Knooking!

No, this has nothing to do with the e-reader from Barnes and Noble.  This has to do with knitting and crochet - knitting with a crochet hook, to be exact!  Knooking is not really new, but the first time I was introduced to it was a couple of weeks ago.  I was just browsing around in Wal-Mart, and happened to see a little kit in the craft area.  Obviously I was intrigued, so I bought it.    You can also purchase this from amazon, if you aren't near a Wal-Mart, or perhaps don't like Wal-mart.

Now, I have only played around with this a little bit; I am undecided if I like this and will continue or not.  I am no crocheter, so this is very awkward for me.  Right now I am very slow, but I guess that is the norm with anything new until you get the hang of it.  If you are interested in learning more about Knooking, you can find an instructional video from the Leisure Arts website or YouTube, or their blog, and there is also a Knooking group over on Ravelry.  I am sure they will be able to answer any questions you may have about this technique.

Here is my video if you are interested.  Enjoy!

Slipping the First Stitch

Back when I first started knitting, I kept seeing "Slip the first stitch for a nice, finished edge".  Well, I slipped the first stitch, but didn't see that it made any difference from when I didn't slip the first stitch.  I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was over slipping the first stitch!

One day, when I was just playing around trying to think of something to knit, I figured I'd give slipping that first stitch another whirl.  This time, instead of slipping the stitch with the yarn in the back, I slipped it purlwise, with the yarn in front.  As I continued to knit, I was amazed at the lovely, braided edge I had.  All that time I had been slipping the stitch knitwise.  I could have been saved a lot of frustration had I been told how to slip the first stitch, not just "slip the first stitch".  For some reason, the how is never included in instructions, at least not that I have ever seen.  So, here are some pictures and videos on getting a nice clean edge on your knitting.

Picture A shows the edges of a fabric that have not had the first stitch slipped.  There really isn't anything wrong with this edge, it is just a matter of taste.  If you like the bumpy edge, then don't slip the first stitch.
Pictures B and C show the result of slipping the first stitch; there are several ways to get these edges.  For Picture B, you would :

Slip the first stitch purlwise, with the yarn in front, and knit the last stitch    OR
Slip the first stitch knitwise, with the yarn in the back, and purl the last stitch
Either of these methods will give you the lovely, twisted stitch (or braid as I like to call it) along the edges of your work.  This is my favorite edge.

For Picture C, slipping the first stitch purlwise with the yarn in front, and knitting the last stitch through the back loop will give you an untwisted, open edge.  This is looser than the twisted edge stitches, so may not be appropriate for all projects.  (Which is why swatching is an important step!)

A: Unslipped edge stitches

B: Slipped stitch edge

C: Slipped stitch, open edge

I have also made a video demonstrating each of these methods.  Picture B is a wash cloth I knit, and all edges are the same, including the cast on and bind off.  To achieve this lovely border, in addition to slipping the first stitch, you will do the crochet cast on - this matches the standard knit bind off.  Below are the videos of slipping stitches, and the Crochet Cast On.  (And just a side note regarding this cast on - if you were to use waste yarn instead of a needle, this would give you a provisional cast on, in which the waste yarn would be removed at some point leaving you with live stitches.  I have never utilized a provisional cast on because I am scared of having live stitches hanging around.  I plan on overcoming this fear soon, and will post more on provisional cast ons and their uses as I learn about them.) In addition to creating a nice, neat edge, slipping the first stitch is immensely helpful if you will be picking up stitches along the edge, or sewing pieces of fabric together!  I hope this has been helpful.  Enjoy!

Yarn Sales and More

Before getting to the yarn, I wanted to let you all know of a contest being held by my sponsor, Pocket Full of Sunshine.  You can buy soap, lotion, and now jewelry.  You can find details about the contest HERE.  You can choose any item from her shop for FREE.  Visit the Facebook page for details.  Also please be sure to visit her Artfire Shop for all of her great items currently for sale.

And now, on to the sale info.  I always like to check out the sale and closeout items from my favorite shops for great deals on my favorite yarns.  Below are a few of the deals you can find right now.  Hurry, don't miss out!

From the End of Summer sale at WEBS:
Araucania Azapa is only $7.69 a hank - this is the yarn I have been raving about for a while now.  Highly recommended yarn!

Manos del Uruguay Cotton Stria is $3.79 a hank

Berroco Pure Merino is $3.59 a ball

From Jimmy Beans:

Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille is $3.38

Crystal Palace Kaya is $3.11 (I got some of this in Cinnamon to make a Ruana)

Ella Rae Country Tweeds is $4.50

Ester Bitran Hand Dyes Pichasca is $6.30


Happy Knitting!

Progress Update: Handsome Shawl

I've finally finished up the first set of repeats for this shawl, from Victorian Lace Today, and have started on the second set.  I am so excited!  While I think it is beautiful now, apparently lace really isn't beautiful until it has been blocked.  I love this pattern, the yarn (Handmaiden Sea Silk in Pumpkin) and am starting to not be intimidated by lace.  Not to toot my own horn too loudly since this isn't done yet and there is still time for mistakes, but I am proud of myself for making it this far without having to frog.  So here are some pictures of my progress.  Sorry, they aren't too good.  I am no photographer like my sis, whose beautiful work can be found on her site, Photography by Leah Richardson.