Monica Knits

In yesterday's article the knitted patch was joined to the sock with weaving and grafting. The grafting or kitchener stitches have been discussed in earlier articles, however the weaving or mattress stitches have not yet been illustrated. Each of these methods create invisible joins. Grafting is used for horizontal joins and weaving for vertical joins. Read more ... for stepwise illustrated instructions for joining two stocking stitch fabrics edgewise. Click on any thumbnail to view a larger image.

I found it helpful to analyze how a glove fits before I designed my own knitting pattern. I looked at leather gloves and the single pair of knitted gloves that I had purchased, and studied the wear and fit problems. Then I knitted a pair to size, and documented the process as I progressed. The first step is measuring the hand and understanding how the measurements translate into the knitting pattern. Read more ... to see the critical measurements and steps for knitting gloves.     Click on any thumbnail to view a larger image.

I finally got around to photographing the Knitter's Vest, albeit months after I finished it and started wearing it. I washed it quite a few times and have worn it while knitting and cuddling with the dogs in the evenings. I should have photographed it before I wore it, but you still get the idea. The collar is especially comfortable because it wraps your neck with a soft double layer of knitting (outside plus inner facing) and keeps drafts away. This one is knitted in acrylic, and is a golden honey color--not the most practical color for playing with dark brown haired dogs (short-haired pointers). I use the pockets for carrying things and if I were to make this vest again, I would make the pockets slightly wider and the vest longer.

Click here to read the "Oat Couture Village Vest" review: Knitter's Vest.

Once the heel flap is complete and the gusset stitches absorbed, you are ready to knit the body or leg of the sock. The stitches are split between two (2) 2.5 mm circular needles, 32 stitches per needle and all rounds are knitted to produce the stocking (also called stockinette) stitch for the basic sock. Here is where circular needles shine--you can try on the sock at any time to check the fit and length. When the sock measures 8-9" from the base of the foot, you are ready to start working the cuff. The length of the sock (measured from the floor) depends to some extent on your foot size, as well as your preferences.