I haven't blogged about spinning or knitting lately, because there really hasn't been much to write about since my last spinning and knitting post. But today I have two things to report:
1) Sunday, I finished spinning the last of the Shetland ...........
2) While contemplating the Fair Isle cardigan I plan to knit with it, I googled "Norwegian sweater patterns." Though I still have Fair Isle on my mind, I've been intrigued with Norwegian steeks every since I read this post on Alison's blog.
I have never knitted anything with steeks. It's been the sort of thing I have deliberately avoided. The idea of cutting into one's knitting is bad enough, but even worse, is the thought of having to weave in all those ends! Norwegian steeks however, use a different technique.
Thanks to my Google search, I found this little book, Essential Techniques For Serious Knitters, by Peg Arnoldussen. What a treasure this little volume is; it immediately took up permanent residence in my knitting basket.
This publication is actually a compilation of three earlier booklets by Peg, and more. I bought it for the section entitled "Scandinavian Cut Tube Sweaters," which explains the "how-to's" of Norwegian steeks: planning, placement, machine sewing, bands & plackets, and more.
Other sections in the booklet include: Cable Cast-On; French Hems; Seaming Techniques; Intarsia in the Round; Invisible Bind Offs, Cast-Ons, and Short Rows; Jogless Stripes in the Round; Kitchener Stitch; Knitting on Bands; Design Equations; Knitting Tips, and more.
Now that the spinning is done, my next step will be to finish measuring my yarns and to start planning where to use the colors. Then I can actually begin knitting! I'm very happy with the idea of knitting this in the round, but still a little nervous about the idea of the steeks. However, one can't walk on water if one doesn't get out of the boat, so here goes!
Related Posts:
Fiber Gallery Handspun Yarns - Shetland
Shetland Fair Isle Guzzintas
Sewing & Cutting The Steeks
Shetland Sampler Cardigan Complete!
I have never knitted anything with steeks. It's been the sort of thing I have deliberately avoided. The idea of cutting into one's knitting is bad enough, but even worse, is the thought of having to weave in all those ends! Norwegian steeks however, use a different technique.
Thanks to my Google search, I found this little book, Essential Techniques For Serious Knitters, by Peg Arnoldussen. What a treasure this little volume is; it immediately took up permanent residence in my knitting basket.This publication is actually a compilation of three earlier booklets by Peg, and more. I bought it for the section entitled "Scandinavian Cut Tube Sweaters," which explains the "how-to's" of Norwegian steeks: planning, placement, machine sewing, bands & plackets, and more.
Other sections in the booklet include: Cable Cast-On; French Hems; Seaming Techniques; Intarsia in the Round; Invisible Bind Offs, Cast-Ons, and Short Rows; Jogless Stripes in the Round; Kitchener Stitch; Knitting on Bands; Design Equations; Knitting Tips, and more.
Now that the spinning is done, my next step will be to finish measuring my yarns and to start planning where to use the colors. Then I can actually begin knitting! I'm very happy with the idea of knitting this in the round, but still a little nervous about the idea of the steeks. However, one can't walk on water if one doesn't get out of the boat, so here goes!
© 4 March 2008 at http://leighsfiberjournal.blogspot.com
Related Posts:
Fiber Gallery Handspun Yarns - Shetland
Shetland Fair Isle Guzzintas
Sewing & Cutting The Steeks
Shetland Sampler Cardigan Complete!
9 comments:
I had a hard enough time the first time I cut fabric I wove... I can't imagine cutting something I knit!! I'm fascinated by the idea though and all for anything that makes knitting easier. Looking forward to seeing your sweater develop!
I'm especially interested in your Shetland knitting. I want to copy, I mean, be inspired by your plans. I got four new fleeces yesterday - Neighbor Mim got 40! Since she and I are trading bread for fleece, I have the potential to add many colors to the five colors that I already have. Shetland is my favorite to spin, but I find the darker the color is, the courser and odder it spins up.
CUT, DID YOU WRITE CUT!!! OMG, knitting you have got to be kidding, I can't even cut the the fabric I've woven, if I had to cut my knitting no, no I can't think.. but good luck with that, I can't say I would follow I'll just watch, yeah that sound real safe just watch you do it.
I am drooling over your shetland...
Having cut swatches of my knitting for test purposes, I am now a bit more comfortable with the idea of steeks, though I still have not done it in a project yet.
your basket of beauty looks YUMMY!
i am about to start a sweater with serious steekage. it will be interesting to see how our experiences compare.
I cut thumb holes on a pair of mittens (Elizabeth Zimmerman Pattern). I swear the sweat was pouring off me until I got the stitches I need to knit for the thumb with on needles again. Good luck. If anyone can do this - it's you.
I can not say enough how beautiful your yarn is!
Leigh, I was very worried as well, when I did the first steek sweater!but despite the fear and sweat it worked out well in the end - I suppose there is nothing to worry about as long as you use yarn that isn't too smooth (I doubt that this method would work well with silk or viscose:)) and fix your stitches well beforehand. it can't be that bad - people have done it for a long time in some areas:)) enjoy the planning and the knitting!
Well Leigh I think you are a good saleswomen as I have just brought the book "Essential techniques for serious knitters" as a present for a friend.
I love the looks of your shetland yarns.. They look really beautiful and I jsut want to pick them up and hold them!
Post a Comment