On the Needles: Debbie Bliss Simple Tank

May 15, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Sweaters

The Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine came out back in February.

After studying it carefully, I decided that the pattern with which I was most enchanted was the Simple Tank.

Will I have to get orange pants?

Although knit in stockinette stitch, the striping would keep it from getting boring. There is gentle shaping on the sides to keep it flattering. And the relatively small size of the project meant I might actually finish it in time to wear it this summer.

What is it about tank tops that make them seem like a “small project”? The only difference between them and a regular sweater is a lack of sleeves. On the other hand, I heard that two long sleeves roughly equal the back of the sweater in yarn consumption, so I guess a tank top really is smaller.

The tank top is knit using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 Ply yarn, a yummy 100% ExtraFine Merino with approximately 198 yards per 50g ball. It is available in 27 colors, but I decided to take the path of least resistance and go with the colors used in the magazine.

I went with the colors in the magazine.

Perhaps that is unimaginative considering one of the fun things about knitting and crocheting is the ability to make a project unique just by changing the colors we use. However, these colors are a real change of pace for me. I tend more toward red, blue, and primary colors. But the tangerine and fuschia in the magazine sample are so bright and happy I decided to go for it.

Besides, it will be very stylish since the tangerine reflects the “Color of the Year.”

The first thing I did, of course, was swatch on the suggested needle size of US3. Instead of the required 7 sts/inch I was getting 6.5 sts/inch.

Now, you might think that’s close enough. What’s half a stitch between friends? But multiplied across an entire sweater those half stitches add up. If I’d followed the pattern with my 6.5 sts per inch the back of my sweater would have been 18 inches wide instead of the 16.5 inches my size should be.

I would have ended up with a much bigger tank top than I wanted. Rather than risk ending up with a finished top I can’t wear I went ahead and swatched with US2 needles. Gauge was mine!

You see what I did there, right? I wanted to get MORE stitches per inch so I went DOWN a needle size. (If I had wanted FEWER stitches per inch I would have gone UP.)

Some of you might be feeling a little light headed at the thought of knitting a top on US2 needles. Small needles don’t scare me. Besides, it’s just a little tank top, how long could it take to knit? And would you really want a summer top out of worsted weight wool?

Carry On

The top has been zipping along. I cast on April 24 and finished the back last night, which is pretty good considering I’m on US2 needles and lost at least four days of knitting time to a mysterious hand injury/strain.

To save my sanity later on, I decided to carry the yarns up the side rather than clipping them every time I changed colors.

Goodness, if the thought of US2 needles didn’t make you lightheaded the idea of weaving in all those little ends should!

Oh no! Where'd my row go?

When carrying colors in this fashion you want to consider how wide your stripes are. If they are too wide you’ll have really long floats, which might not make it worth it.

You should also remember to twist the yarn occasionally by picking the new yarn up from underneath the old yarn. This will trap the floats and help keep things neater.

Another thing to watch out for is the risk of pulling the color too tightly the next time it comes into use. That is what happened to the tangerine yarn in the above picture. I knit the row properly, but somewhere along the line the yarn was yanked so hard it sucked the slack out of first few stitches.

Now that I think about it, there was one time when I got tangled in the yarn when I stood up from the couch and dragged the tangerine ball across the room.

A more likely result of short floats is the fabric puckering along the side edge. To avoid that, and ensure the floats are a good length, I like to pull the fabric downward after I knit the first stitch in the new color.

Because of that habit I noticed the problem of the missing tangerine stitches as soon as that color came around again.

Happily, it was easy to fix. I simply started at the edge stitch and used a double pointed needle to tease out the tight stitches. I pulled the first leg of the edge stitch to get a big loop of yarn and then worked that slack across to the first normal stitch. I did have to fiddle with the stitches in question a bit to get them back to the correct gauge, but it just took some patience.

Ta-da! All better

In fact, I think it would be hard to tell there was ever a problem.

What tips do you have for knitting stripes?

Halfway Done

The rest of the knitting has been uneventful. Which is sometimes all we ask of our projects, isn’t it?

