This morning while waiting for the rest of the house to wake up, I was looking at various ways to do two color knitting. Like most things, every region seems to have it’s own method . . except so far, I have not seen a “Texas two color knitting method”! 🙂 Maybe I’ll have to invent such a thing.
This video on Peruvian Two Color Knitting is pretty interesting. Even though it’s done from the back side, using purling, it looks easy enough and her results are stunning. Usually I will do about anything I can to avoid purling but I’m going to try this method and see what I think. If you’re interested in two color/stranded knitting and feel like you could use some improvement, you may want to try this method. I can see it working good for hats and mittens but not sure about sweaters – only because I’d rather knit than purl. I did order these knitting pins/hooks because they look interesting and like maybe it would be less wrist movement involved.
Of course, Suzanne Bryan has great videos on the two color knitting subject. This one is very interesting as it shows several methods for using two yarns. This one shows how to catch the floats, which seems to be where I’m struggling.
It seems like my knitting is always hurried – trying to finish a project for a knit along, or meet the Camp Loopy deadline, or get something finished in time to get points for this or that challenge. One of my goals is to take some time to learn new techniques and improve what I’m already doing. I want to do beautiful fair isle knitting. I want to learn to double knit. I want to steek at least one sweater. I want to learn brioche knitting.
Every year at this time, I probably say the same thing but one of the things I want to do in 2019 is slow down, not feel some “challenged” or competitive and do what I want to do on my own timeline. That probably means definitely not doing Camp Loopy, definitely not doing the ESK Yarnathon, and definitely cutting back on the knit alongs I start (but rarely finish).
I know many folks are opposed to resolutions. Call them what you like, do you have any plans for things you would like to do or not do in 2019? Any thoughts as to things you would like to change (in your own life) next year?
Laura Haywood says
I’ve been doing a lot of sewing and machine embroidery as gifts and for a craft bazaar. I think 2019 should be the year of “do whatever I want,” and not so much about meeting deadlines – even self-imposed deadlines.
Carolyn says
Two years ago I quit all the quilt alongs, block of the months, etc. I often made a quilt with fabrics I hated and drove miles and miles for meetings. I gave away every project that I didn’t like, got rid of fabrics for the same reason. I’m a rug hooker and have gone to my last camp. It has all been good decisions for me and now I’m working with fabrics which make me happy. I also work at my own pace. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Joyce says
I want to make 2019 a year of “use the stash”. I have a huge yarn stash for knitting and weaving, although I don’t have a big stash of thread for the floor loom, and a sizable stash of fiber for spinning, and several whole fleeces for spinning. I forget what all have until I pull it out to look for something…just looking at the pictures on Ravelry doesn’t really remind me just how much I have either. It’s only when I pull out tub after tub that I realize just how much is there.
vivoaks says
I learned two-color knitting from my grandmother when she lived with us for several years when I was a teen. I even made an afghan with 4-color maple leaves when I was in the Army. I still have it. My biggest “resolution” for the coming months and into 2019 is to organize this chaos that I call my home. I can’t do the quilting and crafting that I’d like to do because every time I want to start something, I can’t find the parts I’m looking for! Wish me luck!
Nelle Coursey says
I want to be a better friend and person. I don’t do enough for others and I need to do more. God has given me talents and I think I need to share those. I need to finish a cap for a friend before next summer! LOL You know who that friend is!! I may get it done before Christmas, or I hope to! I want to learn more about knitting and challenge myself a little more. I have done a lot of that this year. If I don’t figure this beading out, I may need to go to Ft. Worth! LOL I guess I can meet Bethany there!
Maggie says
https://annkingstone.com/knitting_school/stranded/trapping-floats/ I learned a lot about trapping floats from Ann Kingstone.
I am moving house in January, so most of my goals are probably going to revolve around setting up the new house.
dezertsuz says
Sort of the same as you, only with quilting. I already cut back on buying fabric this year and using what I have. I have 40 yards out of my stash this year and hope to make 50 by January 1. Next, I want to start fewer things, too. I want to commit to fewer projects and blog hops and other things, and stick with just what I want to do and finish. A lot like what you describe, only no purling OR knitting. LOL
Karen says
I stopped participating in the KALs, challenges etc last year. I wasn’t getting anything finished and I was stressing myself out. I still purchase some of the KAL patterns because I want to knit whatever it is but on my schedule:)
DonnainKS says
First, keep husband out of the hospital; have had enough of that! I plan to start projects with deadlines earlier, finish earlier. January 1, I begin the graduation quilt due in May. Also get on UFOs, too many taking up space. Many lovely items waiting to become usable. I will be more selective about retreats. I accomplish much more devoting a day at home to a personal retreat! And tho some would disagree with this one, accept less responsibility at church, guild and for friends.