Repeat Performance – Revealed!

Thank you so much for knitting with me!  Another big thank you to our sponsor, Skacel, for providing fabulous prizes to all our loyal knitters!

Please join me in January as the Progressive Needles KAL continues with Winter Buzz, a delightfully fun mitten pattern.  This toasty mitten features cables, a full-fashioned thumb gusset and more.  (Our warm weather friends may opt for fingerless mitts.)

Winter Buzz uses Simpliworsted yarn for a soft and washable mitten.  If you enjoyed Simplicity in the Triplicity shawlette you will adore its plump sister!  The mittens use 2 skeins of Simpliworsted and US #5 and #7 needles with a gauge of 5 stitches per inch on larger size needles.

 

Repeat Performance – Part 4

    

The Short Row Heels are complete and it is time to cruise on up the leg.  Repeat Performance’s textured design will flow from the foot into the leg.  Each sock will have you working the respective chart over all 64 (72) of the stitches.  Something quite interesting happens when the charts are repeated over the leg stitches.  The socks will be a mirror image of each other but when viewed from the back the design is reversed.

It sounds complicated but it couldn’t be more simple!  Sock #1 Chart will be repeated twice over all Sock #1’s stitches.  Sock #2 Chart will be repeated twice over all its stitches.  Here is how it works for 2aat:

  • Work Sock #1 Chart over first 32(36) stitches of Sock #1 for front of leg.
  • Work Sock #2 Chart over first 32(36) stitches of Sock #2 for front of leg.
  • Work Sock #2 Chart over second 32(36) stitches of Sock #2 for back of leg.
  • Work Sock #1 Chart over second 32(36) stitches of Sock #1 for back of leg.

If you are knitting one sock at a time, repeat the appropriate chart twice over all the leg stitches.

When your sock reaches 1” less than the desired length, work a k2, p2 rib for the cuff.

Lastly, it is time to bind off.  I prefer the Sewn Bind Off for my toe up socks.  This bind off gives a nice stretch to your socks and the “Sewn Bind Off” Video will assist you with this technique.  If this is your first toe up sock it is important to note that the standard bind off will not give enough stretch for the ankle.  I have seen some great toe up socks become “unwearable” because an incorrect bind off was used.

Binding off 2aat is a snap!  Watch my “Two at a Time Socks – Bind Off” Video to guide you through the steps.

I will post a picture of the completed socks tomorrow as my Thanksgiving gift to you!  As I count all my blessings, please know that you are at the top of my list!

Part Four

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 Leg

Sock #1

Continue knitting in the round with all 64(72) stitches worked in Sock #1 charted design pattern until leg reaches 4” or desired height ending after Row 4.

Sock #2

Continue knitting in the round with all 64(72) stitches worked in Sock #2 charted design pattern until leg reaches 4” or desired height ending after Row 4.

Cuff

Cuff  – Work rib in appropriate size for 1”.

Medium Size – Both Socks

k1, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Large Size – Sock #1

*k2, p2; repeat from * to end of round.

Large Size – Sock #2

*p2, k2; repeat from * to end of round.

Bind off using Sewn Bind Off method.  See “Sewn Bind Off” Video

After hours of toiling over the tiny stitches in a pair of socks,

I still can’t wait to start the next pair!

©2011 Michelle Hunter

Join me in January as the Progressive Needles KAL continues with Winter Buzz, a delightfully fun mitten pattern.  This toasty mitten features cables, a full-fashioned thumb gusset and more.  (Our warm weather friends may opt for fingerless mitts.)

Winter Buzz uses Simpliworsted yarn for a soft and washable mitten.  If you enjoyed Simplicity in the Triplicity shawlette you will adore its plump sister!  The mittens use 2 skeins of Simpliworsted and US #5 and #7 needles with a gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch on larger size needles.

Repeat Peformance – Part 3

With our foot (feet if you are 2aat!) complete, it is time to create the heel.  The heel is my favorite part of the sock.  I can’t help but smile every time I turn a heel as I marvel at the magic of knitting.  I chose the Short Row Heel for Repeat Performance since it lends itself easily to two at a time toe up knitting.  Whether you are on dpns or circular needles with one or two at a time, you will find that this heel provides a nice complement to the instep design.

I have several videos that will assist you with the heel construction.  If you are new to Short Row Heels, “Short Row Heel – Part 1 and Part 2” will take you through each step of the process.  A separate video, “Two at a Time – Short Row Heel”, addresses the issues faced when working both heels at once.  There are also videos for Wrap & Turn and Picking Up Wraps if you are in need of a quick review of these techniques.

Part Three

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W&T (Wrap & Turn)  See “Wrap and Turn” Video

On knit side – slip 1, bring yarn to front of work, slip same stitch back to left needle, bring yarn to back of work, turn.

On purl side – slip 1, bring yarn to back of work, slip same stitch back to left needle, bring yarn to front of work, turn.

