Intertwisted – Part 4 and Reveal!

I hope you enjoyed the lovely Rosette Stitch as the third piece of Intertwisted.  Each piece has a provisional cast on at one end and a stitch holder at its opposite end.  It is now time for the fabulous finishing I have been promising you all month!

Part Four – Finishing

Click here to download printable version

US #10 double point needles

Optional:  Needle at least 2 sizes smaller to aid in waste yarn removal.

Before joining the strips, you may consider lightly blocking them. I am normally a huge fan of blocking but I omitted this step in several of my cowls since it had little impact on the finished garment.  A slight roll or skew in a strip will be masked in the finishing.  Should you choose to block, hold an iron a few inches above the strip (never press an iron to knitted fabric) and give the knitting a shot of steam.  Lightly press the knitting with your fingertips to smooth and straighten.

The first step in Intertwisted’s finishing is the removal of the waste yarn in each strip’s provisional cast on.  For first-timers of this process, it can be a bit scary to reveal live stitches.  Have no fear, I have close up photos and a video to aid you.  I highly recommend using a needle at least two sizes smaller than the pattern’s #10 as an aid to “capture” the live stitches as the waste yarn is removed.

Each strip’s waste yarn removal will behave differently and I look at each as a teachable moment.  Let’s begin with Part 3’s strip, the Rosette Stitch, as it behaves exactly as shown in the accompanying video.  With right side facing and cast on stitches at the lower edge, begin waste yarn removal at the right hand side with the extra crochet stitches.  As you “unzip” the waste yarn, place each resulting live stitch one at a time on a smaller needle.  At the left edge an extra stitch must be captured from the row above.  See Provisional Cast On Video  There are 16 stitches on the small needle.  Transfer these stitches to a #10 double pointed needle.  (See photo below)

Next, remove the waste yarn from Part 2’s I-cord as above with one delightful exception.  Because of the unique structure of the I-cord, all 7 of the stitches will be revealed as the waste yarn is removed eliminating the need to find an extra stitch at the left hand side.  (See photo below)

Transfer the newly revealed I-cord stitches to the double point needle alongside Part 3’s stitches.  There will be a total of 23 stitches on the double point needle:  Part 3 + Part 2.

Lastly, the waste yarn is removed from Part 1’s Go-To strip.  Because this design was worked directly after the cast on stitches, the waste yarn will not “zip” off of the stitches as in the previous two strips that began with an all knit row following the cast on stitches.  Begin the waste yarn removal with the extra crochet stitches as above.  As you reach the pattern stitches, tug on the waste yarn to unravel the cast on stitches – the cast on stitches will unravel, however, the waste yarn will remain stubbornly in place much like a lifeline.  Photo below shows cast on stitches unraveling while leaving the waste yarn embedded in the knitting.

Thread the smaller needle through the 15 stitches with the waste yarn as your guide.  (See photo below.  Click on the image to enlarge.)

With the stitches secured on the smaller needle, carefully pick out the waste yarn.  Place the resulting 15 stitches on the double point needle alongside Part 3 and Part 2.  There are a total of 38 stitches on the double point needle:  Part 3 + Part 2 + Part 1.  (See photo below)

Now for the fun part!  Beginning at the double point needle, braid the full length of the strips to achieve desired twist.  Taking care to leave the braid in tact, remove stitch holders and place resulting live stitches onto a second double point needle.  See Braided Cowl Video  In the video you will notice that following the braiding my second needle has the strips threaded on the needle in a different order than on the first needle.  This is perfectly acceptable and actually makes the twist seam more interesting when the stitch patterns are offset.  This is a very forgiving process and your cowl will be fabulous with your strips joined in any order!

Fold braid with right sides together.  With a third double point needle, join stitches using Three Needle Bind Off.  See Three Needle Bind Off  Video  A yarn tail from the strips makes a handy working yarn for the bind off.  Hide any remaining tails in the bind off seam.  Turn to right side and enjoy!

As pictured below, this pattern works great with multiple yarns and colors.  The design possibilities are endless!

It has been my pleasure knitting Intertwisted with you!  I hope you had fun and maybe learned a thing or two along the way.  Don’t forget to enter the fabulous prize drawing furnished by our sponsor, Skacel.  All you need is a completed entry form and a photo of your cowl submitted by November 15th to be eligible.  Most importantly, your entry provides Skacel with information regarding the number of participating knitters.  More knitters = more KALs!

Join me in January for our next Knit Along with a return to sock knitting.  The toe up design includes a beautifully engineered toe and heel with videos and tips for the novice and experienced alike.  The featured yarn is HiKoo’s brand new fiber, CoBaSi.  This washable, sock weight yarn is a wool-free blend of Cotton, Bamboo and Silk. Elastic nylon is added to the blend giving CoBaSi a surprising spring and softness with superior stitch definition. With over 20 colors available, one is perfect for you. ( See Supply List below.)

I hope to knit with you in January!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Like life, knitting is full of surprising twists!

