Every once in awhile it happens. Right place, right time, right? This time it was the very special occasion of AMERICAN IDIOT being in town at the Oriental Theater, my fabulous friend D taking me for my b-day treat (OMG! Thank you!) and moi having to find something to wear in a flash!
Digging in my closet, I found a pullover from long ago with a silly message on it.
It’s a little something I made in 2004, with the letters duplicate stitched on it (but of course, in my favorite color). Actually, I was going through a duplicate stitch fever phase and remember excitedly trying it out on lots of stuff and finding all sorts of alphabets and decorations all over the place.
And, even though the Oriental is a rather fancy-schmancy destination, this musical, being the off-center, explosive celebration of punk rock that it is, was sure to forgive, nay, might even hug a little rebel-rebel…
So I threw it on over a dark T and ran off to see one of the most energetic paeans to Youthful Angst ever. Being a big Green Day fan, it was thrilling!
Here’s a snippet of the last show in New York, but what also happened last night in Chicago, (sans Billy Joe). During the encore, the entire cast took up guitars and good-byed the audience with a little musical love…
Help me celebrate this week’s cavalcade of special days and fun! There’s a copy of the new release of PRINCIPLES OF KNITTING waiting to wing its way to a special knitter here at le Chic.
Now if you love knitting, this book just might blow you away! The sections on shaping and short rows alone made my heart go pitty-pat!
Duplicate stitch is in Chapter 14: Surface Decorations(!) and if you’d like to enter a draw for this book, leave a comment below and tell us what thing you’d most like to learn. (We’ll random draw next TGIF and announce…)
Would love to learn more on shaping.
I’m really bad at picking up stitches, I would love to get better!
Button bands are the bane of my existence.
Good finishing techniques!
Fabulous! For a second, I thought you’d stitched the word on backwards so when you took a photo in a mirror it would read correctly. :)
PS: I’m a curvy girl, so shaping is a skill on which I could greatly improve.
I would love to learn more about Short rows – where they are necessary etc.
Thanks for the chance. I need to practice more finishing techniques.
I would like to get better at intarsia, some tips on how to get the tension right so the surface doesn’t buckle!
Thanks Bonne!!
I’ve heard so many good things about that show. I’m waiting for a chance to see it.
I’d also love to learn to improve my finishing and shaping techniques.
Pick me, please! Always love to learn more fun knitting techniques!
I think the thing I would like to get better at most is seaming. I rip out so many times!
I’d love to learn more about colorwork. I’ve only tried in very small ways (easy slip-stitch patterns), but I keep seeing gorgeous multi-color patterns that I’d like to try. If I get really brave one day, I’d love to make a steeked fair isle cardigan!
I’ve been thinking about trying double knitting — but there are always new things to learn. Thanks!
I love to learn new techniques! Most interested in short rows and shaping.
This looks like an awesome book…learning new things is such an important part of why I’m addicted to knitting. I’ve heard that learning new things fends off alzheimers….and I’m all about that! :)
Definitely short rows
Great give-away! Count me in!
I really need to work on my finishing techniques.
I definitely need to learn more about short rows. I can never seem to pick them up properly on the purl side.
Casting on more stitches, and buttonholes. I look like a doofus when I do either.
I would like to learn more about different ways to cast on, especially for knitting ribbed patterns!
I would like to learn how to Steek!
I would love to improve many skills. But picking up stitches is a big one for me….
I sold the books I had to buy my humble abode. No regrets but would love to have a replacement copy. (Yes, I had two books, but the house was needed more. Again no regrets!)
Patty
Would love more tips on quick fixes and more finishing skills, techniques, etc.
I would like to learn to do a decent looking duplicate stitch.
Would love to learn more about good finishing techniques!
Seaming so I don’t have to rely on my friends to help me finish my sweaters.
I would like to finally master the Twisted German and Tubular cast-ons :) Also, entrelac.
I would love to learn better methods for adding zippers!! (I have yet to try the crochet it in method).
I would love to learn Intarsia.
I would love to learn more about short rows and shaping to get a better fitting garment.
I want to learn it all…I’ve started teaching beginners to knit, and they’re clamoring for more classes, so I have to make sure I stay ahead of the game!
What a fun post to read. And a bonus of entering a contest. I have never tried duplicate stitch but now I might!
I’d like to explore different ways of picking up stitches. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I really need to learn +decent+ finishing techniques. And since I’m only just embarking on my first sweater, all things shaping and seaming, too.
One can never have too many knitting reference books! Count me in on the drawing.
RFZ
Will read cover to cover. Most especially intarsia, need some intarsia project in my busy life.
Janice
Southeastern WI
I want to learn about yarn structure (singles, plies, energy) and how it affects the knitted fabric – I’m a spinner as well as a knitter. Btw, I wore your eyelet cardi at Madrona yesterday, knit out of my own handspun, and got loads of compliments on the great design. If your ears were burning, that’s why!
I would like to learn more cast-ons and bind-offs and when to use them. Thanks for the giveaway!
What an upbeat post!! And what I’d like to learn most is how to work short row shoulder shaping in stranded color patterning. I hate “wings” on my vests.
I’d like more information on buttonbands and buttonholes. I’m terrified of them! Thank you!
I’ve been waiting for JHH to republish this books for years. I would really like to explore double knitting.
Colorwork. And the little things that shift a piece from good to great!
I’d love to learn intarsia.
Shaping seems to baffle me sometimes…..I need help! Help! Please! Thanks for the giveaway.
I would like to learn more about knitting and fitting a cardigan.
Always trying to learn more about fit and more about lace.
I would like to learn more about short rows, how to knit them neatly and where to use them.