The only other near brush with disaster I had was after I finished the armhole shaping, got mesmerized by the striping sequence, and almost forgot to measure my length to the neck shaping.

Luckily, I was still two inches short of the target length when it occurred to me to measure. Phew! I would not have wanted to rip back because I knit it too long.

We have a back!

There it is in all it’s glory.

Are you wondering about the stitch markers?

Well, since the stripe sequence is so regular I haven’t been using a row counter for this project. I can just look at or count the stripes to track my progress. However, there are key points I wanted to highlight without constant counting.

Starting at the bottom: the first marker is the row on which the decreases stop. The second one is the row on which the increases start. The third one is where the increases end. And the fourth one (the blue flower) is the row on which I started the armhole shaping.

You know how patterns some times direct you to measure from where the armhole starts and that’s always hard to figure out? Save yourself some hassle by placing a marker in the middle of the row on that first cast off row. It’s important to put it in the middle of the garment because then you (probably) won’t have any shaping interfering with your ability to measure accurately.

For the record, it wasn’t an issue on this pattern because it instructs you measure from the cast on row. I decided to leave the marker in anyway.

I cast on the front last night and am already a few rows into the decrease section. If I keep this pace up I’ll be finished my new top just in time for the warm weather!

Are you making a project from this issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine? Share a picture with us on Facebook. I’d love to see your project.

Tags: magazines, summer, womens
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Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring/Summer 2012

February 28, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, shawl, Sweaters, Uncategorized

The new issue of Debbie Bliss Magazine hit store shelves earlier this month. Since it is chock full of good stuff it takes a while to consider the patterns and select which ones to highlight.

When I get a new magazine first thing I do is flip through quickly to see what grabs my attention (of course this usually happens in the store as I’m deciding to buy it).

Then I like to have a more leisurely read, perhaps with a nice cup of tea.

Simple Tank (#2)

Hands down my favorite project is the Simple Tank (project #2) in the “Simple Stripes” section.

This top uses Rialto 4-Ply a 100% Extra Fine Merino yarn. This is a very soft, fingering weight yarn. The pattern doesn’t take much yarn at all (from 5 to 7 balls depending on what size you are making) and should work up quickly. There is some gentle side shaping, which should make the top very flattering.

The stripes are narrow enough that it should be possible to carry the unused yarns up the side thus avoiding a needing to weave in a million ends.

Of course the fuchsia and tangerine stripes are very stylish right now. They aren’t my usual colors (I’m much more of a red and blue girl), but I think I’ll stick with them. It’s good to work outside your comfort zone sometimes.

If you don’t feel like challenging your color sensibilities Rialto 4-Ply comes in 27 colors, which makes it easy to change them up if the fuchsia and tangerine aren’t speaking to you like they are to me.

See other patterns using Rialto 4-Ply in the “Beach Belles” book.

Lace Stole (#10)

The next pattern that caught my eye was the pink Lace Stole (project #10) in the “Touch of Blush” section.

The “Touch of Blush” section includes four patterns (two tops and two shawls) using the new Rialto Lace yarn. Continuing the Rialto line, Rialto Lace is also 100% Extrafine Merino wool. It comes in 429 yard (50 gram) balls, has a suggested gauge of 8 sts to the inch on a US 2 needle, and comes in 20 colors.

The Lace Stole is worked on US6 needles and requires three balls of yarn. I like the leaf motif marching up the stole. This piece looks like it would be an attractive way to chase the chill on a spring evening.

See other patterns using Rialto Lace in the new “Rialto Lace” book.

Openwork Cardigan (#28)

Another attractive chill chaser is the Openwork Cardigan (project #28) in the “Summer Shimmer” section. There is a tunic, a shrug, and a skirt in the section in addition to this feminine cardigan.

Design by Nina Sagulin, the cardigan requires three to five balls (depending on the size) of Party Angel yarn. Party Angel is a delicious 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% Metallic Polyester blend available in 10 colors.

