Wanna Knitalong?

So around three (3!) years ago, I started seeing you, Gentle Readers, get interested (and here "get interested" means "physically burst into flame") by Martin Storey's beautiful Roan pattern.

Photo by Peter Christian Christiansen

Who could blame you? Its chart is truly lovely, and its construction as written poses several meaningful challenges, which is why you brought it to my attention. I took a whack at explaining how I'd hypothetically make it, back in THIS POST.

And then I got on with my silly self, inventing things, imagining things, and generally doing my job playing with string. And those of you brave souls who wanted to, presumably knit your Roans in your own happy ways. Hopefully my suggestions were helpful, or at least thought-provoking.

I never did make my own Roan, because to do so would violate several of my Mary Knitting Rules; to wit:

1.  I'm not allowed to knit somebody else's design, because it would be hard (wrong!) for me to turn another designer's pattern into something I can earn money with. I need to focus my energy on my own original ideas to generate a living.

2.  I really hate v-necks. I know, I know: They are so slimming, and people with short necks (I'm looking at you, Mirror) are vastly improved on an aesthetic, personal and cellular level by wearing them. They just are not my scene. Sue me.

3.  I can't stand open-front (fly-away) cardigans. They represent a perfect missed opportunity to me: No buttons, hooks, ties or closures? No thank you. Why even get out of bed?

4.  Kimono sleeves give me hives. The big open cuffs are too floppy for me to actually use my hands. I have an irrational fear that I will somehow drag one over an open flame.  My stove is electric, so I have no idea how I got this fear, but that's why they call it "irrational", I guess.

So I got away without knitting a Roan of my own for quite some time before the issue came up again.

And then this week I heard from Gentle Reader Alice, who is lovely, and reminds me of Gentle Reader Ginny G, and Sunnipurl (who actually did make a Roan), and all the others of you who mentioned wanting this sweater to me, both publicly and privately. There are many of you who are dying to knit this pattern, and want my help to do it.

Since when did I ever avoid an opportunity to knit something beautiful and challenging? Especially if it would help my friends here on the blog? 

So even though doing so breaks all those Mary Knitting Rules, I'm going to knit a Roan anyway. True, I'll be spending time working on a pattern that I can never sell. But I see it as part of my job to help knitters, and if this is the design that so many of you want, who am I to say that I'll only work with my own patterns? 

I've unofficially proclaimed 2017 my big year of Trying New Things, so in honor of that, here I go: I'm staging a knitalong of the lovely Roan, and I hope you'll join me!

We can all meet up over on Ravelry HERE to introduce ourselves and discuss. I'll post entries here on my progress and the alterations (hacks) I'm planning, and I'll address your concerns as you share them with me. Please post a comment if you'd like to join in!

Next Time: Get ready with pattern and YARN!

Greetings from the Other Side

Alert Reader Amy from Seattle cleverly asked of the Chinese Garden wrap "What does it look like on the other side?", prompting me to spend a little time reflecting on the notion of "Right" vs. "Wrong" sides of things. Of course, we can always diplomatically change our vernacular to "Public" and "Non-Public" when we refer to insides and outsides. But as knitters, we're always referring to the planes of our work. Have you ever wondered how to make colorwork that's presentable to the world from both sides? It's easy. I do it all the time, and so can you.

Today I would like to challenge you, Gentle Readers, to think about the insides of things. I often hear that part of the fun of seeing my trunk shows is getting a good look at what's going on behind the scenes of the pieces. For those who haven't seen yet, here are a few:

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Chinese Garden Outside

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Stars and Stripes Outside

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Regnbue Outside

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Butterflies Outside

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Chinese Garden Inside

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Stars and Stripes Inside

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Regnbue Inside

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Butterflies Inside

One of the many charms of Stranded Colorwork knitting is that its insides can be just as lovely (more?) as its outsides! How can we achieve this? Those who have been to  my introduction to Stranded Colorwork class, 2 Strings=Not Scary already know: We can easily keep our floats beautiful and our tension perfect by applying two concepts (okay, they're really just Sexy Party Tricks, but who cares?).

Thing One: Strand Orientation. Don't twist the unused strands around one another. Ever. This is especially easy if you are knitting from one of my patterns because I design the motifs in such a way that you will never have to tack (twist) a float. Period. So just don't do it. Ta-Da! Instantly beautiful insides.

Thing Two: Float Tension. Mechanically introduce extra slack into the unused strand as you knit by stretching the stitches you are carrying across the back of. This extra float length will magically disappear during blocking, wearing, etc [insert Interpretive Dance here]. Yes, if you work on Stranded Colorwork with me, I will explain float tension via an interpretive dance; just one more service I provide.

That's it. There are only two things to know in order to make the back of your knitting as beautiful and interesting as the front. Mischief Managed. Come see me in class to get the full explaination/show on this. CLICK HERE for my upcoming session, or if you aren't in that neighborhood, contact me to schedule a class with your guild, event, or group of knitting pals!

Oh Knitting! You are so beautiful and full of surprises. Aren't we lucky to know the secrets?

Next Time: Who's up for a Knitalong? I've been asked for help with a pattern, and you know how hard it ISN'T to trick me into knitting something with you...

Happy Chinese New Year!

The holiday is next Friday, but this is a wrap you'll want to cuddle in all the time! CLICK HERE for the pattern.

Worked in six colors of DK yarn from Dicentra Designs, the wrap finishes up at about 16" wide and 76" long. Just the thing to chase a chill over your favorite turtleneck and jeans, or to cover your shoulders with an elegant evening ensemble. Planning to attend any evening weddings this summer? Here's your project.

Inspired by the classical motifs in antique porcelain, and the delicate hues of water lilies, Chinese Garden is my exploration into the fascinating and elegant world of Chinese art and symbol.

Best of all: The exquisitely talented Lisa of Dicentra Designs (who created all the yarns you see here) has a few kits for sale! That's right: The original kits are only a CLICK away. Don't wait too long though; she only has a few in stock.

Happy New Year!