Stretchy Bind- Offs

Stretchy Bind Offs

Stretchy Bind Offs most suited for socks:

• ·         Lace Bind Off, aka Russian, Purl Two Together

• ·         Elastic Bind Off

• ·         Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off 

This is my favorite and the one I am teaching in the Class.

Other Stretchy Bind Offs:

• ·         Yarnover Bind Off

• ·         Suspended Bind Off

• ·         Icelandic Bind Off

You may find youtubes  videos for all these bind offs.

Here are step by step instructions for Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off:

To work this bind off, you will first process each stitch and then bind off in the traditional manner.

Processing a Knit Stitch:

1.       Work a reverse yarnover.

2.       Knit one stitch.

3.       Pull the YO over the knit stitch.

Processing a Purl Stitch:

1.       Work a yarnover ending with the yarn in the front.

2.       Purl one stitch.

3.       Pull the YO over the purl stitch.

Binding off:

Process each of the first two stitches then pull the first stitch over the second stitch.

Process the next stitch and again pull the first stitch on your right hand needle over the second one as in a traditional bind off.  Continue this last step until all stitches are bound off.

NOTE:  In order not to get a jug between the last stitch and the first stitch when binding off in the round, pull your last loop to a length of about 3” (6” total) and cut in the center of this loop.  You will have the tail of the working yarn come through the center of the last stitch.  Thread your darning needle with this yarn tail and go under the two legs of the first stitch bound off and then back through the center of the last stitch.  This bridges the gap between the last and first bound off stitch.  Last  weave in the end.

This handout is part of a Sock Knitting Class by Doris Formby.

For more information on this or other classes contact me at  formbyd8@gmail.com

Spruce up your home

With Coasters!!!

What's on my needles (week 109) 

I wanted a quick and fun project and thought about how to improve one of our every day household items.

• We use coasters all the time and have very pretty ones; even a set of coasters with scenes from Formby, UK.   BUT so often they stick to the wet underside of the cup, then fall off.

•  So, I thought to myself:  what better way to improve life than knitting a set of coasters.

 I decided on using Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton in the colors Ecru, Country Green and Guacamole.  The last one is a multi color yarn.  
And I decided on using a different pattern for each coaster.  Some are knitted and some are crochet and none take longer than a few hours max. (Instant gratification!!!)

I found the first pattern in the latest issue of Interweave Knits (Spring 2016), I found others on ravelry and others still are actually dishcloth patterns which I adjusted to a smaller size.  All coasters are approximately 5" in diameter.  Find the link to my ravelry notes and from there to the pattern underneath each picture.

Let me know if you have a favorite dishcloth or coaster pattern.  I am looking to expand my collection to be ready for a larger gathering :)
 

Park Lane Coaster

Super Fast Coaster

The almost Lost Coaster

Spring Flower Dishcloth

I-Cord Coaster

Yet Another Coaster

 

1/2 foot of snow in April! What to do?

Knitting, of course (and keeping calm and drinking tea).

What's on my needles week 108

I cannot say that I was not warned that snow would be coming.  Even last Friday my local library director asked me if I was ready for Winter.  Winter in April?  And then we had 1/2 foot of snow, yes, that's not much considering how much we usually get in Upstate New York, but after such a mild Winter and since it is April and the daffodils and forsythias are out and Friday the temperatures were in the upper 70's...

 

Well, it took me by surprise, but not unprepared.  I am never unprepared when it comes to the chance of staying home :  There is always knitting!

Sunday I managed to finally finish my cardigan.  After the designer was so kind and updated the pattern there was not much more to do to finish it and it came out really nice.

The pattern:  Tullamore Cardigan by Emily Ringelman   It is knitted in pieces and then seamed which gives it a nice fit.  I am surprised that not more people have knitted this one. So far only 11 projects were posted on ravelry.  The pattern is available on ravelry for $6.50

The yarn:  I used Elsebeth Lavolt Silky Wool which was in the Stickles Clearance bin last Fall (there are some good finds in there).

My pattern notes: You can find my pattern notes following this link: http://ravel.me/Strickliese/tc

 And finally the pictures:  

Tullamore Cardigan

Tullamore Cardigan

Monday's snow was a little more unexpected, but I started a new project, the Hitofude Cardigan, which has been on my "to-do list" since a while.  I will make a few changes in the upper body and no sleeves (more like a summer vest), but will definitely keep the flow and increases of the lower body.

I am using the Shibui Linen Yarn.  I had used it a few years back for the "Liesel" which is a store sample at The Knitting Garage.  Since then I have been thinking  what I could make out of the yarn for myself.  I like the weight of the linen, the crisp feel and drape.

humble beginnngs

 

Sunset over Rhinebeck

A picture is worth a thousand words

What's on my needles (week 107) 

So, THIS is the shawl everybody is talking about :)

 

The pattern:  "Pebble Beach Shawl" by Helen Stewart 

                   This pattern is written for three sizes SMALL 55"x 15", MEDIUM 71"x 18" and LARGE 79"x 20".  The shawl in these pictures is the small size with just one skein of yarn 437 yards.

The yarn: Cascade Heritage Wave  This yarn has a beautiful long color run with gradient color changes.  It comes in many great colors.  Featured shawl used the color 502 "solar".

Needles:  US# 6 needles

And since there seems so much interest, I am offering a class to help you get started:

SHAWL CLASS:

 

I will be giving a one hour class Saturday April 2nd, 9th and 16th (the next three Saturdays).  You can choose between a morning or afternoon session.  

Morning sessions 10:30-11:30am, Afternoon Sessions 2:30-3:30pm.  

I will assist you to cast on , read the pattern, show you how to do the picot edging and explain how to block your finished shawl.  Cost for the 1 hour class: $20.   

The yarn ($14 per skein) and pattern ($5) are extra.

No prior sign-up needed, but classes are limited to a maximum of three. 

This is a beginners class suited for those who have never knitted lace before.