Friday, November 14, 2014

Episode 75 - Hitting a snag

I call this time of year "the slippery slope." Once Halloween is over, there is unabashed Christmas and winter holiday advertising in stores and in the media. Yes, I know there is some advertising before Halloween, but before Halloween they try to sneak it to us, as if really ashamed to be doing it, but just can't help themselves. Post Halloween we get the real deal snowmen and elves and wrapped packages galore. Most folks I know try to resist it for a few more weeks, but as any parent of school age kids knows, this is indeed the slippery slope to the winter holidays. Like it or not, plans need to be made, shopping for necessities becomes unbearably crowded, and everyone's life seems to be busier than usual. I always wonder who are these people filling up the grocery store and don't they shop for food the rest of the year?

Despite the slippery slope, in episode 75 Gayle and I get back to basics with our regular segments and a short discussion about snags and repair in your knitted garments. If you have a good resource or a great repair technique, please share the link or info in our Ravlery group. We'd love to hear from you!
- Sharlene

What are we wearing?
Nanook by Heidi Kirrmeier
Monomania by Ann Weaver

What are we stalking?
Sous Sous by Norah Goughn
Definitely Susan by Josee Paquin
cowls by Hilary Smith Callis
Skiff by Jared Flood
Indie gift-a-long on Ravelry
Fuego by Justyna Lorkowska

What are we knitting? 
Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli
Fickle Heart by Justyna Lowkowska
Yowza Weigh It Shawl by Susan B. Anderson
Monstermitts by Julia Allen
Ease by Alicia Plummer

What have we finished?
Sharlene's test knit for Elizabeth Doherty (pattern to be released soon)
Sharlene's stockinette socks
Cupido Cowl by Hiroko Fukatsu
Sharlene's Cupido
Raveling Rose yarns
Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli
Monomania by Ann Weaver
Gayle's Monomania

Discussion on snags and repair
Snags
- using a tapestry needle or a dpn to "ease" snagged yarn back into place
- knot the snag inside the sweater
 Holes (one strand broken)
- weaving in new yarn in place of broken strand (duplicate stitch)
Holes (multiple broken stands)
- weave in several strands if enough of a foundation left to duplicate stitch
- woven patch
- sew closed
http://ladyott.com/2012/04/18/how-to-mend-holes-in-woolens/
- many help videos on YouTube

Sock darning
(video on darning socks from Knitpicks)
(blog tutorial from sock designer CookieA
Your type of repair will change depending on the garment or item and the location of the repair. (For example, is the hole or damaged area located on a highly visible area of the piece?)

1 comment:

  1. Hi Sharlene and Gayle, I have been listening to you for quite some time now and I keep hearing you talk about grosgrain ribbon and using it for your sweaters on the button band. I wanted to let you know of a better form of grosgrain ribbon. It's called petersham ribbon, and once you use it you will never go back to the cheap grosgrain ribbon in your typical fabric/craft store. I highly recommend using it, it is flexible and moves lovely and feels amazing. Its not stiff like typical grosgrain ribbon. You can also use it in curve like around the neck line to help keep shape in arms and necks. This is the best place to order the ribbon: http://www.thesewingplace.com/Petersham-Ribbon-p/npsr.htm I hope you try using it next time for your button band I think you will love the difference. Cheers, Marcy (ravelry name: xchorse)

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