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The stitches may also be purled, resulting in a 3/3RPC (right purl cross) or 3/3LPC (left purl cross).
In our experience, the largest cable we've seen was worked over 12 sts (6 sts crossed over 6 sts). The more stitches crossed, the tighter the resulting knitted fabric,risking a too dense appearance and distortion. Conversely, the smallest cable is a 2-stitch cable. An odd number of stitches may be crossed -- 1 stitch passed over two, 2 stitches crossed over three, etc. Fascinating variations of familiar themes can result from mixing textured background stitches to create new cables.
when working with a yarn containing angora or mohair, try putting it in the freezer about an hour before knitting to reduce shedding. This also works wonders if you need to un-knit (rip out)...
Sue Schroettinger recommends using clear buttons on the wrong side of the garment when attaching buttons with holes. Sue uses 2 plies of embroidery floss in a matching color to sew buttons into place. This is a secure finishing method -- thanks, Sue!
February 2004 Tips and Ideas
Recently, Dawn Sherwood asked us, "My pattern directions call for a left twist, working the second stitch through the back. How do I do this?"
A left twist is formed by crossing one stitch over another. Here's how: Skip the first stitch on the left-hand needle. With the right-hand needle BEHIND the left one, insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the second stitch on the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn as if to knit and pull it through.
Another variation is to knit the second stitch as in the first version, then knit the first and second stitches through the back loops.
***** KNITTING TIPS AND TRICKS *****
Our February knitting tips come from Tracey Earhart, our resident felting expert, who offers some suggestions for more successful felting. Tracey tells us, "Felted purses have become THE winter project. Some knitters have had trouble with the pockets of the purses bias-ing, when sewn on and THEN felted in the washer. We noticed that in the problem cases the yarn used -- which is excellent for felting -- was a 'single' (meaning one strand, not plyed), as in CLASSIC ELITE "Montera", REYNOLDS "Lopi" and BROWN SHEEP "Lamb's Pride".
Try knitting your pocket beginning with the yarn off the opposite end of the skein, or knitting the pocket in the opposite direction; i.e., start at the top and knit down, if your purse is knitted from the bottom up. This would put the twist of the yarn in two opposite directions ('S' and 'Z' twists) when they are attached, and should stop the pocket and purse from biasing. When sewing the pocket on, remember to pick up a 'bar' in the knit stitch of the purse. This should help to keep the side seams straight. If the pattern calls for two strands, start one from the inside of the skein and one from the outside of the skein.
The second option is to felt the purse and pockets separately. Use quilters thread or yarn in the same color as the purse and a tapestry needle. You can bury your stitches in the center of the thick felted wool and pull your stitches snuggly to the inside of the purse. The stitches
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