday knitting list for October.

I'm not going to fill up my calendar for November and December, because I know there will be a bunch of last minute holiday knitting that I'll want to squeeze in. Plus, some of these projects will creep into later months, I'm sure.

So that's the plan, folks! Why don't you take a few minutes to put your projects on the calendar? It's really helped me set my knitting priorities, and I've had fun looking at the beautiful photos in my calendar, too.

Cheers,

Kathleen

P.S. Interweave has come out with three new calendars, so if you're a quilter or a papercrafter, there's something for you, too.

Perfect Knitted Gloves: Tips for Success

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I’ve never knitted a pair of gloves, if you can believe that. Mittens, fingerless gloves, and wrist warmers are all in my repertoire, but no gloves! The thought of knitting all of those fingers has always steered me away from glove projects.

I usually get about four pairs of those tiny knit gloves that stretch to fit any size hand. Those last me all winter, interspersed with my down mittens for the really cold days. I’m over those gloves, though, they’re too thin for Spokane. And besides, I’m a knitter and therefore I should knit some gloves!

So here’s my plan:

1. Find a pattern.
2. Choose yarn.
3. Knit a gauge swatch.
4. Cast on.
5. Knit, knit, knit.
6. Finish one glove.
7. MAKE THE OTHER GLOVE!!

It's a nice plan, isn't it? Step 6 is the only step that makes me nervous…

Since I have Ann Budd’s The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, which has a whole section on making simple gloves, the pattern-finding is done. Step 1, check.

I’ve mentioned before that I have a ball of Socks that Rock sock yarn (not to mention all the sock yarn I got at the sock summit), and a couple of other choices, too. I like the idea of using sock yarn on small needles so that the gloves will be dense and warm. So here are the choices:

Leave me a comment below and tell me which yarn you like best!

I think my gauge will be about 7 or 8 stitches to the inch, and my hand circumference is about 7½ so I’ll be casting on 60 to 66 stitches.

How do I know this? That’s the brilliance of The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Ann gives you options. And by options, I mean OPTIONS! There are glove patterns for five gauges of yarn and seven sizes, and an amazing schematic.

A big bonus in the glove section is the page called "Quick Tips for General Success." Ann provides these tips for each type of pattern and they're easily worth the price of the book. Here are a few to whet your appetite:

If you’re using double pointed needles, use this tip to avoid the ladder: When you reach the end of a double-pointed needle, always work two or three stitches from the next needle onto the working needle. Doing so will move the boundary between needles and will help prevent a line of loose stitches between needles.
As you knit, poke the finished fingers into the hand to keep them out of your way.
To help eliminate holes at the base of fingers, pick up and knit one or two more stitches than required when you begin a finger, then decrease the extra stitch or stitches on the first round of knitting.

That tip for avoiding ladders will work for anything you knit on DPNs, not just gloves. Some of us occasionally have issues with ladders when we use the Magic Loop method (ahem. . .), so this is good for us, too!

I'll keep you posted on the gloves—I need to make quick work of them so I'm not forced to buy another pair of those little stretch gloves!

Cheers,

Kathleen

The Chart's the Thing: Tips on Reading Knitting Charts

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Sandi's recent blog ("What's on My Needles") got me thinking about what's in my UFO (unfinished object) pile.

My "pile" is less like a pile and more like a parade of different sizes of Ziplock baggies overstuffed with yarn, patterns, and projects on the needles—all shoved on a shelf in my storage room. (No wonder I don't have any 7s available! I must organize my stash and UFO situation, but that's a different day and a different post!)

Among several items in my UFO collection, I found a lace cardigan. It's black, which I think is the main reason it's still in the UFO pile. I love the pattern and the idea of a black lace cardigan, but my old, tired eyes have a hard time seeing the stitches. Lacework just compounds that problem for me.

I've worked on just a few big lace projects, and the majority of those have been written out line by line. For some reason, most of the projects I've worked on that could be charted (cable and lace projects) have row-by-row instructions instead. And if a chart is offered as well, I opt for the written directions instead.

I can use colorwork charts with no problems, but pattern charts are harder for me because I'm not that great of a "memorizer." I have to really make an effort to memorize charts, pattern repeats, phone numbers, you get the picture. (Maybe that's why I can't play a single song from memory on the piano after years of piano lessons. . .) I find myself constantly going between the symbol key and the chart, losing my place visually. Simple colored squares are so much easier to follow!

I've taken to coloring in pattern charts and coloring the keys to match, somehow that color cue makes it easier for me to memorize. It might be the years of cross-stitch I did before taking up knitting. Whatever, though—it works! Here’s my colored-in chart from Cookie A’s Monkey Socks pattern—see the pretty colors?