The cardigan is knit on US10 needles, so don’t let the fine gauge of the yarn intimidate you. The lace pattern is also fairly simple with the wrong side rows work in plain purl stitch, which gives you a chance to rest.

I like this cardigan because it’s lightweight, but I know it will be warm because the halo from the mohair will help trap air. This would be a great garment over a summer dress out in the evening. I think the styling would also lend itself to wearing in the office when the air conditioning gets too enthusiastic.

If you don’t want the glitter of Party Angel for office wear, you can substitute Angel yarn a 76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk blend. Six new colors brings your total color choices up to 24.

See other patterns using Party Angel in the leaflet of the same name. See other pattern using Angel in the book of the same name and the book “A Fine Romance”.

Moss Stitch Chair Throw (#19)

One of the nice things about the Debbie Bliss Magazine is that in addition to garments there are usually projects for the home as well.

The Moss Stitch Chair Throw (project #19) in the “Coffee and Cream” section is 22 3/4 inches by 43 inches, just the right size for covering up without getting overwhelmed.

It looks so soft and luscious in the magazine I just want to snuggle into it.

The throw is knit using nine hanks of Paloma and US 15 needles, which means it should work up quickly. Paloma is a new 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool blend that comes in 16 colors. With the high alpaca content this yarn is like knitting with a cloud. Finished projects are both warm and soft.

If I was going to make this throw I’d go with either color #9-Basil or #8-Mustard, either of which would match my decor. But the smart thing would be to go with color #7-Rust, which would match my Golden Retrievers, since I suspect I would have to share it with them.

See garments us Paloma in the book of the same name.

Napkin Rings (#22)

A project I wouldn’t have to share with Samson & Baru would be the Napkin Rings (project #22) from the same section.

One ball of Eco Baby will make all four rings. A cardboard tube, such as from a roll of gift wrap, is used to give the rings structure.

Eco Baby is a 100% Organic Cotton yarn available in 24 colors that comes in 137 yard balls.

The napkin rings should be quick to make and easy to show off–just have a dinner party! If your knitting project queue is long the rings will be a great summer project when you don’t want to be covered in yarn.

The magazine includes patterns for place mats and a table runner to complete your table’s outfit.

See other projects using Eco Baby in the new “Celebrating Family” book.

And Much More!

I’ve highlighted a few of the patterns in the magazine that have caught my eye. With 30 projects, you see something new each time you pick it up. I haven’t even mentioned the cute garments for kids and babies!

Honestly there is a cute Striped Sweater (project #16) in the “Kids Ahoy!” section that I wish came in my size!

And what would a magazine be without articles?

There is a good tutorial about seams with nice clear, big pictures.

An interview with Anna Hrachovec, the designer of the “Knitting Mochimochi” book, along with her pattern for teeny chickens.

And an article about Debbie and her daughter Nell’s visit to Canada in September.

Quite a bit to keep you busy as you wait for spring to arrive.

Look for the magazine at your local yarn store (where you can pick up the yarn for your favorite project as well) or at your local book store.

Tags: magazines
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Valentine’s Day Ideas

February 1, 2012 in Elsebeth Lavold, Louisa Harding, Mirasol, Mitts, Noro, Sweaters

Including today, Valentine’s Day is just 13 knitting or crocheting days away!

No, I’m not trying to rush the holidays along. I’m trying to give you enough time to actually make one or two of these projects. It would be irresponsible of me to suggest gifts to make for Valentine’s Day on that day, don’t you think?

When you think of Valentine’s Day you probably think of hearts, chocolate, and flowers. With that theme in mind, I’ve curated a collection of patterns from across our lines that feature heart motifs. Some can’t be missed and some are a little more subtle.

You can find these pattern books and the yarns to make the projects at your local yarn store.

Mirasol

Turns out Jane Ellison is pretty big on heart motifs and has peppered them through the collections she’s created for Mirasol.

A good project to practice intarsia

The Burru Tini Mittens from Book #27-Sulka-Ushya are a good (and obvious!) place to start our tour. Since fingerless mitts are small they are a fast project that you should be able to finish in plenty of time for gift giving. They are also very useful, both inside and out, and your loved one will think of you whenever they wear them.

