Monday, October 24, 2011

We're all turning into foxes...

SO...after much, well, some, ok ALOT of deliberation, I've decided to unite my design and knitting world under the same, sweet red fox. So the address of this blog is moving! Please visit:

http://redribbonfoxknits.blogspot.com

Yay! It will look VERY similar :) I just thought it would be nice and clear and uniform to have things with a similar brand. I'm very excited about the change and so is Mr. Fox. Here is his new look for all things knitting!

So, pretty please update your blog subscriptions and I'm very sorry for any inconvenience, but now we will have even more fun with Mr. Fox as our guide!! xoxoxo

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

New purling method for continental style knitting

So, I have wanted for a LONG time to start knitting continental style, 'picking,' rather than the English style, 'throwing,' that I learned a long time ago. Because I've done some stranded colorwork and have learned to hold one color in each hand, I have become comfortable knitting continental style. BUT, purling has always been a pain for me to do...too slow and cumbersome and not worth giving up the speed I have with English style.

A friend at a knit shop tonight showed me how she purls. I also learned this evening that it is the Norwegian method of purling and that it is used because in Norway they do lots of colorwork knitting in the round. This method allows you to keep your yarn at the back the whole time, so you're not moving your yarn in between your stitches, from the front to the back. It seems like a lot of movement when you break it down slowly, but when you try it out a few times you will definitely pick up speed. If you've ever done a rib cast-on then you may feel that this method seems familiar.

Seriously, why have I never seen this before! Anyway, I'm working on a LARGE cowl neck for the sweater I'm making right now and it's all 2x2 ribbing. This new method may just safe my life and save my elbow! See what you think about it and let me know. Here is a link to knittinghelp.com's video:
Norwegian purling method

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

oh, hi again :)

I found a lovely for you this morning. Beautiful cast silver real knitting and crochet stitches. Isn't this lovely? I am in awe.

Cast Silver Knitting and Crochet article

Today is my first day of a silversmithing class here in Portland. I am so excited! Multnomah Arts Center offers many cool classes and I have ALWAYS wanted to learn metal smithing. I will let you know how it goes. Super excited. Are you learning anything new this fall? So far I've learned Tunisian crochet and natural dyeing. I think I wish I was really going back to school :)