KnitCrit

Pattern Critique #34: Shetland Triangle Shawl

Pattern Name: Shetland Triangle Shawl
Source: Wrap Style, Pam Allen & Ann Budd

Designer: Evelyn A. Clark
Pattern Yarn: Jaeger Cashmina (discontinued)
Images:



 

Pattern Review:

Why would I post a pattern review on a shawl for which there are 1233 projects already on Ravelry, 295 blog posts, and 173 forum posts?  Because this shawl was knit for someone very special and thus is a tribute to her. She is the woman who spent more time with my father than my mother, his assistant.  Janice worked with my father for over 30 years and when he died, she has served as a co-executor of his estate.  She often tells people that she knew all of his secrets. I believe her, so as his oldest daughter, that's kinda scary!

The Shetland Triangle shawl is, as the name suggests, a triangular shawl.  It is worked from the top down, beginning with an invisible cast on of two stitches.  The stitch pattern is a classic fir cone lace one, also known from the popular Fir Cone Square Shawl in Cheryl Oberle's Folk Shawls. 

There are three sections of the shawl: a twenty row Neck chart knit first; followed by eight repeats of a ten row Body chart; completed with fourteen rows of the Edging Chart. All even, wrong side rows are purled, except for the two edge stitches that are knit throughout.  The stitches worked are ones considered as the basic lace stitches - knit, purl, yarn-over (yo), knit two together (k2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk) and slip-one-knit-two-together-pass-slip-stitch-over.  This shawl can be simply enlarged or shortened by adjusting the number of pattern repeats of the Body chart.

Although the pattern yarn is fingering weight, I chose a DK weight yarn for this - my favorite, Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK.  The colorway, #52, "Tease," is a luscious pink.  It is a rich pink, not too light or dark.  I used a size 8 needle with the heavier weight yarn, which also increased the size of the shawl. 

While the knitting of this shawl was in process, the texture of the back side resembled one of those foam rubber massage mattress pads with the dimply looking things, like this:
Blocking totally transformed this shawl. I had invested in blocking wires a couple of years ago, and it's projects like this that make me glad that I did.  Wow!

Personal Notes:

It was important to me that on the anniversary of my dad's death, the shawl would be on Janice's desk when she walked into her office. Everyone in his firm has been so incredibly kind to my sisters and me, that it was only a matter of deciding who to contact.  Michelle met me in the lobby the day before and from then, I only had to wait to hear from Janice the next day.  Later in the afternoon, I received this email, with the subject line "speechless:"

I came in this morning and this beautiful pink bag was on my desk and I said to myself, where did this come from?  Set down, log on and etc and then open card and between the tears it was hard to see the most beautiful shawl in the perfect color.  I have never seen anything done in such a soft, tender stitch and the feel to the touch, words can not describe.

Knitting this shawl for her was my therapy for preparing for the sadness of the one year remembrance.

Rating:

Like all of the knitting pattern books published by Interweave, this pattern was clearly written and included very easy to read charts. Even for those who may not like to use charts, this pattern will change your mind; I promise.  There are four photographs of the shawl, from a variety of angles, so you are fully able to know what to anticipate in your final product. I will definitely knit this shawl again.  The pattern is simple and quick and will work in a wide range of yarn weights and fibers. It is the perfect FIVE:

            

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critique #33: Lace & Cable Scarf

Pattern Name: Lace & Cable Scarf

Designer: Debbie Bliss
Pattern Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmere
Images:

   

Pattern Review:

Due to some issues that I won't get into here, I end out developing very close relationships with the administrators at my son's school.  These last two years were no different and in fact, the assistant principal and I were on a first name basis.  She became his greatest support, and mine, too.  Since this was his last year at that school, I knew I wanted to knit something special for her.  My son helped me select this pattern for her.  I picked out the yarn - Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk DK - and he chose the color.

The pattern repeat consists of ten rows, knit a total of 22 times.  Every wrong side row is purled across all of the stitches.  Four of the rows are a series of knit stitches, yarn overs/forwards and decreases via k2tog+ pass slip stitch over combinations. 