I was looking through my back issues of Interweave Knits recently, and I came across this article on reading charts: "Making Sense of Symbols: A Guide to Reading Charts." Ann Budd wrote it, and as with all of her information, it was very helpful for me. In her article, Ann says, "Charts have several advantages over row-by-row knitting instructions written out in words: They let you see at a glance what's to be done and what the pattern will look like knitted; they help you recognize how the stitches relate to one another; and they take up less space than written instructions."

Armed with this information, I picked up my black cardigan, situated myself under a light, and used the chart instead of the written instructions. The symbols were easy to recognize since I already had a couple complete repeats done. As I worked the row, I could see the pattern emerging and I found I was anticipating the upcoming stitches. The visual aid of the chart was helping me memorize the pattern. Bonus!

So check out Ann's article, I think you'll get some good tips, too.

And here's a tip from me: Use a Post-It note to keep track of your rows—if you place it above the row you're currently working on you can see the rows already completed on the chart. These will correspond to your knitting, so you can see the pattern on both the chart and the knitted piece.

And take some time every once in a while to look through your old magazines—I usually find a few gems I didn't notice the first time!

Cheers,

Kathleen

Toe-Up Socks: The Middle Eastern Cast-On

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I haven't had much experience writing patterns, but I had a ball of Schoppel-Wolle Zauberball Crazy Sock Yarn that I was itching to knit into a pair of socks, and I couldn't settle on a pattern. So I decided to write one myself!

The yarn lent itself better to a plain or cable pattern than to a lace pattern, so I decided on cables. I looked through the amazing Harmony Guide, 101 Stitches to Knit, a card deck edited by Erika Knight, and I found an easy and attractive cable: the Simple Cable.

With the stitch pattern decided upon, I plotted out my stitch count and started swatching. My gauge worked, so I cast on.

I also wanted a toe-up experience, so I tried the Middle Eastern Cast-On for the first time, and I really like it. I've seen this method referred to as the Turkish Cast-On, too, but whatever the name, I found it quick and easy.

At left you can see my progress—I like it a lot. (When it's finished, maybe I'll debut the design on KnittingDaily.com!)

How to Work the Middle Eastern Cast-On

You can use this method with two circular needles or with the Magic Loop method. I don't recommend using it on double pointed needles (DPNs), but you can cast on with two circulars or the Magic Loop, work a couple of rounds, and then transfer your stitches to DPNs.

Step 1. Snugly wrap the working yarn around two needles, starting with the tail and ending with the working yarn hanging off the tips of the needles (Figure 1). Wrap the yarn half as many times as the total amount of stitches the pattern requires you to cast on. (Need sixteen stitches? Wrap the yarn eight times around the needles). Bring the yarn forward between needles, back to front .

Step 2. Knit across stitches on upper needle (Figure 2). (Or, if you're holding your needles parallel to each other, knit across the stitches on the front needle.)

Step 3. Rotate the work and knit across the same number of stitches on the other needle (Figure 3).

After you've knit one round all of your stitches will be secure. Knit one or two more rounds, and then begin your increases as directed in the pattern.

It's as simple as that.

If you'd like to get started with this cast-on technique right away, check out Ann Budd's toe-up pattern, On-Your-Toes-Socks. I'm sure you'll enjoy this easy, classic look.

Cheers,

Kathleen

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

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!!

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

The Magical Magic Loop

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

I started knitting circular objects—socks, gloves, mittens, hats, and so on—on double-pointed needles (DPNs). While I enjoyed knitting the pattern, I didn't particularly like the finished object because I always ended up with ladders where I switched from one needle to the next. I guess I wasn't knitting those stitches tight enough, but as much as I tried to tighten them, the ladders remained. And who likes to think about tightening stitches all the time, anyway?

Because of this problem, I simply didn't do as many "tube projects" as I wanted to.

Enter the Magic Loop! I was at my LYS one Saturday afternoon and I saw a gal knitting a sock on the oddest looking contraption with loops sticking out of each end of the knitted sock. I asked her about it and she said she was using the Magic Loop method—which uses just one, long circular needle. I quickly found a class on this technique, thinking that I might enjoy it more than DPNs. I was right—the Magic Loop brought me back to sock knitting!

Now I use this method for almost all of my small, circular knitting projects. I also teach it when I teach sock classes. The students get two classes, really: sock knitting and the Magic Loop technique!

And Now, a Lesson for You

Most people really take to the Magic Loop method, so I thought I'd share a lesson with you, too. It just takes a few rounds to become familiar with the process and by the time you're halfway through the leg of a sock, you'll be a pro.

I recommend at least a 32-inch circular needle for socks and a 40-inch needle for hats, baby sweaters, and other larger-circumference projects. (The neat thing about using the Magic Loop for hats is that you don't need to change to DPNs to finish the crown.)

A Note About Circular Needles: Your knitting life will be so much easier if you relax the cable of your circular needle before you begin knitting. I do this by microwaving a large mug of water for a couple minutes, dipping the cable into the hot water for about 30 seconds, and then straightening it out and running it under cold water for a few seconds until it's cool. You can also steam the cable, or if you're using a metal needle, you can boil a little water in a skillet and put the whole thing in. It's amazing to watch it loosen up! Be sure and use hot pads or tongs, though, because that metal gets hot!