This pair is knit in Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend available in 37 colors. The pattern requires two hanks of the main color and one hank of the contrasting color. These mitts would be a good project for practicing your intarsia technique as well.

For the person on your mind?

Another great Sulka project is the Ilsa Hat from Book #17-Sulka. A fun pompom tops off the cute heart motifs and ear flaps make it extra warm. I saw several versions on Ravelry where people worked solid hearts instead of just the outline.

Now that's a heart motif!

Write your love large with the Kisdon sweater from Book #21-Hapi & Nuna. Since it’s a sweater, you might not finish this in time for the holiday, but it probably won’t be the first time your Valentine has received an on-the-needles present from you! Goodness knows we’ve all done it.

The two yarns featured in this book are both lovely. Nuna is a 40% Wool, 40% Silk, 20% Bamboo Viscose blend with shine and drape from the silk and bamboo viscose, as well as warmth spring from the wool. It is available in 26 colors.

Hap’i is a worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn available in 24 colors. It has a little bit of thick-and-thin texture to it for extra interest. This yarn is a great choice if you or the object of your affection are allergic to wool.

Make it long or short

If you don’t want to make a garment, try your hand at the Heart Mobile from Book #6-Accessories Collection. They are knit using Mirasol Tupa, a 50% Merino, 50% Silk blend with a suggested gauge of 5.5 sts per inch. Make it as long or as short as you want. Or just make one heart to decorate a gift.

A hug you can hug!

Another non-garment option is the Tomas Toy from Book #4-Children’s Collection. We always say a hand knit gift is a long distance hug, well here is one they can hug back! Tomas is especially good for children if you are worried about them outgrowing a sweater before you can finish knitting it.

Noro

Heart pillows can be stuffed with yarn scraps

Jane Ellison’s heart theme continues to her Noro designs with the Heart Pillows from Book #9-Noro for Kids. After knitting up these quick projects you can stuff them with either fiberfill or all those yarn scraps you can’t use but also can bring yourself to throw out!

Louisa Harding

Whiskers scarf from Queen of Hearts

But Jane Ellison hasn’t cornered the market on heart motifs. You won’t be surprised to hear that Louisa Harding’s book “Queen of Hearts” features everything from scarves and bags to sweaters and cardigans sporting hearts large and small.

The Whiskers scarf shown here is knit using two hanks of Mulberry, a luscious 100% silk yarn. Maybe you should tell your Valentine to skip the flowers this year and get you a bouquet of Mulberry instead!

Sometimes it's ok to wear a heart on your sleeve

For that beloved young girl in your life there is the Charity sweater from Book #16-Kindred. From the lace and heart cuffs to the all over lace pattern on the body, this sweater will be as enjoyable to knit as a box of chocolates is to eat.

Charity is knit using eight balls of Kashmir Baby, a 55% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 35% Microfiber Acrylic blend that comes in 32 colors. If pink is a little too sweat for your little lady other abound.

Elsebeth Lavold

XO cables are subtle love notes

If all these hearts are a little too over the top for you, cover your loved one in hugs and kisses instead with the Dakar set from Book #21-The City(e)scapes Collection.

In addition to being fun to knit the XO cable is a bit more subtle. This set is knit using Silky Flamme, a 50% Peruvian Wool, 30% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend sure to keep the person wearing it warm when they are away from you.

Be Your Own Valentine

Since not everyone loves Valentine’s Day, I have some anti-VD suggestions as well.

You are your best Valentine.

The most obvious one is to go ahead and treat yourself!

The Party Angle Stole by Debbie Bliss uses five balls of her Party Angel yarn. This beautiful yarn is a 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% blend that is both warm and lofty. It comes in 10 colors to suit your mood.

Another option to to take any of the patterns I’ve suggested and make them in black or your favorite color, instead of the traditional pink and red.

Or you can stick with the red heart and duplicate stitch a crack using black yarn to create a broken heart. The options are endless.

