September 23, 2005
Steeky!
I love steeks. I love 'em. There's something amazingly cool about knowing that you can change colors of yarn without ever having to worry about weaving in ends. Because that's where you're going to cut your knitting. With sharp scissors.
Months from now, of course, when you're actually finished with the body of this sweater which you know is going to take a really long time.
Anyhow, there are, as you may know, two schools of thought on steeks. One is to alternate your colors so that the steek grows like this:
X O X O (cut) X O X O
O X O X (cut) O X O X
X O X O (cut) X O X O
That way is all fine and dandy, and some people say it's the stronger way, but I prefer the
X O X O (cut) O X O X
X O X O (cut) O X O X
X O X O (cut) O X O X
method. Why? Well, for one, it makes cutting TONS easier because you've knit a clear line to show you exactly where you're meant to be cutting. And two, it makes for cool photos. I like the stripes. (See above.)
Anyhow, that's today's news and today's progress, which is 8 rows. 3 of which were purl rows. That's a total of 2,792 stitches today, which ain't half bad, now is it?
(Note, added later) This is being knit in the round, in case you can't tell. The purl rows to which I refer are because the first 10 rows were knit in garter stitch. Last night, I knit the first two main body rows in stockinette, and I will have no more purling to do until I get to a neck-band or a cuff, whichever comes first. Sorry if I confused anyone...
Posted by Jon at September 23, 2005 02:11 AMWhyever are you knitting this flat??? I think, after I move, I'm going to do my fair isle as home knitting.
Posted by: Jon at September 23, 2005 09:29 AMHere here, I agree with you on the steeking. I'm making Meg's Fair Isle Cardigan from her book right now and she only gives 7 steek stitches, so in the end, I'll need to cut through the middle of the 4th stitch. I think next time, I'll go with 8 stitches so that I can cut in between... Do you think it makes much difference in terms of stability or fraying?
Posted by: Felicia from sweetgeorgia at September 23, 2005 12:58 PMHi Jon -
Surfing blogs this a.m. and came upon yours. Love it! The pix are nice, and your work is great! You can check out my blog at www.loveleighknitz.blogspot.com
Posted by: loveleighknitz at September 23, 2005 01:18 PMOkay. Novice that I am, I now must go figure out what the @#%$ steeks are!
Posted by: Laura at September 23, 2005 02:12 PMWhat camera do you use to get such clear close up shots?
Oh, and your knitting projects make me want to start the same things -- a little bit envious.
Posted by: Steven at September 24, 2005 11:54 AM