A Somewhat Quiet Knitting Weekend

I'm finally getting over a week-long cold. I thought I had the allergies and couldn't figure out why the allergy meds weren't working. That's because I had a head cold. Makes more sense as I haven't had a Spring allergy for years. After being duped up for two nights on NyQuil, I'm feeling better. Feeling like my ole knitting self.

The weather here is going back and forth between 60 to 80 degrees during the day. I'm starting to wear my sandals and starting to feel like knitting for summer weather...like sleeveless tops.

Sometime last week, I started knitting Prosperous Plum Tank which I renamed "Sierra Prosperous Tank" because I'm using Cascade Sierra yarn. BTW, this is a free pattern on Ravelry. The yarn is moss colored and a joy to knit with. It's 80% Pima cotton with 20% wool.

This Prosperous Tank is an interesting knit for me. First, it's knit in the round (way cool). Second, I did my first provisional cast on. Third, I learned to knit a hem (e.g. picot hem). Really, way cool! I had way too much fun at the beginning of this project.

The instructions includes two charts (A and B) for the pattern which has a bit of a cable pattern along with a squiggly lace pattern. As I was looking at what others knitted on Ravelry, I noticed I disliked the dominant continuous squiggly line which is in chart A. I ended up modifying the pattern a bit by reversing one of the cables in the pattern. In chart A, instead of doing a C6F, I changed it to a C6B.

Here's what I have done so far for the front with the pattern going up the center:



One thing is for sure, I'm having a blast knitting this top. Here's the back with the pattern going up along each side:



My Sofia is still waiting to be finished. I spent a few minutes here and there sewing up the seams of my cardi. It didn't take too long and I actually enjoyed my quiet moments joining the pieces. Taking the refresher class late last year probably helped with the overall enjoyment process. I confirmed I was doing the seaming process correct and I learned to take my time and just enjoy it. It worked.

I'm still knitting the eyelet border to go around the fronts, sides, and back. I'm past the halfway point, but still have a few inches to go.




I'll be back later this week to post (with pictures) about my provisional cast on method and the picot hem I learned.

Happy Easter!

Some Pics

Here's some pictures I mentioned I would post. Here is the Listado Cowl:



I'm trying to figure out where did all that white hair come from?



Here are my blocking projects from the weekend:

Tub, Water, & J&J Shampoo Day

Yesterday, I spent some time with my designated dish tub, water, and Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. What are on earth was I up to? Getting ready to block some garments. I have a dish tub that I use solely for soaking/hand washing my knitting projects. Once I add the cool water, I throw in a few drops of J&J baby shampoo and swish the water around to produce some bubbles.

If I have a wool or wool blend project, I simple dunk it in the water with very minimal movement. I then change out the water and give the wool project a final rinse in the tub...again with very minimal movement. I gently push my project to one side of the tub and dump the rinse water out of the tub. Still holding my project against the side of the tub, I continue to apply a bit more pressure to get most of the water out of my knitted project. I then lay my wool project out on a flat thick bath towel and stretch out the project flat, but not too much stretching. I take another thick bath towel and lay it over my wool project that's already laying on the first towel. I start at one end of the towels and gently start to roll, keeping my wool project sandwiched between the two towels. At this point, I let rolled towels sit for a few minutes. Note: I've been known to step on the rolled towels to put a little pressure and get the towels to pull the excess water from the wool project.

I lay out my KnitPicks blocking mats. I actually used two sets as I was blocking three garments. I place thick bath towels over the mats. I unroll the wet towels and gently place my wool garment on my towel covered blocking mats. I rearrange my project to the size I need, flatten edges, etc. Sometimes, I will pin my project in place or just leave it flat to dry.

For my non-wool projects, I don't have to be as gentle when hand washing and I tend to do a bit more squeezing to get most of the water out of my non-wool projects. I still do the towel rolling method and will still lay my projects out flat on my blocking mat.

I will be back to post of a picture of my projects on my block mats.

Happy Knitting!

Another Fingerless Glove Pattern?