Here we go, step by step!

Step 1
On a circular needle at least 32 inches long, cast on the required number of stitches (I've cast on 40 stitches). Slide the stitches onto the cable part of the needle.

Step 2
Hold the needle so that your working yarn (and tail) is to your right. Bend the left part of the needle toward you slightly (but don't put a crimp in it!), making sure the bend is halfway through the total number of stitches—so, if you've cast on 40, bend the cable between the 20th and 21st stitches (photo 2a). Grasp the cable and pull it out of the stitches until your stitches are on the needle portions of the circlular needle; you'll have half your stitches on one needle and half on the other needle (photo 2b).

IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure that your working yarn is hanging off of the back needle. What's the back needle? If you hold your needles parallel to each other, the "front" needle is the one nearest you and the "back" needle is the one farthest from you. If your yarn is hanging off your front needle, slide your stitches back onto the cable and divide them again, this time making sure the working yarn ends up at the back. If you start with your working yarn and tail to your right and bend the left end of the cable needle towards you, your working yarn should end up on the correct needle.

Step 3
Make sure your stitches aren't twisted: all of the stitches should be "hanging" downward; the cast-on edge sits at the top of the needle. (Some people like to place a marker to mark the beginning of the round, but I just use the yarn tail as my marker.) Slide the stitches on the back needle to the cable part of the needle, thereby freeing up the back needle. This back needle is now your right-hand needle—you'll be knitting onto it just as if you were using straight needles (photo 3).

Step 4
Knit the stitches on your first needle (photo 4a). When you've knit to the end of the needle, you've knitted half a round (photo 4b, and in this photo the back needle is the needle showing on the bottom). Turn the needles so both tips are pointed to the right and slide the now-front needle into the stitches that are on the cable (photo 4c).

Step 5
Slide the now-back needle out of the stitches that you just knit so that those stitches end up on the cable. You're now ready to knit the second half of the round.

And that's it! You keep switching sides, pushing the stitches on the cable onto the front needle, and pulling the back needle out of the previously knit stitches. Remember that you need to knit both sides of the work to complete one round.

Some Pattern Ideas

I'm recommending three sock patterns here and one sock and mitt pattern. These are lovely patterns in general, but also good patterns for practicing your Magic Loop technique. Once you're two to four inches into one of these projects, you'll be Magic Looping without even thinking about it.

His and Hers Socks by Ann Budd. This is a good advanced-beginner project, with options for men's and women's socks. Ann Budd is a sock pro, so you'll be happy with any pattern by her, but because of the two versions this one is particularly valuable.

Knotty or Knice Socks by Chrissy Gardiner. This is an intermediate, toe-up sock pattern. I love the twisted stitch pattern on these socks—it's a Bavarian pattern but it almost looks Celtic to me. The Magic Loop works equally well with top-down socks and toe-up socks.

Rustic Ruffled Socks and Mitts by Ann Budd. This is also a toe-up pattern, with the added challenge of short-row heels (these heels are easy, really, and fun to work). You'll get a nice, simple sock pattern with a touch of romance in the ruffle, as well as a simple but useful mitt pattern. Who wouldn't like a set of these?

Comfy Socks by the Knitscene Design Team. This is an easy, free pattern knit from bulky-weight yarn (it's also one of 5 free patterns in our free downloadable eBook, 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns). These socks are perfect for fall lounge-around-the-house-days. And they knit up really quickly, too!

Have fun practicing your Magic Loop technique!

Cheers,

Kathleen

P.S. Special thanks to Sarah Hauschka, who invented the Magic Loop method, and to Bev Galeskas and Fiber Trends, who published the first book on the subject.

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

The Knit-a-Long Post (Plus the Kitchener Stitch and a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Monkey Socks: Wrap-Up

Our first knit-a-long was a great success! When I started this knit-a-long back on July 1, I wasn't sure how it would go. I'm thrilled that Monkey Socks by Cookie A. were knit by about 20 people and to date there are 241 thoughts shared on the forum.

I'm so happy that so many of you knit the sock with me and took the time to share your tips and tricks along the way. We really created a nice community, didn't we? I'm especially glad this knit-a-long filled a knitting group need many of you have--sometimes it's hard to find knitting groups for a variety of reasons, and I'm glad you all found us! We learned about Judy and her RVing lifestyle, and we admired Terry's beautiful Jitterbug blue colorway, and we shared tips about knitting different heels and some lace tricks, too. I had a fabulous time with you all, and since I've only knit one sock so far, the fun will continue.