Note:  If you are knitting two socks at one time, See “Two At A Time Socks – Short Row Heel” Video for tips in knitting both heels at once.

If you are knitting 2aat this is the order in which the socks will be worked:

  • On 1st sock, work Sock #1 chart over instep stitches.
  • On 2nd sock, work Sock #2 chart over instep stitches.
  • Knit heel of 2nd sock leaving one wrap to pick up.
  • Knit heel of 1st sock leaving one wrap to pick up.
  • Pattern across instep of Sock #1.
  • Pattern across instep of Sock #2.
  • Pick up last wrap on Sock #2.  Knit remaining heel stitches.
  • Pick up last wrap on Sock #1.  Knit remaining heel stitches.

Heel

See “Short Row Heel – Part 1” Video

Work Row 1 of charted design pattern across 32(36) instep stitches.  (2aat will work across BOTH insteps.)  These stitches will remain unworked during heel construction.  The 32(36) sole stitches will form the heel.

Work across heel stitches as follows:

Row 1.  Knit to last stitch on heel, W&T.

Row 2.  Purl to last stitch on heel, W&T.

Row 3.  Knit to stitch before wrapped stitch, W&T.

Row 4.  Purl to stitch before wrapped stitch, W&T.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until there are 12(14) unwrapped center stitches ending after Row 4.  There will be 10(11) wrapped stitches on each side of the center stitches.

Pick up (unwrap) wrapped stitches as follows:  See “Short Row Heel – Part 2” Video

Row 1.  Slip 1, knit to 1st wrapped stitch, lift front leg of wrap from front to back (placing left leg of wrap in front of needle) and knit it together with next stitch through the back loop, turn.

Row 2.  Slip 1, purl to 1st wrapped stitch, lift back leg of wrap from back to front (placing right leg of wrap on front of needle) and purl it together with next stitch, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 1 wrapped stitch remains on each side of heel ending after Row 2.

Slip 1, knit across heel stitches and unwrap last stitch on knit side leaving one remaining wrapped stitch on the purl side.  (Do not go back and unwrap!)

(2aat will continue with heel on Sock #1 before moving on to next step.)

Work across instep in Row 2 of charted design pattern. Unwrap last remaining wrap on the knit side by lifting wrap on needle (as on previous knit rows) and knit it together with next stitch through the back loop.  Knit remainder of heel stitches.

STOP!

Our leg design will be revealed in Clue #4.  Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, this clue will be released on Wednesday, November 23rd.

Happy knitting!

 

Repeat Performance – Part 2

Now that our toes are complete it is time to add some texture stitches to the top of the foot known as the instep.  I have chosen to pair the garter rib with a unique stitch that I call the “Stubble Stitch” (important info on this stitch below).  This handsome design will be repeated in a mirror image on the second instep – Repeat Performance!

Mirror image designs create interest without much effort.  I have taken the guesswork out of how to accomplish mirror imaging by providing you with a chart for each sock.  Use Sock #1 chart for the instep of your first sock and Sock #2 chart for the mirror image on the second sock.  Going from chart to chart may seem cumbersome at first but the design establishes itself quite quickly.  I think you will have it memorized in no time and will enjoy the easy repeat.

If you are new to charts you will find their visual cues a handy reference.  A chart is read from right to left and from bottom to top.  For a tutorial on charts watch the “Charts” Video.  This video will walk you through both flat and circular knitting charts (as used here).  The circular knitting chart portion begins at the end of the video at the 6:00 mark.

Remember that the charts here are for the instep only and you will need to knit all of the sole stitches (stockinette) to complete each round. In other words, on the odd numbered rows the texture stitches are worked over the instep with the sole remaining in all knit. Every even numbered row of the chart is all knit.  This means that you will knit all 64(72) stitches of EACH sock on an even round.

If you are knitting 2aat this is the order in which the socks will be worked:

  • On 1st sock, work Sock #1 chart over instep stitches.
  • On 2nd sock, work Sock #2 chart over instep stitches.
  • Knit all the sole stitches of 2nd sock.
  • Knit all the sole stitches of 1st sock.

The Stubble Stitch (See Stubble Stitch” Video) is a quirky little nub that will give your knitting depth and interest.  This stitch is executed by working a yarn over followed by two purl stitches.  The yarn over is then passed over the two purl stitches and off the right hand needle.  The charted symbol for the Stubble Stitch is two horseshoes .  Every time you see the double horseshoes you will work the Stubble Stitch  ONE time. The symbol covers two chart squares (much like a cable stitch symbol) because this is what the stitch will look like in your knitting after it is completed.  In this pattern every Stubble Stitch is separated by two knit stitches.

To clarify how to use the charts with the Stubble Stitch, I will use Sock #1 Medium Size as an example of how to knit Row 1.  Work as follows (Stubble Stitch is in parentheses):

K1, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k4, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k2, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k2, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k3.