Whether your Valentine’s Day is sappy or serious keep in mind that yarn lasts longer than flowers!

Tags: gifts, holidays
5 Comments »

From Silly to Sublime

January 23, 2012 in Cowls, Sublime, Sweaters

Although Knitting Fever Inc.’s headquarters are on Long Island I work remotely from New Hampshire. Hooray for technology!

The field where I let my dogs run.

The mild winter has allowed my friend and I to continue to walk outside in the mornings rather than being trapped inside on treadmills.

Last week the winter weather returned with a vengeance. We should have checked the conditions more carefully before heading out on Thursday as it was around 3 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite our scarves, we were sure our faces were going to freeze off. We didn’t turn back, but we did cut our walk short.

Which is how I found myself looking for a yarn to knit the Nosewarmer, 2nd Generation pattern from Knitty.

Color #284--Jolie

I settled on Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK. This 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool yarn comes in 127 yard (50g) balls. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle.

Wonderfully soft merino wool seemed like a good choice for a project that would be pressed to my face! I didn’t want a fuzzy yarn and I also didn’t want a fragrant yarn. The Sublime fit the bill on all counts.

There are 32 colors available, but I decided to go with the bright orange color #284-Jolie because it’s such a happy color. Really, if you’re going to make a hat for your nose, you might as well go for it and make it in a bright color. I also like to tell myself that since Tangerine Tango is the color of the year my nosewarmer is actually very stylish. haha! Of course, the hazard of making it in orange is that you’ll end up looking like a duck.

I like my nose, but have no respect for my dignity.

As an experienced knitter I found the pattern quick and easy to work. I’d say it is an intermediate level pattern. It would be a good pattern for learning the short row technique because it is a small project and basically all short rows. The Knitty pattern has an explanation of how to work the short rows and also has a link to a photo tutorial.

My friend laughed heartily and called it a “snoot boot” when I presented it to her. I cannot claim that we actually wore them during our walk Friday morning, but I will mention that it makes my glasses fog up. But then, so does my scarf when I pull it up.

Garments you might wear

While I’m running around in the frozen tundra looking like a duck, you might be more interested in making a project you won’t be embarrassed to wear out in public.

A more reasonable way to keep warm.

The Snood pattern from #654 – The fourth fabulous extra fine merino wool dk book by Sublime features a pretty lace pattern and is a much more reasonable way to keep your face and nose warm when Jack Frost starts pinching you.

Something for after your walk?

The Pompom slippers is one of three slipper patterns in the same book as the Snood. This would be a quick pattern and a good way to warm up your toes after tromping through the snow on your morning constitutional.

Lovely details highlight this sweater.

For a more challenging project, take a look at “Skater Girl in Gorgeous Green.” Full of texture and details (look at that cute collar!) this sweater will keep your attention during those winter evenings. Another version of the pattern has more of a v-neck and no shawl collar.

Look for this book at your local yarn store to see the other attractive sweaters and accessories that round out the pages.

For the little man in your life.

If you’re looking for projects for the young people in your life check out “#643-The second children’s double knitting book” also by Sublime.

This book features 10 patterns for boys and girls using Extra Fine Merino Wool DK.

Shown here are the Fred Hat and Dizzy the Rascal 2. (Version 1 of the sweater is worked in one color.) Let him help select the colors to ensure it will be worn.

If your little man is daring, there are also lovely cabled sweaters in this book.

Although all weather is knitting weather, I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something about a crisp layer of snow on the ground that makes curling up with your yarn and needles more enjoyable. Why not do it with a yarn as “Sublime” (tee hee) as Extra Fine Merino DK?

Tags: children, womens
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Knit Year Resolutions

January 1, 2012 in Ella Rae, Juniper Moon Farm Yarns, Knitting Fever Inc, miscellaneous, Socks, Sweaters

Happy 2012!

A new year, like a new ball of yarn, is always so full of promise and potential. What shall we make of it? Something for ourselves? Something for others? Can we find a way to do both?