Here are a few photos of finished socks:

Free Slipper Pattern and a How-to Video about the Kitchener Stitch

For those of you still working on your socks, I thought you'd like a video tutorial on the Kitchener Stitch (also known as grafting). This is one of those things that I have to look up every time I do it, so here's a reference for you, too! (If you're more of a picture person than a video person, get yourself a copy of The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square. This little book has lots of technique help, including the Kitchener stitch.)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

This segment is from Knitting Daily TV episode #208. If you missed any of season 2, order the DVD here!

And Now . . . the New Knit-a-Long!

Yep, it's a landslide victory for the Central Park Hoodie (1838 votes, 49.2% of total votes). YAHOO!!

I hope I didn't unduly influence you, but if I did, THANKS FOR VOTING FOR THE HOODIE! My beautiful pink Tahki Donegal Tweed thanks you, too. The Every Way Wrap came in second, followed by the Falling Leaves Scarf, the Diagonal Rib Socks, and the Feminine Mittens.

The original Hoodie is in the fall 2006 issue with sizing up to 48" bust. For those who need the plus-size version, purchase the pattern with the complete size range exclusively at the Interweave Store. Here's a quick summary of the project:

Finished Size: Sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" bust.
Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed (100% wool; 183 yd (167 m)/110 g): #803 yellow-green OR #869 dark-taupe (brown): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20) skeins.
Yarn weight: #4 - Medium
Gauge: 17 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Needles: Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) needles, or size to achieve gauge, Size 6 (4 mm): 32-40" circular needle
Notions: Cable needle (cn), Stitch markers, Stitch holders, Yarn needle, Buttons (optional), Crochet hook (optional)
Originally Published: Knitscene, Fall 2006

Since this is a big sweater, the KAL will last until the end of October, so check in to the new Knit-a-Long forum and let's start swatching together (yes, swatching, not knitting the actual pieces until we all get gauge!).

Get Your Free Ribby Slipper Pattern!

To celebrate the end (for some of us) of the Monkey Sock KAL, here's a free sock pattern: Ribby Slipper Socks by Cathy Carron. These are on my list for Christmas for my nephew, and I might add a doggie face or something like that because nephew Henry loves animal slippers! (You'll also find five other patterns when you download the Ribby Slipper Socks because it's part of our free ebook Easy Knits: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns from Knitting Daily.) Download your free eBook today and don't forget to forward this email on to friends who could also use some free easy knitting patterns!

Cheers!

Kathleen

By the way, I had the honor of meeting Cookie A. at the Sock Summit. See how thrilled I am to see her? She was gracious and so glad to hear about our KAL with the Monkey Sock. Hers was one of the longest lines in the book signing area, and I was happy to stand and knit my way to the end of it.

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Sock Summit Report (plus a sock cast-on lesson)

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:39:00 GMT

"Sock it to me" is such a cliché, but it's true this time--I've been socked with sock goodness! Yes, I was lucky enough to attend the Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon, this weekend. Actually, I was only there on Thursday and Friday because I had to come home and teach a sock class at my LYS on Saturday--the irony.

The party started at the opening night kick-off on Thursday night, when Stephanie Pearl McPhee and Tina Newton talked about how they fantasized about, conceptualized, and organized the summit. The speech was hilarious, of course, and at times very moving. They thanked all of the teachers and people who helped them on their journey, and as those people stood up, I realized the magnitude of this event. They thanked people like Meg Swanson, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Barbara Walker, Cookie A., Nancy Bush, Lucy Neatby, Cat Bordhi, and on and on and ON! It was a true meeting of the "knitteratti."

After the final standing ovation, we got to meet these folks, which was wonderful. Everyone was graceful and lovely; obviously they were as happy to be there as I was. (On a side note, I got to meet our own Sandi Wiseheart in person--finally--and she's just as sweet and welcoming as you would think she would be.) As I shook hands with Meg Swanson and then Barbara Walker, I realized how lucky I am to be working in knitting--meeting some of my idols and teachers (I've learned so much through these gals' books) as part of my job. Wow!

I got to knit a few stitches on the World's Largest Sock (photo at right), a traveling art piece that's truly incredible. There were probably eight of us seated comfortably around a table knitting on the same sock. So much fun to be a part of that.

The Sock Museum was also a highlight. There were sock examples for each decade, starting with the dawn of time. My favorites were the Confederate and Union socks sitting right next to each other--the North and South of sock knitting. There was also a fabulous stocking from the late 1800s. It was a really neat collection.

At right are the fab rainbow stockings that were the show-stopper of the Thursday night party. This gal sat on the stage and posed for photo after photo. Wonderful work here!

I met Brian (photo at left) from Skacel, who's in the process of knitting seven pairs of socks at once on a 100-inch number 1 needle.--one pair for each day of the week! The seven balls of yarn are held in a shoe caddy. Brilliant.

When I was driving in from the airport, I tuned in the local PBS station and who should I hear but Cat Bordhi! A local program was doing a special on the Sock Summit and sock knitting in general, and Cat was talking about the culture of knitting. She said something that really hit me in the heart when she was talking about how knitters form communities. She said that when knitters get together and knit, they become the best versions of themselves. I saw that over and over at the Sock Summit.