Yes!  I happened to be looking around on Ravelry and found another fingerless glove pattern.  It’s the same Fetching pattern, but instead of the plain cable design…it’s using an “owl” design.  This modified pattern is from Destiknits at http://destiknit.com/.   Here’s a picture of the gloves from Destiknits.com

Naturally, I will want to try knitting a pair of these real soon. 

 

On the knitting front – Continental Way:

I’ve been practicing faithfully…knitting the Continental way.  I’ve knitted a 4”x4” swatch in St st using the Berroco Comfort yarn and I’m getting gauge.  Wahooo!  I’ve been challenging myself by knitting another swatch and switching between St St, ribbing, and the seed stitch.  So, I have several rows in St st, several rows in ribbing, several rows in seed stitch.  I’m really challenging myself and to create consistent looking stitches. 

I enjoy knitting this way, however the slow rate I knit.  I’m sure with more practice, my speed will pick up.  I do like how I don’t have to use my right hand as much (the swinging of my right arm to go between the knit and the purl stitches).  I do like having the yarn in my left hand and actually using minimal movements to knit and purl.  Would you believe that purling is actually easy for me to do and that I enjoy it using the Continental method versus the English way? 

Happy Knitting!

Continental Way of Knitting–Finally

** Updated to include a picture of my knitting sample from class **

What a way to end another year of adventurous knitting. I took my last of three knitting classes last weekend on Continental Knitting. As most of your know, I taught myself to knit almost 3 years ago and I taught myself to knit the English/American way. You know, the throw your right arm to create a stitch. The 1-1/2 hour class was pure stress for me, but in a good way! We started out with a “warm-up” exercise of knitting our normal English way. Pure knitting stitches. Then I did a few rows of stockinette to warm-up with the purl stitches.

Then the Continental lesson began. Brenda, our instructor, broke down the “knit” stitch…the direction the needle goes into the loop and then the direction the yarn wraps around the needle. Got that. We were then instructed to hold the yarn in our left hand/fingers and then try to “knit” a stitch. Almost got that. It took me awhile to figure out how to hold the yarn in my left fingers. I struggled to figure this out first. I noticed others in the class were worried about their gauge. Not me. My first priority was to get the “technique” down first and then worry about tension/gauge later. Can’t worry about both at the same time, otherwise I won’t get it.

After 15 minutes of what felt like re-learning to knit all over again, I finally got it. Close enough to be able to create knitted stitches for several rows. It was uncomfortable at first, but I did fall into a slow rhythm.

We took a 5 minute break to relax our hands and de-stress (at least for me).

We proceeded to learn the purl stitch. Again, Brenda broke down the process of the direction the needle goes into the loop and then the direction the yarn wraps. Made sense to me, but doing it was another head scratching “how am I going to attempt this?” I was able to make a purl stitch, but still had problems with holding the yarn in my left hand.

I had an AH-HA moment. I took the yarn and placed it in my right hand as if to knit. I took note of how the yarn was threaded in and around my fingers: under my pinky, over my ring finger, under my mid-finger, and over my pointer finger. I put the yarn back in my left hand and followed the same threaded pattern I had done with my right hand. Once the yarn went over my pointer finger, I then felt the need to wrap it around once to apply some tension/control to the yarn. It worked! I continued purling for a few rows until I got into a good slow rhythm.

Brenda wanted us to combine the two stitches and we proceeded to do the stockinette stitch for a few rows. A few important things I noticed, I was knitting a bit quicker, I could keep the yarn comfortable in my left hand/fingers while switching between knitting and purling, and all I had to do was switch my needles (circulars) at the end of the row and just keep knitting.

Our last task was to knit a ribbing pattern. I ended up doing a K2P2 for my sample. This ribbing task went fast. I truly appreciated the Continental way of knitting.

At the end of class, I realized the stress of learning a new way of knitting went away. I actually had fun. I noticed my class sample turned out nicely and evenly, even though I have a gauge issue. I had to laugh at myself as I looked like a tight knitter.

While others in class were absorbed in getting gauge and frustrated on how to hold the yarn in their left hand, I found that working on how to hold the yarn first in the left hand helped me accomplished this knitting style much faster with less frustration. Just like how I first learned to knit three years ago, gauge will come with much practice and a lot of swatch knitting.

