Monica Knits

I decided to take a photograph of a nupp (mini-bobble) to show what can happen if the center of the 5 loops is mistakenly not purled. As you can see, you end up with a loose loop, which looks like a snag. This is an example of one of the two most likely errors that can be made in knitting nupps and a method for preventing this type of error was discussed yesterday. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image or the link below for tips on how to prevent this type of error.

Click here to read the article: Tips for Knitting a 5 stitch Nupp with Lace Weight Yarn.

Third of three images showing how to prevent one of two possible errors in creating the 5-nupp stitch used in the Lily of the Valley shawl. The middle of the 5 stitches in the nupp is sometimes tight or hidden behind the other stitches. The other potential error is to accidentally pick up 6 sts, since for many of the nupps, the next stitch is a yarn over, which is easy to unwittingly pickup with a 3.25 mm needle. The use of a small diameter, contrast colored is used to ensure that 5 and only 5 loops are picked up.

Second of three images showing how to prevent one of two possible errors in creating the 5-nupp stitch used in the Lily of the Valley shawl. The middle of the 5 stitches in the nupp is sometimes tight or hidden behind the other stitches. The other potential error is to accidentally pick up 6 sts, since for many of the nupps, the next stitch is a yarn over, which is easy to unwittingly pickup with a 3.25 mm needle. The use of a small diameter, contrast colored is used to ensure that 5 and only 5 loops are picked up.

First of three images showing how to prevent one of two possible errors in creating the 5-nupp stitch used in the Lily of the Valley shawl. The middle of the 5 stitches in the nupp is sometimes tight or hidden behind the other stitches. The other potential error is to accidentally pick up 6 sts, since for many of the nupps, the next stitch is a yarn over, which is easy to unwittingly pickup with a 3.25 mm needle. The use of a small diameter, contrast colored is used to ensure that 5 and only 5 loops are picked up.

The lily of the valley pattern is a little trickier to knit with lace weight yarn than fingering weight because it is easy to miss picking up one of the 5 loops or to accidentally pick up an extra loop. The middle of the 5 stitches in the nupp is sometimes tight or hidden behind the other loops. The other potential error is to accidentally pick up 6 sts, since for many of the nupps, the next stitch is a yarn over, which is easy to unwittingly pickup with a 3.25 mm needle. The use of a small diameter, contrast colored is used to ensure that 5 and only 5 loops are picked up. Read more ... for additional photos and discussion.
Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image.

Recently I wrote about using stitch markers for the Lily of the Valley Socks. They are even more useful for the "Queen Silvia Shawl", which has even more lily repeat patterns. The pattern, found in Nancy Bush's book "Knitted Lace of Estonia," recommends 2 stitch markers for separating the garter stitch borders from the central lily lace pattern. I found it helpful to use additional stitch markers for separating the lily repeat patterns as well as the initial cast on. So far I have knitted 56 rows: the garter stitch border and 3 pattern repeats. I made two changes to the pattern instructions. Read more ....

Even though I haven't posted many knitting articles recently, I have completed 8 pairs of socks over the past 3 weeks, including another pair of lily of the valley socks as a gift. I'm adding additional tips to my knitting notes, because a friend has asked me to order the pattern and some wool for her, so I wanted to make sure there weren't any surprises in the pattern. I didn't follow it exactly the first time; this time I decided I had better do so, or I wouldn't be able to answer questions on the instructions. The first tip concerns the use of stitch markers for parsing lace repeat patterns. Read more ....

The lily of the valley socks have a 16 stitch lace repeat pattern and it is extremely beneficial to use stitch markers to separate the repeats. It helps prevent errors from being carried forward to the next repeat and is particular helpful when starting this pattern. I always use the yarn tail to indicate the start of round, but in this case, the pattern doesn't develop for a few rows so the "green" stitch marker indicates the center of the first needle. Green for "go", red for "stop" or end of round.

#112-28 Summer Carousel Horse, Finished Size 20" x 16"

Janlynn Counted Cross Stitch
Design by Just Cross Stitch

Modifications:

1. Removed carousel post.
2. Corrected pattern flaw in border. The pattern wasn't perfectly symmetrical.

Click here to read the blog article: Carousel Horse.

The short rows toe is complete except for picking up the provisional stitches.

Click here for additional photos and full instructions for the short rows toe: Basic Toe Up Sock - Short Rows Toe.