nonaSwatches

31 may, 2007

I was rummaging through my stash this evening looking for something mindless to swatch with my new US 5 Addi Turbo Lace needles -- love these needles -- and came upon this combination.

Yarn:	Unknown mohair and unknown variegated novelty -- looks like Crystal Palace's Waikiki
Needles:	US 5
Stitch:	Simple stripe -- 4 rows mohair, 1 row novelty.  This first row of mohair is knit through the back loop twisting the novelty yarn's stitches.

30 may, 2007

This stitch pattern -- Picot Stripe -- is create by making 7 new stitches in 1 stitch and then slowly decreasing them away.  The Picot do-das are almost 3 dimensional with a hole in the center.

Yarn:	Jamieson's DK
Needles:	US 7
Stitch:	Picot Stripe; multiple of 10 stitches
Source:	Barbara Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 117

29 may, 2007

I'm still not completely satisfied with the paired increases I'm using for the heel and toe of my Sideways Socks.  I decided to swatch a few alternatives to see if I could find something better.  In my next sock, I'm going to try the raised bar increase -- tan swatch, bottom section -- which distorts the fabric slightly but does not leave any holes.

27 may, 2007

Strangely enough, I felt the urge today to crochet a circle.  It really is fun and rhythmic.

Yarn:	Claudia's Handpaints
Hook:	3.5 mm
Source:	Erika Knight's Simple Crochet, page 32 -- first 11 rounds.

26 may, 2007

I've had this skein of Socks That Rock yarn in my stash for years just waiting for the perfect project.  The day has arrived, as I've selected this yarn for my Sideways Socks.  The color-way is called "Red Rock Canyon" and that is exactly what the colors remind me of.  Since gauge is critical for the proper fit of Sideways Socks, I tried to be accurate in this gauge swatch.

Yarn:	Blue Moon Fiber Art's Socks That Rock in Red Rock Canyon
Needles:	Bottom Half: US 1; Top Half: US 0
Gauge:	US 1: 30 stitches and 40 rows in 4 inches. US 0: 32 stitches and 44 rows in 4 inches.

25 may, 2007

With Sideways Socks on the brain, I've been on the look out for horizontal stitch patterns that would worked vertically in said socks.  This one is a winner.  It has nice vertical lines -- when viewed from the side -- and wonderful stretch.

Yarn:	Koigu
Needles:	US 4
Stitch:	Ridged Ribbon Eyelet; over an odd number of stitches Row 1: Knit Row 2: Purl Row 3: Knit Row 4: Knit Row 5: * k2tog, yo*, repeat to last stitch, k1 Row 6: Knit
Source:	Barbara Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 175

24 may, 2007

The last piece in the sideways sock puzzle -- the leg shaping.  This view is the back of the leg where I've used garter stitch to pull in around the back ankle and some short row shaping to widen the sock ever so slightly around the calf.  I'm out of practice yarn -- it's time to put all the pieces together and knit a full sideways sock. 

Yarn:	Opal Sock Yarn; 75% wool, 25% acrylic; Hundertwasser #650
Needles:	US 2

23 may, 2007

This is another take on a vertical toe.  This one uses identical shaping to the heel -- I like that -- but requires a small horizontal seam across the bottom of the foot -- not a great idea.  Luckily I found a way to graft the edges together, joining the pieces without a seam or any bulk -- the little swatch top, right.  Time to try this toe on another prototype ankle sock.

Yarn:	Opal Sock Yarn; 75% wool, 25% acrylic; Hundertwasser #650
Needles:	US 2

22 may, 2007

My first prototype for a vertical toe with no seams.  I still need to improve the join -- which I work as I go -- but it's a reasonable first stab.  And guess what?  Because of my grafting epiphany I was able to graft the toe completely from memory -- Yippe!

Yarn:	Opal Sock Yarn; 75% wool, 25% acrylic; Hundertwasser #650
Needles:	US 2

21 may, 2007

Job related, my friends, job related.  A few swatches to test the exercises for the Chart Reading class I'm teaching tonight -- oops, gotta go!