What makes the stitch pattern unique is the use of 6-stitch cables with a twist, incorporated into only one of the rows.  Three stitches are first put on a cable needle and held at the front of the work. Then, the next three stitches are knit, as a traditional cable.  However, before the cable needle stitches are knit, the needle holding them is twisted 180 degrees clockwise. This twisted technique beside the yarn overs provides the depth and design of the lovely lace and cable pattern.

Personal Notes:

The only weakness to the pattern is that I found the twisted cables to be a bit of a pain.  I guess it is comparable to a technique such as intarsia, where you really have to pay close attention.  You cannot take your eyes off of the project as you knit.  In fact, I loved the pattern design so much that I envisioned it making a lovely shawl or wrap.  That concept ended when I thought about that many twisted cables.

This scarf was rewarding for me to knit because my son was so interested and followed my progress along the way.  He was very excited about giving Ms. B the gift and carried it with pride to her on the last day of school.  Believe it or not, I am really going to miss our weekly - sometimes daily - talks next year.

On Ravelry, there are only six finished projects of this scarf, including mine.  That surprises me a bit.  This appears to be akin to the popular Irish Hiking Scarf, with its 1850 projects, but with a lacy twist (literally).

Rating:

It is, after all, just a scarf.  The instructions for the pattern are written perfectly and the photo in the book is an accurate image of the real thing.  What's not to like?

             

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critique #32: Neckdown Summer Cardigan

Pattern Name: Neckdown Summer Cardigan
Designer: Diane Soucy
Pattern Yarn: Not Stated
Images:

    

Pattern Review:

This is a pattern that I bought last spring, the spring of 2007.  I soon thereafter purchased yarn for two of the cardigans, just knowing that I would love it.  What's not to love about a combination of top down and raglan?

Personal Notes:

Normally, for my pattern critiques, by the time I get to this section, I have gone step by step through the pattern.  I am not doing that for this one.  Why?  Because it was almost a year ago that I began this pattern and then it sat.  I could hardly bear to knit it once I got to the neck band and front bands.  That should have been a clue.

I really do not like the way this cardigan ended out and I think it's due to a combination of things.  First, it may be too big.  It kind of looks it, doesn't it?  I thought it might be the stretching of the cotton (Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton), especially because it hibernated in a bag for many months.  But, I washed it and put it in the dryer long enough to re-shape it.  I ironed it after that, but still, it just sags. 

I then let the pattern sit here by my laptop for the last week+, while I conjured up enough motivation to write my post for the pattern critique.  However, tonight, I sat down and started it for the gazillion-th time and just decided "fuck this."  It's not worth it.  I hate it and I loathe the idea of reliving the agony through the review of the pattern.

What's funny is that I might knit it again, but in a wool or wool blend.  A review of the finished projects on Ravelry shows 20+ of these, though most of them appear to have the same fullness, sagging issues.  So, maybe it is the pattern and not me and not the yarn.  Okay, so there are plenty of other top down raglan cardigan patterns out there to try.  Perhaps I will.

Rating:

One ball for the fact that the pattern is written very completely. I just never got to the point of sharing that with you.  Sorry.  But now that this is behind me I can look forward to posting my next pattern critique that it is in the queue.

            

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critique #31: Panel Jacket

Pattern Name: Panel Jacket
Designer: Carol Lapin
Source: Unicorn Books and Crafts, Inc.

Pattern Yarn: Lana Grossa Royal Tweed
Images:




Pattern Review:
Multiple members of my SSK knitting group have frequently knit the same pattern, although not planned as a KAL.  Last December, I discovered the Panel Jacket on the Knitters Review forum.   After sending it to my group, Amy pointed out that it would be a good KAL project.  Several of us scrambled to select yarn.  I chose Classic Elite Beatrice, recommended for heavier garments and, most importantly, on clearance at Webs. 

The pattern notes state:
        The jacket is made of 10 garter st panels which are
        joined using the 3 needle BO. The BO forms a decorative
        ridge on the RS of work.

Honestly, that is about all of the information I need to write about this pattern.  Yet, it is really not quite that simple, so I will elaborate a bit. 

The center back panel consists of 30 stitches cast on, with a one stitch decrease at each side, at three and six inches.  Four inner side and four outer side panels are knit, both with only 23 stitches cast on.  The differentiation between them is the length, with the inner side panels slightly longer.  Also, the point at which decreases occur differs.  For both, one stitch is decreased at each side, two times, near the lower portion of the respective panels.

