Pattern Tip: Start with the Sleeves

Here’s a great tip from the knitting blog over at WEBS: when starting a new pieced sweater pattern, knit the sleeves first.

If you’re trying out a new technique, want to see how colors work together or just want to skip swatching (not that I’d recommend that!) starting with a sleeve gives you a quick way to see if you like the pattern or want to change something. And of course if your gauge is off it’s easier — meaning less heartbreaking — to rip out a couple of inches of sleeve rather than a couple of inches of body.

Speaking of WEBS, their annual anniversary sale is going on right now. It runs through the end of May, but there are some specials that are only available this month, and you’ll want to stock up early to get the best selection. This sale is the reason I have so much Cascade 220 in my house; it’s on sale for $5.59 a skein down from $8. There are tons of great yarns on sale form Berroco, Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Plymouth and WEBS’ own Valley Yarns, in addition to some needle sets. Check it out.

Next Pattern:

The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?