I’m getting ready to go to Stitches in Schaumberg this month. I went for the first time last year (much overdue). I intended to write about it last year, but I had one of those experiences that evoked feelings that can only be described by that old saying, “A goose just walked over my grave.” I ran into someone that I had not seen since my first year at college. A chance meeting that gave me the chills.
I showed up for a Stitches class in the morning, early like I always am. My father believed that if you weren’t 15 minutes early you were late. He enforced that fiercely; being early is like a disease with me. A woman came in a few minutes later. She kept making nervous chit chat. The phrases she used were annoyingly familiar; excessively polite; and scripted, as if she was reading from a Miss Manners textbook. It took a few minutes and then things rushed together. I couldn’t see her name tag clearly, so I tried to judge the shape of the name, the contour of the letters. The shape fit the name I had in mind. And then the memory of the face came back. She had not changed much. Older, heavier, but very like she had been. And when I was almost sure I asked, “Were you in Carbondale in 1973?” The look on her face answered the question even before her words came, “Yes, how did you know?” “I was there.” “Forgive me, I don’t recognize you. Who are you?” “Elaine.” And then she remembered me. And I knew for sure it was Valerie Jane [last name withheld].
She came over to sit next to me. She asked all the polite questions and we exchanged the abbreviated versions of our life stories. I had completed college; she had not. I married and had kids; she had not. It was not just her appearance that had not change much. Her whole life had change only superficially.
The only shocker was her current profession. She was an insurance salesman. Shocker? Just wait. She sold insurance to a niche market: adult entertainment. I had to hold back a laugh although it must have showed on my face because she launched into a justification that boiled down to “They need insurance too.” Yeah sure, Tony Soprano needs insurance, too. What a hoot. That explains a lot about insurance rates.
I could almost write a book about Valerie Jane. She could have been a psychology case study. Usually, she was Valerie, the overly officious, tedious, mistress of idle, polite chit-chat with her mother pushing all her remote control buttons. But sometimes she was Jane. Jane was more normal, a regular 18 year old looking to enjoy life and get laid. She would even refer to herself by the two names in the third person. I more than once witnessed an argument between the two. That was creepy. I don’t know if she had a true multiple personality, but she sure had something going on. Perhaps Valerie stays home to knit and Jane goes out to strip joints to sell insurance. That presents an image.
There were 5 or 6 girls thrown together by chance in a college dorm in the summer of 1973. I have so many memories of the troubles caused by Valerie and Jane trying to manipulate the events of that summer. Until finally the rest of us figured out what was going on (sort of). The story is far too long and complex to tell here.
Just to be catish: She borrowed a copy of the winter craft issue of a magazine that had a favorite afghan stitch cape pattern in it and she never gave it back. I’m still miffed about that. Maybe I’m the crazy one! Thirty-five years later and I’m still not letting go of that grievance.
I tried to explain to my husband how badly running into Valerie Jane had shaken me. I even left Stitches early, missing one of the classes I had paid for. I know it sounds paranoid, but she scares me a little. I wanted to put the distance back between us. I still can’t put it all in words. However, I am going back to Stitches. She may be there again because it is not so far from where she lives. It’s just a risk. Fortunately, the place is big enough to hide in. But if I do run into her, I won’t miss the chance to ask where that cape pattern is.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Increasing before and after markers on circular needles
I have a raglan sweater pattern that I am knitting from the top down ( sweater pattern generator)
I have knitted the collar but it says at each side of marker, increase 1 st by knitting into the front and back of the st..
I have 4 markers - one for the sleeves, one for the back, one for the other sleeve and one for the front, so by increasing into the back and front of each st. that would make an increase of 8 sts..
Does it matter which marker you start to increase at?
Awaiting your reply,
June
Response from 1knittingfool
No. It is immaterial which point you choose as a starting point.
I have knitted the collar but it says at each side of marker, increase 1 st by knitting into the front and back of the st..
I have 4 markers - one for the sleeves, one for the back, one for the other sleeve and one for the front, so by increasing into the back and front of each st. that would make an increase of 8 sts..
Does it matter which marker you start to increase at?
