The rainy, overcast weather makes for some yummy late summer knittin’ ease. Here’s my Khaki pulli – I’m thinkin’ it’s going to be fun to wear in September. (It’s almost September… :)
You can sort of see I am using 2 – 32″ circular needles to knit this in the round. The light here is really faint this morning – hard to get a good shot (and I don’t like flash). Anyway, when a sweater is all huge in the shoulder area with the mammoth amount of stitches you get when you knit in one piece, it is easier, IMHO, to use the two circs – smooth operation. Many people use this technique to knit the small tubes like you get in socks and gloves. I like it for the Big Tubes you get on a sweater.
I use one needle for each *side* – going from mid-sleeve to other mid-sleeve per needle, which is cool on ribbing because if there are any (and believe it or not there ususally isn’t when you get the hang of it) wonky join problems, it’s in the purl valley. (Sounds like a good place to live – “in the purl valley”). If I was doing a different kind of stitch pattern, I might position the join elsewhere to minimize any probs.
This two circular method is really easy on the wrists and hands too – my Mom took to it like a duck to water and she has pretty dire arthritis. Thank you all who have asked about her – she is doing better – still struggling with extreme degenerative disk disease and the many day-to-day challenges our elders face.
Like much in life, small changes can make a big difference in comfort levels, so I’m also knitting the RP inside out to keep it clean as it travels with me on the #66. No kid glove handling when we go mobile! It’s in the bag, stuffed. Out of the bag lapped. I do believe this is the first thing I’ve ever knit in public that I haven’t been asked if it is a Scarf! WOOT! Some kind of knitic sonic barrier has been crossed! Could be time to knit an entire sweater with #3 needles!
Maybe not.
Very cute! Two circs definitely sounds like the way to go with all of the stitches.
Haven’t tried this technique on a sweater…but sure know dpns and sox! So…have made a note and when next work on something for m’self, may give it a go. By the by, your technique for cutting and lengthening/shortening sweaters is working like a charm on my DD’s ribby (lengthening body) and my DS’s lo-tech sweat (shortening sleeves). Thanks!
I’ve used two circs, or magic loop, for odd sized pieces like sleeves. You know, where the stitches are falling off the DPNs, but I don’t want a seam. I haven’t knit any yoked sweaters lately, but I’ll try to remember this technique for the next time. Or may this will be a good technique if I ever get around to trying a top-down sweater for myself.
It pays to have as many tools in your toolbox as you can- IMHO.
Fun! I adore the two circ method. And I’ve never had trouble with ladders either. Still, every once in a while I still knit with dpn’s, because it feels so…well, traditional!
Great suggestion on the 2 circs – I use this or magic loop to do anything in the round that’s smaller as I hate dpns, but haven’t tried the 2 circs on a larger piece. Thanks!
Great timing, Bonne! I am 2 inches in to my ribby pulli too — in sage green (Calmer)! Glad to have the tip on 2 circs, will use that. You are right though — right now it’s awesome thinkless knitting, like a big sock. Love seeing the 2×2 ribbing flowing from the needles.
What length sleeve are you doing on the one you’re working on now? I am thinking of doing 3/4 length instead of short, so it’s more of an office piece (my arms are always cold, summer or fall in the office).
Also, I remember from the first ribby pulli you did (in that Lorna’s Laces chocolate mint yarn) that I really loved the open, square neckline before you put in the collar — any suggestions on modifying the collar to make it more squarish? Or does that collar look squarish on a person?
More questions!
I am falling in love with the equinox yoke sweater on the cover of the latest IK (Fall 2006). But why do you think they knit the sleeves flat? Why not do the whole thing in the round, with little bound-off underarm gussets? Going to write the designer, but wondering if you have an opinion — you have lots of experience with garment construction in this regard.
I like the idea of workin the project inside out — cool!
Thanks for reading this long ramble with many questions!
I haven’t tried the two circular method yet. I bought a pair to try with socks but still pull out my dp’s when I cast on a pair. Old habits and all that…
You are getting close to the end of the pulli. I can’t wait to see it!
Thanks for the great explanation – I know this is a very useful tip for knitters, me at least! Somehow rediscovered Bates’ Silvalune line of circs and w. this tip it would make knitting very fun!
Glad to hear your mom is doing better. Can’t wait to see the pulli on you!
The khaki pulli will be great to wear in September. So close. I’ve not yet knit one on two circs, but that is a good idea. I’m glad to hear your mom is ok. It sounds like she’s as good as it can be and that’s all you can ask for. I hope that she continues to take care of herself.
I love two circs for that same situation!
Heh, I have a tank top knit on size 0s… :)
looking v good! And why not give the 3mm’s a go? I love the look and feel of sportweight yarn knit on 3’s, and it goes surprisingly fast once you get over the trauma of small needles in your hands
I’m keeping my eye on Ribby. She will be a great fall/winter sweater…hint, hint.
It’s not easy growing old. Good thoughts to you and your mother as you find ways of dealing with the pain and caretaking.
Glad to hear that somebody’s making progress on a WIP, cause I sure ain’t.
gorgeous color on your ribby… very fall! i *can’t wait* for crisp air… sigh. i’ve never tried the 2 circ method but use the magic loop. for some reason the 2 circ just has not “clicked” with me, but the magic loop feels so easy! ladders a bit, but it all seems to come out with the wash.
[raising hand and waving wildly]: did i miss something? is there a pattern available for the ribbipulli?