Well, I did get a little swatching done this weekend. Sometimes just playing around with things helps get the juices flowing :)
In my mind I call this Staggered Seed though I’m sure it has another name. All it is, is a row of seed stitch alternating with a purled row. Over an uneven number of stitches:
Row 1: K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end
Row 4: Purl
Repeat these four rows for pattern.
As this yarn is a bit heathery, it doesn’t show the pattern as well as could be but I think it’s fairly visible. I like it quite a bit and it would be a great texture stitch, worked in a solid color.
Same swatch - back side. I was surprised that the reverse side of the swatch was pretty interesting too - a really nubbly look like pebbles or small paving stones. I don’t generally like that back sides of knitted fabrics and have always figured they’re the back side for a reason - as in they don’t look so hot! But this one - I’d consider using this :) I also want to try the above stitch pattern knitting rows 2 and 4 rather than purling.
This is a mini-vine lace and I really like the look. However, this swatch (all the swatches, as a matter of fact) was done with DK weight yarn on size 6 US (4mm) needles and I believe the pattern would have benefited from the use of larger pins - size 8 US (5mm), perhaps.
This pattern is very simple (multiple of 10 + 1):
Row 1: (wrong side) Purl.
Row 2: K2, *yo, K1, SSK, K2tog, K1, yo, k1; rep from *, end K1.
Row 3: Purl
Row 4: K1, * yo, K1, SSK, K2tog, K1, yo, k1; rep from *, end K2.
My only real problem with it is that I seem to be incapable of remembering which row I did last. Because rows 2 and 4 are identical, except for the shift over of one stitch, I can’t remember which one I’m on or which one comes next! You’d think this wouldn’t be a tough thing, wouldn’t you? You’re forgetting that this is the girl who can’t count her toes and come up with the same answer twice :)
Then there are the increase swatches…
These were both done the same way:
Cast on 5 stitches.
Row 1: K1, inc, K1, inc, K1, inc, K1, inc, K1
Row 2: Purl
...and continued by increasing 4 stitches on every right side row: one after the first stitch, one on either side of the center stitch, and one immediately preceding the last stitch. On the bottom swatch (the smaller one) I used a YO (yarn over) for the increase. You can’t make it out because the top has curled over, but this creates a row of eyelets along the top of the triangle which I find I don’t really like much. I also don’t like the look of the eyelets on either side of the center stitch - they remind me too much of runs in stockings :( Maybe using 3 or 4 or 5 stitches (or maybe a small cable?) in the center rather than just one stitch would help alleviate that?
For the larger swatch, I used a backwards loop for the increase and am much happier with the look. I also threw in a ridge of garter stitch just for fun, once in the middle of things and once just before I bound off which I think makes a very spiffy looking edge! I’ll have to remember that :)
I have to say, while this exercise didn’t entirely clear up the creative log-jam in my brain, it did help and I will probably continue this for another day or so and see what happens.
Oh, and I finished the mitts - even added a contrast, crocheted trim just for giggles. While I like the way it looks, I would probably just do the cast on and cast off rows in the contrast color the next time the notion strikes me :)
And that was my weekend :) How was yours?
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ooh, nice mitts and such a lively spring-like color too-
i like the ‘staggered seed’ look- i think that would look nice scattered among some of the interminable rows of stockinette in sweaters when you need a bit of a texture-break (if only to keep the knitter from screaming and swearing!)-
the idea of a small cable as the center row for the shawl is interesting- i usually do the old yo thing, as it is just sooo very easy, and lately i am so uninspired that easy is the only way to go-
now i must go and get myself all dressed up to attend a funeral- thought for the day is that i find i wear ratty old tennies and jeans to visit the living and then dress up to visit those who have passed on- the longer i live, the stranger i find things!
take care and stay happy-
Sounds like a restful weekend. Me, too. Finished several small things and dug out all the baby bootie and baby sock recipes I have. Were I to knit one set of each, all the babies in a mid-size city would have very toasty toes, indeed. Hope your knitting ennui evaporates soon.
Here’s a two-sided stitch to try - from the mother of one of our local knitting shop students:
Cast on an even number.
Row 1: Sl1, knit to end.
Rows 2 & 3: Sl1, *K1,P1* to last stitch, K1.
Row 4: Repeat row 1.
We call this Mary’s stitch, after the lady who made so many scarves with it.
Barb - Sorry to hear about the funeral though your observation on clothing is trenchant :)
Mimi - Somehow the idea of you clothing the feet of every baby in a 50 mile radius is enormously appealing :)
Gonna do the hats too?
Diane - I am fascinated with reversible stitch patterns and I couldn’t wait to try this one. Very nice looking - thanks for adding to my collection!
That does sound delightful. I have just about the same number of baby hat patterns. The journey begins one sock at a time.
love the samples and the mittens are lovely, so springlike. Unlike the weather here where it has rained all night and all day
amber
I’m swatching something very similar for the Classic Elite tunic here - http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/bamboozle-tunic-lacefrnt.html I will post a picture of the swatch tonight—it is very pretty.
Mimi - LOL, well, I’m just trying to keep you busy :)
Amber - Swatches are what I do when I can’t think of anything else to do :) Thanks about the mitts - they go halfway up my arms and I love them!
Rob - I’m looking forward to seeing your swatch.
Heheh - doesn’t that sound like it could be a come on?
Hey little girl - you wanna come up and see my swatches?
Pay no attention, I’m feeling silly tonight :)
Rob, leaning against a lamp post: C’mon over and take a look at mine.
I always love it when your swatching :)
The mitts are lovely as always.
Rob - ROFL! Heavens, twin daughters of different mothers, indeed!
Maureen - Thanks. Sometimes I swear it’s the swatching that keeps me sane, rather than the actual projects!
What fun to play with yarn! I need to do some of that. What a great way to get the juices flowing.