The overall feeling at the summit was one of friendship and kinship. I didn't really know anyone there very well, but I was welcomed by all and I felt like I was walking into a family reunion of sorts--I was welcomed as a longtime friend.

Perfect Sock Cast-On

In the spirit of the teaching and learning that took place at the summit, here's a lesson from Nancy Bush, Sock Summit teacher, about an Estonian cast-on that's perfect to use for socks because it's so stretchy. I like this cast-on because the space from my heel to where the top of my foot meets my leg is a little bigger than average, and if I'm going to have trouble with a sock fitting, it's going to be there. I always cast-on loosely, but I don't like the look of a really loose cast-on because it can be messy and "loopy." This cast-on is naturally stretchy without looking loose. Try it on your next pair of socks!

Speaking of your next pair, Nancy has written several classic sock knitting books, including Knitting on the Road, Knitting Vintage Socks, Folk Socks, and the wildly popular lace book, Knitted Lace of Estonia. If you don't have at least one of these sock books, you are missing out on some amazing sock-knitting opportunities!

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It's been such a pleasure to write this post--I hope some of the inspiration I got at Sock Summit rubs off on you and your knitting.

Cheers!

Kathleen

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Knitted Edging: The Perfect Match (and voting for a new KAL!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:16:00 GMT

A Happy Edging

A friend of mine just finished a garter stitch baby blanket and when my knitting group saw the finished product we decided it needed a border of some sort.

My friend didn't want a plain garter border, so I pulled out the new Harmony Guide, Knit Edgings and Trims: 150 Stitches, and we looked through it and found the perfect border: Garter Stitch Points. (When the blanket is finished, I'll post a photo.)

Here's the pattern in case you have a garter stitch blanket that's lonley for its perfect border.

Worked from bottom edge upwards.
Ends with multiple of 13 sts.
Note: Each point is worked separately and then joined on one row.

Cast on 2 sts.
1st row: K2.
2nd row: Yo, k2. (3sts)
3rd row: Yo, k3. (4sts)
4th row: Yo, k4. (5sts)
5th row: Yo, k5. (6sts)
6th row: Yo, k6. (7sts)
7th row: Yo, k7. (8sts)
8th row: Yo, k8. (9sts)
9th row: Yo, k9. (10sts)
10th row: Yo, k10. (11 sts)
11th row: Yo, k11. (12 sts)
12th row: Yo, k12. (13 sts)

1st to 12th rows form one point. Cut yarn and leave finished point on needle. On the same needle, cast on 2 sts and work 2nd point.
Cont this way until there are as many points as required.
Do not cut yarn after completing the last point, but turn and knit across all points on needle.
Work 9 rows in garter stitch.
These 21 rows form the edging.
Bind off or cont as required.
Weave in loose ends.

I really like this border because it's simple but interesting, and since it's in garter stitch it'll go perfectly with the blanket. A lot of edgings are so ornate (and beautiful!) that they don't go with simple stitch patterns, but with this book you'll find an edging or trim that'll work for anything from simple garter stitch to fancy lace.

In fact, as my friend and I were looking through Knit Edgings and Trims, we found so many lovely borders it got me thinking about other projects to add borders to. I think mittens would be a great project to add a border to--just make a pair of plain stockinette mittens with a very short cuff, and add one of the fabulous borders to the cuffs instead of knitting the cuffs from the mitten pattern. How easy is that? Or add one of the borders to the waist of a cardigan instead of doing the ribbing or whatever waist treatment is called for in your pattern. There's lots of ways to use these borders--just looking through the book will inspire you.

All of the Harmony Guides are fantastic, and this one is no exception. You should also check out Crochet Edgings and Trims. Sometimes a crocheted border is just the ticket to finish a knitted project.

The first knit-a-long in the Kathleen's Knit-a-long forum has been a smashing success. Working through the Monkey Sock pattern together has been a blast: and we've all gotten great tips and inspiration, and we've made some new friends, too! Our next KAL will start on Monday, August 17. If you haven't finished your Monkey Socks, don't panic--the forum will stay alive as long as you need it to.

Here are some options for the next project in Kathleen's Knit-a-long. Please take the survey and tell me which project you want to knit.

Central Park Hoodie (please, please. . .)

Diagonal Rib Socks

Every Way Wrap

Feminine Mittens

Leaves on the Path Scarf

I'm off to the Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon--so tune in next week for some photos and stories from the Summit!

Have a great weekend,

Kathleen

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Interweave Knits: Fall 2009 Preview!

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:00:00 GMT

A note from Kathleen: When I worked at my LYS, we'd get a heavy box four times a year and the return address was Interweave Press. We'd rip that box open practically before the UPS guy could hand it over; we knew what was in it--the new issue of Interweave Knits! Here I am an Interweave employee, and I'm just as excited to hand you the proverbial box and introduce the fall 2009 issue of Knits. When you see the offerings in this issue you'll think "instant classic" just like I did. Do you love working on textured sweaters with interesting lines? If so, many of the sweaters in this issue will be right up your alley. And those Bandelier Socks? Brilliant and amazing --I will make them and keep them for myself!

