socks working the toe

We are near the end of knitting our first sock!  Here I discuss working the toe decreases.  Feel free to post questions here, or join our facebook group.

Sock Knitting: How Much Yarn Do You Need

The first question in sock class was how much yarn do I need. here are some guidelines:

How to Cast Onto Double Pointed Needles

I'd like to call this series the buffet sock series.  Its the first sock class I've taught and we covered a little bit of everything.  Dpns, magic loop, 2-circs, and pick your favorite ribbing.  At least we stuck to cuff down knitting.  Next time we'll go toe up.

We started at the cast on ... option 1.  Double pointed needles.  (stay tuned for the follow up videos)

The Not So Common Lace Cast On

This is a very pretty cast on.  It is rather fussy to work, and if you hold the yarn in your left hand, it is rather awkward to work, but nonetheless, it is worth the work.  

                       

shaping a sleeve cap with short rows discussion

 Sometimes it is really challenging to see what is going on with a special technique, like shaping a sleeve cap with short rows, while the knitting is on the needles.  Here I try to describe what is happening when working this technique to shape a sleeve cap and how to keep track of where you are.  Leave me a comment if you have any questions, here, or join me in facebook at www.facebook.com/knittingclasses
    

How to Make a Slip Loop

In my beginning knitting classes the single most difficult maneuver to get is how to make the slip loop.  I put together a short video tutorial and I hope it is helpful.  After learning how to get that first loop on the needles, everything else is really much easier!

Color Choices For Hand Knits

There are a of variables that contribute to choosing what colors to knit with.  Your personal preferences, the intended recipients preferences, culture, tradition, what the item you're making will be used for.  So, really, there is no magic formula to the perfect color choice ... you get to make up the rules!  But, if you want a few suggestions as a starting off point.... 

Colors may convey a special meaning.  For those who want to knit an item that expresses solidarity with a specific cause, here are some colors associated with special groups.

Pink - Breast Cancer

Red  - Heart Disease, DUI Awareness (MADD), HIV/AIDS

Grey - Diabetes

Yellow - Testicular Cancer, Deployed Soldiers, Liver Cancer & Liver Disease, Bladder Cancer

Blue - Drunk Driving, Epstein-Barr

Purple - Alzheimer's Disease, Animal Abuse, Cancer Survivor, Children with Disabilities, Crohn's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis

Orange - Hunger Awareness, Leukemia, Lupus

Silver - Abuse of the Elderly

Teal - Ovarian Cancer, Sexual Violence, Spaying & Neutering Pets, Substance Abuse

White - Peace, Bone Disease & Bone Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis

Black - POW-MIA, Anti-Gang

     

Colors are also associated with specific emotions.  

Pink - this color generally represents sweetness and sensitivity, and is seen as indicative of health and vibrancy. It stands for faith and fidelity, and is a good color to demonstrate steadfast friendship.

Red - a passionate and energetic color, this color has long symbolizing energy, power and courage, and can give the wearer strength and fortitude. It also signifies romantic love.

Purple - dignified, mysterious and sophisticated, this color has long been associated with royalty and magic. It inspires awareness and sensitivity, and taps into the unconscious.

Lavender - This refined and delicate shade stands for sensual femininity. It has a genteel presence, and suggests elegance and grace.

Mauve - This noble color projects a high regard for style. Simultaneously subdued and rich, this color projects both a regal and exclusive air.

Blue - this color is associated with stability and steadfastness and often represents tranquility. It is cool and peaceful and can have calming influences.

Green - the universal color of nature, green represents growth, fertility, and health. It is also youthful and fresh, and can symbolize luck.

Yellow - calling to mind sunshine, this color is optimistic, cheerful and full of vitality. It is the most luminous color of the spectrum and is naturally eye-catching.

Orange - this color has psychological connections to excitement, warmth and energy. The color of flames and the sun, orange has inspiring and provocative qualities.

Brown - Earthy, rich and warm, this color represents comfort and durability.

White - clean, crisp and pure, this color symbolizes newness, innocence and purity. It is often used in religious ceremonies.

Grey - this color is cool and balanced, with crisp and sophisticated connotations. While lighter shades are conservative and formal, darker shades convey a sense of depth and mystery.