#knitting tech

[victorian3]

Wrap and Turn

This is something you see written in directions for short rows. This is how it works when working something in plain garter stitch: Knit the number of short-row stitches listed in the row. With the yarn still at the back of the work, slip the next stitch as if to purl. Bring the yarn to the front of the work, then slip that stitch back to the left needle. Turn your work, and then work back to the edge over those short-row stitches.

I am posting this because it goes along with those 1914 knitted rug directions.

[victorian3]

As my final project before going back to work tomorrow, I cleaned out the closet. I have 4 very pretty, sheer, print scarves that I bought at different points. I have ONE scarf that I made, and it’s too narrow to be useful. (As I sit here writing this, there’s a cold front arriving. The predicted high for tomorrow is 21. No, that is NOT in Celsius.)

Self, start scrolling through all those free vintage sites and find a new scarf pattern. You’ll need something for the spring ick. You’ll just have to suffer and freeze tomorrow.

Sites to check: Free Vintage Crochet. I like their shell stitch scarf and all the sport scarves.

Free Vintage Knitting. I like the boy’s block scarf and the designs posted for men. (They are usually warmer than the little lacy things for women, and they are meant to look like tweed.) The patchwork-style scarf could be done up in double-knitting very easily.

Knit Heaven. They have a 1918 pattern for a knit sport scarf in cream, green, brown, and “rose.”

Antique Pattern Library. The Corticelli scans have at least 2 designs for sport scarves and shoulder scarves, using plain garter stitch and coral stitch.

Berroco: Huge list of patterns. Toshiko (X) and Wedge (X) are very nice. Also fun: Gurie (X), Jubilee (X), Fascinate (X), and Adia (X).

A final note on working in garter stitch: It has a definite right and wrong side. After casting on, work a foundation row before anything else. This will bring the right side of the work around to face you. When doing stripes, always join the new color with the right side facing you. The first row after joining a new color will have both colors visible in the stitches, and you won’t get a solid band of color. You will have to work an even number of rows with each color to get those solid bands.

[victorian3]

Looks like this might actually be a keyhole scarf pattern that doesn't have that aggravating loose section when you separate the stitches to form the opening.

Right now I've got a partly-finished version of the Martha Stewart design sitting next to me, and I can see through the keyhole section.

[victorian3]

Knitting Technical Issue

So according to one of the books I own, cast on edges have a distinct right and wrong side.

This right and wrong side drives me nuts when I'm trying to make things. In the 1871 directions for the Warm Cloud with Hood I posted on March 31, you work wide bands of plain knitting with thin stockinette lace stripes running through. If you want the stockinette side of the lace stripes facing the right side of the cast on edge, you have to knit 24 rows instead of 23 like the directions say. I know this because I'm holding my work now and making a frowny face...

It's still going to be perfectly fine when I finish it, but I would never give this to anyone else. Gifts need to be made and finished as perfectly as possible if they're going to another person.

[knittingpatterns-blog]

I really like this tutorial. I didn't even know it could be done so seamlessly!

[knittingpatterns-blog]

I-cord is a simple knitting technique that creates a very narrow tube of knitting that looks a bit like French knitting. This is a stitch used for creating knitting bag handles, adding as edging on a project or applying as a specific cord in various craft projects. Following these simple steps will result in knitting an I-cord.

Skills needed: Knit, DPNs (optional) Very good tutorial with clear pictures and instructions.