With this new issue comes a new blog, Inside Knits. Eunny and the Interweave Knits gang will be expanding on projects and articles in the magazine and sharing even more tips and techniques. Plus you'll get a peek behind the scenes at just what it takes to produce Knits. Check KnittingDaily.com tomorrow afternoon for our first Inside Knits blog post.

And now, here's editor Eunny Jang to tell you more about what's in store for you with this issue of Interweave Knits, available at your LYS or newsstand on August 11th.

The dog days of summer may still be ahead, but fall is just around the corner--and with that, fall knitting! It's a great time to cast on a new big project, work with new-to-you fibers, or tackle a technique you've always wanted to try.

For me, the first cool breeze (sweater season!) always ushers in a renewed interest in knitting: The craft is both deep and broad, with endless avenues for exploration.

Take a subject like stranded color work (one of my personal favorites): If you'd like to give it a try for the first time, the Freya Hat would be a great place to begin: It's small and knitted entirely in the round. The Bandelier Socks would be a great project to branch out with. And if you're an old hand looking for something new, you could play with the Felicity Hat: It takes traditional motifs and combines them with decidedly untraditional short-rows for a completely different effect.

If you love texture, a one-piece sweater like the French Braid Pullover might satisfy the urge for big, simple texture that showcases the beauty of knitted cables. Angelica's Coat plays different textures against each other and frames them all within the rustic texture of the project yarn. The Clasica Coat puts cables and lace together for a deeply chiseled, wonderfully tactile effect.

For something to really sink your teeth into, there's a whole group of patterns that feature reversible cables in ways that make adornment functional: Rosamund's Cardigan uses a slinky reversible cable to pattern a collar that looks great standing up or turned down into lapels, while the Rivulet Scarf simply looks fantastic from both sides.

Deconstructing these patterns and learning what makes them tick is half the reward of making them--even in a craft as old as knitting is, there are still things that make you look twice, look closer.

What catches your eye in the Interweave Knits Fall 2009 preview?

--Eunny

Summer Knitting Project: Take-Along Lace Bookmark

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:50:00 GMT

I recently took a day-trip and the project I took with me was a tank top. I worked on it in the car, but it really took up too much room in my bag and in my lap and I was wishing for a small, purse-friendly project.

I can hear you all saying "How about a sock?" I know, I know--socks are the perfect traveling project (and I should be farther along on the KAL!). But I like to change things up a bit, and since it's getting towards time to start knitting holiday gifts, I thought I'd see what else was out there that would be car/park/lounge chair-appropriate.

I took a stroll through PieceWork's magazine's free pattern archive and I came upon this lovely bookmark pattern.

PieceWork has been one of my favorites for a long time. I love reading about the tradition and history of knitting and PieceWork does such an amazing job of keeping that tradition alive. I have a history with cross-stitch, too, and PieceWork almost makes me want to pick it up again! (So does the beautiful cross-stitch sampler Jeane Hutchins, the PieceWork editor, has in her office.)

Ave Coleman's Lace Bookmark is the trifecta of summer knitting: portable, gift-worthy, and a tiny bit challenging. There are four beautiful lace patterns in this piece, so you'll get a taste of lace on a small scale. And I love knitting with small needles, so this project is perfect for me.

I also appreciate the cotton thread called for in the bookmark pattern. It's all about cotton (or linen or hemp or silk) for my summer knitting. In hot weather I simply can't knit with wool or alpaca, unless I'm in an air-conditioned room (and there's not much AC in Spokane) or if I'm sitting directly in front of a fan (and then my pattern blows all over the place). So you see the terrible problems I face. I do make an exception for sock yarn, which is usually so tiny that I can handle the wool content.

(I think I've added two items to the trifecta: small needles and cotton yarn. The lace bookmark is now a five-fecta!)

Be sure and check out the July/August 2009 issue of PieceWork for even more wonderful ideas, including a whole article on "take-along" projects: a knitted scarf, an embroidered bookmark, and a pair of knitted wrist warmers. Sock knitters might like to try the mitten patterns in this issue, too. They're not socks, obviously, but the techniques are similar.

I think I'll make one of the lace bookmarks for each of the women in my family, and a couple for myself, too.

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Great Free Easy Knitting Patterns EBook

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:26:00 GMT

Lots of us want to fill our project baskets with easy knit patterns, especially in the summertime. Occasionally, though, easy knitted patterns can sacrifice style: there's sometimes a lot of room between "easy" and "attractive."