Here's my sample from class. Below the black line is my English knitting style. Above the black line is my Continental knitting style.



Why am I learning the Continental way? One, to be able to knit the ribbing pattern or seed stitch pattern quick and easily. Two, be able to knit with two colored yarns. Three and overall, to knit faster.

Knitting Weekend

I’m having a fun filled weekend of knitting.  Meaning…hours of non-stop knitting.  From Friday evening until today.   I haven’t had the opportunity to do this in a long while.  I’m having a great weekend.

I’ve finished the basket weave scarf and just need to weave in the ends.

Friday, I CO for the Fetching fingerless gloves and finished them early this morning.  I just need to weave in the ends (more weaving).  Here’s a picture of the left glove with the contrast waste yarn knitted into the glove.  The contrast yarn represents the hole or thumbhole area.  This morning I finished the thumbhole and will post pictures later of using DPNs to pick up the “live stitches” above and below the contrast yarn.  It’s funny that I learned this technique a few weeks ago in my Buttonhole knitting class and then come across this technique again in this pattern. 

This Fetching pattern is a real winner.  It took me less than 6 hours to knit both gloves.  Remember, I’m a slow knitter.  The pattern instructions are easy to memorize.  I’ll be knitting several more of these.  It will be nice to have a small knitting project to take with me on the go and just pick up and knit when I have a few minutes or an hour to spare. 

You will notice that both the gloves and the scarf are knitted with the same yarn – Berroco Comfort.  I like this color which is a brown heather with a berry hue to it.  This yarn creates beautiful stitch definitions.  It’s machine washable and the knitted fabric is very soft. 

Later this afternoon, I will be attending my last of three knitting class at my LYS.  I will be learning to knit Continental style.  We’ll see if I can accomplish this within this 1-1/2 hour session.  Wish me luck!

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Updates & Learning Another Technique

I've finished my Chevron Lace Top. Now, I need to weave in all those loose ends. My gosh, there are a lot. I feel proud of finishing this top as I made some modifications to the original pattern and it's been quite a few months since I have knitted a garment. I've had to take out my Knitter's Companion reference book to review techniques that I used to know. I had a huge "knitting high" over the last few weeks. Enjoyed it immensely. The top is done (minus the loose ends) and it fits. I ended up finishing the armholes using the I-cord BO. It was a last minute decision and my first attempt at this BO method. I spent time researching different I-cord techniques over the Internet. The technique I chose is from Knit Picks. Simple is better. That seems to be my knitting motto of late.

I ended up finishing the neckline with 1x1 ribbing. Would have preferred to finish with the same I-cord binding used on the armholes, but wanted to make sure I could get the top over my head. Ribbing finished made more sense.

I'm still knitting my Leaf Yoke top. I have about 4 more inches to knit in the body. My armholes came out really deep and I plan on using the I-cord BO as it will tighten the armhole space quite a bit. To match the armholes, I plan on knitting the same I-cord BO for the bottom hem. Again, simple is better. I also plan on finishing the neckline with the same BO method. I'm looking forward to finishing this top this weekend, if possible.

I enjoy knitting the I-cord BO method and like the finished/polished look. My knitting mojo is moving right along. Knitting is fun. Life is good.

Snow and Knitting Thoughts...the Two Go Hand-in-Hand

We've had several snow storms in the last two weeks. The last one earlier this week brought 4.5" to 5" of snow. Tomorrow and Saturday, we are expecting the BIG one. Predictions are around 18" to 24". I'll be knitting up a storm on Saturday.

I've been working on a red Noble Cowl. My second version, but this time using Rowan EF Merino DK yarn. This yarn is gorgeous and very soft. It's becoming one of my favorites. The red color is just beautiful. I need to make a mental note to knit more with red. It's a happy color and makes for happy knitting. Sorry, no pictures of the red cowl yet...

...but I can include a picture of my first version of my Noble Cowl in Heathered Purple:



This past weekend, I hand washed my My first Noble Cowl (Cascade Superwash). I used my Knit Picks blocking mats and dried the cowl flat. I also used the Knit Picks blocking pins.




