Knitters K106 Spring 2012
SPECIAL EFFECTS Knitting is personal. We all have a level of comfort and a place where we want to push ourselves. The excitement of a new idea or project can keep us interested and eager to consider new and fun techniques and yarns. From slip stitches with yarns carried across the fabric to color work in Fair Isle or intarsia, there is something here of interest for any knitter. Untangling cords I-cord can be a fun accent when added to the edge of a garment, or within a garment for visual impact. Candy stripe scarf uses it as a functional element—3 slip stitches at each edge for a border. But there’s more! If you place the yarn not in use between the working yarn and fabric as you turn your work, the carry is hidden within the channel of the I-cord. Work mock I-cord as intarsia in Corded Henley. These color accents simulate I-cord because you pull the background color snugly behind the 3 bar stitches. The contrasting welts can be lines along the length of the knitting—here they are horizontal due to the sideways knit yoke—or diagonals when treated as cables by carrying the I-cord over a single body stitch to create an angle. The classic Corydon takes on added character with an I-cord drawstring collar. The warm color and great texture take this guy’s raglan far beyond sweatshirt dressing, but with all that comfort. Slip away Slip stitches are the secret to mosaic knitting. You’re basically knitting stripes, alternating colors between pairs of rows. To make the colors mix, you slip a stitch. Follow a chart (we show you 3 charting options) and you get a pattern. Barbara Walker’s Pin Box pattern is used for for 2 sweaters: Painted pin box in pure stockinette and the Textured pin box in both stockinette and garter. We also play with light in dark and dark in light for two different looks. You may go even further and add color to strategically chosen motifs. This option can be used on either garment. Floating along Zip ties takes stripes to another level with slip stitches and floats. This vest is colorful, lush, and comfortable. The pattern created by the floats in the Diamond plait reminds us of industrial metal, and will wear like iron thanks to its cotton/linen mix. A little tweed goes a long way. Crossed lines allows the mohair accents to float across the face of the fabric, creating a grid over the checkerboard panels at the hem and front edges. Wrap yourself in the Woolie Wrap. The boucle stripes and sculpted lace bands are perfect for a small cape. If a stole is more your style, add the lace wings—either option is heavenly. Feet of strength Socks are a true passion for many knitters. Although they only have 2 feet, they own many pairs of socks. We offer 3 versions: Square feet with mitered rectangles in cheery colors of a long-repeat color yarn, Ten polished piggies will keep your digits free for the manicurist to paint pretty colors, or go for the Star treatment in our variation of the cover pair from Think outside the Sox. These hexagon socks are joined by triangles to form stars, and a pair of octagons at the ankles offers just the right amount of ease to make a cool heel and instep turn. Cheers to you How about keeping your other digits exposed while keeping your palms and wrists covered and warm? The Martini mitts make use of great buttons and cables. We couldn’t resist the red and green of a pimento-stuffed olive. And speaking of feet and food, why not grab some sock yarn and make yourself Cake covers to keep your center-pull balls of yarn in check while knitting. Here’s a chance to sample stitch patterns in the round, perfect your increasing, and practice working with double-pointed needles. You are the tops Summer is never complete without a couple of cool shells to add to your wardrobe. Aqua diamonds plays with fancy stitch work inspired by Estonian knitted textiles, while Cool fountains pairs a lace with sculpted stockinette. The added nupps or beads make these tops unique. Simple isn’t always easy, but Linen breeze is a classic tunic with just the right touch to make it a lasting knit. The expanded gauge in the hem and sleeves offer added drape and movement. Sidewinder makes the best of a solid and variegated yarn pair. Knit one below for a striped sweater, and add cable twists for extra interest. Designed with 2 patterns, the front could be the back and vice versa. Getting down to business Layers work better for the office. Place those tops under a jacket, or create an outer layer of your own. Wasabi ripple plays with a ripple stitch and textured rib design. Honeysuckle takes a dotted yarn a step further with textured motifs in the body and added detailing at the hem, yoke, and borders. Ash gray goes long and lean in an open tunic vest with lace panels. Fancy stitch work, great silhouettes, or even exciting colors—something special happens when we pick up needles and yarn.