Not so in this new, free Ebook, Easy Knits From Knitting Daily: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns! Sandi Wiseheart has put together a wonderful variety of simple, stylish, easy knitting patterns. Full of easy stitches and simple techniques, Easy Knits From Knitting Daily: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns is just what the Hey-It's-Summer-Let's-Relax doctor ordered. (If anyone has that doctor's number, send it to me STAT.)

Here's a snippet from Sandi about this free pattern collection. "Our designers have used easy stitches and simple stylings to produce some of the most popular designs we've ever published: Green Tea Raglan, all knits and purls in a gorgeous top; the Knitting Needle Knitting Bag knits up quickly with large needles, which are then glued onto the final row of stitches; the Barrymore Slouch Hat, a great introduction to knitting in the round on large double-pointed needles; the Ribby Slipper Socks, with an ingenious construction that doesn't require a genius knitter; the Super-Simple Wrap Cardigan, a graceful cardi in "five easy pieces" of stockinette stitch with a garter stitch belt; and Mike's Easy-Fit Pullover--something for the guys, with an easy knit/purl texture and great shaping that he'll wear every weekend."

Sandi has carefully gone through each simple knitting pattern and added tips and tricks to guide you effortlessly through the projects. You'll find lists of techniques, stitch guides, a simple chart primer, and a glossary of terms.

You'll get a lot of bang for your buck (er, download?) with these easy knits, so click on the link and cast on!

Kathleen

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Knitting Patterns: To Read or Not to Read?

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Yep, I'm the new girl here. It's my first week on the job in the Loveland office, and what do I find? A pile of books sitting on the desk. Of course, they're piled according to size and there at the top sits this little very bright green book of cartoons--It Itches, by Franklin Habit. I'm really not a big cartoon kind of person, but I it's so cute I have to flip through it. And what do I find? Appropriate KD content that is directly related to the post I was writing today! So I'm sharing two of Franklin's cartoons because they are just too darn close to my experiences with today's subject: Reading Ahead.

This was my process during the first year or so of my knitting career:

1. Choose a project.
2. Buy yarn, needles, etc.
3. Read the first line of the pattern.
4. Start knitting.

Although there are several problems with this process, the one I'm going to focus on is step 3.

Sometimes we're so excited about a new project that we dive right in and start knitting without reading through the pattern. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten to a point in the pattern and realized I needed to rip back because I didn't read what was coming next, or because there was some information hidden in the pattern in a place I didn't expect, or I thought I knew what kind of decrease to do but as it turned out, I didn't.

And let's face it, not all patterns are created equally. Designers have their own, unique methods of imparting information (which is part of the fun of knitting from a variety of designers' patterns). One time when I was knitting a pair of socks, I came across a line that said something like "if you're doing a larger size, add one or two stitches between each lace section of each line of the chart." This was on PAGE 3 of the pattern. That's right. Page 3. So, I had to rip out to the toe. Sad for me!

Lesson learned, though. I've changed my process to include reading through the entire pattern before I start knitting. I don't read word for word, I skim the pattern looking for key items like "AT THE SAME TIME" or "if you're knitting size L or XL" or "place X number of stitches on a holder," and while I'm at it I make sure I know what the heck the designer means when he or she says SKP or PSSO.

This has saved me from the frog pond so many times; it's worth it to spend that extra five or seven minutes reading. Let's make it a Knitting Daily standard practice: READ BEFORE YOU KNIT!

So that's my post for today and I'm quickly packing my bags to wing back home. But I grabbed It Itches off the desk and shoved it into my purse (I think it was meant for me to keep. . .) because it's perfect plane reading. And I'm hoping that my seat partner just might ask me why I'm laughing out loud so I can share some of It Itches with her or him. Grab a copy for yourself--it' a great hook to introduce someone to our wacky sense of fiber humor.

(Oh, and in case you were wondering, I've also added the gauge swatch to my process, but that's another topic.)

New Adventures in Knitting . . . Daily

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Three years ago, when Interweave asked me to be editor of Knitting Daily, they gave me a phenomenal opportunity to learn from and share with knitters from all over the globe. My job as editor was to help build a vibrant online community; but it wasn't long before I discovered that I was merely the cheerleader—YOU were the ones actually making Knitting Daily a wonderful place for knitters to call home. And what an amazing home you've built!

Along the way, you've been great teachers; together we have learned things about life and yarn and knitting and laughter that have enriched our knitting as well as this larger craft we call life.

So methinks it's time to see what happens next! And one thing that happens next is that starting today, I’m stepping aside as your editor and moving into a new role here—which means that we all get a new editor! We’re in good hands—"Oh, the places we'll go!" with Kathleen as our guide.

This might seem like goodbye...but it's not! Remember I said I was moving into something new? So many of you have told me that you love the wee short tidbits next to my photo that I’m going to expand "What's on Sandi's Needles?" into a regular knitting blog. Every week, I'll be sharing my own knitting adventures with you right here on Knitting Daily, alongside other new knitting blogs that we’re adding to the site. I hope you'll stop by, leave a comment, and then go and explore all the other great things Knitting Daily has to offer—things that you helped to bring to life.

