Category Archives: Tutorials

Pomp, Circumstance; Sweaters!

Congratulations, KP Sweater Class of 2010, you are now sweater knitters! I didn't print up diplomas for you but you have something better than a ceremonial sheet of paper today. Today you have great sweaters, made with your own two hands, that actually fit (or, will once they are done!) There's just so much beauty on display here; read ahead for a closer look at all of these wonderful projects!

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Home Stretch!

I've ben dragging my heels on finishing my sweater for our online Sweater Class, becuase...well, it's hot and so worsted weight is not all that attractive right now...but I think the real reason is something bigger. I'm always a little slow at the end of a project like this, because I feel a little scared to finish! I've already spent so much time working on this piece, and I suppose I want to extend the anticipation of what is to come for just a few more days...or weeks...or, in the case of some of my UFOs, years!

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Design A Sweater, Lesson 7: Finishing!

Hi Knitters! This final edition of the sweater class is all about finishing. In this week's video and handout, I'll discuss weaving in ends, how to finish your turned hem, closing up the underarms, and working the neckline trim! Whew! Each step goes pretty fast, but make sure to take the time to do these steps right, as a well-finished sweater will look a lot better than one with sloppy finishing. Check out our tutorials on finishing, too--they'll give you a lot of information on how to execute the techniques discussed in this lesson. Finshing Tutorials Another resource I really like and use a lot is Nancie Wiseman's Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, which is a wealth of information on every bit of swea=ter finishing you could imagine! And without further ado, here's your handout for this week:

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Design a Sweater, lesson 6: Working the Yoke

The yoke is the most complicated part of a raglan sweater, but I think you’ll find that if you take it slow and workcarefully, it is not very hard at all! The trickiest thing is that the raglan decreases and neckline shaping will be workedat the same time.This is also the most exciting part of the sweater--we arenearing the finish line and for the first time, you’ll get to see your work really start to come together. Pun intended.Let’s get started! Read on for the videos and worksheet:

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Sweater Class Show and Tell

Knitters in our Sweater Class are doing some wonderful work! I was really excited to see all the progess and resources that were shared over the last week. Many of us are discovering that sweater knitting can be easier than we though, and even those of us who are not ready to knit a sweater have been able to follow along, ask questions, and bookmark the lessons for future reference! Follow the link above to view the whole class archive. This week, while we're finishing the body and sleeves of our sweaters, I have some reader-submitttedmaterial to share--some progress pictures, some sweater knitting tools, and some design resources! The first is a progress shot from Linda (poodlechick on Ravelery.) She's making a brilliant red seweater with a seed-stitch hem and swatched, cast on, and knit through the waist decreases all in one weekend! Linda is using Comfy in Serrano and I love the way this is knitting up! Next up are progress pictures of the TWO sweaters that Cellogirl is working along with the class. I have to say, she is a knitting overaceiver in the best way! Read on to see what she's done...

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Design A Sweater, Lesson 1: Swatching and Measuring

Ok, are we all ready to start swatching? Last week we discussed yarn choices and design dreaming, and this week we are going to solidify our yarn choices (if you haven't already!) and find the right needle to get the fabric that your design requires! I've done some extensive swatching (the results of which I share in the videos below) and have settled on knitting my Swish Worsted on US 6 Zephyr needles. Swatching can seem boring when you're itching to cast on a project, but it is one of the most essential parts of the design process, so it deserves a lot of time and attention! In this lesson, I'll be giving tips on how to swatch for the fabric your design needs, and then covering the measuring of gauge from your swatch, and the measurements needed for a succesful knit. All this information ins contained in the pdf linked below, which also has diagrams and blanks for you to fill in with your personal gauge and measurments. Don't worry if you're math-phobic; I've done my nest to keep it simple and to walk you through all the claculations step-by-step! Lesson 1: Swatching and Measuring Read on for more info and Videos...

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Design a Sweater, Lesson 3: Shaping the Torso

Hi there! As you'll see in this week's video, my sweater is coming along swimmingly! Now that I am deep in the process of working the waist shaping, I am remembering why my row counter is my best friend! This week, we'll be discussing how to calculate the increases and decreases that will shape the torso of your sweater to the finished dimensions you desire. It may be helpful for you to look over and print out this week's handout so that you can follow along with the video lesson, in which I'll be walking you through all the math required in this step. I promise, it's not terribly hard :) Click the link below to get the handout: Lesson 3 - Shaping the Torso And check out the videos below!

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Backyard Garden Contest Winners!

When we released the Backyard Garden kit, I created lots of tutorials for fun projects to embellish with your knitted flowers, leaves, and bugs.  But we wanted to hear your ideas too!  We had a contest to see what other knitters plan to embellish with their Backyard Garden kit, and I picked 5 winners who had fun and creative ideas!  Each winner will receive a $25 Knit Picks Gift Certificate, and I will send a message in this community to let them know that they have won! And now for the winners! Cheryl is going to knit a flower for each person who attends her World Wide Knit in Public event! Kyle is going to turn the embellishments into ornaments for his Christmas in July party. Susan suggested using the flowers as luggage tags, so she could easily spot her suitcase at the airport. Evelyn would use the flowers ...

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