Monica Knits

There are many combinations of stitches that can be used to knit the fingers of a glove. I created a series of diagrams, with three different examples (patterns), to explain how fingers are created in knitted gloves. This is definitely the case where a picture (or several) is worth a thousand words. Using the approach outlined here, you will be able to create custom fitted fingers appropriate to the number of hand stitches on your needles.    Read more

Before software became available, I created color charts using graph paper and colored pencils. Software now makes the design process much less tedious. With the graph paper approach, it was also necessary to avoid close hues, since it was difficult to use for stitching. You also didn't want to change your mind as the pencil was difficult to erase. Read more ...

I've been using Pattern Maker^TM for cross-stitch software for color work since 1999, because it is quick, straightforward, versatile and allows me to create custom colors, which is important since I use it for crochet, knitting and cross-stitch color design. The software eliminates the tedium of yarn color selection, editing, and creating materials lists and allows you instead to focus on the creative and fun design aspects. It frees you to be spontaneous. In knitting, it can be used for color charts as well as duplicate stitch and cross-stitch embellishments. I used it for the improved version of the "Rocking Horse Bib" design and the flower spray at left. Read more...

Leaf PatternI knitted the Leaf Bordered layette for a friend who was expecting her first child. This was definitely not your knit while watching TV sweater, but I will make it again. It was worth the effort and lovely when completed, but I had to concentrate when I knitted the sweater because the lace stitch pattern comprised 48 rows and the YOs, particularly on row 25, had to be watched carefully as they had a tendency to move. Before I created a spreadsheet to follow the pattern, I had to take apart the half-completed sweater; the leaves were complete, but incorrect. Using a spreadsheet to translate the words into a picture allowed me to verify the stitch pattern, prevented errors, and made following the pattern instructions easier. Read further to view the spreadsheet and an explanation of how it was created.