Even though I have been writing about scones and ink, as well as rambling, I have been knitting. I finished a project that sort of took shape one day when I was putzing around. Unbelievably, I did another pair of toe-up socks, and was very pleased with the results. They were very easy to do, to design, and fairly quick knitting up, even though I was using US 1.5 needles (though you could use a US 1 or 2 – 2.25 to 2.75 mm) and knitting at 8 stitches per inch.
My very first pair of toe-up socks was a major headache, and I really hated them. So, I called them Albatross Socks* – from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Because these were such an astounding success, I named these new ones Fly Away! – and the pattern, and sock yarn, made me think of birds and a bright, blue sky.
In the past few months I’ve given thought to double knitting, which is the creation of mirrored patterns on a double layer of fabric. I’ve found some patterns that really have caught my attention. What really got me more interested was one called Cheesehands, by Julia Mueller. I really like the design – it’s a small project – and I have someone in mind who likes warm hands.
It also has a matching hat, so the temptation to knit is there! The pattern is quite cheerful, I think, and certainly worth the effort of learning double knitting.
Also, if you like gloves, Julia Mueller has incredible patterns, from whimsical to classical. Her other items include socks and hats. Check her stuff out on Ravelry. Her cable and twisted stitches are different and intriguing.
The article he wrote about double knitting is quite good. What is even better are the videos embedded within. These videos enhance reading about the whole process, including his incredible cast-on that allows the knitter to begin knitting immediately. For me, the long-tail cast-on like this has always been confusing. For some reason, it makes sense here. (My long tail is very different. I think it is easier. Maybe I’ll film it one day.)
Here are the three videos in the article.
Double Knitting Cast-On
Double Knitting – Regular and Twisted Stitch
Double Knit Decreases
Interestingly, when getting the links on YouTube for Alasdair’s videos, I found that there are quite a few from the Twist Collective which I plan to check out.
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In the meantime, I plan to finish a few hats and a shawl and a sleeve before I take on double knitting. And paint a few pictures. And prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Addendum: I lied. I started playing with double knitting. Here is a link with some good tutorials: Golden Apples.
Even though I have been writing about scones and ink, as well as rambling, I have been knitting. I finished a project that sort of took shape one day when I was putzing around. Unbelievably, I did another pair of toe-up socks, and was very pleased with the results. They were very easy to do, to design, and fairly quick knitting up, even though I was using US 1.5 needles (though you could use a US 1 or 2 – 2.25 to 2.75 mm) and knitting at 8 stitches per inch.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 