The first series of 3-needle-bind offs is completed with these five panels.  It is produced on the outside of the seam, thus creating a decorative "twist" look.  The stitches that are used result from pick-ups along the edges. This is made simpler through the incorporation of selvedge stitches added at the sides of each panel while knitting them.  When complete, the shoulders are joined, again with a 3-needle-bind off.  The stitches used for the shoulders are live stitches that were placed on scrap yarn or holders at the tops of the panels.

Following the shoulder seaming, the sleeves are knit and joined to the side edges.  What's left is the lapel; a long narrow strip knit with the two stitch increases/decreases at the bottom sides.  One one side of the lapel strip, 3-needle-bind off technique is used again, with an i-cord edging produced along the outer edges of the lapel. Finally, the sleeve seams are sewn using your seam method of choice. 

Personal Notes:
This was a monotonous knit, but one that I was motivated to complete.  Why?  Because two of the others from the SSK group who knit this jacket finished theirs long before me, and they were stunning.  The monotony and "will I ever finish" attitude was not helped by the fact that I kept running out of yarn.  Three times I ordered yarn from Webs!  Thank heavens that the yarn was not popular and was since discontinued; hence each time I was able to purchase the same dye lot. 

Perseverance and determination paid off, assisted by a little help from the weather gods.  The jacket was finally completed two nights ago, and the temperatures dropped into the 40s yesterday morning and I got to wear it!  Oh my gosh, did the complements fly.  I must admit to liking it a lot and will undoubtedly find this to be a regular wear, especially on crisp mornings throughout the spring and fall months.

Rating:
Despite the feeling of monotony that I experienced while knitting the Panel Jacket, the pattern was written beautifully. Each section of the project was well detailed and fully explained.  Since it was knit and assembled in segments, the boredom was broken up a bit.  The repeated 3-needle-bind offs added to that.  This method of seaming has always been a favorite of mine, so it was a joy to experience it as a design embellishment.

When Amy first suggested this as an SSK KAL, I considered it ideal because of the simplicity of the pattern.  Yet, I now realize that this might be a very difficult pattern for a beginner, especially because of the bind offs. I believe that it is the combined consistency of the stitch work and bind offs that "make" the look of the jacket  One little slip up and it could go from couture to crappy really easily!

Thanks to my SSK friends for keeping me motivated.  And to those of you who haven't knit this jacket, what's stopping you?  The peer pressure is building...

             

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critique #30: Tuscany Shawl

Pattern Name: Tuscany
Designer: Amy R. Singer
Source: No Sheep for You, Amy R. Singer
       
Pattern Yarn: Handmaiden Silken

Images:
   

 

Pattern Review:

I am a podcast fanatic.  When Amy Singer's book, No Sheep for You, was released, I think that every one of the podcasts I subscribe to had a review - a glowing review - of this book.  Honestly, I'm not very good about actually reading my knitting books, as I prefer to review and consider the patterns, instead.  This book was different.  Not only did I read a good bit of it, but I was intrigued by the topic and driven to it by the author.  The richness of the writing proved that Amy Singer is not merely an amazing web zine editor, but an incredible fiber artist as well. And it was this shawl that brought it all together - the ultimate mix of beautiful pattern in an equally beautiful book.

While a couple members of my knitting group, SSK, jumped on this pattern right away, I held back for the time when I would have the "aha" moment when the yarn and the pattern came together. It ended out being more of a "duh" moment when I, the lover of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, realized it was a good match for Tuscany. After an inventory of my FOs, I came to the conclusion that a navy blue shawl would be frequently worn by this lover of everything denim.

To begin, six stitches are cast on very loosely.  Seven setup rows are completed from there, with a combination of knits, purls and yarn overs - all in all, a typical knit-from-the-bottom-point triangular shawl beginning. In the eighth row, the 16-stitch chart pattern begins. There are 16 rows of the 16-stitch pattern completed for each section repeat.  Every other row is purled, except for the knit stitches at each edge.  The actual lace pattern has an uncomplicated mix of yarn overs (yo), slip one and knit two together and pass slip stitch overs (sl1k2togpsso), and knit three togethers (k3tog).  Each time one of these 16x16 sections is finished, the remaining stitches are incorporated into the overall pattern.  The same pattern is repeated over additional stitches and worked until it is 11 times wide, with 372 stitches.  Yep, that's a total increase of 366 stitches from the beginning cast on!