(c)2012 Michelle Hunter

January Knit Along Supplies

Yarn

  • 2 skeins CoBaSi by HiKoo, 50 grams/220yards each

Needles

  • US #2 (2.75mm) or size needed to achieve gauge of 8.5 stitches per inch in stockinette.  Socks may be knit with double points, two 24” for two circular method or 32” circular for Magic Loop method.

Intertwisted – Part 3

With the I-cord piece completed and resting on a stitch holder, it is time to make our third and final strip of the pattern.

Part 3 brings us a gorgeously simple pattern known as the Rosette Stitch.  Keeping true to this KAL’s theme, the Rosette Stitch is quick to memorize and fun to work.  Every right side row is worked in all knit (Rows 1 and 3).  On the wrong side rows, two stitches are purled together and then knit together before being removed from the left hand needle.  This technique maintains the original stitch count while leaving a pretty rose on the right side of the work.  In Row 2, all of the stitches are worked in the Rosette Stitch.  Row 4 begins and ends with a single purl stitch working the rosettes in between to stagger the design. See Rosette Stitch Video

Today’s clue is worked over 16 stitches that once again follow the Provisional Cast On.  Work a few rows of this pattern and you will agree that the Rosette Stitch is a true American beauty. The Rosette Stitch may be worked over any multiple of even numbered stitches making it a great pattern for many yarns.  Maybe this will become your new “Go To” pattern!

Once this third strip measures 27”, cut the working yarn leaving an 18” tail and place the stitches onto a stitch holder.

Part 4 brings us the finishing steps where the mystery will finally be revealed!

Part Three – American Beauty

Click here to download printable version

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

p2tog – purl two together.  See P2tog Video

With straight or circular needle and waste yarn, cast on 16 stitches using Provisional Cast On.  See Provisional Cast On Video

Row 1. (Right Side)  Knit.

Row 2.  *P2tog leaving the stitches on left hand needle, k2tog these same stitches and remove from left hand needle; repeat from * to end of row. See Rosette Stitch Video

Row 3.  Knit.

Row 4.  P1, *P2tog leaving the stitches on left hand needle, k2tog these same stitches and remove from left hand needle; repeat from * to last stitch, p1.

Work above 4 rows until piece measures 27”.  DO NOT bind off!  Cut yarn leaving an 18” tail.  Place stitches on a stitch holder.

 

Next week’s clue brings us the finishing step with new techniques and videos.  Happy knitting!


Intertwisted – Part 2

 

I hope you enjoyed the “Go-To” pattern in Part One.  This first piece should be resting on a stitch holder anxiously awaiting its next assignment as we work on Part Two.

Have you ever wished that you could knit in your sleep?  I have often longed for that ability when trying to meet a knitting deadline.  I haven’t quite mastered sleep-knitting, but Part Two brings you a pattern so utterly simple that you only need to be partially awake!

Part Two brings us the I-cord.  The I-cord was given its name by Elizabeth Zimmerman who referred to it as an “Idiot-Cord”.  I imagine she coined the phrase to emphasize its easy construction.  The name has been shortened over the years to its friendlier moniker, I-cord.  Yes the I-cord is simple, but smart knitters use it in many clever and ingenious ways.

  • Ties – thread it through a row of eyelet to cinch a waist, bonnet or bag.
  • Cords – excellent as purse straps, especially when felted.
  • Button Loops – a short, thin I-cord makes a great loop for a toggle button and eliminates the need for a buttonhole.
  • Embellishments – appliqué onto finished pieces to create intricate patterns.
  • Bind Offs and Borders – the technique is used to create sturdy, decorative and defined edges to garments.

Because of its many applications, the humble I-cord is really a great little workhorse of knitting.  While it’s not obvious to you yet, our I-cord serves a purpose to be revealed in the finishing.

To make an I-cord, cast on the required number of stitches onto a double pointed needle.  Knit across the row.  DO NOT TURN!  Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle.  Pull the yarn firmly across the back of the stitches and knit across the row.  This is repeated until the I-cord reaches the desired length.  See I-cord Video

An I-cord may also be worked with a circular needle but it does slow the process down with the added length.  This version is demonstrated at the end of the I-cord video.  Keep those double points handy as we have a future use for them.

When knitting an I-cord, be sure to pull the yarn firmly across the back of the row just knit to prevent a ladder, or gap, up the back of your cord.  Should this happen, try this tip:  Use a crochet hook to pick up an extra stitch inside the “ladder” and work it up from the bottom to the top in the same manner as a dropped stitch.  See Dropped Stitch Video

Enjoy this quick section of knitting and use the extra time to catch up on your other projects.  Next week brings us a beauty of a pattern that will require your FULL attention – no more “sleep knitting”!

Part Two – Knit In Your Sleep

Click here to download printable version

I-cord – Cast on required number of stitches onto a double pointed needle.  *Knit across the row.  DO NOT TURN!  Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle pulling the yarn firmly across the back of the stitches.  Repeat from *.  See I-cord Video

With waste yarn, cast on 7 stitches using Provisional Cast On.  See Provisional Cast On Video

With working yarn, work an I-cord until piece measures 27”.