Much gratitude and many blessings to all of you—and a warm welcome to Kathleen!

Sandi Wiseheart

***

Hello Knitting Daily Community!

I’m thrilled to be here with you, exploring the wealth of resources and products Interweave has to offer, as well as the Knitting Daily Community. I’ll be writing to you from my home office in Spokane, Washington.

I’ll bet you’re asking, “What exactly are your knitting creds to be the editor of Knitting Daily?” Well, I’ve been a member of Knitting Daily since the beginning, eagerly opening emails every day, just like you! I’ve learned so much from Sandi and Interweave’s great resources; Knitting Daily has increased my confidence and my passion for knitting. I’ve also been in publishing for twenty years, as an editor and a production manager, so combining my professional interests with my passion for knitting is really a dream come true.

I’ve always been crafty. I learned at my mom’s elbow as she knitted, embroidered, and macraméd her way through the 70s; sewed, serged, and painted in the 80s; and paper-crafted in the 90s and 2000s. Cross stitch became my favorite craft and I as moved from silly sayings and characters to intricate samplers and art deco designs, I thought I’d be cross stitching forever. Enter knitting. . .

When my mom’s best friend, Pat Harris, opened up a knit shop in Hendersonville, Tennessee, she came to Seattle—where I was living at the time—to visit the yarn shops (there are a ton of them in Seattle—if you haven’t done a yarn crawl there, get to it).

I’d been curious about knitting, and Pat said she’d teach me the basics. She spent an afternoon with my sister and me teaching us to knit and purl, and I took to it pretty naturally. I continued on my own, with one of my first reference guides, The Knitter’s Companion, at my side. I tried different stitch patterns, yarn, and needle sizes and types. I wasn’t knitting anything in particular, I was just knitting. I loved the repetitive nature of stockinette stitch as much as I enjoyed the challenge of a stitch pattern. After a few weeks I decided to knit a baby sweater, so I went to my LYS and bought yarn and needles. The rest is history, especially for my cross-stitch projects.

I’m now an avid sweater knitter (you’ve all knit the Central Park Hoodie, right?), taking breaks every now and then for a pair of socks or a felted project. I also teach knitting classes at my Spokane LYS, A Grand Yarn.

I’m addicted to all things knitting, including magazines, books, and online magazines, patterns, and blogs. I’m so excited to become part of the online knitting world, taking over the reins so deftly handled by Sandi. I look forward to becoming a big part of your community, bringing you new techniques, projects, author introductions, tips and tricks, videos, knit-a-longs, insider’s info about new products—basically, a host of information to increase your confidence and enhance the joy of knitting.

Here’s to new adventures ahead!

Kathleen Cubley

How A Knitted Swiss Hobby Horse Came Back to Life

KD Sandi — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:36:00 GMT

A few years back, I shared an office with Ann Budd, and she brought in a piece of childhood knitting to share...except that this wasn't a misshapen scarf, or a lumpy set of mittens. This was a hobby horse, complete with I-cord reins and matching ears and a charming embroidered face, all based on a modified sock pattern.

Ann knit this bit of whimsical art when she was in the sixth grade, which by my reckoning, is about age eleven. Ann spent that year in Switzerland with her family, where her new Swiss teacher Frau Kruger was appalled to find an eleven-year-old girl who did not know how to knit (apparently all Swiss girls learned to knit at a very early age). Frau Kruger set about rectifying this unimaginable lack of womanly skills as soon as possible, and before long, Ann was knitting socks with all her classmates. But socks in the imaginations of eleven-year-old girls quickly became hobby horses, decorated according to each girl's dreams and fantasies. It's clear that Ann still treasures hers.

That hobby horse decorated our office for quite a long time, and I would give his nose a gentle pat every time I passed his perch near the bookshelf. I remember asking Ann if she could write down the pattern for that horse, and she would laugh and say, "You'll have to get in line--half the building has already asked me that!"

Well, I guess enough of us must have bugged her about that pattern, because it's finally here! I was overjoyed to find it included in the pages of Ann's new book, Knitted Gifts...that is, I was overjoyed until I started counting my nephews and nieces...because there is NO WAY I'd be allowed to knit just ONE hobby horse, I'd have to knit one for each and every one of them, in different colors, with different manes and personalities and names....oy. I'd be knitting hobby horses for the rest of my life.

I could knit Just One, I suppose: just one for myself. But then I might be thought odd...or even selfish.

Wait a minute...what if I knitted just one hobby horse, and she lived at my house, and the nieces and nephews could all play with her when they visited Auntie Sandi and Uncle Nicholas?

Sounds like a plan to me.

There are about 30 other equally imaginative and fabulous patterns--for everyone from baby to favorite uncle--in Knitted Gifts, available as a pre-order from our website--or ask your local yarn shop to order it for you.

Enjoy!
--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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