The shawl is bound off using the Russian method in which you "p2 together, then loosen and slip the resulting stitch back onto the left-hand needle, insert the right-hand needle tip into this stitch and the next stitch to the left and gently tighten it, p2tog" and repeat until all stitches are bound off. 

Personal Notes:

I was so obedient and cast on the first stitches very loosely.  Yet, the triangular tip of the shawl curls, and curls badly. You can probably notice that in the picture.  I have tried to improve the problem by heavily steaming the tip.  Recently, I found that folding it and steaming it emphasizes the triangle shape of the tip somewhat, but it still curls. Upon further review, the shawl in the book also curls a bit, if you look really closely.  So, perhaps it is not a flaw in my shawl, at all, but rather expected.  There are 89 finished Tuscany shawls on Ravelry today, and everyone seems to love their shawl, so maybe it's just me.  A couple note the rolling, but it does not deter from others' adoration of this pattern. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, so possibly I am the only one who is the least bit bothered by a little curl. 

My shawl is also larger than the pattern, due to my miscalculation of the number of repeats I needed to do to reach the desired total stitch count.  Did I mention that I am an accountant?  Another "duh."  It's okay, though, because this shawl wraps and wraps and I can perform a variety of knotting and twisting techniques with it. I love it!

Rating:

There is good reason for this being in the top 25 popular shawls on Ravelry (it is #22 today).  Tuscany knits up beautifully, with the finished look being much more complicated than the pattern is, in fact.  I wonder if others look at the pattern and discount it as complex?  I don't know, but this is a great pattern designed by an important contributor to the international knitting community.  It is well written, with three large photographs that display a great deal of stitch detail.  The chart, albeit simple, is large and clear, with full explanations of each of the stitch combinations in the book.  Lastly, the Russian bind off is one that I will use again due to its stretchiness and detraction from the same old bind offs that I typically use. 

Please knit this pattern...you will enjoy the knit and love the outcome!

             

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critique #29: Eric's Glovelets

Pattern Name: Eric's Glovelets
Designer: Eric Robinson
Source:  Green Mountain Spinnery
Pattern Yarn: Sylan Spirit

Images:


               
Pattern Review and Personal Notes:

First of all, let me state that I was very late to the fingerless mitts party.  I have no idea why that is.  Me, who hates gloves, especially when I am driving.  I live in an area where mornings are very cold in the winter.  In fact, I have often driven with the gloves off my hands, but held between my hands and the steering wheel in an attempt to prevent my hands from hurting from the cold.  That is what I did until last week, when I completed these mitts.

Some of the greatest pleasures I have gotten from this blog are the memories of exactly how a yarn and project come together.  It seems there is often a round-about way, and this is no exception.  Tencel is one of my most favorite fibers, having bought ready-to-wear garments in it for years.  Green Mountain Spinnery is an old favorite, having discovered them at my very first Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival in 1998.  So, last year when I discovered this new Sylvan Spirit yarn, a 50/50 blend of Tencel and wool, I knew I had to have it.  At one of their booths at last year's New York Sheep & Wool Festival, I finally got to see and touch the yarn and put it together with a pattern.  Just the night before, it hit had me that a pair of fingerless mitts would serve as a great accessory for me.

The mitts are knit in "Baby Cable Ribbing," which is from Barbara Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.  After casting on 48 stitches in the round (I used 2 circulars, while the  pattern calls for dpns), the 4 row pattern is knit for 3-1/2 inches.  The first three rows of the pattern are a basic two stitch rib pattern.  The final row's knit stitches are a "fake cable:" K2tog, but leave on needle; then insert right-hand needle between the 2 stitches just knitted together, and knit the first stitch again; then slip both stitches from needled together."  The result is just the sweetest, cleanest little rib!

The thumb gusset is created by increasing stitches every third row over a section of 16 rows.  At the same time, there is a section of 17 stitches knit in reverse stockinette that form the palm.  The thumb gusset stitches are put onto a piece of scrap yarn while the final pattern around the knuckle area is knit.  This only comprises six more rows of the pattern and then you bind off.