Awaiting your reply,
June
Response from 1knittingfool
No. It is immaterial which point you choose as a starting point.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Abbreviations and Symbols
From Angie, Seattle (9/19/2007 2:59 pm)
Hi, You have the most comprehensive list of knitting symbols I’ve been able to find. However, I’m stuck on a pattern and can’t find a key for the symbol anywhere. I’m writing to you on the off chance that maybe you’ve seen this symbol before. The symbol is a circle with a slanted line thru it — one slants to the left, the other to the right. Any ideas?? Thanks, Angie
Response from 1knittingfool:
I found the forward slash in a circle symbol in an Italian lace knitting magazine. The instruction in Italian is 1 dir. crociato. The abbreviation dir. means diritto and that translates to knit stitch. Crociato means cross. In total, it is the instruction to twist a stitch, that is, to knit in the back loop. This causes the loop of the knit stitch to be crossed.
The backward slash in a circle is in Italian 1 rov. crociato. The abbreviation rov. means rovescio or in English purl stitch. Therefore, it is also to twist a stitch, in this case by purling in the back loop to yield a purl loop that is crossed.
Hi, You have the most comprehensive list of knitting symbols I’ve been able to find. However, I’m stuck on a pattern and can’t find a key for the symbol anywhere. I’m writing to you on the off chance that maybe you’ve seen this symbol before. The symbol is a circle with a slanted line thru it — one slants to the left, the other to the right. Any ideas?? Thanks, Angie
Response from 1knittingfool:
I found the forward slash in a circle symbol in an Italian lace knitting magazine. The instruction in Italian is 1 dir. crociato. The abbreviation dir. means diritto and that translates to knit stitch. Crociato means cross. In total, it is the instruction to twist a stitch, that is, to knit in the back loop. This causes the loop of the knit stitch to be crossed.
The backward slash in a circle is in Italian 1 rov. crociato. The abbreviation rov. means rovescio or in English purl stitch. Therefore, it is also to twist a stitch, in this case by purling in the back loop to yield a purl loop that is crossed.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I am going crazy trying to find this stitch!
Hi, I bought a hand knitted scarf in New Zealand at a Saturday Market and it had a very unusal stitch. I ask the lady what it was and she said it was knit the purls and purl the knits…well that’s a seed stitch (didn’t know that at the time), so I thought simple enough…brought it home and it’s not that stitch. I have taken this scarf to all of the yarn stores in my city, one of which is a master knitter and we can’t figure this out. It has ribbing on one side but the other side is totally different. It kinda looks like a Brioche stitch where you knit in the row below, but then it doesn’t come out ribbed on the other side. I am really stumped on this one. If you have a way I can email you pictures of the scarf and the stitches, I would love to do that and would appreciate any help I can find!!
Oh I just realized I can post pictures on here I think…when I get home today I will try that….
Thanks so much, Alaskakatz
Comment from aprilmagic (8/27/2007 2L07 am)
Can you scan the scarf and send it. I’ll see if I can figure it out. Lucinda
Comment from nanawoolf (11/1/2007 7:23 am):
Hi, as you describe it it sounds like a ‘fake brioche’ I know and have used in a sweater.
You switch between knit1 and purl1 on the wrong side rows, and only knit on the right side rows.
One of my german knitting books calls it ’sand pattern’, and it appears like ribs on one side, and has a kind of bumpy appearance on the the other side.
It is a very warm stitch and I could thnk it works fine for a scarf. Maybe you tell me where to see a picture of it and I can see if I am totally of track.
Comment from arguchik (12/11/2007 1:13 pm)
hi–as nanawoolf describes it, this stitch sounds like what i know as english rib, which i recently used in a pullover for my boyfriend. the way i worked it was K1P1 on right side rows, and purl on wrong side rows. this is one type of what’s called “garter stitch rib” or “beaded rib,” which basically means it’s a ribbing pattern consisting of stockinette stitch in the “peaks” and garter stitch (rather than reverse stockinette stitch) in the “valleys.”
Oh I just realized I can post pictures on here I think…when I get home today I will try that….
Thanks so much, Alaskakatz
Comment from aprilmagic (8/27/2007 2L07 am)
Can you scan the scarf and send it. I’ll see if I can figure it out. Lucinda
Comment from nanawoolf (11/1/2007 7:23 am):
Hi, as you describe it it sounds like a ‘fake brioche’ I know and have used in a sweater.
You switch between knit1 and purl1 on the wrong side rows, and only knit on the right side rows.
