Confessions of a Knitaholic

Tuck Stitch

Knit Purl — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:38:04 +0000

The tuck stitch is a decorative stitch that requires a stitch to be unraveled several rows and then reknit. The techniques sounds scary but it is easy to execute. Working this stitch will give you practice in repairing accidentally dropped stitches.

Provisional Cast On

Knit Purl — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:12:28 +0000

A Provisional Cast On is a temporary cast on made with waste yarn. The waste yarn is later removed to reveal live stitches that can be used to knit in the opposite direction or to aid in grafting. The video demonstrates how to cast on and also how to properly remove the waste yarn when needed.

Russian Join

Knit Purl — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:28:06 +0000

The Russian Join is a great way to join a new skein of yarn in the midst of a project. This join is very sturdy with minimal bulk added to the fabric. Best of all, there are no tails to weave in! I especially like to use the Russian Join in shawls to eliminate the pesky tails that seem to pop out even after careful weaving.

Afterthought Heel – Part 3

Knit Purl — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:25:13 +0000

Part 3 demonstrates joining the new yarn, picking up stitches in the gap and decreasing as the Afterthought Heel is completed.

Afterthought Heel – Part 2

Knit Purl — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:58:56 +0000

Part 2 demonstrates the removal of the waste yarn and picking up stitches in preparation for knitting the Afterthought Heel.

Afterthought Heel – Part 1

Knit Purl — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:11:14 +0000

An afterthought heel is added after the foot and leg of the sock is completed. This heel is a great choice for color work socks and creating contrasting colored heels. Part 1 demonstrates placing the waste yarn that will later be removed to insert the heel.

Three-Needle Bind Off

Knit Purl — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:34:17 +0000

A three-needle bind off is the perfect choice for shoulder seams. It joins live stitches into a seam with excellent stability. Try this advanced technique that is made simple in this video.

Winter Buzz Thumb

Knit Purl — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:55:46 +0000

A video to guide you through the thumb for Winter Buzz mittens. The pattern is a FREE download in the Pattern Store.

Yarn Over (Continental)

Knit Purl — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:18:08 +0000

Continental knitters (yarn held in the left hand) execute a yarn over stitch differently from the Western-style knitters who hold the working yarn in the right hand. Continental knitters will love how easy it is to execute the simple yarn over increase.

Thank you, Grandma!

Knit Purl — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:41:03 +0000

My new book, Building Blocks, is dedicated to my grandmother who taught me to knit as a young girl. I can still see her care worn hands guiding me through each stitch. At 95 years young, Grandma knits daily and shows no signs of slowing down. At Christmas, I surprised Grandma with the first copy of the book. My usually stoic grandmother read the dedication with tears streaming down her face. For me, that was the best gift of all!