While knitting daily, the glory of summer calls for swimming, enjoying the bounty of fresh vegetables and time with friends. Take a walk to soak up even more inspiration for color possibilities to use in your next project. I found ideas in a garden of zinnias.
The late Elizabeth Zimmermann, born Aug. 9, 1910, found her own way to live life. She forged a path for herself with listening to her heart to knit her own way – and her lessons continue to resonate. A summary of her applied mathematics (consult Chapter 2 in “Knitting Without Tears” – it’s not as hard as is may sound) to make your own pattern: Determine the number of stitches for the body by knitting a four-inch swatch and measure the number of stitches that equal one inch. Multiply that figure by the desired width of the sweater (or other garment). For long sleeves, cast on 20 percent of the body stitches per sleeve. Increase regularly until 33 percent of the body stitches are completed (or for the fit you like). The sleeves and body tubes are joined together on a circular needle. Knitters may then decide to create a turtleneck, crew neck, pattern yoke while knitting to the neck ribbing. The choices are endless with stitch patterns to add texture and color variations.
2010/08/08 – 4:11 pm
