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KnitBits®
#69
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The free e-mail newsletter from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com
#69, August 6, 2004
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Dear Knitters and Crocheters,
This week the topic foremost on my mind is how to present instructions
to the new generation of knitters. One of our sales representatives
jokingly reports that the instruction must fit on the palm of
their hand.
I hear that many of you are
knitting our Suede poncho called Linda. It is a free
pattern offered on our website.
It appears that most knitters don't knit a gauge swatch when knitting
an easy fit item like a poncho or scarf. While I don't recommend
ignoring your gauge, in order to advise you I must face this fact.
Listen to me now and hear me later, you will not be able to get
away with improper gauge when you graduate to fitted garments.
This is a recipe for disaster. You may
also not have enough yarn to complete your project if you are
knitting to the incorrect gauge. Having said this, I feel that
those of you who are knitting away on Linda without having done
a gauge check may need a simplified version of the instructions.
Here it is, in my words:
This pattern will take 7 balls of Suede.
Front: With size 10 circular needles cast on 3 stitches.
Knit one row. Knit every row (garter stitch) increasing one stitch
at beginning of each row until you have a few yards left on the
3rd ball. Bind off all stitches.
Back: Work same as front. Sew bound off edges together
leaving an opening for
the neck at the center approximately 10" Fringe with 7th
ball
along the other 2 edges.
While on the topic of the
tremendously popular poncho, I would like to point out that the
Belle Starr Skirt
from Book #229 can also be worn as a poncho, shown
here in black or brown.
We left off the drawstring for an easy poncho.
As I promised last time, I
shall tell you more about all that I saw while in Florence. The
creative spirit abounds in unique and decorative textiles. The
scarf and shawl is still very popular in Europe. No longer does
the simply elegant pashmina shawl take center stage. More abstract
and whimsical inspiration abounds. I took some shots of some unusual
and
inspiring pieces at the trade fair, in shop windows and in the
open air market. Have
a look at these shots.
For me, these colorful and multidimensional ideas are liberating.
I find myself thinking outside the box with a freer creative spirit
as I design a painterly collection for Spring '05.
This week our free Web Exclusive
pattern is called Sheri and
it's knit in Plush.
Plush is available in soft
pastels and brilliant brights. Sheri is a cozy "comfort
sweater" that has all the appeal of your favorite polar fleece.
This week, we are adding 3
more combinations of yarns to Scarf
Central.
The 3 top swatches are knit in beautiful combinations of Suede
& Optik,
Medley & Zoom
and Softy & Jewel
FX. Click on the swatches for lots of alternative color combinations.
THIS WEEK'S WINNER
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Congratulations to Robin of Oakland, MD who chose to knit Mia
from our
book #228.
All the best,
Margery Winter
Creative Director
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