Monica Knits

Side ViewThis is one of those tools that when you need it, it is indispensible. And I really needed it for the Oriel Toe Up Socks . The socks had a 28 row lace pattern, with three to six 12-stitch pattern repeats within a row. Although I used quality controls like stitch markers, row counters and inspection to help prevent errors or catch any quickly, I found that my eyes occasionally wandered to the wrong (usually next) row in the pattern instructions. I keep a Copyholder on the side table beside my arm chair for just these occasions. The problem was... I wasn't in my arm chair. Read more... for the product review and use overview.

Close UpI hadn't used the Copyholder immediately because I prefer removing provisional stitches at the kitchen table. Having to double check to make sure I was on the correct row of the lace pattern slowed me down a bit, and I even caught myself stitching off the wrong pattern row. The next time I'll bring my copyholder to the kitchen table, even for just a few lace pattern rows; it's easier on the eyes and less time consuming in the end.

Using the Copyholder
I typed the 28 pattern rows in Microsoft Word^RT. This offered a more readable and convenient format-- one line of print for each pattern row, plus portability and plenty of tabs to clearly show the differences from row to row. I used an Arial 10 font (just personal preference) and single spacing between the rows. I framed the specific row I was working on, which had the added benefit of reducing eyestrain and eliminating distractions from other rows.

Product: 1608 Copyholder, Eldon^RT Office Products
The copy holder features a black plastic paper tray, fold-away support stand, and highlighting rule which pivots for loading paper and slides up and down along a pin allowing you to focus on specific pattern rows. This model is very durable as I have been using it for well over 15 years.

Summary: Convenient, easy to store and use. Indispensible for multirow patterns. Reduces eyestrain by framing the row of interest and blacking out distractions.