My KP blocking mats have been a great investment. The mats remind me of interlocking puzzle pieces and I can arrange them to hold my blocking projects: from my small cowl to a large sweater/cardigan. So far, I haven't had the need to use all 9 mats at one time. You can see from the above picture, that I place a towel between my knitted project and the blocking mat. Then I use the blocking pins to pin the project into shape and let it air dry.

You can see a big difference when a hand-knitted project is blocked. Here's the project in progress. Notice how stiff and rippled the cowl looks:




After blocking, see how the lace patterns pops out and the cowl drapes nicely:




I've been thinking about my lonely CPH that's been sitting in my knitting bag since last November. I need to get in gear and finish it. I need to knit two sleeves (one is already on the needles). There will be two major design changes. First, will be the sleeves...to shorten them quite a bit. Second, will be to omit the hood and instead knit a deep ribbed collar around the neckline. It's probably a good thing that I put this project aside. It's given me time to think about the changes that need to be made.

Once I complete CPH, I need to start thinking about knitting for Spring. I've been going through my knitting mags and books looking for a fun project. I would love to tackle an easy fair isle or intarsia project. I think I'm ready for a multiple colored knitting project. I feel a challenge coming on.

I'm also thinking about Christmas projects. Already and again? As I continue to tackle my CPH and any new intensive knitting projects, I'll need some quick and easy projects to complete. I might as well use my time wisely and knits some gifts. My 30-day knitting marathon before Christmas is history. Been there, done that.

As you can see, I'm spending less time on my computer and more time with my knitting needles.

Happy Knitting!

Little Strawberry & Blueberry Baby Hats-Completed

** Updated to include the Strawberry Hat **

The Little Strawberry & Blueberry Baby Hats:







Pattern: Leaf Top Baby Hat by Michele Sabatier
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Violet and Cactus
Needles: US 7 & 8 (16” circs) and #8 DPNs
Amount: Less than 100 yards of yarn used
Mods: No changes were made

Comments/Conclusions: This is my first attempt at knitting with two colors. If you recall, this is one of my knitting goals for 2010. I spent several months looking for an easy two color knitting project. Lo and behold, I came across a great pattern and a cool baby gift to give to a friend. There are times when I try to over-analyze a technique. This was one of them. I decided to “just do it” and see what happens.

Here, you can see how I stranded the two colors. When color #1 required 7 stitches, I took color #2 and did simple twist (WS) with color #1 (after the 4th stitch) and continued with color #1. That way, the color #2 strand wouldn't be carried for more than 4 stitches. This helped shorten the long strands of yarn.






This is a versatile hat. You can actually roll the brim more to have the hat sit above the ears or roll the brim less to cover the ears. This has been the easiest and quickest knitting project. If I had the time to knit this in one sitting...it would take me at most 5 hours.

This baby hat is knit up in stockinette stitch, two color knitting at the start of the crown, K2tog for decreases or crown shaping, and then knitting an i-cord. It’s a fun knitting project that will keep your interest from start to finish. I highly recommend knitting this rewarding project.

I have one more hat to knit and then I’m off to search for another two- or even a three-color knitting project.

Knitting Around For the First Time

I was feeling a bit under the weather this morning. I didn't feel like working on CPH nor did I feel like sewing. The sun decided to take a break today and hide behind the clouds. I decided to have some fun and learn something new about knitting. I have two new small knitting projects that I want to complete by the end of the year and they involve knitting in the round. I've been busy knitting garments that I've pushed these projects further down my list. Plus, I didn't know how to knit in the round.

So, I started with my DPNs. Gwen, a fellow sewist/blogger, gave me one of her techniques for joining in the round. It was a slow start, but I managed to figure out how to knit in the round with DPNs. I guess knitting a ribbing (K1,P1) wasn't a great pattern to start with. I should have started with just the knit stitch...it would have gone faster. Anyway, here's the result of my first attempt:




After patting myself on the back for this small feat, I came up with another brilliant idea: try the magic loop method. I have heard this was an easier way to knit in the round. I grabbed my instructions, my 47" #9 circulars and CO 40 stitches and away I went. Here's the results of this method:




Now, I feel like I can tackle any knitting project. Stay tuned to see what I'm up to.