One of my german knitting books calls it ’sand pattern’, and it appears like ribs on one side, and has a kind of bumpy appearance on the the other side.
It is a very warm stitch and I could thnk it works fine for a scarf. Maybe you tell me where to see a picture of it and I can see if I am totally of track.
Comment from arguchik (12/11/2007 1:13 pm)
hi–as nanawoolf describes it, this stitch sounds like what i know as english rib, which i recently used in a pullover for my boyfriend. the way i worked it was K1P1 on right side rows, and purl on wrong side rows. this is one type of what’s called “garter stitch rib” or “beaded rib,” which basically means it’s a ribbing pattern consisting of stockinette stitch in the “peaks” and garter stitch (rather than reverse stockinette stitch) in the “valleys.”
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Sorting the Stitch Catalog
This evening I added a new menu item that allows you to sort the stitch patterns in the stitch catalog by the number of stitches in a pattern repeat. I’m not sure how useful this will be to the average knitter.
I use this view of the stitch patterns when I am selecting patterns to work into swatches for the illustrations on the web site. I usually work three different patterns in sequence on one swatch. When I select the patterns to work in the swatch, it is just naturally easier if they all have the same number of stitches in a pattern repeat. I work three patterns consecutively because (1) it reduces the overhead spent on casting on and casting off and (2) three patterns is about what I can expect to get done in a evening.
Another limiting factor in selecting the number of patterns to work on a single swatch is the limits of my scanner bed. Rarely can I fit more than three patterns on the scanner at one time. And the scanner is my cheap, easy way of taking a picture of the swatch. I pin the swatch with dissecting pins on a piece of felt (supported by a block of styrofoam). A few moments on the scanner, a few moments in Photoshop to trim the edges of the image to the desired size, upload the file via FTP and another stitch pattern (or perhaps 2 or 3) have been illustrated on the web site.
I also take into account the category of stitches that I select to work in a swatch. I have found, for instance, that lace patterns do not work up well in the same swatch with twist stitch patterns. One category has a tendency to spread and another has a tendency to draw in. It is better if the patterns in the swatch all ‘behave’ the same.
I use this view of the stitch patterns when I am selecting patterns to work into swatches for the illustrations on the web site. I usually work three different patterns in sequence on one swatch. When I select the patterns to work in the swatch, it is just naturally easier if they all have the same number of stitches in a pattern repeat. I work three patterns consecutively because (1) it reduces the overhead spent on casting on and casting off and (2) three patterns is about what I can expect to get done in a evening.
Another limiting factor in selecting the number of patterns to work on a single swatch is the limits of my scanner bed. Rarely can I fit more than three patterns on the scanner at one time. And the scanner is my cheap, easy way of taking a picture of the swatch. I pin the swatch with dissecting pins on a piece of felt (supported by a block of styrofoam). A few moments on the scanner, a few moments in Photoshop to trim the edges of the image to the desired size, upload the file via FTP and another stitch pattern (or perhaps 2 or 3) have been illustrated on the web site.
I also take into account the category of stitches that I select to work in a swatch. I have found, for instance, that lace patterns do not work up well in the same swatch with twist stitch patterns. One category has a tendency to spread and another has a tendency to draw in. It is better if the patterns in the swatch all ‘behave’ the same.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Books in My Library
From Lethe, Topanga Canyon
Your site has been one of my favorites for quite a while, not only because of the wealth of very useful information and the stitch library, but also because of your wit. It is becoming dangerous however, as I go through your library I keep discovering books I need to get too. I spent birthday money on some rare costly out-of-print books that I am absolutely delighted with. Now today I just noticed those Ida Rose Vintage Reproductions, too dangerous. A quick question: is there some way to see just what are your most recent additions to your library ? One of my current favorites is not on your list. It is a compendium of reprints from Weldon’s late 1800s, a few hundred patterns and a glimpse into the past for only $25. _Knitting from 19th Century Sources_ by Kliot. Amazon lists only the out of print first edition, but it is readily available from other vendors like B&N, etc.
Response from 1knittingfool:
I don’t think I have that title yet. There are still about 100 books in my library that I have not yet listed on-line. I work on the whatever is in reach principle. If the floor gets so cluttered with yarn that I can’t roll my desk chair over to the book case, well, stuff just don’t happen. And then I have been working steadily to make sample swatches of the stitch patterns. What a job; but it is fun also. So much to knit, so little time.
