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Autumn greetings –
Just dropping by for a quick 'hi' and sharing some new articles I have written for online viewing in the Resource Area at my HeartStrings FiberArts website. Also, two Halloween-themed knitting patterns that you can start now in time for some spooky fun.
Enjoy!
Jackie E-S / HeartStrings FiberArts
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A Continuous Yarn
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Do you feel as I do sometimes, and just wish that your ball of yarn would go on and on?
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My preferred scenario is not to have ends except at beginning and end of my project. (also see End-less Knitting) Weaving in the ends will then be merely a matter of hiding the beginning and ending tail within the cast on and bind off stitches.
If we do not have a continuous length of yarn for the entire project, we DO have options of how to join the yarn ends from one ball to the next so as to have an invisible (or nearly invisible) transition from ball to ball — even when viewed from the reverse side. This is great for projects where we want reversibility, or just because we are a stickler for neatness even from the wrong side. (who, me? LOL)
Here are three of my favorite methods, each that meets different needs and scenarios depending on the type yarn, fiber and color(s) I am using.
Splitting Plies and Re-twisting
Splitting plies and re-twisting is one method for splicing two ends of yarn. This method works on feltable fibers such as wool (i.e. not superwash). To use this method, your yarn should also be composed of two or more twisted strands, called plies. You can find a stepwise description with pictures on my joining yarn web page.
Stitching Together
Another method for joining yarn, especially useful when the yarn is not plied, or for slippery or non-feltable yarns, is what I will refer to as "stitching together". You can find a description of this method within my Q&A article What to do with Ends?
Interlocking Loops
A variation of the "stitching together" join is one I've heard referred to as a Russian Join. I am not sure where the name comes from, and probably would name it "interlocking loops" to be more descriptive. If I were to use the Russian Join, it would usually be when I wanted to join yarn in two colors (so that the colors did not overlap as would happen with the "stitching together" method). But you can use it to join yarn in the same color, too. You can find a stepwise description with pictures on my Russian Join web page.
For other articles in the Resource Area of my website, see Index of Articles & Tips.
Boo! Halloween Knitting Treats
Here are two delightful patterns to put you in the Halloween spirit. These patterns are available for you to buy in both printed hard copy and downloadable pdf file format. Then pick out your favorite fingering weight sock yarn and some beads and get on with the knitting fun now!
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#S18 Spooky Beaded Treats Wristlets and Matching Socks
Beaded skull wristlets and matching socks for gals and guys to wear for some spooky fun.
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Wristlets and sock cuffs are knitted sideways in beaded garter stitch. Remainder of socks is knitted in the round. 8 sizes for child small through adult extra large, so everyone can wear a spooky set!
Shop now for Spooky Beaded Treat knitting pattern.
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#A68 Spider-Web Sockies
Themed companion socks, one with a spider and the other with a web, knitted in lace and beaded stitches.
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For an evocative statement, choose black socks with silver-beaded spider body and silvery moonlit spider web. If you prefer not to work in black, how about one of the lighter colors with golden sunlit dew drops? Or choose whatever colors you fancy spiders and their webs to be. Spider and Web motifs are charted so that you can easily incorporate these designs into other articles. 5 sizes for small child through adult extra large - treat the whole family to a set!
Shop now for Spider-Web Sockies knitting pattern.
HeartStrings FiberArts / Jackie E-S Design Collections
From the classic to the uniquely appealing.
Skill-building, comprehensive instructions.
Yarn-generic patterns for your creative freedom.
Specializing in Knitted Lace and Beaded Knitting.
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