It might seem daft, given how many socks I knit, but for a long time I've avoided knitting hats. There were lots of things about hat knitting that made me quite anxious. The first hurdle is the cast on. A hat needs a stretchy cast on, and most patterns recommend a long tail cast on. … Continue reading Conquering Hats
Tag: tips
Eastern Purl
Many years ago, back when the world was young, I learned to purl. I was thrilled; I hated garter stitch! I didn't want to do that lumpy, bumpy knitting. I wanted to do the nice smooth knitting like my Mum did. Grown up knitting. Except my stocking stitch never looked quite right. Then I worked … Continue reading Eastern Purl
Yarn Over Increases
Just over a year ago, Louise Tilbrook, one of my favourite knitting designers, wrote a short post about different ways to work toe increases. What she had to say about yarn over increases immediately caught my eye: I also like this method because it is impossible to get confused as to which round you are … Continue reading Yarn Over Increases
Sealed With A Kiss
A plain toe-up sock with a Fish Lips Kiss Heel has very quickly become my 'Prozac Knit'. I love it, and when I feel stressed, it's the perfect project; no counting or complicated patterning. All I need is my knitting, a row counter and my template. I have mastered Judy's Magic Cast On and, for … Continue reading Sealed With A Kiss