Indulgence 6 ply Distrato yarn

I suppose all that potential is partially responsible for the urge to make New Year’s Resolutions. We want to make sure we don’t waste this opportunity. Unlike knitting, it’s hard to swatch a year. Ha! You really do have to jump in and hope for the best.

Alas, as we all know, most New Year’s Resolutions end up broken or forgotten by the end of January. Instead of helping us improve, they make us feel worse when we beat ourselves up over breaking them.

For this reason I keep my New Year’s Resolutions vague with things like “I’ll be a better person.” Besides, I think every day is a new opportunity to improve!

While I don’t go for the big, common resolutions like “loose weight and exercise more” I can get behind knitting and yarn related resolutions. After all, knitting is what I do for fun and relaxation and I already believe that every project is a chance to learn something new.

Getting Ideas

Since general resolutions tend to be similar I wondered if Knitting Resolutions were as well. To find out I started reading through the New Year Knitting Resolutions thread on Ravelry.

Sure enough, the same resolutions kept popping up.

“I will only knit projects that touch my heart with yarns that bless my hands!”–Dogs5 on Ravelry

One was already on my own list: To finish projects.

Goodness knows we all have enough UFOs (UnFinished Objects) too keep us busy.

But if they have been unfinished for a while it might be time to let them go. Sort through them and really look at them with an honest eye. Why did you stop? Did you make a mistake you need help correcting? Is the sweater knit and just needs to be sewn together? Did you realize it is something you’ll never use? Are you no longer in love with the yarn? Was the break all you needed to return to this project and finish it?

Life is too short to knit projects you don’t love. Clear those UFOs out of your knitting basket and free yourself from the stress they are causing. If you aren’t going to finish it, give it to someone who will. If you need help head to your local yarn store to get it. While you’re there, see if they offer finishing services and pay someone to seam up that sweater.

You’ll recognize blue sock at the top of this post as a pair I started before Christmas using Indulgence 6 ply in a Distrato colorway. I’m pleased to announce the first sock is finished. On to the second sock!

A second one was to either learn to knit socks or knit more socks.

I applaud this goal. I love knitting socks. They are useful and, being small, easy to finish. I want to knit more socks this year.

If you have also made this resolution, we have a free Online Supersocke Pattern on our website you can download. It is in a chart form and covers 14 sizes(!). You find your foot size across the top, then plug the numbers in the column into the written directions.

By using inspiring yarn for your socks you’ll be motivated to finish them. The Supersocke Silk yarn from OnLine is a good choice. This yarn is a blend of 55% Merino Wool, 20% Silk, and 25% Nylon. The wool is soft, the silk gives it shine, and the nylon gives it strength. In addition to 24 solid colors there are seven self-patterning colors. There is nothing quite as fun as watching the stripes develop as you knit.

Lounge Socks from Ella Rae Luxury Knits

Another idea is to start with bulky slipper socks like these Lounge Socks from the Ella Rae Luxury Knits book. The bulky weight allows you to work through the elements involved in knitting a sock faster than you would with fingering weight yarn. Once you are familiar with all the steps you can cast on for light weight socks with confidence.

A third one was to learn Fair Isle or color work.

This is another good one. I love knitting intarsia projects, but my Fair Isle skills aren’t so hot. Like most people I have trouble keeping the tension even.

For a skill like this, where lots of practice is key, I think a small project like the Fair Isle Boot Toppers from the Juniper Moon Farm Chadwick book would be a good place to start.

Boot Toppers from Juniper Moon Farm

The small size is not a big commitment in time and if things start going wrong you can move on to the next one quickly.

Since Chadwick comes in 202 yard balls you can get more than one pair of Boot Toppers out of the required amount. But another idea is to pair it with the ever popular Sluggy Bonnet. (Psst! You can download the Sluggy Bonnet pattern free from the Juniper Moon Farm blog!) Another great pattern for trying your hand at Fair Isle. This pattern is on my list and I just need to clear the needles and cast on already!

A final resolution was to knit a sweater.

I’ve knit several sweaters. But if there is a project I’m going to drop the ball on it’s a sweater. I won’t lie, they are a big time commitment. You really have to love both the yarn and the pattern to see a sweater through to completion.