After the live stitches from the thumb are put back onto the needles, an additional five stitches are picked up at the top of the thumb opening.  With these remaining 20 stitches, the pattern is knit for six rows before binding off.

Rating:

The pattern was great until the thumb.  When the five additional stitches are picked up at the top, there are not enough stitches in total to knit a close wound fabric.  In addition, if the pattern is followed to the "t," then those five stitches cannot be matched to the pattern stitches from the hand.  The combination of these two issues caused some a ridiculous amount of frustration. 

In the end, on both, I knit those top five stitches in stockinette.  When I wound in the yarn ends, I wove in and out and around many times; enough to close in the gaps.  The actual knitted stitches are not visible when wearing the mitts, so the fact that it doesn't look very good is a secret, known only to me (and all of you now).

Despite the thumb issues in the pattern, I love these mitts!  I know they will be softer if I take the time to gently wash them, but that would mean that I couldn't wear them for a day or so.  That will have to wait until the weather is warm and I don't need them. 

           

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!

Pattern Critiques #27 & 28: Baby Knits

Lately, I have been in a strong finishing mode.  That feeling has been known to swoop down and take over following yarn purchases; yarn purchases that exceed that invisible limit.  It's that limit where I know that I have to focus on completing the projects that I have, so that I can start more.  I must start more to justify the recent purchases.  It's a whirlwind, like my knitting brain going around and around on my swift.

This past weekend, I was sick.  Staying home sick for over two days brought it all together.  As a result, I finished three small projects.  Two of them are reviewed in this post.

Pattern Name: Ballet Pump

Designer: Debbie Bliss
Source:  The Little Sublime Handknit Book 
Pattern Yarn: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK

Image:

   

Pattern Review and Comments:

Knitting these reminded me of molding clay or creating origami sculpture.  After casting on 10 or 11 stitches, depending on the size, a handful of garter stitch rows are knit.  These are followed by some short rows that make up the toe.  The heel is begun by casting on some additional stitches after working on some of the sides.  There is a point where the instructions lead you to decrease on one end, while increasing on the opposite end.  Sound confusing? 

It is not confusing at all, as long as you are in a place with complete quiet and without interruption.  The pattern is written so well, taking you through just about every row.  Before I knew it, I had followed along each row of the directions and the knitted bootie was complete.

The final product was a flat blob of garter stitch, with curves and tabs all around.  I sewed the heel seam and then the sole seam, and attached the little ribbon.  Baby gift #1 finished.

These will be gifted to the son and daughter-in-law of a good friend.  Recently they gave a surprise dinner party for my friend that was simply magnificent.  It was held in the private dining room of a well-known, upscale restaurant in Georgetown.  These booties are just a token of thanks for including us in such a special occasion, just a few months before they are expecting their first baby, a girl. 

Rating:

Although this is only garter stitch, with the wraps, decreases, increases and additional cast-ons, this is not a beginner's pattern.  I made a slight modification at the end.  After taking the photo, I cut the ribbon to shorter lengths and it looks better.  No matter how hard I tried, I was not able to get my ribbon to look like the one in the pattern.  Go figure. 

          

Pattern Name: Retro Bonnet

Designer: Debbie Bliss
Source:  The Little Sublime Handknit Book 
Pattern Yarn: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK

Image:


Pattern Review and Comments:

Back in September, a close friend called me to let me know that their daughter had been born.  This was a magical moment because first, it was a girl!  Most importantly, it was a healthy girl.  You see, this couple has lost two daughters and this little girl entered a family with SIX boys!  For months, I couldn't figure out what to knit for such a special baby.  Then, I discovered Sublime.  What a luscious yarn it is, with its blend of cashmere, silk and superfine merino. 

The straps are knit first, one with a buttonhole.  As you can see in the picture, a series of increases are made as the straps progress toward the bottom edge of the hat.  Each strap is knit separately and put on holders. 

The body starts with casting on 10-18 stitches, working the first strap, casting on 29-35 more stitches, working the second strap, and then casting on the final 10-18 stitches.  These form the base of the hat in moss/seed stitch; for 1-2 inches. 

