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same length with the yarn remaining. You can use a complimentary yarn for seaming if
using mattress stitch technique.
If you do not have enough yarn in your dye lot, but can get more in another dye lot, blend the "odd" lot by using it in ribbed bands. Another trick is work three balls at the same time -- work across with ball #1, back with ball #2, across with ball #3 where
voila! ball #1 is waiting. Kathy uses this technique when working with handpainted
yarns to avoid stacking or pooling of colors...
October 2010 tips & ideas
One frequently-asked question in Kathy's classes at Knitter's Day Out was: "How do I know which way to slip the stitch when working a slip-stitch pattern or a decrease?" Good question! When you will be completing a knitting action such as a slip, slip knit
(ssk) decrease or slip 1, knit 1, pass the slip stitch over decrease (skp), always slip the stitch knitwise (as if you were knitting it). When the stitch is not going to be worked on that particular row, such as in a slip stitch pattern, slip purlwise (as if you were purling it). If the pattern direction does not state which way to slip the stitch, always slip as if to purl unless told otherwise.
Another was: "My yarn-overs never look right. Which way do I wrap the yarn when working a yo"? (Kathy smiles). If the yarn-over does not leave a hole, you have probably wrapped the yarn in the wrong direction. There are four possible scenarios for yarnovers: going between a knit to a knit, a knit to a purl, a purl to a knit, or a purl to a purl. In every case, always bring the yarn between the needle tips TOWARD you and then over the needle from front to back. Then, bring the working yarn into position to make the next stitch. If going from a knit to a purl, remember to wrap the yarn-over completely around the needle to make a new stitch...
November 2010 tips & ideas
Duplicate stitch technique can be used to correct mistakes in color knitting (cover over the errrant stitch with the proper color) or for small color accents. It also comes in handy to repair areas where the yarn is split or "weak". Thread a blunt tapestry needle with a length of yarn, cover the "weak" stitch with an embroidered stitch, following the flow of the yarn. Duplicate stitch on the wrong side of the work is useful for weaving in ends in the middle of a row when knitting circularly.
Before you cast on even one stitch for that beautiful fall sweater you've got planned, you need to decide what size to make. This can be confusing, but with a little planning, you can easily choose your perfect size.
First, take your actual chest measurement at the fullest point of the chest. Decide how much ease (roominess) you would like in the finished garment. This is usually very individualized and will depend on the weight of the yarn, and fit (oversized drape vs. more fitted). Fit is generally noted on the pattern instructions.
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