Let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ, and let us go on into the invincible future with Him. (Oswalt Chambers)

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Chat Back for May 2

Answering questions from comments and email.

Jean asked . . .
The apple blossoms are lovely (are they fragrant?)

Not much of a scent. They're very fragile and only last a few days, but they are pretty.


Someone asked . . .
How do you keep track of which row you are on in the pattern? Do you use a row counter?

I dislike using a row counter. I breaks my knitting rhythm and once I start the next row I can never remember if I clicked the thing or not.

For simple and/or easy and/or obvious patterns, I can look at the stitches and tell which row I'm on. This is a skill that develops over the knitting years.



My favorite way to keep track of rows is to use plastic stitch markers. I slide one into a stitch of Row 1 of the pattern after I finish knitting it. When in doubt about where I am, I can always counts rows up from the marker in Row 1.

For patterns with many rows I also use a post it note, moving it when each row is done. That helps with keeping my place in the printed pattern.


Judy S. asked . . .
How do you like the Cotlin?

Very much.

Sprout is my second Cotlin sweater. A third is in the unfinished bucket waiting for attention, and I'm planning a fourth.

I've worn the Lighthouse Gansey many times and there's no pilling.

A great improvement over knitting with 100% cotton. It's easier on my hands to knit. It's lighter in weight. It washes without shrinking. It wears with hardly any relaxing. It feels good next to the skin.

I knit Cotlin at 6 stitches to the inch, a nice snug fabric. It may not behave as well at a looser gauge.


Dorothy asked . . .
Isn't it nice to know that spring always comes, even if it is not exactly on our timetable?



What a blessing to have an early spring this year.


Kathy commented . . .
I am so jealous of your new eggs. Keep sharing them with us!



If the eggs didn't get too cold during our frosty nights - several dipped below freezing - hatching is due midweek.

Daddy Bluebird is still watching over the nest. If he's optimistic, I'm optimistic.


Jennifer asked . . .
We were wondering how many to cast on for a med woman and a size 11 man?

Number of stitches to cast on is determined by circumference of ankle and/or foot, not length of foot.

For a person with average ankle/foot proportions, my unofficial guideline is:
  • Measure ankle. (Example - 9 inches)
  • Take ankle measurement times gauge. (Example - 9 inches times 8 stitches/inch = 72 stitches)
  • Subtract 10% for negative ease. (Example - 10% of 72 is 7. 72 - 7 = 65 stitches)
  • Adjust number of stitches to the multiple of the stitch pattern. I almost always go down. (Example - Stitch pattern is a multiple of 8, so cast on 64 stitches)

The simple, non mathematical answer to your question assuming a gauge of 8 stitches/inch: For a medium size woman, cast on 64 stitches. For a medium size man, cast on 72 stitches.

Toe shaping usually starts about 1.5 to 2 inches before end of toe.

2 comments:

Judy S. said...

Thx. for the sock sizing tips!

Ann said...

I don't like using row counter too & I use the same stitch marker to mark my rows & it works well.