These days, if I’m not out shooting, I’m shipping! All of the fall 2010 patterns are in and are going out the door as fast as we can box them. What a feeling!
I love this part – but then again, I love mattress stitching ;p
And when I picked up new Fall Chic Knits patterns from the printers, all the shop-guys were totally crushing on the cover models. Yeah baby!
This weekend there was some time for some knitting and several inches later on Sleeve #2, we have something that looks like this:
Because I’m an eternal optimist, I thought I’d be done with #2 by now, but it is going well all the same.
You can see I’m using the Magic Loop Method to do knit this — it’s become my favorite way to do knitting in the round, especially on smaller or tight spaces.
CarolD writes:
“Hi Bonne, I have purchased the Mondo Cable Cardi and it is going really well, all the increases are done, I can’t believe how neat the raglans look, I am so enjoying this pattern, just one thing though, can I use circular needles for the sleeves instead of dpns? I’ve just treated myself to a set of those lovely interchangeable needles and wondered if there are any pros or cons for using the circular needles or the dpns for sleeves. Regards.”
I love this question — because the answer is so easy to give (and to do)!
When a pattern calls for certain way of doing things, it just might not be written in stone and this is a great example.
It’s about the tools.
Like a lot of knitting, there exists many ways to accomplish the same, or similar things.
QUICK! Somebody tell me how many kinds of cast-ons there are!
In this case, a sleeve in-the-round from the top down, starts out as a tube and continues to get smaller and smaller incrementally over a range of rows. Lots of patterns tell you to start with a circular and switch to DPN when the work becomes unmanageable (too tight, too small, too stretched out) with the original needle.
Well, in my case, it becomes unmanageable if I use DPN! I just never got the hang of it.
SO, perfect solution? Another technique that can substitute for the original instruction.
The Trick?
If you can determine whether changing a tool or a decrease or increase, etc. is going to change the Appearance of the garment.
If it doesn’t, you can happily and safely substitute whatever floats your boat!
I’ve been know to enjoy a Two Circ outing once in awhile myself! :)
I switched to magic loop for sleeves after a disaster requiring much frogging and reknitting when I couldn’t get the same gauge on the sleeves with my dpns as I’d gotten on the body of the sweater with a circular needle. Now, when I magic loop my sleeves, I’m using the exact same needles for sleeves as body, so gauge isn’t an issue (I don’t have gauge issues with flat as opposed to circular knitting, fortunately enough).
Sounds like I really need to overcome my fear of magic loop! Also, your sleeves are looking beautiful!
Do not fear the Loop! Once you get the hang of it (and use a needle with a soft cable) it is so much fun!
Alice – that’s a great point about the gauge issue too! It most likely will match in the way you describe. Thanks!
I actually don’t mind the mattress stitch. It’s a form of procrastination…a way to avoid buying more expensive yarn too. :)
I just did two sleeves in the round at one time on one needle. Not the method described in the pattern, but it worked perfectly for me. Each sleeve is exactly the same length and the cables line up perfectly on the cuffs. Wonderful thing about knitting, no police. Generally, the method that works best for you, is the method to use.
You have mentioned your fall collection in your blog a few times now…when do we get to see it? I assume you’re working on new patterns. Will you post them like your Spring/Summer collection?
I have truly enjoyed your patterns — they’re classic in style and simple in construction. I know the pieces I’ve made will stay in style, and look forward to new patterns you may have.
Thanks Amy!
The patterns will be arriving in stores in the next couple of weeks.
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