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KnitBits™
#62
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The free e-mail newsletter from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com
#62, April 30, 2004
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Dear knitters and crocheters,
This week I am going to show
you how you can achieve alternating long stitch rows without having
to hold on to one large needle and one humungous needle. If you
like the look of the swatches on Scarf
Central, or if you want to achieve a loose and flowing look
as in our Wickenden Shawl
from book #210, then you will want to learn this simple yarn over
technique as described below. When you master this technique you
will be able to knit a scarf in an hour and your hands won't ache
from holding onto the size 35 needles.
You will need a pair of comfortably
large needles. In our illustrative photos, we used #15 needles
and our bulky yarn Pronto. You
can use size 13 or 11 needles depending on the yarns used and
the look you desire.
This method consists of only
2 rows. Knit one row to set up a firm edge and then: Knit
one stitch, and yarn over, that is to say, wrap
the yarn around the right hand needle. Repeat these two procedures
until one stitch remains on left hand needle.
Knit that last stitch.
Next row: knit
one stitch and drop
the following yarn over.
Continue to knit one stitch and drop the following yarn over until
one stitch remains on the left hand needle. Knit that stitch.
Repeat these last 2 rows.
To keep the scarf long and sleek, tug
on fabric regularly as you work this long stitch to lock in
stitch length. When your scarf is long enough, knit one row and
then bind off.
Now that you have mastered the long stitch, you can add that to
your bag of tricks. You may soon become a scarf designer. With
the ever-expanding range of scarf yarns and colors from Berroco,
the sky's the limit.
This week's Web Exclusive
Free Pattern is a crocheted belt in Suede.
It's called Cowgirl
Belt.
It is worked with a single strand of Suede in single crochet.
All you need is a great buckle; this one is from JHB Buttons.
You could salvage one from an old belt if you prefer. I adorned
it with some glass beads that I sewed on later with a needle and
thread. If you prefer you could sew on some silver buttons and
maybe you would like to fringe it. You could make it longer if
you want to wear it with your low-rise jeans. This one works well
on a 25" waist or smaller. Just add inches to adjust the
fit. Download the free
pattern for Cowgirl Belt here.
Suede is such a popular yarn with both knitters and crocheters.
A KnitBits subscriber, Roz Porter, designed a knitted cell phone
bag in our Suede. We will feature it in our next KnitBits and
post free instructions.
BEGINNER'S Q & A
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Shannon from Irvine, CA wrote: "I have knit so many scarves
this year and I find that I have accumulated several yards of
many wonderful and rather expensive yarns. They are beautiful
bright jewel tones. Many sparkle or shine and others have long
eyelash. Is there anything I can do with these leftovers?"
Shannon, I too have amassed
many short lengths of leftovers. The other day, I braided a bunch
of seemingly discordant yarns and colors. It was just wonderful.
It opened up the floodgate of ideas. I could trim a cardigan,
a la Chanel. With some huge and ornate buttons, I could fashion
some wonderful drapery tiebacks. I can make some beautiful necklaces,
bracelets, headbands or belts. I could trim a handbag or throw
pillows. After many years of accumulating colorful leftovers,
I could make a braided rug for the boudoir. "Waste not, want
not."
THIS WEEK'S WINNER
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Lynn from Los Angeles, CA is our Free Sweater Kit winner for KnitBits
# 61. Lynn has chosen to knit Pearl
from Book #225 Scarves and More.
Happy knitting, Lynn.
Till next time.
All the best,
Margery Winter
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