With larger needles, stockinette stitch replaces moss/seed stitch for 13-21 rows, prior to the start of the crown shaping.  This is shaped by a k2tog + "x" number of stitches.  The value of "x" decreases as the number of total stitches decrease, until only 12-15 stitches remain.  Here, the pattern directs you to break off the yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches, and draw up and fasten off.  Instead of fastening off, I used a longer tail for both the top and to sew the back seam of the hat. 

Whereas the pattern called for a knit flower on the side, I chose to use a second button like the one at the strap closure.  It was a great use for the second button in the 2-pack that I purchased.

Rating:

Of the two patterns, I definitely preferred this one.  It is extremely clear and this yarn simply flourished with the combination of moss/seed and stockinette stitch.  The "v"s formed by the decreases are perfect and add to the elegance of the hat.  If I had another baby gift to knit, I would have immediately picked up the yarn left over from the booties and knit another hat. 

          

PS:

I really love where we live.  Although we are less than one mile from the dreaded Capital Beltway and fewer than three miles from the District of Columbia line, this is a block away:

It is the Woodend Sanctuary, owned by the Audubon Naturalist Society.  Often, we are able to enjoy the expanded populations of certain bird species that are attracted at the sanctuary. 

This morning, this guy visited long enough, at a time when not any of our dogs or cat were around to distract him: 
Thank you for visiting on a day when I felt really, really bad!

Pattern Critique #26: Moss Stitch Pullover

Pattern Name: Moss Stitch Pullover
Designer: Janet Mysse
Source:  Tongue River Farm
Pattern Yarn: Tongue River Lopi

Images:

   
                

Pattern Review and Personal Notes:

Until recently, I had not had the best luck with knitting projects for my husband, Bruce.  First, there was the gray cardigan that is still sitting in the UFO pile; that pile in the closet, meaning it will probably never get finished.  Then, there was the scarf from hand spun yarn purchased on a farm during a trip to Maine.  During one of the first wears, it snagged on something and there is a big hole.  It is sitting in the knitting closet very close to the cardigan.  It will not likely ever get mended.  Then, there was the v-neck sweater completed two years ago.  Great pattern, but not for the yarn choice, a blend of merino and linen; too stretchy.  Will it ever be ripped out and re-knit?  Not likely.

Last winter, I knit him a pair of felted mittens so his hands would be warm when he walks the dogs.  They fit and they were worn.  That enticed me to move on to socks.  I finished a pair of plain ribbed socks in washable Opal Merino last week.  He called me from Philadelphia after walking in them all day, just to tell me he loved them.  When he arrived home from that trip, his new sweater was finished. 

This man has accompanied me to many a yarn store, and many a wool festival.  At Rhinebeck last year, we wandered the buildings together.  I showed Bruce several sweaters as options and he selected this one, the Moss Stitch Pullover.  I worried that the yarn would be too scratchy, but he fondled the sample at the Tongue River booth enough times that I was satisfied that he would be satisfied.  

As the name implies, the body is all knit in moss stitch, which is sometimes also referred to as seed stitch.  It is a k1, p1 on one row, followed by the opposite order of knits and purls on the alternative rows.  The alternating of knits and purls gives it the "seed" look. 

All of the parts - front, back and sleeves - begin with 2-1/2 inches of k1, p1 ribbing on needles about 1-3 sizes smaller than those used for the body of the sweater.  After the ribbing, the moss stitch pattern begins.  For the sleeves, several stitches are increased using the larger needle size, to provide some fullness.   Simply switching to the larger needle size after the ribbing gives the front and back pieces enough additional fullness.

The back is knit in moss stitch until the piece measures 15-16 inches, at which point the armhole decrease  of stitches occurs on each edge, over eight rows.  Once the desired full back length is reached, the remaining stitches are put on holders.  The outer stitches are for the shoulders, while the inner live stitches will be picked up later for the neck. 

The front is identical, until the neckline is reached.  There, the live front neck stitches are put on a holder while the neck sides are knit with decreases for tapering the neckline.  When the same length as the back piece is reached, the right and left front sides are put on holders.

The sleeves involve equal placements of increases as they progress for 70 rows.  Bind offs and decreases follow for the shoulder shaping.  The completed sleeve piece ends with binding off all of the stitches.

