Monica Knits

Side 1 Side 2The first row of stitching after the cast on row involves purling normally, but knitting through the back loops (tbl) since the kitchener rib cast on (also called Italian or tubular cast on) creates twisted knit stitches. This article is the second in the series on the Kitchener Rib cast on. Read more .... for stepwise, illustrated instructions.
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The Kitchener rib stitch cast on forms an elastic edge that is an excellent start for a 1 x 1 rib stitch or a reversible fabric. I used it to cast on a reversible headband in two colors. This cast on can also be used for a single color cast on, but is actually easier to learn with two different colors. It is called a tubular cast on or Italian cast on and this is just one of many ways of generating a tubular cast on. Read more ..... for stepwise illustrated instructions. Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image.

This is the fourth in a series of articles on inserting beads and sequins in knitting. This one demonstrates a variation of the carrier yarn method in which a coordinating, fingering weight carrier is stranded and/or woven behind the work. In my opinion, the appearance is better than the slip stitch method and can be better than the knitted carrier yarn method (if bulk is an issue, or a coordinating yarn is difficult to find). This approach enables the use of beads otherwise too small to thread onto worsted or heavier weight fashion yarn. Read more... for stepwise illustrated instructions and further discussion.

This is the second neck cozy I knitted this week from Koigu^TM yarn and brings to four, the number of neck cozies I have knitted. The light green cozy was for my sister and the gold one was a treat for myself. Read more ... photos in additional colors and related links.