Posted on : 02/22/2019

12 Reasons to Knit this Blanket (and lessons learned)

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One-Piece Fisherman Rib Blanket

  1. Make-in-a-Weekend
  2. “Instant” gratification
  3. Only 1 panel
  4. Updated design
  5. Stripes with minimal yarn ends
  6. Under $30
  7. Put your ribber to work
  8. Discover Fisherman Rib
  9. Build your ribber confidence
  10. No swatching needed
  11. Perfect your Kitchener Cast on and Bind off
  12. No punchcard or stitch patterning (unless you want to)
Check out the Quick Win at Knit it Now
  • Fisherman Rib knits up WIDE (hmmm… larger garment widths)
  • Watching the colors change is FUN!
  • All that practice of ribbing cast ons was sooo worth it!
  • If I had swatched …. I would have knit at a looser tension and the blanket would have been even wider
  • If I had swatches, I would have KNOWN how long it was going to be 🙂
  • Tubular bind off always takes longer than I expect … “Honey dinner has to wait until I finish this”

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Posted on : 09/11/2018

Bite Size DAK: Copy pieces

In DesignaKnit Tips - Bite Size DAK 0 Comment
Bite Size DAK: Copy pieces

You’ve modified a piece for a specific design (ie. curved hem).  You’ve worked with DAK to get just the right dimensions and shaping instructions for the curve. 

Now that you have one side of the cardigan shaping perfect, what’s the easiest way to create the other side of the front?

Sure, you could just knit the 2nd sweater front reversing the shaping, but what if you want to use interactive knitting or position a stitch pattern exactly on the left side?

Instead of trying to reproduce the curve, simply reproduce the entire piece.

Click  Piece  Duplicate Piece

To reverse it, click Alter  Flip

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Posted on : 08/27/2018

What are your favorite knitting books?

In Machine Knitting Inspiration 14 Comments
What are your favorite knitting books?

Hand or machine, current, vintage, printed or eBooks … what are your favorites?

Here are a few of our favorites

Check out the Knit it Now Bookstore

Watch a REPLAY of our LIVE Show with fellow knitters’ recommendations

Please comment below and share your favorites!

We’ll gather a list of your recommendations and share it with the community.

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Posted on : 08/08/2018

What if I don’t have a sweater that fits?

In Home Study Course,Machine Knitting Inspiration 0 Comment
What if I don’t have a sweater that fits?

With Knit it Now Perfect Fit™ Patterns, we recommend measuring a sweater you LOVE and use those dimensions for your next sweater.  When you measure your body, you then have to account for ease.  

Why not establish your preferred measurement and ease based on a garment you can try on BEFORE you start knitting?

Linda asked:
What if I don’t have a sweater that fits?”

You have options:


1. Use a tee shirt or other knit garment that you have.  In the course I used some tank tops for my measurements.

2. Measure sweaters you have and identify why they “don’t fit” – More than likely you like the sleeves of one and the body of another and the length of a third.  The goal is to identify what you like.

3. Go to the store and try on some sweaters.  (you have an excuse to go shopping!) Find what you like about each one.  Take a tape measure with you and make notes.  This will go a long way to simplifying the process.
Think of it this way … 
Many knitters will start with a sweater knitting pattern in a standard size, guessing how much ease there is and guessing what size to knit.
They then spend the time knitting it only to be disappointed with some part of the fit.
You’ll be more successful if you start with identifying what you like first, then building your knitting pattern to match.  More than likely your first try will be close, but you will want to “tweak” things a bit. 

Determining your dimensions first eliminates a lot of trial and error.

Why knit a sweater, try it on and be disappointed?  Determine what you like FIRST … then get knitting!

Learn to Knit sweaters that FIT
with the course
Fit ONCE … GET KNITTING!

Knit it Now machine knitting course
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Posted on : 07/15/2018

The ONE tip that will change how you do Cut ‘n Sew

In Machine Knitting Techniques 0 Comment
The ONE tip that will change how you do Cut ‘n Sew

Do you use Cut ‘n Sew for shaping? Once you get over the fear, there are so many times this technique comes in handy for machine knitters.

We recently explored using stabilizers to improve our cut ‘n sew skills … and we were pleasantly surprised!

Watch as we learn 3 Cut ‘n Sew lessons:

  1. Easier Sewing
  2. More precise shaping
  3. Wash-away stablizer really washes away!
Watch the full tutorial in the Knit it Now Learning Library

 

 

New to Cut ‘n Sew?  Check out the subscriber series in the Learning Library.

 

For an in-depth look at the various types of stabilizers, check out the article at Threads magazine https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2008/11/03/making-sense-of-stabilizers

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Posted on : 07/08/2018

Interesting Vintage Machine – Regina Royal II

In Machine Knitting Inspiration 4 Comments
Interesting Vintage Machine – Regina Royal II

Merit shared a photo of a new-to-her machine a Regina Royal II. (Her mother purchased this machine in 1975)

She is a hand knitter who is new to machine knitting, but she’s had quite a bit of success already with her machine. (Congrats!)  She is just finishing up a cardigan for her daughter and plans to hand knit the ribbing.

Merit was wise to start with the main bed only and not try to tackle the ribber.  Now that she has some experience under her belt, the ribber won’t be as overwhelming and will expand the capabilities of her machine.

One advantage of a manual machine (no punchcard or electronics) is that it it soooo much easier to learn!  You get a better understanding of the workings of the machine and the relationship between the needle positions and the settings on the carriage. I wish every MKer could start with a manual machine (or at least ignore automatic patterning in the beginning)

Notice the cup near the yarn mast for cakes of yarn ….

Merit asked if anyone has any information about her new friend, Regina.

Have you seen this one before?

Here’s a link to an advertisement for this vintage machine  … price £23

 

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