cowl – Sticks-a-GoGo

Stitches Wednesday #3

I decided to convert this week’s stitch pattern from flat to circular. I hiked to my local library in search of Margaret Radcliffe’s, Circular Knitting Workshop, which focuses on essential techniques to master knitting in the round.

I’ve always known the gauge swatch for circular knitting should be done circularly, but I avoided doing it. So, I decided to experiment with an open-backed swatch on double-pointed needles while carrying the yarn across the back – the same technique for knitting i-cord.

Stitches Wednesday #3A

It just so happens my gauge was slightly looser compared to knitting the same stitch pattern flat.

Stitches Wednesday #3B.jpg

Binary Stitches #3©

The following directions are for flat knitting:

8-st repeat

Row 1: *K3, P1, K3, P1, *repeat across the row.

Row 2: All even numbered rows, knit stitches as they present themselves.

Row 3: *K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, *repeat across the row.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: *P1, K2, P2, K2, P1, *repeat across the row.

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Row 7: *P8, *repeat across the row.

Row 8: Repeat Row 2

Row 9: *P3, K2, P3, *repeat across the row.

Row 10: Repeat Row 2

End of pattern

Neck Adornment #1

Materials: US Size #7 circular needle, Yarn: Schoppel Gradient 100% Virgin wool, 260 m, qty (2).

Circular Gauge: 4.5 sts = 1″ 4 rounds = 1″

Circumference: 44″ Width: 15″

Stitiches Wednesday #3 — Binary Stitches© – Neck Adornment #1

CO 217 sts (extra stitch included) join in the round.

Cast on one extra stitch. To join, slip one stitch purlwise from the right needle to the left needle. Holding the cast-on tail together with the working yarn, knit 2 together which will join the first and last stitches of the cast on, place marker. When you come to the first stitch at the beginning of the next round, knit the 2 strands together.

Circurlar (converted flat pattern above)

Rnd 1: *K3, P1, K3, P1, *repeat across the row.

Rnd 2: *K1, P3, K1, P3,

Rnd 3: *K1, P2, K2, P2, K1

Rnd 4: *P1, K2, P2, K2, P1

Rnd 5: Repeat Rnd 4

Rnd 6: Repeat Rnd 3

Rnd 7: P8

Rnd 8: Repeat Rnd 7

Rnd 9: P3, K2, P3

Rnd 10: K3, P2, K3

End of pattern. Continue repeating until desired width is reached.

CO 217 sts (extra stitch included) join in the round.

Woven Mesh Cowl Redux

Originally, I designed the Woven Mesh Cowl with a yarn that is no longer available. Previously, I didn’t have control over what I designed with, but this time I selected from my own stash of Habu textiles and vintage rayon yarn from The Great Adirondack Yarn Co. How liberating! I improved the design by adding a K2 P2 rib which eliminates the rolled edge of stockinette stitch. I combined different colors of Habu wrapped merino for the stitch pattern, used wrapped silk for the rib stitch and each segment of the pattern stitch is separated by a touch of copper-colored metallic lame rayon yarn.

The pattern stitch knit in the round:

Rnd 1: Knit

Rnd 2: *Purl 1, Slip 1 wyif* repeat across round

Rnd 3: Knit

Rnd 4: *Slip 1 wyif, Purl 1* repeat across round

Gauge: Approximately 4.5 sts/5 sts per inch

CO 223 stitches using a Size 7 needle. Join being careful not to twist stitches. I cast on an extra stitch for joining. If using another method of joining, use an even amount of stitches. I began with 8 rounds of rib followed by the pattern stitch. Separate each segment of pattern stitch with rounds of stockinette stitch. When cowl has reached desired width, end with 8 rounds of rib.

Bind off loosely.

East Meets West

I recently discovered a free pattern offer by Noro called Reversible Scarf. The pattern is also available in Noro’s Issue 4 Knitting Magazine. The Reversible Scarf knit with two balls of Noro Obi on a US Size 10 circular needle in Garter Lace moves fast. The Garter Lace pattern consists of a four round repeat.

Rnd 1 Knit

Rnd 2 Purl

Rnd 3 Knit

Rnd 4 *Yo, SKP, rep from* around

I decided to pair the Reversible Scarf with Stephen West’s Pogona from Book One. Pogona is knit with Diakeito Dia Scene. Diakeito is another yarn imported from Japan not easily found in Northern California. I was first introduced to Diakeito at Stitches West by Andrea, the owner of Seaport Yarn http://www.seaportyarn.com located in New York’s financial district.

Much to my surprise on a recent visit to the East Bay (Berkeley, CA), I discovered a source for Diakeito. The long color repeat of both yarns along with the textural qualities of Obi are visually interesting.

Around And Around

Tonight, I bound off GAP-tastic Cowl designed by Jen Geigley. The free pattern download found on Ravelry is a favorite of many. Two skeins of bulky weight yarn (approx. 300 yds.), US 13 needles and rounds of seed stitch builds an over sized neck adornment.

Why not wrap GAP-tastic Cowl around your neck and brave the cold on a daily visit to your local coffee shop?

Neck Candy

What happens when you design a pattern and use two different types of yarn, which can be worn three different ways?

The neck adornment shown on the left displays two different gauges of Noro yarn consisting of silk, wool and a small amount of nylon. I decided to use a heavier gauge yarn from Katia because it coordinates well with the color and texture of the Noro yarn.

The lower image shows Cool Stuff by Prism Yarn. Prism Yarn known for its “glitz and glam” creates an ornate and opulent appearance by adding glitzy, novelty and textured yarns all in one hank of color. Each yarn is tied together forming one continuous yarn of surprises. I mixed Cool Stuff with a variety of other glitzy yarns, and marvel at the luxurious combination of sparkle and texture. Both neck adornments were knit using garter stitch. I plan on adding a crocheted edge to both.

Neck Candy may also be worn as a shawl.

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