Knit Knacks Needed for the Easiest of Knits!
My husband reminds me often, "If you're going to do anything or make anything, invest in the best possible tools."  Fortunately for me, knitting tools won't break the bank.  In the beginning, as I worked on a project, I didn't know the tools I needed.  Heavy sigh...and a trip to the shop.  Now, I TRY to keep them all in one place.  I thought I'd share my list, hoping to keep your trips back to the shop for new projects and not "fill in" notions.

In a light weight zippered bag (others use bandage boxes, cigar boxes or Crystal Light canisters), I like to carry:

• stitch markers:  to fit small and large needles and markers that open to place on work itself.  Snips of straws work in a pinch.

•  a small notebook and pencil help me keep up with pattern notes
• cable needles: I love the rosewood bent assortment, but the hook kind comes in a close second
• a small crochet hook:  I use a "fix it" with a knitting needle on the other end.  I also like a small double point for fixing short courses of lace pattern
• a needle gauge for the needle with no marking
• point protectors: holds stitches on the needle
• pattern highlighting tape, easily removed and replaced:  keeps my place very well
• stitch holders and small lengths of yarn
• tapestry needle:  you'll use it more than you know
• interchangable needle tools:  a small square of drawer liner helps get a better grip for tightening
• row counters, this blue one goes on a straight needle, but I like the clicker kind, too.  There is even one for a circular cable
• a small, covered fingernail file, for those rough spots that always seem to catch on yarn
• and finally, something with which to cut yarn.  I like my letter openers.  I can get it on a plane, magnify stitches, and measure ribbing on a hat or sock. A small scissor works as well as a fingernail clipper.

 The notions wall is stocked full of a variety of notions.  some
you'll like better than others.  Some you can't
live without.  Just don't leave your project bag without them!

Never Worry About Running Out of Yarn While Casting On!

  At the start of the Olympics, our shop began a Knit Along to MAYBE finish before the end of the sporting event.  (I believe quite a few of them will win gold metals for this!)  As we sat together, casting on for Martha Wissing Designs' Rockport Tee, no one wanted to struggle with estimating how much yarn to pull to cast on 360 stitches using the long tail cast on method.  (This is recommended for the pattern to highlight the lace edge.)  We taught them a new method, not the act of casting on, but for beginning the cast on.  

1.     When many stitches are required for a pattern, find the inside pull of the yarn and the outside pull.  (If using multiple balls, just choose your favorite for two balls.)  
2. With these two ends TOGETHER, make a slip knot and place it on the needle as usual.   Leaving enough yarn for the tails to weave in.
3. Hold the tails of the yarn in your hand with the needle to keep them out of the way.
4. Placing the index finger and thumb through the two long strands of yarn as with any long tail cast on, begin the cast on of plenty.  You will not run out of tail!!
5. When you have counted your stitches a couple of times (count twice, cut once),  cut the yarn you do not wish to use.  If you like to pull from the center, cut the yarn coming from the outside and vice versa.  Leave about an 8 inch tail to weave in later.
6. Carefully slip the double yarn slip stitch off the back of the needle.
7. Begin knitting!!
8. You must contend with 3 tails to weave in, but you never have to worry about estimating the length of the tail again!

SSK . . .K2tog  Decreasing Differences

Customers often ask, "Does it matter if I really SSK, or can I just K2tog?"  The short answer is, "Yes!"  Each stitch changes the direction if the lean of the stitch.  Think of the toe of socks...  When you look down, the right side of the toe leans from right to left.  The left side of the toe leans from left to right.  To lean the stitch on the right side of the toe, the decrease has to be an SSK (slip, slip, knit) in order for the stitch to lean against the toes.  As you knit across and need to decrease on the left side of the foot, a K2tog is needed.  Look at the photo above.  The green stitch marker is above the SSK and the purple is above the K2tog.  Needles point to specifically leaning stitches.  As you knit hat patterns or lace work, pay close attention to the directions.  Your stitch definition with thank you!

 

Welcome to our blog, Knitting Cup Purls, offering pearls of wisdom and ideas.  This is my first test page for the new website.  Check back often for ideas, methods, and fun!