The Knitter 29: kitchener stitch and highlights
Feb 22, 2011
Firstly a big thank you to the The Knitter and Woolly Wormhead for the kitchener stitch masterclass that shows how to graft for a variety of stitches - having all this in one place is great because it is one technical area I am regularly muddled by.
As well as that invaluable guide, as always there are some tempting patterns pushing me towards breaking my yarn diet (I'm seeing how far into 2011 I can get without buying yarn! 50+ days so far).
Highlights this month.
Trethawle by Anniken Allis. The stashbuster of the month seems perfect on a cold day like this, comforting 4ply cabled fingerless mitts that go well down past the wrists. Tempted to start a pair right now.
Lace and vintage style. Julie Ferguson's Ariel Jacket is a delicate fitted DK top with 20 tiny buttons up the front. Technically a cardie or jacket, it would almost always be worn as a top under a jacket and/or with a smart skirt. I probably wouldn't make the matching gauntlets for a set but might keep them in mind for a spot of stash busting.
More fitted lace in Nick Atkinson's Seashell T-shirt using DK yarn. It looks technically challenging in terms of the lace and shaping in pattern. The sort of pretty shortsleeved top that I love and find great with a smart skirt - definitely joining the queue.
Dress and tunics can seem a bit of a risk but they can be flattering if well shapped. Marco, a mini dress in laceweight by Rosee Woddland, looks like it should fit that bill. A mix of stocking stitch and a dropped stitch pattern it looks like an interesting knit although I'd wear it as a tunic I think.
Adena, Sarah Hatton's chunky cardigan, is knitted sideways which always adds interest. It is simply quick knit in stocking stitch with cable edgings. A snuggly temptation.
I'll also be adding Judy Furlong's cabled aran-weight Ronaldsay to my list of men's knits my other half might find acceptable. It would also be enjoable to knit with the cable construction and a good choice for someone wanting to try this style of knitting for the first time because there is only one type of cable to learn.
I'll also give a mention to Corentin by Belinda Boaden. This loose cable tunic caught my eye with my first flick through. But then I realised it is in Rowan Demin which means it shrinks on washing, something the pattern allows for but which I don't enjoy working with and which also means it is difficult to adapt the pattern to other yarns.
And finally, Plarchie the giant knitted squid. Plarchie, an 8m squid knitted from plastic bags, is one of the stars of Lauren O'Farrell aka Deadly Knitshade's article on the art of graffiti knitting and the activities of Knit the City.