Saturday, December 1, 2007

Knitting Tip #2

The other day Mr Puffy reminded me that it had been entirely too long since I imparted a knitting tip and, I had to agree. See Knitting Tip #1 "Good Uses for UFOs" posted May 18, 2007). So, without further ado, here's knitting tip number two:

Knitting Tip #2: Don't merely measure your WIP - always count your rows.

Now, I don't know for sure, but I don't think it's just me, but every time I measure a piece of knitting - I get a different measurement. This happens despite my attempt to recreate the exact and I mean exact circumstances of the first measuring. Thus, to avoid this frustration - and ensure my knitting will fit together together like it should - I have taken to counting the rows that I have knit. I then record these in my "Knitting Journal" along with the measurement. I also use my Knitting Journal to track and record the rows where I make my increases/decreases so that they will also be evenly matched on the front and back. Some might call these "Project Notes" (see Raverly) but as I'm on the computer during the day (when I'm supposed to be working *blink* *blink*) and not in the evening when I tend to knit, a non-virtual knitting journal works best for me.

This is my Knitting Journal - purchased right here in Topanga. I bet you didn't know that Topanga, California is the last enclave of the 1960s hippie subculture. Yes, some things just say "Topanga." Granola anyone?


I'm currently working on "Flo" a Kim Hargreaves design (kit only) and - after what I paid for this kit - you can be sure I'm diligently keeping track of everything I do as this sweater had better fit me. I also have her new book Heartfelt "The Dark House Collection" and I have to say the designs are beautiful and I might just have to knit them all!

Flo is knit with RYC Cashsoft 4 ply with Rowan Kidsilk Haze for contrast detail and since you use US 3 needles it's not what I would describe as a fast knit.



Finally,
It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas, everywhere you go......

This is the Scarborough Fair Socks kit from Yarn4Socks with a pattern designed by Melanie Gibbons (Pink Lemon Twist). I love this balsam green as it puts me in a Christmas-y mood hum hum hum everywhere you go...
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11 comments:

  1. MonikaDecember 1, 2007 at 5:03 PM

    Aaah! Tip # 2 was just written for me! I measure, but know I'd better count rows. Have to do that from now on, it just makes sense.
    Your knitting journal blew me away! I'm going to take a picture of mine, to show you, how measly mine is! :o)
    Flo I looked at on the website. It's a very feminine sweater. I'm sure you'll do a great job and it will fit fine.
    The new sock kit is lovely. The color a dream! I love it. The pattern looks nice too. Wish you lots of fun knitting it all!

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  2. kasiaiscarlyDecember 1, 2007 at 5:07 PM

    that green sock yarn is georgous!

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  3. Pat KDecember 1, 2007 at 7:09 PM

    I always count rows and pattern repeats, and make notes on my patterns. It's the only way I can think of to make sure everything comes out the way it should.

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  4. BridgetDecember 1, 2007 at 8:16 PM

    As I was reading this, I had one of those "duh" moments, because my measurements of my knitting are never the same either! Thanks.

    I agree that the Heartfelt collection has a lot of keepers, and I LOVE the green sock yarn - very festive looking!

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  5. BridgetDecember 1, 2007 at 8:17 PM

    P.S. Your knitting journal is really elegant! Mine is, er, crappy ... :-)

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  6. jillianDecember 2, 2007 at 7:31 AM

    That's going to be beautiful on you! Eek - US3's!

    Little known fact, the first 2 weeks I lived in LA were at Nate's friend's house in Topanga! I moved without a job or a place to live. I look back on that now and can't believe it!

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  7. AnonymousDecember 2, 2007 at 10:17 AM

    I agree with you about counting rows rather than measuring. I always count rows now ever since I ended up with socks uneven in length.

    Thanks for the link to Heaftfelt.

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  8. WindyridgeDecember 2, 2007 at 11:04 AM

    I am very interested in your tip #1 but the link takes me back to the same spot.

    I have the perfect book for a journal and I will do that from now on.

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  9. AnonymousDecember 2, 2007 at 5:11 PM

    Isn't Topanga where the Aunt on 6 feet under lived? She was the resident hippie... My MIL would love it! Flo is beautiful. Can't wait to see it.

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  10. A South Park RepublicanDecember 3, 2007 at 6:49 AM

    Great tip! I've always been a row counter as I can never figure the proper way to measure. Am I pulling to tight? Not tight enough? For me row counting is the way to go.

    Now, if I could just manage to keep my row notes a real knitting journal and not scrawled all over the pattern itself (or copy of the pattern) in a way that may or may not be discernable later on ...

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  11. KathleenDecember 3, 2007 at 3:52 PM

    I use post-it notes and they are all inside my Ann Budd Handy Book of Patterns. A far cry from your beautiful journal.

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