Just Flip It

I was trying to knit an Eye of Partridge heel and kept forgetting which row I was on. Was I on the K1 or the K2 row? The pattern is:

SL 1, K1, across (ends with K)
SL 1, purl across
SL 1, *K2, SL l*, repeat between ** across, ending with K2
SL 1, purl across

After my fiasco the other night where I had to rip out almost 2 inches, I was watching closely and counting stitches after each row. But I still got confused. So I went through all my notions to find something I can use. I wanted something that I could flip so that I would know by looking which row I was on. I couldn't find anything so I decided to make something myself.

I came up with a 2 colored disk that is labeled "Knit" on one side and "Knit 2" on the other. I can lay it on the table next to me and then flip it when I finish the row. Example: just finish the K1 row so flip it to the K2 side.

Now if I look away or my mind starts wondering then I can just look at the disk and know where I am in the pattern. Disclaimer-I don't sew much so this is a non-sewing technique. Here's how I made it:

Materials:
2 different colors of thick fabric like denim
an unopened coil of stamps or something to measure 1 1/8" circle
fabric glue
fraycheck (if edges of material fray)
tiny magnetic weight (optional)
batting material (optional)

Make 2 disks each of 2 being different colors. Measure a circle using the stamps, cut it out and then glue the layers together. Then wrote "K1" on one side and "K2" on the other. Since I am going to flip this disk, I want some sort of contour. While the glue is setting up put 2 paperclips crossways and let sit several hours. I let mine sit overnight. When dry it will be easy to flip the disk with just one hand.

Since the 2 sides are different colors this is good for any kind of 2 row pattern. Just decide which color represents which row.

Alternatives:
Can fill with batting, use only outside disks of 2 different colors
Use magnetic weight inside so it will stay where placed better
Serge edges together instead of gluing

Frogging all night

There I was in my own little world just knitting away on the eye of partridge heel and I suddenly realized that I was lost a stitch. Must have dropped a slip stitch on one of the rows. Sure enough I looked and there it was hanging on the side about an inch down.

I could have left it since it is just the heel... but no not me. I started to rip stitch by stitch for about 3 rows. But I just couldn't wait that long. So I held my breath and took out the needle and let it RIP. The amazing this is that I was able to pick up the stitches and didn't lose a single one! Thank goodness I was able to save about an inch of heel already done. Now to do the other 1 1/4" inches.

Fighting Dreary Days

Can't believe how this fall feels different for me. Where did the sun go? I miss it already and winter hasn't even arrived. Thank G-d for my Ott light. It does give off sunshine-like light as well as make it so I can knit and watch TV at night. Maybe if I have that on enough, I won't miss the sun so much later. Last night I watched TV and was only able to do about 4 or 5 rounds on my basic sock. I thought about working on the cascade leaves but can't concentrate on them while watching American Dreams and CI. I cried when they showed AD previews and JJ is going to MIA. I remember the 60's and my friends going off to war. And now... being a military mom I understand how they all feel.

Here's a picture of the Delaney dress that I knitted for my new granddaughter Natalie. She was born 8/24/04 and quite a cutie. The dress is size 12 month. I think she has a little bit of growing to do ;-) The Delaney dress pattern is #13 from the Berroco #218 booklet using Pronto and Bubble FX yarn.

Here's my Cascade leaves (green) on US #1 dpn's & basic sock on size 1 circs.

I can't believe that I've learned such great stuff since January (WOW seems so long ago). That's when I learned how to make socks (or anything with dpn's). That pair turned out way too big but still a good pair of socks. Now to find them a good home . . . maybe a holiday gift for Big Foot?!

It was great fun with Merie yesterday--visiting, knitting and drinking Turkish coffee. She is such a good teacher. She explained everything as we knit and answered all my questions. With my trusty notes I'll be able to knit by myself. It was such a great day. Thanks Merie.

Today I went through my craft supplies. I shouldn't have been surprised with what I found. You've done it - went through everything you have just to see what all you have. Maybe even do a little organization . . . Then finding stuff that you don't remember buying and things you couldn't find ages ago. That's what I happened to me. I have enough embroidery floss to make a zillion ccs or needlepoint pieces and I got that years ago. And I dare not buy another quilted tote or portable light. Need I go on? . . . All I know is that I'll have to retire to use up all the crafting supplies. The truth is - there is never enough time to do crafts. ;-)

round 3 coming along

I finally figured out what was wrong with my light. It was too close of all thing. So I had it moved about 6" away from my chair and now it works really nicely. I can get the light but I don't feel like I'm burning up. I did 1 round of the Cascade Leaves cuff yesterday and tonight I did 3 rounds. I'm doing pretty good even though I've never worked with the 1's before. They seem so much smaller than the #2 needles.

Tomorrow my friend is coming over for a visit. She's going to teach me how to make socks with one circular. Well, actually it is 2 but only when doing the heel. We'll see how much I like that technique. I hope I like it somewhat since those Addi Turbo's cost me 12.95 each. It really isn't that much considering the Crystal Palace double points are between 8.95 - 12.95 depending on the size. What I like is that I don't have to replace them. At least that is what I told my hubby when trying to explain the money I was spending.

I can't wait to have someone over and knit and chat.

Need Light

I'm working on Cascade Leaves Socks as part of the Townsend KnitALong. I finally got the ribbing done. I tried to knit last night but got so hot under my ott light. whew! I hate that DH wants the room almost dark while we watch TV. The regular table lamp shines right into the TV so I have to use the ott light. I need to find a way to put the regular light somewhere that doesn't shine right into the TV. I think I'm gonna try switching the chair and end table to my other side. Wish the TV ccould be moved. Boy I hate having a small house! Think I'll have to work on knitting during the daytime today.

I'm still trying to figure out this blogger so please bear with me.