The other week, I was teaching a class and, as usual, at the beginning we went around the table and did introductions. Often I ask people to give their name, how long they've been knitting, and then some kind of tidbit about their knitting: maybe their most recent FO, or what they are currently working…
Designing, Sox Therapy
Sock Design 101: Part 6
Hey, we made it! This is the final post in the toe-up sock design series. And since it is the final one, naturally we are going to talk about binding off. The biggest problem with binding off a toe-up sock is how to keep the bind-off from being too tight. The BO edge has to…
Designing, Sox Therapy
Sock Design 101: Part 5
Before we finish off the sock design series, we have to talk about ribbing. Ribbing is actually a fairly important design consideration. Ribbing at the top edge is what keeps a sock up if it is made of a less-stretchy stitch pattern, such as plain stockinette. And no one is going to wear a pair…
Designing, Sox Therapy
Sock Design 101: Part 4
OK, I admit I got a little off track, and sort of forgot I had this sock design series going. Apologies to both of you who have been sitting on the edge of your computer chairs, waiting breathlessly for the next post in the series. What do you mean, you weren’t? Oh, of course. You…
Technique Speak
Hand Health
Healthy, pain-free hands are perhaps THE most important tools in your hand-knitting toolkit. Yarn is important, to be sure — but of what use is even the most fabulous pink MOHAIR, if it hurts when you knit? Over the years I’ve collected many bits and pieces of information about keeping your hands in good shape —…
Designing, Felting, FO Files
More recent FO’s
Here’s some eye candy for ya: a few FO’s! Sari Silk bag: this was knit from some recycled-sari silk yarn, although at this point I’m not sure exactly which manufacturer. This major FO accomplishment started life as “Unbiased”, a bag pattern from Knitty, Fall 2004. Unfortunately, mine was biased. When I sewed the pieces together,…