Advanced Studies
Now that I have twice as many head of dog at my house, certain fiscal realities have begun to sink in. Whaddya MEAN that'll be $150??? Well you just ordered twice as much/many as before. Right. Math again.
Turns out that this week, it's back to basics for me. I have to learn to knit stripes. And I have to learn to brush a dog. Two skills I thought I had a passing acquaintance with. Stripes, because I'm writing a book about knitting in color. And brushing, because one of my dogs has probably never been to a groomer, and the other is having a series of bad hair days. Neither are getting the outside attention of trained professionals, at this particular juncture. It's all me, baby. Did I mention that I don't even own a dog brush? When one wants to brush a dual-coated, heretofore ungroomed, dog(or to make stripes in one's knitting), there is much more to know than one might think.
Puts me in mind of when I first learned to knit (doesn't everything?). Learning the steps, practicing, and repeating them ad nauseam, will ultimately make them automatic and skillful. Or so I'm lead to understand. Fluffing the fur, or making jogless rounds, it's pretty much the same: Practice makes perfect.
As I reinvent both the grooming, and the knitting wheels, I'd like to ask you all for more fodder. Needing to know something usually leads me on an exciting journey of research and experimentation. Not necessarily in that order. So it stands to reason that if you ask me some questions that I have to go find the answers to, we'll all be smarter afterwards, No?
What have you always wanted to know about knitting?
Send me your questions, no matter how esoteric or bizarre, and I promise to answer them on Friday. Bring it on, my friends. Here's your chance to make me a genius. Ask the knitter (or the groomer, for that matter), and I'll get you an answer. It might be one I made up, but it will BE an answer, and I promise to be accountable for it. And by accountable, you may understand that I know most of you have my business card, with my address on it. And if I lead you astray, I fully expect the whole flaming-torch-and-pitchfork mob to appear at my door. After all, it's what we knitters do.
So please ask your questions, and I will find what I hope to be a useful answer.
Let's learn together. I'm game, if you are!
Hey you,
Amazing that you toss out this challenge--when I started reading your blog post and got to the part about learning to knit stripes for a new book, I thought to myself "I wish I could knit stripes that lined up". Then I read on and saw your offer. I've tried jogless directions I found on line but it always looks dumb and amateurish. So that's what I want to know, oh source of all knowledge knitterly.
By the way, your blocking hint for the violets scarf worked great. The bad part is that the scarf is no longer mine. My daughter who is part jock part tomboy part genius took one look at it and said: I want that to be mine. I would never have guessed in a million years that she would love something that girly. So it's hers. And i'm NOT making another one.
Love you, and thanks for the opportunity! Teddy
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Where did 2 color double knitting arise? Been trying to research it and keep drawing blanks.
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Okay, Mary, on a wonderful Wednesday evening meeting--you were sharing 2 of your newer sweaters. You were talking about the influence that your tailoring background had on your designs. You mentioned something about the shoulders and armholes needing to be addressed in order to get just the right fit. What do you take into consideration when you create your own pattern, and how can they be adapted to fit larger sized people?
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When working with stripes - What is the nicest way to carry the yarn? Or is it preferred to cut the yarn with each change or color and then weave in the the ends?
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Lately I'm seeing beautiful examples of double knitting. Scarves with a coloured pattern on one side and the exact opposite colour configuration of the same pattern on the reverse side. It seems fascinating and not a little bit magical to me!
I haven't seen any books on the market about this topic and was wondering if you know about this technique and could offer some tips. Would this be a good topic for book in your future?
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M'Lou Baber has a book on Double Knitting that covers the two color work that you are interested in. There is also a nice Ravelry group on Double Knitting. The moderator of that group is currently working on a new book on the subject.
Abbott
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I seem to remember reading somewhere that there was a correlation between the beginning of knitting and a reduction in infant mortality. I looked in SHEEP, by Alan Butler (O books, 2006), but didn't find it there. That is a fascinating book,by the way.
Do you know if that is true? I would like it to be, but don't have the source any more.
Sarah
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Hon, professional dog groomer here. Get a slicker brush--the kind with small wire pins. Get either a medium or a soft; the firm will be too scratchy. And get a metal comb; the teeth are rounded--not scratchy, and the comb is the only way to be sure you're getting all the way down to the skin. Remember 60s hairstyles? All the teased hair, smoothed over with a brush? If you use only a slicker brush on the dogs, their legs, bellies, and skirts will resemble those teased coifs. Also, get all the mats/tangles out before you bathe the dogs. Finally, if the mats get too bad, head for the groomer's. Please do NOT cut mats out with scissors if the mat is at all close to the dog's skin. Folds of skin can get pinched up inside a mat, so that scissoring the mat out is dangerous. A groomer can safely clipper out problem mats. Best of luck.
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How do you do Japanese short rows in the round? Particularly, how do you finish off the short rows on the right side.
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When grooming, are you hand stripping the undercoat, aka pulling their hair out by the roots? Ouch!
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First.....many thanks for a delightful blog. Each new entry makes my day.
I would like instructions for a fail-proof, nice looking buttonhole. Something that is pretty on the inside and the outside.
And can you please explain where the tail belongs when doing a long-tail cast on and why? The 'why' is important!
Good luck with the grooming, I have Boston Terriers for a reason. LOL
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Why can't I remember which way a ssk will slant until AFTER I have knitted it? Possibly even 2 rows after when I notice that things just don't look right?? Pat Rosenak
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I want to know how to handle stripes (or fair Isle) when knitting socks. Is there a way to prevent bulkiness where they are carriedn up or woven in?
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Thanks for the opportunity to ask! I realize there are numerous cast ons and cast offs. I am and always have been confused as to when to use each one....I get upset and tend to use the same old thing and am often disappointed in the results. My question then would be (OK questions, sorry) how do you perform them, when do you use them and how do you (personally) decide? Thanks again & knit on!
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I'm so bummed I didn't have a chance to read your post until Thursday night and just can't come up with a good question!
I second some of the questions above and am mourning that I didn't get a chance to order your violets scarf or go to your Madrona class. How about this one, will the pattern for the violets scarf be published?
And hey - just a note of interest I have half of the first sleeve of the "infamous" Viking Boat sweater done (only had to frog about 1/2 of it the first time through due to, none other than, a gauge problem!
Ok, here's a better question - is it just as easy (or nicely finished) to attach a cuff-up sleeve to a steeked sweater as to pick up and knit it down?
Am so looking forward to our class in October 2011.
Jill
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Thanks for the oppertunity! How many stitches do you float without tacking? What makes the best looking tack? I just finished your Distelfink and am still working on your violet scarf. Was half done and it was getting too big so I tore it all out and am knitting on 000 needles!!(I knit loosely) When is your next book coming out, and when can we expect the Bee sweater for us big girls? Lv
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I'll share my memory trick for decreases, but be forewarned its silly and obnoxious.
SSK (single, sexy, kinky --- left leaning!)
K2Tog (knit two together, ie. family values -- right leaning!)
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