Reverse Shaping for Alpine

I thought I would take a few minutes and do a special post on reverse shaping. Rachel and I are currently working on Alpine. Yes, it's a coincidence. I've caught up with Rachel and have finished my right front piece. I thought this would be a great time to review what I've done.

I'm not a big fan of seeing "reverse the shaping of the left front to make the right front" in most instructions. When I do come across this type of instructions, I immediately write out the "shaping" instructions for the left front. When I get ready to the right front, I write out the instructions but reverse whatever I do for the left front. Confused? Not a problem. I've included a picture of my notes for both the left and right fronts of Alpine.


The left post-it note represents the shaping for the left front. The right post-it note represents the shaping I did for the right front. "R" stands for right side and "W" represents the wrong side


In summary:

- If I have done a BO on the left armhole right side (RS), I will need to do a BO on the right armhole on the wrong side (WS).

- If I have done a BO on the front left neckline WS, I will need to do a BO on the right neckline on the RS.

- If I have done a decrease on the left armhole with an SSK, I will need to do a decrease on the right armhole using K2tog.

- If I have done a decrease on the left neckline with a K2tog, I will need to do a decrease on the front right neckline with an SSK.

So, I end up writing out what I'm doing for the RS and WS until all my appropriate BOs and decreases are accounted for.

Here's a picture of my right and left fronts and the results of my reverse shaping:

The two fronts


Another view of both fronts


Here's a picture of the two buttons I'm contemplating for this cardi:

One dressy and one casual. Which button do I choose?

BTW...this Alpine Cardigan is knitting up fast! I'm now working on my sleeves.

I'm also resisting the urge to CO my CPHoodie. I must finish Alpine!

Happy Knitting!

Storage - How Do I Store All Those Printed Patterns & Knitting Information?

(Updated with pictures)

I thought I would take time out today to do a post on storing knit patterns. Just like most of you, I have accumulated a lot of free patterns as well as purchased patterns off the Internet. I've printed those that captured my attention right away and those that I would like to knit in another few months when the season changes.

Where do I store all my patterns and knitting information?

I have 3 binders on knitting. My first binder or Project binder, holds the patterns that I've queued to be done within the current season or something I will definitely knit and have the yarn for it. This Project binder is my to do list. My second binder or my Catalog binder, holds patterns of all projects that I've collected. Every now and then, you will find me moving patterns between these two binders. Sometimes, I'll start a project and then decide I'm not thrilled about. That pattern gets moved from my Project binder into my Catalog binder.

My three knitting binders. The hot pink binder contains my queued projects or "to do" list


New patterns that I print off, automatically go into my Catalog. I can see my Catalog binder branching out into Catalog-1 and Catalog-2 binders real soon. ;)

My Catalog binder filled with knitting patterns

This type of pattern organization has helped me stay somewhat focused. I only go into my Catalog when I need to look for something new to knit or I have a specific garment in mind.

My third binder or Resource binder holds hard copies of how to articles, general knitting information, sizes and measuring, yarn standards, knitting techniques, blocking, and any other knitting related information that I've collected.


My Resource binder with knitting information and how-tos


How do I protect my individual printed patterns?

To store my printed patterns, I use clear sheet protectors. Sometimes I will print off a color picture of the knitted project and the rest will be in black & white print. Where possible, I always use two-sided printing. I can usually place 5 sheets of printed paper into one sheet protector.


My patterns in sheet protectors


When I get ready to work on a project, I just pull the sheet protected pattern out of my binder and stick it in my knitting tote bag along with my yarn and notions.

I enjoy using the sheet protectors as I can jot down knitting notes on a post-it note sheet and stick to the pattern. My pattern is always protected.

I'd be interested to hear how others store their patterns and volumes of knitting information. Inquiring minds would love to know. :)

Frogging & Using My Lifeline!

I had removed my first lifeline (before BO & decreases) and inserted a new lifeline right after the decreases for the armholes. Thank goodness, I took some time to do that. Late yesterday afternoon, I spent some time knitting an additional 3 inches of the lace cardi.

