Party Trick

Alert Reader Namari asked an excellent question:

If the Thistle stole is worked in the round, how can it be a rectangle?  Here's How!

Stranded colorwork needs to be knitted in the round because otherwise we would have to purl back on the wrong side of the work in (reverse) pattern. Un. Fun.  

Making the knitted fabric in a cylinder keeps the knitter on the right side of the work at all times.  But some pieces of knitting need to end up flat.  Solution?  Cut the cylinder open with shears!  That's Steeking, and it's the sexiest party trick in all of knitting.

Thanks for asking, Namari!

Fulfillment

You know what's so great about stranded colorwork knitting (yes, everything, but specifically)?  It's actually that it goes so quickly.  Knitters who haven't tried it usually don't believe me when I say this, but colorwork is the fastest knitting I know.  

But there are two strands!  And it's at a small gauge!  

Both true, say I, but there is magic afoot:  1. It's circular, which, no matter how many strands are used, is still just stockinette in the round. And 2. Even more important is the psychology:  You work one border or set of motifs, and the whole time you're looking forward to the next one.  And the minute you start to get a little bored with the band you're working on, bang! There's a brand new one starting.  So there are all these benchmarks for your progress, each time you get to the next new element.  It's so validating - at the end of a knitting session, your piece has visibly changed, rather than only lengthening.

Which reminds me, Remember what I promised you a year ago?  

That everyone would be able to make their very own Thistle stole?

Well, your patience is about to be rewarded:  It's Thistle Time!  CLICK HERE to download the pattern, and see if you don't agree with me about the smug satisfaction of knitting stranded colorwork.  And yes, it is habit-forming.  Don't say I didn't warn you

Ferocious Knitting

Have you been wondering what I'm up to?  Just my usual fire-breathing.  Here's the exclusive design for 2014's Madrona Winter Retreat; "Dragons":

Believe it or not, there are only three colorways used in this year's design! 

"Dragons" is made from Abstract Fiber "Alto", 100% BFL Sport, and yes, it's going to be a kit.  All Madrona attendees can buy them at the retreat, and each "Eeeks! Steeks!" student will receive one with their paid class registration.

The finished scarf measures 73" long x 10" wide.  There is a dragon at each end, whose tails are intertwined down the length of the piece, meeting in a love knot in the center.

Fierce, much?  You know you are.  My "Eeeks! Steeks!" students will receive their kits in December, then knit their scarves as homework (Tip: you'll need size 2 and 3 circular needles in 60" lengths). Those who wish to will be able to complete their scarf in class, cutting and finishing the steek (while your teacher and classmates cheer you on).  And if you're not a maniac who wants to leave class with a finished scarf, you'll still learn three techniques for working a steek, ready for application whenever you wish.

If you'll be attending the Madrona Winter Retreat and would like to reserve kits for pickup at the marketplace, please e-mail me at mary@maryscotthuff.com (or use the "contact" tab on my homepage).  I'll make sure your kit(s) are reserved in your name. Sorry, this year's kit is only available for purchase at the Madrona Marketplace.  Can't make it to the retreat this year?  Not to worry; the pattern will be available to the wide world, this time next year.  

It might be cold outside, but things are nice and warm where the Dragons are.