I think this might be the final sample for my latest book. The manuscript went into the publishers a week or so ago and I’m just working in a few outstanding samples and photos.
Of course machine knitters, well knitters in general, will know that ‘sorting out a sample’ is a shorthand for:
knitting several design swatches
knitting a tension swatch (or three)
working out the garment pattern
knitting it
finding you’ve made a mistake
knitting it again
steaming it
sewing it together
washing it
blocking it
etcetera, etcetera….
So I am just at the first steaming stage and getting ready to assemble the garment. And of course I’ve had to re-knit one piece because the dratted yarn got caught by the brushes irrevocably and it was easier to restart than try and sort that out. More haste, less speed is so very true in machine knitting. Nice and steady is always the best way.
I’m hoping this garment will be nice enough to go on the cover, but we will see.
Meanwhile let me tell you a little bit about the book. The title is still to be finalised, but it is all about short rows and partial knitting on a machine. There is a lot in there for beginners, for example the first chapter is all about the principles of short rows and how you knit them and there is a whole basic techniques appendix at the back for additional support. Chapters 2 to 5 offer loads of information, samples, examples and exercises for more experienced knitters to really come to grips for short rows, and to understand how and when to use them for different results.
Chapter 6 has patterns that use short rows as they’ve been described in the earlier chapters, but applied to an item. So from these patterns you actually get to use short rows purposefully to create shape and form combined with colour and surface pattern.
So once it’s published I will obviously be shouting about it, but keep an eye out and do pop back here for updates.
Vikki Haffenden 