Quick KUAS Tip: tame your magic loop edge with pins

Let's start off with this side note: I love the Magic Loop method. I've always been a fan of circular needles (I never, ever use straight needles anymore), but since learning the Magic Loop method, I have found out how to dodge multiple dpns for sock, hats, and the like, AND knit more than one pair at a time! Second-object syndrome disappears.

However (you knew there had to be a "but..."), I have to admit that the first few rounds of magic loop can get a little irritating, what with the fabric trying to flare out and such, so I wanted to share a simple little tip that might make your life a bit easier. You might find this tip most useful on larger projects that like to open up wide when knitting in the round. Especially bulky hat patterns.

It's simple. Cast on your stitch amount, divide your stitches as normal for magic loop, and before you join the round (well, first double check that your stitches are not twisted), place two (or more) stitch marker pins (or safety pins) through the left and right side of your cast-on edge, running through both the front and back edge of your project.

After knitting a few rounds, take the pin out and clip more of the fabric in place in the same manner. No more work flaring out wider, making it hard to work magic loop in the round. I'd like to think we are boss over our WIPs and not the other way around!

Let me know if this little tip has worked in your favor.
It's the small things in life. 

Let's Talk *Clean*

First of all, I am extremely excited to try out my "Ginny Weasley" skein I dyed up not too long ago! I'm already on my way to designing "Simply Ginny," an anklet sock that is easy, elegant in simplicity,....and refreshing. You get a wonderful mix of great portions of stockinette to just show off your colors, and that extra little edge from a common cable and ribbing on the cuff & heel. What a breath of fresh air.


...But, let's talk clean, shall we? I am a firm believer that 2x1 or 3x1...especially 2x2, 3x3... or anything higher than a simple 1x1 rib looks messy and stretched out on socks. (Yes, there are exceptions, as in full body ribbing on the leg.) So, should you never use those kinds of ribs on the edges of other projects? Heck no. They look great on hats and other such knitted items. However, what does happen to 2x1, 3x1 or other such ribs is that the cuff gets stretched out...and ugly. After wearing it over and over again, your sock probably won't spring back like it should. Not only are 1x1 ribs pretty, and has much elasticity, there is also another option in that family: K Tbl's (knitting through the back of the loop). If you *K1 Tbl, P1* across every round, not only will your cuff be very elastic, it holds the integrity of the knit stitch to the fullest. Look closely at my cuff. When you stretch it, only the purls are being stretched, thus keeping the knit stitch intact and not stretching in that ugly way it does with other ribs. Those little V's stay V's. Period. Isn't that a beautiful thing?
I highly recommend you try this rib, if you haven't already, on your next socks. You won't be disappointed.

Relaxation for the Mind, Body & Soul

My newest addition: "Irish Spring."

Deep Refreshing & Relaxing Instructions (after a long day at work):
1. Steam up the bathroom with hot shower water for several minutes. Make sure it's really steamy, so you'll enjoy step #3 a lot more.

2.Close the drain-plug (in the showers that are shower-baths).

3. After the room is quite steamy, change the temp to luke-warm, or cooler... and light some candles, turn off the bathroom light.

4. Use "Irish Spring" liberally to wash up, and/or create bubbles (with the gel).

5. Lie down in the tub while letting the shower hit you. The tub will fill up slowely. Lift your feet in the air and let the water massage your feet.

6. Enahle deeply.

7. Repeat 1-6 as needed.

Works everytime.
Ahhh...

Look at yesterday's post for more "meat."