Yarn:	RY's Cashsoft DK
Needles:	US 7
Techniques:	Chart Reading, a little lace, a little cabling, a little knit / purl texture.

20 may, 2007

A few more squares to add to the pile.

Yarn:	Rowan's Wool Cotton & Rowan's Cotton Glace
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Log Cabin construction, Intarsia, Slipped-Stitch edge.

19 may, 2007

Several of you correctly pointed out that yesterday's attempt at a vertical heel closely resembled a knit internal organ -- spleen, kidney, what have you.  This lead me to taking a slightly different approach.  First I knit a short row heel -- that good looking one, middle right -- then I attempted to replicate its shape vertically.  My second variation -- bottom, left -- is pretty close and is now being tested in a toe-less ankle sock.  We all know by now, loyal reader, that this is endlessly fascinating to me.

Yarn:	Opal Sock Yarn; 75% wool, 25% acrylic; Hundertwasser #650
Needles:	US 2

18 may, 2007

So, I'm on a quest for a nice fitting sideways sock.  My first step is to understand -- and dare I say compare -- possible sideway sock heels.  Here's a variation on the heel from the Sideways Socks Supreme pattern in Socks, Socks, Socks.  It reminds me of a short-rowed heel and has me jazzed!  What if there is a vertical shaping that can mimic a short-rowed heel and can be used for both the heel and the toe of a sideways sock.  More swatching is in order...

Yarn:	Opal Sock Yarn; 75% wool, 25% acrylic;Hundertwasser #650
Needles:	US 2

17 may, 2007

I've challenged myself to come up with a better design for Sideways Socks.  The first step is to get accurate gauges for a variety of garter stitch based stitch patterns.  When garter stitch is used sideways it draws in like ribbing.  I think strategically placed garter stitch could help shape the Sideways Socks.  We'll see.

Yarn:	Opal Cotton; Hundertwasser #965
Needles:	US 2
Stitch:	A spectrum from garter stitch to stockinette stitch.  Specifically, from bottom to top: Garter Stitch; 7.5 stitches & 14 rows = 1 inch Double Garter; 7 stitches & 13 rows = 1 inch; (Row 1 Knit, Row 2 Purl, Row 3 Purl, Row 4 Knit). Purl Ridge; 7.75 stitches & 12 rows = 1 inch; (Row 1 Knit, Row 2 Purl, Row 3 Knit, Row 4 Knit). Stockinette Stitch; 7.75 stitches & 10 rows = 1 inch

16 may, 2007

Another winner stitch pattern from BW's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.  Barbara suggests using a contrasting color for rows 3 & 4, you can just see it peaking through -- detail here.  The resulting fabric definitely biases to the right, which could be problematic depending on its usage.  Did I mention it was fun to knit!

Yarn:	Koigu
Needles:	US 4
Stitch:	Slip-Stitch Mesh
Source:	Barbara Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 156

15 may, 2007

Another square-in-square swatch for the pile.  When does it stop being a swatch and turn into a project?  These squares are fun and addicting -- just like candy.  Perhaps you should try one for yourself.

Yarn:	Rowan's Wool Cotton & Rowan's Cotton Glace
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Log Cabin construction, Intarsia, Slipped-Stitch edge.

14 may, 2007

The square-in-square -- wonky or not -- is calling me.  I love playing with the colors and throwing in closely related colors for extra depth.

Thank you, observant reader, for noticing that I took Mother's Day off.  The nona-boys cooked dinner and made me laugh, while I sipped wine and knit a sock -- what more can a mom ask for!?
 

Yarn:	Rowan's Wool Cotton & Rowan's Cotton Glace
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Log Cabin construction, Intarsia, Slipped-Stitch edge.

12 may, 2007

This gauge swatch is in preparation for a sock I'm going to knit.  I'm participating in Liz's Sock in a Day Challenge -- flickr group here -- and tomorrow is the day.