My problems are in perseverance and finishing. Like many knitters I know sewing those seams just slays me. Of course, once I sit down and do it I have a great sense of accomplishment.

The people on Ravelry were running the gamut from making their first sweater ever to making their first sweater for themselves.

Baby Sweater from Baby Milk

If you are debating your first sweater ever, I would suggest starting with a baby sweater, like the free patterns for these cute cardigans using Baby Milk yarn. This yummy yarn is a blend of 63% Extrafine Merino, 30% Milk Fiber, and 7% Cashmere. Don’t let the thin suggested gauge put you off, in the pattern the yarn is held doubled so the patterns move along quickly.

The advantage of starting with a baby sweater, even if you don’t have a baby in your life, is you quickly move through all the shaping elements you will encounter in an adult sweater. This is a good way to build your confidence and get yourself familiar with what to expect.

With a baby sweater under your belt you can confidently head to your local yarn store and select a sweater for yourself.

Take Care of Your Tools

A resolution I didn’t see on Ravelry, which I feel is very important, is to take care of your hands. They are, after all, your most important knitting tool!

Spend a few minutes a day making sure your fingernails are smooth and snag free. It’s hard to get a smooth knitting rhythm going if hangnails keep grabbing your yarn.

By the same principle, use a nice moisturizer to keep your skin soft. Have you ever noticed that the same yarn can feel wonderful one day and slightly rough the next? The yarn hasn’t changed, but your hands might have.

And, most importantly, remember to stop and stretch your fingers, hands, and wrists regularly. Flex your fingers a few times to warm them up before you start. Then put your knitting down periodically to flex them again. Since I like to knit while watching TV I find that commercial breaks are a good reminder to take a knitting break as well.

Remember, it will be hard to meet your knitting goals if you are sidelined with a hand injury!

What knitting resolutions have you set for yourself this year? Tell us in the comments here on the blog, or share on our Facebook wall.

Happy Knit Year!

Tags: holidays, socks, sweater
17 Comments »

Spotlight: Sirdar Big Bamboo

September 26, 2011 in Sirdar, Sweaters

Big Bamboo from Sirdar is a fluffy new yarn that is a blend of 50% Bamboo sourced viscose, 30% Acrylic, and 20% Wool that comes in 12 colors.

Despite the halo, cables are still crisp.

At first glance it looks like a smooth yarn with heathery colors, but closer inspection reveals it has a colored chainette construction with a fuzzy white halo. The chainette construction, which resembles an I-cord, is popular because it allows the yarn to work up at a big gauge for quick projects without being heavy. The open construction captures air, which helps keep you snuggly warm.

Crocheted on a N/10 mm hook.

Generally, chainette yarns have a firm enough construction so you don’t have to worry about snagging the tips of your knitting needles or crochet hooks. In the case of Big Bamboo the halo also helps hold it together. I found the yarn very easy to work with for both knitting and crocheting. It is also very soft and fluffy, which is always enjoyable!

As an added bonus the yarn is machine washable on the gentle cycle, but you should still dry it flat.

Patterns

There is a free pattern for a two-ball scarf using an easy drop stitch pattern right on the ball band.

For more variety, the book “Big Bamboo Knits” contains 11 patterns including cardigans, pullovers, and accessories.

Chang the length, sleeves, or collar to make it your own.

Some of the patterns have two version–for instance this sweater has a short sleeved, cowl neck version as well as a long sleeve, crew neck version–which increases your options. I’m sure it would be possible to work a long sleeve, cowl neck sweater with some careful pattern reading. If you do mix-and-match elements it would be a good idea to circle or highlight the style and size you are making before you get started.

The tassels will bring out the kid in you.

A cozy cowl, a lace scarf, and this fun hat round out the accessories in the book.

Whether for gift knitting or something cozy for yourself, Big Bamboo will knit up quickly at a suggested gauge of 2.25 sts per inch, so you’ll be finished in plenty of time to combat the cold weather.

Tags: bulky, womens
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