DO NOT BIND OFF!  Place stitches on a stitch holder.

Intertwisted – Part 1

Welcome to the Progressive Needles Knit Along!  I’m honored to have so many returning knitters and thrilled with so many new knitters joining our ranks.  The knit along is designed to further your knitting education while working a pattern especially created for the series.  Whether you are a newer knitter or a veteran, you will find tips and techniques to improve your skills while having fun along the way!

A few tips on how this Knit Along (KAL) works:

  • This is a mystery project with a portion of the pattern, “clue”, revealed here each Thursday in October.
  • A picture of each segment will be posted in the following week’s  clue.  If you just can’t wait a week to see a pattern, check out the Knit Purl Hunter Group on Ravelry to see pictures of other KALer’s work.
  • Our sponsor, Skacel Collection, is once again furnishing fabulous prizes.  Be sure to check out the rules and guidelines and you may find yourself knitting with a new set of addi Clicks!
  • I monitor all questions and comments daily – it’s like having your own private knitting tutor.

Intertwisted

Autumn has officially arrived bringing us into the busy knitting season.  October means knitting while watching football, the World Series, a favorite tv show or a good movie.  The season energizes knitting groups bringing knitters together for witty conversation and fun.  The yarn shops and Ravelry have increased traffic as knitters look ahead to Holiday projects.

All of these delightful distractions can wreak havoc on a knitting project.  A good joke, a touchdown or coffee with friends can spell dropped stitches, jumbled charts and uncrossed cables.  What you need is a pattern that allows you to be sociably distracted while knitting a quick yet interesting and gift-worthy project.  It’s a tall order, but Intertwisted fits the bill!

Intertwisted blends some of my favorite stitch patterns together into a fast-knitting cowl.  It’s interestingly easy which makes it perfect for those distraction-filled knitting occasions.  But don’t let the simplicity fool you!  A dynamic ending to the project will wow you and all your lucky gift recipients.  The luxurious softness and superior stitch definition of Simpliworsted will surely make this your favorite cowl.  After your first Intertwisted, your mind will be racing as you think of the endless possibilities the design brings you.  You can’t stop at just one!

Because the emphasis of the Progressive Needles Knit Along is education, Intertwisted has techniques new to the series complete with video tutorials to guide you along the way.  The addition of a QR code located on the bottom of the downloadable version makes it easy to watch videos on your smart phone.

As in all of our Knit Alongs, the pattern remains a mystery with a portion revealed each week.  However, I want to tease by previewing the titles of each section.

  • Part 1 – My “Go-To” Pattern
  • Part 2 – Knit In Your Sleep
  • Part 3 – American Beauty
  • Part 4 – Wow Finishing!

Intertwisted begins with a Provisional Cast On.  This cast on technique is often used in situations where it is removed later to reveal live stitches that can be knit in the opposite direction.  I can’t tell you just now why this cast on is used here, but it is essential that you begin with the Provisional Cast On using waste yarn.  After the cast on, the piece is knit using the working yarn, Simpliworsted.  Watch my Provisional Cast On Video to start the KAL.

As mentioned, Part One of the cowl features my “Go-To” pattern.  When I don’t know what to do with a skein of yarn, this is the pattern I use.  I have literally used it with every weight of yarn, from lace to super-bulky, on needles ranging from #4 to #35!  This simple pattern lays flat, has no bias and is memorized in seconds.  It looks great on yarns from solid, striped, variegated, hand-spun to textured and more – yep, just about anything.  Tuck this little gem into your knitting bag to make a quick scarf or simple cowl.  My “Go-To” pattern will move from simple to sophisticated in the finishing step.

The “Go-To” pattern is a basic lace pattern.  If you are like me, it is the simple patterns that sometimes trip me up.  I’m lulled into thinking that because it’s so simple I should be able to knit while simultaneously cooking dinner, paying bills and answering emails!  I recommend Lifelines in ALL lace knitting.  It’s too easy for a yarn over to run away and spoil all the fun.  Take the time to utilize this preventative measure.  Watch my Lifelines Video to learn this valuable knitting skill.

Once Part One reaches 27”, DO NOT bind off!  Place these stitches on a stitch holder and remove them from your needles.

Questions, concerns, want to chat?  Post them here or on Ravelry – I am on both daily and would love to hear from you!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

  • 2 skeins Simpliworsted, 55% Merino Superwash/28% Acrylic/17% Nylon, 100g/140 yards each
  • US #10 (6mm) straight or circular needles AND one set of double points
  • 3 stitch holders
  • 2 yards smooth worsted weight yarn in a contrasting color for waste yarn

4 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette.  Gauge is not critical to this project.

One size fits most.

 Part One – My “Go-To” Pattern

Click here to download printable version

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

yo – yarn over.  See Yarn Over or Yarn Over (Continental) Video

With straight or circular needles and waste yarn, cast on 15 stitches using Provisional Cast On.  See Provisional Cast On Video

With working yarn, *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat above row until strip measures 27”.

DO NOT BIND OFF!  Place stitches on a stitch holder.