Knitting this reminded me how much I love the look of the 3-needle bind off.  It is the pattern technique for grafting the shoulder stitches together, which you knew from the fact that those stitches were put on holders! 

The side and sleeve seams are sewn.  The set-in sleeves are sewn.  Then, a combination of the live stitches from the front and back, plus 16-18 stitches picked up from both neck sides are all put on a circular needle or dpns, in the smaller needle size.  K1, p1 ribbing is done for 3 inches and bound off.  The ribbing folds in half, is stitched loosely so as to stay put, and that's it!  You are done! 

The yarn is so sturdy that there is not any need to block it.  It is ready to wear at this point.

Rating:

With bulky weight yarn and size 10 needles, this was a really fast knit. It took me less than two weeks, and I  knit on some other projects during that time.  Some knitters do not care for this moss/seed stitch pattern, but I tend to like it.  It is not as monotonous as garter stitch, yet I can still knit it without paying a lot of attention.

Most importantly to this post, the pattern is written extremely well - clear and complete.  There is absolutely nothing left to second guessing. 

This would be an excellent beginner knitter's first sweater.  The bulkiness would hide any little mistakes, even if different wool were used. 

Bruce put this sweater on and it fit him perfectly!  This weekend, our temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and I expect that Bruce will wear his new sweater proudly.  I'm on a roll here, and hope to begin even yet another project for him very soon.

           

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you

Pattern Critique #25: Dashing Mitts

Pattern Name: Dashing
Designer: Cheryl Niamath
Source:  www.knitty.com - Spring 2007
Pattern Yarn: Gedifra English Tweed

Images: (modeled by husband, not recipient)





Pattern Review and Personal Notes:

My mother had one sibling - an older sister.  My father also had one sibling - an older brother.  Both divorced and with two children apiece, they met while my parents were engaged, in the mid-1950's.  Not long after my parents married, they married each other. 

My mother passed away in the fall of 1999; my dad died this past September.  Although my relationship with my aunt and uncle has had its ups and downs, right after my father's death, I was drawn like a magnet to them.  So, my husband and I made plans to fly to California and visit with them in November. 

Not long ago, I discovered a myriad of old photos and other mementos.  Those, I packed with me, in hopes that my aunt or uncle could identify the persons in the pictures.  Included were letters that my uncle had written to my father, their grandmother, and their aunt and uncle while he was stationed in Asia during WWII.  In his mid-80's, my uncle's health is fading; yet, his body is failing him physically, not mentally.  He and my aunt were able to describe all of the people in the pictures, and also got quite a charge out of the letters.  What a special time it was.

It was important to me that I knit something for my uncle, who is frail and housebound.  For the longest time, I had socks in mind, but then came to realize that fingerless mitts might be a better choice.  He could slip them on while he reads, or whenever there is a chill in the house.  Besides, with mitts I wouldn't have to be as concerned with fit.  Upon discovering the Dashing pattern, I knew that was the perfect selection. 

Softness would be key, also, to the best wear.  At the NY Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, I walked into the Foxfire Fiber & Designs booth and there was the perfect fiber - Cormo Silk Classic.  As the description for the yarn states: "This elegant 3-ply yarn is spun with the fine wool of our Cormo sheep blended with silk which adds strength and a luminous glow. Sumptuous and soft, this fiber blend is perfect for garments worn next-to-the-skin." The softness of this worsted weight, 3-ply yarn is nothing short of scrumptious.  Although its color selection is limited to only three colors, I knew the Blue Sky would work well for a former UNC graduate.

The pattern stitches for Dashing are a combination of K4, P1 ribbing and 9 stitch cables.  Because I loathe dpns, I very simply converted the pattern to two circulars.  Once the stitches are cast on and joined, 18 rows of the rib pattern are knit before the cable rows.  There are only three rows with cables, with 9 rows of rib in-between them.  After the third cable row, the pattern calls for 24 more rounds of ribbing before and 18 rows after the thumb opening.  However, I reduced these rows, knowing that my uncle has short arms and that the longer mitt might be bothersome for indoor wear.

If there is anything complicated about the pattern, it's the thumb opening.  Several stitches are knit using waste yarn.  Next, those stitches are put back onto the needle and knit again with the pattern yarn, in the rib sequence.  These create live stitches to put back onto the needles later for knitting the thumb.  For the thumb, you also must pickup three stitches - twice - in-between the live stitches.  These establish the stitches to be knit in the rib pattern for 9 rounds before binding off the thumb. 