New lifeline and 3 additional inches of lace knitting

I was having problems with the right side (or the first 8 stitches and first pattern repeat) of the back cardi, At this point I'm trying to follow the chart, even though the right side (first 8 stitches) are no longer on the chart. I just kept knitting and knitting only to realize I did not have enough YOs or too many and the first repeat pattern was slightly skewed. I attempted to fix the problem and finally understood what I needed to do to maintain the pattern. At the beginning of each row, I need to pay attention to the previous knitted rows and follow the pattern. Kind of like a lightbulb moment went off in my head.

The problem area in the upper right corner of the cardi


The problem area and you can catch a glimpse of my lifeline thread


This morning, I ended up frogging all 3 inches of the lace pattern back to the newly inserted lifeline. What a huge lifesaver! I easily re-inserted my needle into the stitches and was back to knitting again.

As I re-knitted the lace section, I kept my eye on the previous rows to make sure I kept and maintained the lace pattern. Basically, I don't read the chart for the first 20 stitches because I'm maintaining the pattern from the previous rows. I also figured out that when I need to do a YO, that I need to knit a decrease to maintain the stitch count for the row. After I knit the 20 stitches, I go back to the chart to make sure the pattern is in alignment and continue from there.

I had to go through this experience of to frogging and re-knitting the back section. I may or may not encounter this again while knitting the front sections.

My personal technique is working for me. I've knitted 2 inches of my original 3 inches. I'm pleased with the results. :)

My Lifeline

In my previous post, I mentioned about putting in a lifeline in my cardi. I basically took a thinner yarn and weaved in into the current row of stitches of my cardi. In the picture below, my lifeline is located right before I did my BOs and decreases. If I made a mistake, I could easily frog back to the lifeline and place the stitches on my needle and start again.

This morning, I did the BOs and decreases for the armholes. My personal notes on the chart helped me step through each row and I managed to keep the lace pattern intact. I am very pleased with this pattern and so far haven't come across any issues or errors.

Now, it's smooth sailing (no more decreases) as I continue to knit the back in pattern until I get to the neckline and have to move some stitches onto a stitch holder or a piece of remnant yarn.

The back side with my lifeline

Frogging!

Okay, so I'm not delirious nor panicky. I've done this once before. Frogging (the term Trina pointed out to me). I have been working on my sleeveless shell, knitting the back piece. I had done two sets of BOs (bind offs) per the pattern instructions and noticed that I was missing a stitch. I should have had 60 stitches on my needles, but only had 59. I checked my BOs to make sure I did the correct amount, which I did. You know, I shouldn't be knitting late in the evening when I'm tired and not sure if I can count correctly.

I slipped a marker into the last stitch of the first BO. I proceeded to frog my shell. It was only 4 rows. I slipped my circular needle tip back into the open stitches and recounted. Now, I have 71 stitches when I am suppose to have 72. I know I casted on the correct number of stitches, because my moss border stitch came out correct. So, I lift up my back piece against the light to see if I had any holes. None. I start checking the left side edge and see nothing out of the ordinary. I check the right side edge and sure enough there's an exposed loop waving at me to say..."you idiot, you've forgot me along the way". UGH!

Being the creative person that I am I took the loose loop and my crochet hook and did a chain stitch up the side (looping into the above side stitch thread) until I reached the row I was suppose to be on. I slipped that little sucker on my knitting needle quickly before it had a chance to wave a "see ya later alligator". Now, I realize this may not be a documented technique or the right thing to do to correct this, but it's in the seaming area which may not be a problem. Also, I've laid out the back piece flat on my floor and there's no puckering or ripples from what I've done.

Knitting is suppose to calm the nerves and relieve stress. And that is what it's doing for me. No panic attacks. Just fix the problem and move on. I also like to think I'm a bit creative. LOL!!!

Knit Six Rows and Remove 4 Rows...a Learning Experience

Over the last two weeks or so, I have been getting up really, really early. Like 4am or 5am. Like clock work. I've been picking up a knitting project and will knit for an hour or two until the rest of the house stirs from their sleep. That's one nice thing about knitting and using bamboo needles, it's a quiet hobby.

