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KnitBits®
#56
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The free e-mail newsletter from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com
#56, February 9, 2004
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Dear Knitters,
I am literally writing this newsletter on the fly. As I wing my
way to Italy, the yarn capital of the world, I ponder the universality
of the craft of knitting. It is truly amazing that so many cultures
around the world discovered the craft of making fabric with a
strand of yarn and 2 sticks. It is likewise amazing that so many
new knitters pick up the sticks and, with a little instruction
or a good "how to knit" book, join the ranks of millions
of people who are hooked on knitting. I can almost hear the sound
of the needles clicking!
One of the flight attendants
is knitting Bebe, our little
Plush kimono in book #214. Her sister is expecting a baby
in April. She told me that she has had her fill of scarf knitting
and this is her first sweater. I gave her a few pointers, but
she is really a natural. Her gauge is perfect although she had
to go down a needle size to achieve the recommended gauge.
Today's free pattern is also
in Plush. It is a dress designed by one of our favorite designers
for her granddaughter. We called it Alexa
Bernadette and it is just as adorable as her own little Alexa.
For the free instructions, click here.
If you have been reading my KnitBits or browsing our website,
you have undoubtedly been drawn to your local yarn shop to see
our new yarns and patterns in person. Perhaps you have seen our
new Candy FX
yarn in all its shiny splendor. It's a great mixer, as you can
see from swatches on our Scarf Central.
We've also used it held together with Zen in Doris
from book #223. I am sure that you will come up with many other
color combinations if you look at our shade cards for Candy
FX and Zen or Zen
Colors.
BEGINNER'S Q & A
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A reader named Salina asked the following question:
"I just received your book 224 and was making a gauge piece.
The pattern calls for 4 sts to the inch and I am getting 5...
Does that mean my top will be smaller or larger?"
Salina, this is an excellent question and congratulations to you
for knitting a gauge swatch. You are on the road to success. If
you are getting 5 stitches to the inch instead of 4, this means
that your gauge is too tight therefore your sweater will also
be too tight on those needles. Try another swatch going up 2 needle
sizes. Be sure that your swatch is a little bigger than 4 inches
square. Follow any blocking or steaming instructions that are
given for the finishing in the pattern. Sometimes blocking will
affect your gauge so you want the same control on your gauge swatch
as on the finished garment. Then lay a ruler, tape measure or
gauge reader on the swatch and count the number of stitches and
rows over 4 inches and divide by 4 for the accurate reading of
number of stitches and rows per inch. Keep trying and adjusting
needle size until you achieve the gauge recommended.
THIS WEEK'S WINNERS
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Congratulations to our Free Sweater Kit winners for KnitBits #54
and #55. Ellie from Annapolis, MD selected Gayle
from Book #224 and Christine from Putnam, CT will soon be knitting
Elvina from Book #223.
When I return I will tell you all about the fashion I saw in the
streets and the shops in Florence. Till then, remember to keep
your gauge!
Margery Winter
Creative Director
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