A limited summer inventory of gorgeous, vintage, painted darning eggs has arrived! There are only 5 left - step into the past with one of these charming tools.
copyright LYS 2013
copyright LYS 2013
copyright LYS 2013
Summertime
Keep on knittin'.
Knitting Like Goldilocks: Just Right
How do you decide which needles are just right for your next project? Just as there is no one right way to knit or purl, there is not one best kind of knitting needles. If you're a new knitter, experiment. If you're an experienced knitter who has never used bamboo or birch needles, you may find their somewhat springy, warm feel appealing, and a welcome change from plastic or aluminum. Not too pointy, not too short. Not too long, not too slippery. We're looking for just right.
Sometimes I default to the set that I have in my collection,
sometimes I use whichever needles are handy, especially when it comes to unplanned
casting on. Over time, knitters do develop
preferences, but they can prove to be remarkably unstable. Not the
knitters, their preferences!
You may find that when you are learning a new technique, working with wooden or bamboo needles allows you some extra control, that the texture of the needles holds your work. We describe these needles as having some tooth, or a little bit of grip. This can really benefit a first time dpn sock knitter or ease the transition to working a complex fair isle pattern in the round, freeing your attention up to focus on the new technique.
Over time, this benefit can erode. As your technical expertise rises, you may be ready for faster needles, like a nice stainless steel set. Steel needles are often described as slippery, and if you are a fast knitter, this quality lets your work move!
We have a variety of needles in the shop, including Takumi Velvet Circular needles from Clover, gorgeous straight and double pointed birch needles in several lengths from Brittany, and circular and double pointed Nova Needles from Knitter's Pride.
I'm currently working on a pair of socks using four different yarns, two gauges and multiple stitch patterns. I've used Brittany US#2 birch dpns for the cuffs and a nice pointy set of US #1 Nova steel dpns for the Fair Isle section. Knowing which needles to use and using the right ones for your project, can transform your knitting as much as a gauge swatch or proper blocking. Play around, try a few different types of needles, see what you think! We think you can find a set of needles that are 'just right.'
knitmap
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Lancaster, PA knitter Erica Dirks on the publication of her beautiful Cistern Hat pattern in the Knitty Winter Surprise issue that went live this week! What a great hat! Happy Knitting, everyone!
photo c Erica Dirks
Sweater Knitting circa 2013
I am knitting a sweater! I try to make one or two sweaters for myself every year, and last year, I only made one. (And it may or may not be quite finished.) So I'm getting an early start this year. The sweater is a design by Melissa Leapman for Cascade Yarns and is called the Adrienne Jacket. I'm using Cascade's Eco Cloud.
I made a few one skein projects with Cloud and decided I'd really like a deluxe sweater made out of it. It has a lovely buoyancy and bounce on the needles and responds beautifully to different needles sizes and gauges.
It's no coincidence that I'll be teaching this pattern in our Winter Sweater Class this month. I've fallen in love with the yarn and when I started looking for a pattern to teach, this one really stood out.
It will be a good fit for knitters who already know how to knit but who want to develop their sweater knitting skills. There is enough detail with the cables to keep your interest--but it's not hard. We'll do a Finishing Workshop at our last session to put the pieces together and hone our finishing skills. At a gauge of 16 sts & 24 rows = 4", this is a pretty fast knit, too.
The class starts at the end of the month, and there is still room for you! Did you resolve to build your knitting skills this year? Are you ready to learn or improve your finishing skills? Call the shop for more information or to sign up.
I'm looking forward to knitting with you this year!