Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Knit Aid

by

knitaidcover.jpgKnit Aid is the new book vickie howell. I have not seen the book so please note this is not a book review more of a book notification.

It is (according to the press release) full of how-to scoop: everything from casting-on to short rows (with a few “practice” projects thrown in between.) Its compact design, tear-out needle gauge and easy-to-read-and-knit-at-the-same-time spiral binding, make this a perfect fit for any knitter on the go. All this–and oh, so much more–for the bargain price of $7.95!

Look for it in Spring ’08.

You can also pre-order this book for a signed copy (How cool is that)

Next Pattern:

Comments

  1. I love vickie howell and watch knitty gritty daily. I do wish vickie and her mom would do something about those eye brows. LOL

    I will look into adding her book to my collection.

    K

Have you read?

Knit a Garter Stitch Blanket with a Twist

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]