Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Yarn Over 101



I decided to do a tutorial on yarn overs, since there can (and is) often times a lot of confusion on the topic. When I first began knitting, I was good with the YO - yarn over.  But then I started seeing things like yon, yrn, yfwd... I didn't quite understand what I was supposed to do.  I thought it was a yarn over, but then again, it seemed different. It must be different, otherwise the pattern would just say YO, right?   As a result, I avoided anything that contained these goofy instructions.  Somewhere along the way, I figured out that these were all yarn overs, and the only difference was yon, yrn, etc. were there to indicate how the yarn was treated, depending on whether the next stitch was a knit or purl.  These days, whenever I see any of these directions, I just make a yarn over and don't even worry if I am going over the needle, around the needle or whatever.  I know my working yarn has to be in the front when I purl, and in the back when I knit, and that my yarn will be going over the needle.  So I just throw the yarn over my needle, place it in the correct position, and make my next stitch.  It really is that simple.

I know a lot of knitters are very passionate about this topic.  For me, as I said above, they are all yarn overs, and I don't get too particular what "kind" of yarn over it is.  I just do it.  I knit to relax, and really don't need to stress over a hole in my knitting.

Here is a printable reference guide on yarn overs, including what to do when you forget to make one and what to do when you make one you don't need.  There is also a video which demonstrates everything on the sheet.  I hope this helps anyone who may be as confused as I was.  Happy Knitting!


Yarn Over 101 Reference Guide





Yarn Over 101 by on Scribd

Friday, May 25, 2012

Natural Stitches


Last weekend I visited a yarn shop called Natural Stitches in Pittsburgh Pa.
I wouldn't consider it a very big store, however it is absolutely full of beautiful yarn!  They also have a cozy little area to sit, relax and knit.  They have a reward program too - spend $250 and receive 10% your next purchase.  Almost one entire wall is devoted to Cascade 220 - they have every single color.  So if you are a fan of that yarn, this is the place to get it!  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping in. Everyone was very nice, and they were able to help me with yarn for a project I am working on now, and will be sharing with everyone soon.  Below are just a few pictures.  As you can see, it is a very neat, clean and well organized shop.  I can't wait to go back!






Thursday, May 17, 2012

Online Knitting Classes

Hi everyone!  I thought I would list a few links to online classes, for those who may be interested.  I personally have not taken any online classes, but have heard from another knitter that they are nice/helpful.

Annie Modesitt's Online Classes
Stefanie Japel's Online Classes

And you can find a number of classes over on Craftsy!

Happy Knitting!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Yarn Sales!

Hello to all my fellow fiber addicts!  Just thought I would share some sales going on right now.  This is by no means all there is, just a little from a couple of my favorite online shops.

From Jimmy Beans:
Ella Rae Milky Soft
Euro Baby Cuddly Cotton
GGH Fiesta
Lana Grossa Alta Moda

From WEBS:
Araucania Panguipulli
Ella Rae Latte
Elsebeth Lavold SensuAl

Until next time, Happy Knitting all!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Entrelac - New tutorial coming soon!

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to take a minute to thank all who stop by and read my little blog.  Also, The Weekly Stitch blog too!  You may not have noticed, but both blogs are now just a .com, instead of the .blogspot.com!

I will soon be posting a tutorial on entrelac knitting.  I will have a free pattern to go along with the tutorial, and a video as well.

I am also working on a couple patterns which will be available for sale in my little area of Craftsy.  I am really excited about these ones!

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter (mainly just for tweeting the new stitch videos) and other places around the web.  I am BibbityBobble over on Ravelry.

I am still doing the podcast - it is now a video which I post to YouTube.

Hope all your knitting adventures are successful.  Come back soon!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Interweave Knits Summer 2012

The latest issue of Interweave Knits arrived in my mailbox today!

Love the shawl on the front - it is the Summer Blooms Shawl, designed by Susanna Ic and knit with Suri Elegance.

Several other very nice projects in this issue, as well as an article on swatching, by Eunny Jang.

Check out the link above to see all of the projects in this issue!