Yarn:	Opal Cotton; Hundertwasser #965
Needles:	US 2
Gauge:	15 sts = 2 inches in garter stitch

11 may, 2007

Just a little Friday fun.

Yarn:	Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Log Cabin construction, Intarsia, Slipped-Stitch edge, 3-Needle bind off seam.

10 may, 2007

I've abandoned the idea of a mitered-square in place of my beloved log-cabin.  I see lots and lots of potential here and even some room for a little wonkiness.  Now I'm not committing to a Knanette, especially with my Ripple Blanket still in the works, but I might casually -- oh, so casually -- swatch a few more additions.

Yarn:	Rowan's Wool Cotton, Rowan's Cotton Glace, & other assorted DK yarns
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Log Cabin construction, Intarsia, Slipped-Stitch edge, 3-Needle bind off seam.

9 may, 2007

Cara has this kick-ass idea -- or crazy-ass, depending on your frame of mind --  of knitting a "Knanette", a knit version of the crocheted Babette blanket.  So how does one create a crochet like Granny Square knit style?  Here I tried starting at the center and working out.  My increases are a bit cock-eyed and the blessed thing doesn't lay flat, which leads me to believe -- ladies and gentlemen -- that this is not the way.  Perhaps I need to start from the outside and work in.  Tomorrow will tell.  I'm not committing to actually knitting a Knanette, I just want to figure out how.

For some it's the process, for others it's the product -- for me, it's the puzzle.  And to be perfectly honest, that pretty much sums me up.

Yarn:	Rowan's wool cotton & something else from my "DK" stash.
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Trying to recreate a crocheted Granny Square knitting in the round from the inside out.

8 may, 2007

I was thinking about my Sockapalooza 4 Sock Pal the other day, when I pulled out Nancy Bush's Folk Knitting in Estonia and randomly opened to page 94 -- Liivi's Stockings.  An omen?  Perhaps.  I decided to swatch the color work to see if I liked the rhythm -- I like.  So these socks are a definite possibility.  I wonder what yarn and what colors...

Yarn:	Rowan's 4 Ply Soft
Needles:	US 3
Stitch:	Liivi's Stocking Leg color chart
Source:	Folk Knitting in Estonia, page 95

7 may, 2007

I felt the need to experiment with double decreases to clarify for myself what each looked like.  The left most panel uses a right slanting double decrease, the center panel uses a center double decrease, and the right most panel uses 2 variations of left slanting double decreases.  Specifically:

• Right Slanting Double Decrease -- k3tog
• Center Double Decrease -- slip 2 stitches together knitwise, k1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over
• Left Slanting Double Decrease; version 1 (lower portion) -- slip 1 stitch knitwise, k2tog, psso
• Left Slanting Double Decrease; version 2 (upper portion) -- slip 2 stitches individually knitwise, k1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over.

For those interested in recreating this experiment, here's the chart.

Yarn:	Rowan's Handknit Cotton
Needles:	US 6
Techniques:	Double decreases

6 may, 2007

I started with the Vine Lace stitch pattern from Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 218.  I like this pattern, but dislike how the pattern repeat shifts one stitch on each right side row.  I like to use markers to designated a pattern's repeat and am annoyed when I have to constantly shift markers.  I was also curious if I could convert this stitch pattern for knitting in the round by getting rid of its 5 edge stitches.  These, my friends, were the goals for today's swatch.

Here's the progression, from bottom to top:

1. Reworked the stitch pattern so the repeats don't shift and the pattern can be worked in an even multiple of 9 stitches.  An optional edge stitch can be added to each side if you're knitting back and forth and don't like to start or end a row with a YO:

Vine Stitch, variation 1; multiple of 9 stitches
Row 1 (WS): purl
Row 2 (RS): *k1, yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo*
Row 3 (WS): purl
Row 4 (RS): *yo, k2, skp, k2tog, k2, yo, k1*

2. Wondered if this stitch pattern could be converted to an 8 stitch repeat by using a double decrease instead of the side-by-side single decreases.  I thought I was using a center double decrease, but realized a little too late that it was actually a left slanting double decrease.  FYI: a proper center double decrease would have been sl2tog, k1, psso.