The Stubble Stitch was worked 3 times in Row 1 of Sock #1.

Lastly, the Stubble Stitch requires a yarn over before the two purl stitches.  Western-style knitters (yarn held in right hand) will need to take care to execute the yarn over correctly.  This is covered in the Stubble Stitch and Yarn Over videos.

I hope this lengthy explanation is helpful to you.  The sock is really very simple and I’m sure you will do just fine.  Remember, I am here and on Ravelry should you have any questions!

Part Two

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Stubble Stitch – yo, p2, pass yo over the two purl stitches and off the right hand needle.  See “Stubble Stitch” Video

yo – yarn over.  See “Yarn Over” Video

Directions are for Medium Size (Large Size in parentheses when necessary).

First 32(36) stitches will form the instep (top of foot), with second 32(36) stitches forming the sole.

Foot

Sock #1

Work Sock #1 chart in appropriate size over instep stitches (see below).

Knit all sole stitches.

Continue knitting in pattern until foot measures 2” less than desired length of foot ending after Row 4.

Sock #2

Same as Sock #1, using Sock #2 chart in appropriate size over instep stitches (see below).

Sock #1 – Medium Size

Sock #2 – Medium Size

Sock #1 – Large Size

Sock #2 – Large Size

STOP!  Next week’s clue brings us the heels knit two at a time.  Happy knitting!

Repeat Performance – Part 1

Welcome to the second pattern in the Progressive Needles Knit Along, Repeat Performance, featuring the fabulously soft Royal sock yarn.  This toe up sock will continue our focus on texture stitches and introduce many of you to two at a time sock knitting.  Sock fanatics have long been fans of knitting both socks at once for obvious reasons.  When you bind off at the end of the pattern you have a pair of socks – no more sock orphans!

Virtually any toe up sock pattern may be knit two at a time on one or two circular needles.  Sock patterns are written for one at a time knitting and the knitter can usually just double the efforts to work them both at once.  Repeat Performance is written in the same manner with directions given for one sock.  I will, however, give you plenty of prompts, tips and videos should you want to knit both of these beauties as a pair.  Look for the abbreviation “2aat” to guide you through two at a time knitting.  Double point needle lovers need not abandon their beloved sticks and may knit right along side the two at a timers.

If this is your first toe up sock, I strongly recommend practicing Judy’s Magic Cast On with larger needles and worsted weight yarn.  Knitting techniques are simpler to master on larger needles and yarn.  Once you get the hang of the cast on, grab your sock needles and yarn and I think you will be more successful.  For most knitters the toughest part of toe up socks is getting started with the cast on.  Once the stitches are on the needles it will be clear sailing up the leg.

Part One

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2 skeins, Royal by Austermann, 50g / 219 yards each.

US #1(2.5mm) or size needed to achieve desired gauge.

Note:  If knitting two at a time on the magic loop, use a 40” circular needle.  Two circular needles or double points may also be used.

8.5 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette.

Women’s Medium and Large.

Medium leg circumference measures approximately 7” unstretched and stretches comfortably to 11”.

Large leg circumference measures approximately 8” unstretched and stretches comfortably to 12 ½”.

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See “kfb” Video

2aat – two at a time.

Directions are for Medium Size (Large Size in parentheses when necessary).

NOTE: Pattern is written for one sock!  If you are knitting two at a time look for special tips marked “2aat” throughout the directions.

If you would like to cast on to knit these socks two at a time, see Two At A Time – Toe Up Socks” Video.

TOE

Cast On – See “Judy’s Magic Cast On” Video

Using two needles, cast on 24 stitches using Judy’s Magic Cast On with 12 stitches on each needle.  (2aat -cast on 24 stitches for EACH sock using a separate skein for each sock.)

Securing tail, knit first 12 stitches.  (2aat – This refers to first 12 stitches of each sock.  They are all on your 1st needle.)

Knit second 12 stitches through the back loop.  (2aat – This refers to second 12 stitches of each sock.  They are all on your 2nd needle.)

Toe Increases

If using one or two circular needle knitting method, increases (kfb) are made at the beginning and end of each needle.

(2aat – The increases are made into the first and last stitch of each sock on both needles.)

Round 1.  On 1st needle, kfb, knit to last stitch on needle, kfb;

On 2nd needle, kfb, knit to last stitch on needle, kfb.

Round 2.  Knit all stitches.

 

If using double points, arrange stitches evenly with 6 stitches on 4 needles.  Increases (kfb) are made as follows:

Round 1.  Kfb, knit to last stitch on 2nd needle, kfb, kfb into 1st stitch on 3rd needle, knit to last stitch on 4th needle, kfb.

Round 2.  Knit all stitches.

 

All needle types:  Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until toe reaches 64(72) stitches.  (2aat – each sock will have 64 or 72 stitches.)

 

STOP!  Next week brings us a great new stitch and a interesting design.

 

Happy Knitting!