Things knitting has taught me...

When you learn to knit you learn more than just how to manipulate sticks and string into useful/beautiful/warm objects. If you pay attention, knitting has many things to teach.

Patience. Non-knitters tell me, "Oh, I would never have the patience to just sit and knit." Knitting has taught me a lot of patience--to see a project through, to not start a new project until I finish the one I'm working on, and to teach people to knit. Also, the patience not to take it personally when a non-knitter is clearly implying that I am lazy.

Persistence. At the time it didn't seem important, but I really wish I had kept a record of how many times I ripped out that first scarf--my first knitting project. Knitting didn't come easy to me and starting over was admitting defeat in some small way. Nevertheless, I got those stitches cast back on and tried again. Because I stuck with it, the course of history was changed forever. *

Trying new things. I've never been a daredevil. I'm not big on taking chances. I kind of like to play it safe. When I learned to knit I got more daring and took on new techniques and new ventures like it was no big deal. It's funny to look back and think I was once afraid to try cable stitches!

Acceptance. Sometimes you have to accept that you really aren't interested in being the World's Fastest Knitter, or the knitter of the most complicated pattern in the universe, or that you're not ever ever going to collect your cat's hair and spin it in to yarn. And it's not only OK that you haven't chosen those things, it's OK that others around you have. Also, they can come comb my long-haired tuxedo cat anytime.

Perspective. As I drove home last week from a lovely meeting of Monday Morning Knitters, I reflected that, last year at this time, things were different. I had put MMK on an indefinite hiatus. I was still using Blogger and in general I think I was still trying to define who I was as an instructor and designer. Knitting can offer ample time for reflection on life and direction and goals. I'm excited about this year and the opportunities that await. While I can't claim to have "arrived" I feel pretty good about the direction I'm headed and the path I'm on. After all, it's lined with knitwear!

My first scarf. Look closely--it's supposed to just be garter stitch. When I look at it I know I've improved. That's perspective!

How about you? What has knitting taught you?

*Well, the course of history really WAS changed for myself and for those I've had the honor of teaching to knit in the last 10 years. Besides, you KNOW how much I like dramatic effect!

Basketweave, Method 1; plus a Free Dishcloth Pattern

Basketweave is a fun combination of knit and purl stitches that I have loved from my first attempt at purling. There are actually a couple of different ways to knit this stitch. This method uses an even numbers of stitches that repeat across the row.

We’ll call it: Basketweave, Method I.

When you knit one row and purl the next row, the fabric you make is stockinette stitch. If you flip over a piece of stockinette stitch (abbreviated st st), you will have reverse stockinette stitch (abbreviated rev st st). When you knit this Basketweave pattern, you will have little blocks of stockinette and reverse stockinette, which alternate and look like a woven basket. The fabric you make by repeating these blocks of stitches will lie flat and look symmetrical and ready for action. It is completely reversible. You can add a border of garter or seed stitch. You can knit it longer and have a fun textured scarf.

Learn to read your stitches:
Stockinette—the ones with the little upside-down “v’s”
Reverse Stockinette—the ones with the purl bumps

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to make a dishcloth using this clever combo of knits and purls.
Tip: Keep track of your rows so the blocks will stay uniform.

Materials: Peaches & Creme worsted weight cotton yarn, and US size 8 needles.

CO 36 stitches

Rows 1 and 3: *K4, P4, Repeat from *  across the row
Rows 2 and 4:  *P4, K4,  Repeat from *  across the row

Rows 5 and 7:  As Rows 2 and 4
Rows 6 and 8:  As Rows 1 and 3

Repeat this 8 row pattern 12 times or until piece measures desired length.
Bind off in pattern.

And there you have it--one form of basketweave. Check back next week for another one!

New Year's Knit-o-lutions

Happy New Year!

I'm not really a resolution maker, being of the type who prefer to set goals instead. Cuz that's not the same thing AT ALL.

This year, I resolve to call it what it is and make some New Year's Knitting Resolutions or Knit-o-lutions, if you will.

• I resolve to knit a sweater that will last my teen son more than one winter--and finish it before he outgrows it.
• I resolve to start Christmas knitting well before October 1. Just as soon as I finish 2014's Christmas knitting...
• I resolve to obsess less over the designs of new patterns.
• I resolve to be more honest about my need to obsess over designs. After all, who am I kidding? I want them ALL to be perfect!
• I resolve to be more brave about sending my little darlings off to be considered for publication, accepting that a rejected pattern isn't a personal affront. (It's not, right? Please tell me it's not!)
• I resolve to conquer a knitting technique that I am not...fond of.  At least one--there are several.
• I resolve to follow my own advice and plan more knitting time into my schedule.

What about you? Resolutions or Goals? Do you make them for your knitting?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a free pattern!

I don't know about you, but I have had a fantastic year with you, my knitting friends! I've learned a lot and been privileged to be a part of helping others learn a thing or two as well. I've published some patterns, had some patterns published by others, written about a million words about knitting, and yes, even dropped a few stitches. (It happens!)

As Christmas and New Year's draw near, I am going to take a break from the blog and spend some time with my family (and maybe even finish their Christmas gifts on time. Maybe.). I hope that when the New Year arrives, it will find you prosperous and filled with visions of the great things to be knit in 2015. Next year is my 10 year Knit-iversary so I have big plans for a year-long celebration of all things knitting--you won't want to miss any of it!

So, I hope you will have a great couple of weeks--knit, relax, work, shop, travel, eat; celebrate the holidays in ways that are meaningful to you. Join me the second week in January as I kick off 2015 with my annual Knitting Resolutions. The January newsletter will go out by January 15, so if you haven't signed up yet, please do! And classes pick back up in January, too.

Oh, and one more thing.... Remember the Simple Knitting Tip about updating old scarves? Here is the pattern I promised--my gift to you. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

 

 

Long Stripey Garter Infinity Scarf

Banded Gratuity--A Long Stripey Garter Infinity Scarf:
Two methods
by Tamara Goff

Yarn:
Worsted weight. I used Lily Sugar n’Cream, 100% cotton worsted weight in 6 colors. You can use wool or acrylic or a blend. The important thing here is color!

Needles:
US Size 7 circular needles, 40” long.
Gauge:
13 sts = 4 inches in garter stitch.
length:
Approximately 70 inches long

Method 1: Knit in the round
CO 220 sts with Color A.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Knit one round, purl the next, creating a garter stitch fabric. Work 2 garter ridges with Color A
Switch to Color B and work 2 garter ridges.
Switch to Color C, work 1 garter ridge.
With Color D, work 2 garter ridges.
With Color E, work 3 garter ridges.
With Color F, work 1 garter ridge.
With Color C, work 2 garter ridges, then bind off LOOSELY! Weave in ends.

Method 2: Knit flat
CO 220 sts with Color A
Knit every row for 2 garter ridges, then switch to Color B and follow color striping pattern as above.
Bind off LOOSELY! Tie ends and add more yarn to make fringe, or weave in ends and sew short sides of scarf together to make it a continuous loop (infinity scarf).

Even Santa has last-minute knitting to do!