Vine Stitch, variation 2; multiple of 8 stitches
Row 1 (WS): purl
Row 2 (RS): *k1, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, k2, yo*
Row 3 (WS): purl
Row 4 (RS): *yo, k2, sl, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k1*

3. Converted the 8-stitch variation to use a right slanting double decrease on Row 2 and a left slanting double decrease on Row 4.

Vine Stitch, variation 3; multiple of 8 stitches
Row 1 (WS): purl
Row 2 (RS): *k1, yo, k3tog, k2, yo*
Row 3 (WS): purl
Row 4 (RS): *yo, k2, sl, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k1*

Note to self: you must figure out an easy way to create charts on the computer.  Enough of this row-by-row written instruction stuff.  Tomorrow's goal!

Yarn:	RY's Cashsoft DK
Needles:	US 6
Techniques:	Morphing lace charts, various double decreases.  Including: Center -- sl2tog, k1, psso Right Slanting -- k3tog Left Slanting -- sl1, k2tog, psso

5 may, 2007

Kind of -- to use a technical term -- yucky looking, isn't it!?  But, I did learn an important lesson from this hunky swatch.

If the bind off is too tight, the lace won't stretch out.

I started with 8 stitches and then increased based on Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl -- doubling the stitches on row 2, 6, and 13.  Once I was at 64 stitches I work 12 rows of the 8-Stitch Rib stitch pattern from Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 206.  I used a crochet bind off -- *SC in 3 stitches, chain 3*.  The chain 3 was way to taught.  In hind sight I should chained at least 5.

Yarn:	Habu Textiles, Kakishibu cotton viscose  I would have never guessed that this fiber is 100% cotton, it feels like stiff linen or twine.
Needles:	US 4
Techniques:	Knitting in the Round, Lace

4 may, 2007

In honor of the many wonderful commenters who contributed their creative Doilie Use ideas I give you this swatch!

Yarn:	Jamieson's Spindrift
Needles:	US 4
Source:	The first 17 rounds of this doilie.
Techniques:	Knitting in the Round, Lace

3 may, 2007

After felting the log cabin square, of course I was curious about the felting fate of a mitred square.  Interestingly enough, it too shrank evenly in both directions.  If nothing else, I have a nice little coaster set here.  Hey, what about a set of wonky log cabin coasters!?

Yarn:	Jamieson's Shetland DK
Needles:	US 9
Dimensions:	Before Felting: 4.75 x 4.75 inches After Felting: 4.25 x 4.25 inches
Stitch:	Garter Stitch; Cast On 41 sts and work a double decrease -- sl1, k2tog, psss -- every WS row.
Techniques:	Mitered Square Construction, Felting

2 may, 2007

I was poking around for lace patterns for one of my knitting students and came upon Cozy.  Cozy sure looks cozy, especially if knit in Cashsoft DK.  The designer says blocking is optional, but I definitely liked the stitch pattern much better once is was blocked.  Thank goodness for Knitter's Choice.

Yarn:	RY's Cashsoft DK
Needles:	US 8
Stitch:	Feather Pattern aka English Mesh Lace
Source:	This stitch pattern is used in the Knitty pattern, Cozy.  It is also available in Barbara Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, page 193

1 may, 2007

What no uproar?  What no mocking?  Did you not notice that I missed my first swatch yesterday?   I have to go back to the pool and figure out who won.  Anyway, I'm back to it today. 

Since felting shrinks unevenly -- shrinking more vertically than horizontally -- I was curious how a log cabin square would felt.  Interestingly enough, it shrunk evenly in both directions.  I can feel a pillow coming on, cannot you!?

Yarn:	Jamieson's Shetland DK
Needles:	US 9
Dimensions:	Before Felting: 5.25 x 5.25 inches After Felting: 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Stitch:	Garter Stitch
Techniques:	Log Cabin Construction, Felting