Comment from Christina, Delta (4/7/2007 10:20 am)
Just started exploring your site yesterday and have been enjoying the adventure. Today I started looking over your library. Wow! What a dreamy collection. I’m still pretty new at knitting and am taking a leap at trying to design triangular lace shawls. I love the one you designed for your friend and would like to know if that pattern is available? Thanks, I really enjoy your hobby.
Response from 1knittingfool:
The pattern can be found at www.theknitter.com.
Comment from suzuSD (3/16/2008 8:18 pm)
Hey there
This is a great site for knitting noobs like me. Thanks so much for the stitch dictionary with all the photos… it’s so much easier to see if I am doing the stitch right if I have a photo of it to compare to.
Anyway. In your “books in my library” list, you have a book on page three of the H’s, a Japanese book you have titled “how to knit”. Actually, your translation is not too far off; the title reads “wakari yasui teami no kiso to kotsu” which translates to something like “easy to understand handknitting fundamentals”
cheers
linda
Your site has been one of my favorites for quite a while, not only because of the wealth of very useful information and the stitch library, but also because of your wit. It is becoming dangerous however, as I go through your library I keep discovering books I need to get too. I spent birthday money on some rare costly out-of-print books that I am absolutely delighted with. Now today I just noticed those Ida Rose Vintage Reproductions, too dangerous. A quick question: is there some way to see just what are your most recent additions to your library ? One of my current favorites is not on your list. It is a compendium of reprints from Weldon’s late 1800s, a few hundred patterns and a glimpse into the past for only $25. _Knitting from 19th Century Sources_ by Kliot. Amazon lists only the out of print first edition, but it is readily available from other vendors like B&N, etc.
Response from 1knittingfool:
I don’t think I have that title yet. There are still about 100 books in my library that I have not yet listed on-line. I work on the whatever is in reach principle. If the floor gets so cluttered with yarn that I can’t roll my desk chair over to the book case, well, stuff just don’t happen. And then I have been working steadily to make sample swatches of the stitch patterns. What a job; but it is fun also. So much to knit, so little time.
Comment from Christina, Delta (4/7/2007 10:20 am)
Just started exploring your site yesterday and have been enjoying the adventure. Today I started looking over your library. Wow! What a dreamy collection. I’m still pretty new at knitting and am taking a leap at trying to design triangular lace shawls. I love the one you designed for your friend and would like to know if that pattern is available? Thanks, I really enjoy your hobby.
Response from 1knittingfool:
The pattern can be found at www.theknitter.com.
Comment from suzuSD (3/16/2008 8:18 pm)
Hey there
This is a great site for knitting noobs like me. Thanks so much for the stitch dictionary with all the photos… it’s so much easier to see if I am doing the stitch right if I have a photo of it to compare to.
Anyway. In your “books in my library” list, you have a book on page three of the H’s, a Japanese book you have titled “how to knit”. Actually, your translation is not too far off; the title reads “wakari yasui teami no kiso to kotsu” which translates to something like “easy to understand handknitting fundamentals”
cheers
linda
Speed Knitting Question
A question came up about how fast someone can hand knit. I found documentation that the record is 255 stitches per 3 minutes.
Comment from Christina, Delta (4/7/2007 2:12 pm):
I have a silly question. Silly because knitting is fun, soothing, and meets my compulsive, obsessive, yet creative side and should just be enjoyed; yet something I wonder anyways. I find myself counting and figuring how many stitches I do per minute, therefore … I come up with a quesstimate as to how long a project will take me to complete. So, what is an average stitches per minute for a knitter anyways? I hope to improve my technique and speed and just wonder where I’m at. Thanks for indulging my silliness.
Comment from Christina, Delta (4/7/2007 2:12 pm):
I have a silly question. Silly because knitting is fun, soothing, and meets my compulsive, obsessive, yet creative side and should just be enjoyed; yet something I wonder anyways. I find myself counting and figuring how many stitches I do per minute, therefore … I come up with a quesstimate as to how long a project will take me to complete. So, what is an average stitches per minute for a knitter anyways? I hope to improve my technique and speed and just wonder where I’m at. Thanks for indulging my silliness.
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