Through knitting these, I have taken on a real liking for fingerless mitts.  Last year, I knit some from a pattern that required seaming, but today, those sit in the UFO area - unseamed and unworn.  I think that I'll rip those out and re-knit them with 2 circulars.  Too, I purchased another pattern for fingerless mitts with more, smaller cables from Green Mountain Spinnery, and their Sylvan Spirit yarn to use.  My husband, who modeled my uncle's Dashing, liked them so much that I will likely knit some for him, as well.

Rating:

This is surely a popular pattern, with 401 projects as of today on Ravelry.  Many of them appear to be for women, which I can understand, since I wore the ones I knit and really loved them. No matter who they are for, the only caution would be to use a yarn that is not irritating to the skin of the wearer.  That makes Dashing a perfect pattern for the luscious soft yarns that are available.  Since it requires less than 200 yards of yarn, this may make a more expensive yarn less of a drain on the budget.

The pattern is written clearly, with three colored photographs from a variety of angles.  It is extremely simply to follow, and the fact that there are only 3 rows of cables on each mitt makes this a good pattern for the beginner who is ready to try cables. With such a small yarn investment, it's okay to rip out and keep trying until the cables are just right, if necessary. 

Cheryl Niamath wrote this as a guy version of her popular Fetching mitts.  With the holidays just around the corner, either or both would make a wonderful gift to the guy and/or girl on your list.  Include 200 yards of a luscious yarn on your list, too, so you can knit some great, versatile mitts for yourself!   

           

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you

Pattern Review #24: Broadripple Socks

Pattern Name: Broadripple Socks

                        
Designer: Rob Matyska
Source: www.knitty.com
              Summer 2003
Pattern Yarn: Fixation; Cascade Yarns

Images:

      

Pattern Review and Personal Notes:

First, I must confess that I was not a sock knitter (note "was.")  I bought sock yarn.  I read blog posts and KR posts.  I observed knitters in my beloved SSK group knitting socks.  I listened to a favorite podcast, Stash and Burn, where in a recent production they, too, admitted to not being bitten by the sock bug.  Yet, as a huge Lime and Violet devotee, I often have listened in awe while they described the gorgeous sock yarns in their "yarn PROn."  It is a combination of all of these that led me to these socks. 

My good friend Lisa, one of the charter members of the SSK group, moved to NC several months ago.  As I stood in an area LYS, Knit Happens, trying to figure out what to knit for her as a remembrance, I eyed the Fleece Artist bins.  It was in that one simple moment that I was bitten by the sock bug.

Soon after I finished those socks, using the two circular method, fellow SSK-er Jennifer, posted about the Broadripples.  She was knitting her third pair, and after reading her blog post, I purchased two skeins of Fixation and was on my way.  The pattern even has a two-circulars option, which truly closed the deal.

There is nothing unusual about this pattern; it's cuff-down with a slip stitch heel flap.  No short rows.  No funky toes.  Just basic.  The stitch at the cuff, a garter ripple stitch, combines knit stitches and yarn overs and ssk decreases in one row, followed by an all purl row.  The body of the sock is knit in a ripple stitch; the same as the garter ripple but with knit rows instead of purl rows.

These are the best fitting socks I have ever owned!  Yes, that's true.  Never have I purchased a pair of socks that I love as much as these.  And there's no comparison to the previously knit socks for me; one pair out of worsted acrylic that I wear around the house in the winter.

Since I finished these socks, my sock yarn purchases have increased, along with the number of sock pattern books I have bought.  Now, amongst all my WIPs, there exists at least one pair of socks.  Last week, I bought some more Fixation for another pair of Broadripples for me. 

Rating:

Hands down (or is that feet down?), this pattern receives all FIVE yarn balls.  It is the perfect sock pattern with the perfect yarn for the pattern.  The directions are easy to follow and very detailed in their presentation, which just enhances the fabulous knitting experience of these socks.

Whether you have been bitten or are not sure if sock knitting is for you, knit these socks!

          

If you have knit this pattern, please rate it and submit as comments. Thank you!