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starting the ribbing. The "bumps" of the purl round aid in covering up small holes, as well as adding a decorative touch.
When working cable patterns with a yarn that tends to split, try using a crochet hook of similar size to the working needles as a cable needle. The stitches are less likely to split.
Cables pull in knitted fabric probably more than most other pattern stitches. When cables are combined with other patterns, such as reverse stockinette or seed stitch, there is a difference in the stitch gauges. In order to avoid "flare" at the lower edge,
increases to compensate for this gauge difference should be made at the point where the cables are placed, before working them, instead of evenly spaced along
the set-up row. The more stitches used for the cable usually means more increases required under that cable. If you make increases at the base of the cable, remember
that you may wish to decrease those extra stitches at the end, for best results.
When working a provisional cast on with a crochet chain edge, try using dental floss instead of a smooth, slippery waste yarn. It will remove easily without tangling or
"shedding" fibers into the main yarn.
When finishing your garment, leave an extra length of yarn in a seam for repairs. Since it will be cleaned with the garment, it
should have the same color and appearance as the original yarn. Duplicate stitch works well for repairing holes.
December 2006 Tips & Ideas
Thanks to all who attended this fun holiday kick-off event. Congratulations to the winners of our Thanksgiving Open House door prize drawing:
1st Place: Laura Heitzer -- choice of book from our bookshelves (Laura selected XRX's
"The Knitter's Handbook")
2nd Place: Marian Beckiary -- choice of any knitting needles or crochet hook
3rd Place: Laura Polliard -- 2007 Knitting Pattern-A-Day Calendar
***** KNITTING TIPS, HINTS, TRIVIA & TRENDS *****
Did you know that the girth of your wrist is one-half the girth of your neck? The length from fingertip to fingertip with your arms outstretched is about the same as your height? Your hand is as long as your face? This bit of trivia is shared by Karen McCullough (thanks, Karen), with credit to "Knit Bits Calendar 2006" and original source "Knit Mittens" by Robin Hansen. A practical application of this information is to knit or crochet your scarf so that it extends from fingertip to fingertip. This length will allow you to wrap it around your neck once and it will appear proportionate...
Having trouble finding the start of that fuzzy boutique ball of novelty yarn? Kathy recommends that you grasp the yarn ball firmly in the center and shake it once with a flick of your wrist. The unweidly end should come loose. Remember to keep a firm grip on the ball, though, or you may shake off more yarn than intended...
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