Well, this morning, I may not have been fully awake. (It doesn't help that I stopped drinking coffee, 1 year and 3 months ago). I picked up my shrug project and just continued K1,P1 where I left off the night before. I knitted six rows only to find that a few rows back, I messed up my "ribbing" pattern on the side of the shrug about an inch into the garment. It was quite noticeable.

What do I do? I quickly grabbed a stitch marker and hooked it on the last stitch of the last good knitted row. Then I had two options to fix this problem. One was to work my way back, undoing one stitch at a time. Well, that would have been 81 stitches per row and 4 rows to undo. Not a good option. My 2nd option was to pull my needles out of the garment and gently pull the yarn until it stops at the stitch marker. I went with the 2nd option.

I laid my garment on my rug and proceeded to pull the yarn out. Once I got to my stitch marker, I grabbed my needle and gently inserted the needle tip into the loops of my garment. Thankfully, I have been studying the way the loops look on my needles as I have been knitting. It was a slow process as I had to keep the threaded loops close to the tip of my needle and not stretch the loose loops from their stitches. Five minutes later, I had all 81 stitches back on my knitting needle. Only one loop was twisted, but I was able to fix that when I got to that stitch.

With each project I knit, I am being challenged to learn something new. I have to say that while I had a slight panic attack, it was well worth the effort to fix it and tuck this learning experience under my belt.

I'm happy to say that I've re-knitted the 4 rows without any problems.

How Do I Figure Out How to Shorten the Knitting Pattern?

I thought I would do a quick post to answer a question that Monica left for me in regards to my two-tone tunic sweater:

" Monica said...
WOW! You did an amazing job and it fits you perfectly. It is beautiful! I'm new to knitting also, and a little intimidated by sweaters but you are inspiring me. I'm also petite like you, so how did you figure out how to shorten everything when the patterns doesn't give any finished length measures? Love your blog by the way."

Monica, you are correct. I've run into patterns that may not have any line drawings or diagrams to show what the finish knitted pieces would look like. I end up relying on the pattern instructions to help me draw my own line drawings or something close to what I think I interpreted.

All the patterns that I have come across starts their instructions with the back piece of the knitted garment. You will more than likely have to start with a border (e.g. ribbing, seed stitch, or garter stitch) and the instructions will tell you to do this for 1 inch. Then you switch to larger needles and start a pattern for the base of the sweater (e.g. garter, stockinette, etc). The instructions should tell you how much to knit until you get to the armhole area. Usually, they will tell you how many inches from the bottom you should knit (this will include the edging). This is my first clue to write down this number.

The next area of the pattern should be armhole. Here it will tell you to bind off (BO) so many stitches for the next two rows and then continue knitting or do a decrease over several rows. The pattern will tell you how many inches of the armhole area you need to knit. This is my second clue to write down this number.

I then take the two numbers I wrote down and add them together. That gives me an idea of how long the backside of my knitted project will be.

I do the same with the front piece to see if the same length comes close to the backside measurement.

You can also figure out the sleeve length as the pattern will tell you how many inches from the beginning you need to knit.

From my own sewing experience, I pretty much know how long I like my finished garments to be. I tend to look for short jackets that are around 19 inches (back of my neck down to an area above my rear end). So, I may want my tunic sweater to hit 2 inches below that. My total backside would then be 21 inches. I believe the sweater pattern came in around 26-1/2 inches in length.

For my sweater, I ended up doing less rows in the black yarn.

For the sleeves, I knew that 20 inches in sleeve length was way too long. I also knew from looking at this pattern that the shoulder area is dropped. Meaning the shoulder line of the knitted garment drops further past my natural shoulder line. I initially guessed that my sleeve length would be around 18 inches. I just knitted the sleeve doing the required increases the pattern calls for. Once I was done with the increases, I took the sleeve and put it up against my arm to see how long it was. It turned out that after the last required increase, I only needed to knit one or two more rows to finish the sleeve. My sleeve ended up being around 17 inches in the finished length.


I will double-check my measurements and update this post on how many rows I removed to give you a better idea.

I am also working on another beginner sweater from BHG. I think this one is a bit easier especially with the neckline area. You might want to check that one out as well. Here's the link for the BHG Beginner Sweater.

Please feel free to add or leave any comments or experiences. Happy Knitting!