Where Have I Been...

I work in the travel industry here in Las Vegas, with the airlines have doing so more than 30 years.  At the end of last month we were busy getting ready to move to a brand new Terminal (at the end of June).  This was exciting and exhausting.  A few challenges with long days and weeks.  So, at that point too tired to knit, my brain would not function anyway.

With that behind me, I was assisting with some baggage and ended up with a pinched nerve in my shoulder/neck...ouch!

So bending my head and huddling over one of my machines was out of the question.  It still hurts, but, getting better.  I should really go visit my Chiropractor (I knit for her and her staff) but, I am stubborn.

Well, yesterday I decided to give it a go on my standard and knit a simple (Garter Carriage) sock.  WHAT A MESS I made.  The Garter Carriage (I was playing with) decided to not free up the yarn and dropped all the knitting off the machine when I walked away.  The nerve!  Okay so, I rewound the yarn (scarlet red fingering) and went at it again.

This time my neck was irritated (like my mind) and I made two biggies (I am not a novice); I did not set the tension dial at all on the Garter Carriage so the stitches were huge, THEN, I forgot to decrease on the correct side to center the pattern.  ENOUGH for last night.

So, I just rewound again...should I go at it now or wait???  Don't you hate when something like this happens to you?  I bet we all have our stories as to "when things go wrong on our knitting machines!"

Keep in mind, I am one to say try to knit a bit each day if possible, but not when you are in pain; it will only cause more pain!

Scarlet Red Fingering

Ribber Cast On & Weighting Your Ribber

Sorry haven't posted in a few, been very hectic at work as we just moved to a new facility and it was very chaotic with very, very, long days.  Now I am back to my usual self and routine.

If you read patterns and watch videos everyone seems to have their own concept on when to hang ribber weights during the cast on process.

I am sure, if you are like me, you have tried following the pattern instructions on how to cast on with your ribber and "when" to hang the weights.

As a result of my getting distracted one day I found what works best for me, that is....

• I do my zig-zag row at the tightest tension

• Hang the comb (enough weight in itself)

• Knit at least (sweaters I do 5) three-(3) circular rows at T1

• Change to plain knitting (ready to rib) and knit two rows at MT

• Hang the weights and continue to knit per your projects instructions

When doing this I find a neater,  stretchier and even cast on.  Give it a go, you'll like it!

P.S.  Take a look at how nice entrelac can be (even though not finished yet); Diana's idea "in progress" is an evening bag:

Entrelac Evening Bag

Evolution

Check out Phil's latest creation over at his blog, it's an Irish Bishop design. Evolution

Tuck Stitch Pattern, Origin Unknown

So a few of you have asked for the tuck stitch pattern I used on my swatch (two posts down).  Really have no idea where it originated, would love to give credit where it is due.  This was a partial photocopy on an old flyer that came with one of my KM's.  I scanned it and cleaned it up a bit.  If you know it's origins, please let me know!  If it is your design or have rights to the design and do not want it published let me know too!

I entered this in one of my electronic machines and used the "-" for the tuck.

Stand Back From Your Computer To See Pattern

It is a 24 needle and 12 row repeat.

Gauge - Why Get A Match?

Today, I received an email from a very nice lady asking me how I "match" my gauge to that of a pattern.  She was trying to match 7 stitches and 17.5 rows to the inch.

I sent a rather lengthy reply explaining the in's and out's of "attempting" to do this especially with her using a different machine and yarn.

So, to keep it simple (and stop the insanity), use YOUR gauge for YOUR machine and YOUR yarn.  Simply do the calculations (conversions) BEFORE you start the project.

The pattern will tell you the gauge "they" used, simply divide the rows and stitches (needles) by their gauge to get the measurements (cm's or inches) "they" had.  Then use YOUR  gauge with those measurements to get the correct stitches (needles) and rows for YOUR gauge.  Do the same for any decreasing and or increasing.

Simple huh?

I had the exact same way off gauge on the swatch I posted last (below).  The calculations are done and it's ready to go just a very long, long week at work and too exhausted to sit at the machine. When I am tired I don't chance any knitting, I've learned my lesson before!

Also, I am an Apple fan, not just for eating  but for computers.  I am typing this on my iMac and use my iPad more frequently.  There are "free" apps that calculate your gauge!  I have one I use on my iPad.  You simply enter the stitches, rows, width and length and it is done for you.  No errors!

This week I hope to get going on my Summer T-shirt with the swatch below (last post).

Hope you are enjoying your Summer!