Tuesday, February 24, 2009

So you're done with the Buttonholes

I see there are several post regarding the February Lady from folks who have gotten done with their buttonholes. If you are like me, you probably thought that the yoke looks pretty small. Well, I've measured mine. I'm doing the second size and normally wear a sweater with a finished size of 36"-38". If you measure from the front neck edge down to the end of the garter stitch, you will probably get something around 6" before you start the lace. Another way to measure is on the diagonal "seam". That measured 7 1/2" for me. It's hard to measure the actual armhole opening at this point because it's still on the needles.

Remember, it may look better to complete the 3 more rows of garter stitch without the increases before you do the eyelet row. Just a matter of opinion. . .

You'll probably really enjoy the lace after all that garter stitch. It's an easy pattern to get into your head and the knitting goes really fast.

I'd love to see pics of your works in progress.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

February Lady Progress

So, how are you doing on your February Lady? I've gotten down to the lace portion, but I did have a relaxing weekend away, so don't feel bad. In case you haven't gotten too far, I'd like to give you the instructions for the one row buttonholes. I love this buttonhole and use it all the time. It's a little confusing the first time you try it, but it may help to have someone read it to you so you can keep concentrating on your knitting and not looking back and forth to the instructions.

Work to where you want the buttonhole placed.
Sl 1, and bring the yarn to the front of the work and leave it hang. Sl1, pull first slipped stitch over the second in bind off fashion. Continue the slip, pull over, until the buttonhole is the desired width.
Put the last sl st back onto the left needle. Turn work to WS.
Bring yarn to the front as if to purl. Cast on sts purlwise, leaving the new sts on the left hand needle. CO one more st than you bound off.
Turn the work around to the front side and sl 1 st to the right needle. Pull the extra cast on st over the sl st. Put the sl st back on the left needle.

It was also pointed out to me that the paragraph that starts with Eyelet Increases might be in the wrong place. I'm sure it's how the designer intended, but when you do the increases and then do another 3 rows of garter stitch, you kind of have holes in the yoke that just don't look like they belong. They are hard to see in the picture, but if you double click on it, you will be able to see them easier. If I was going to do it again, I would put that eyelet increase row just before the row where you begin the lace pattern, so essentially, switch the paragraph about the eyelet increase and the 3 more rows of garter stitch.

Happy Knitting!
Beth

Thursday, February 5, 2009

February Lady Sweater Knit-along

We've been thrilled with the response to the February Lady Sweater Knit Along. Already we've heard from at least a dozen people who want to join us - even as far away as in Puerto Rico! Yesterday alone, 5 people got the yarn to get started, and I know that I'm going to begin mine this weekend. Our new shipment of Malabrigo Merino Worsted arrived Tuesday and that's what everyone has selected so far. If you come in for the yarn, we'll give you 10% off too!

If you aren't familiar with the pattern, here is the link to it. This will take you to the designer's website and you can click on "GET THE NEW ONE" at the top of the page to get your own copy.

We'd love to have you post your progress here and even send us some pictures as you go. Since it is a knit along, you are always welcome to come into the shop to work on your project or get some help.

Happy Knitting!

A new month, a new blog

Well, it's been a long time coming, but here were are in 2009 and The Yarn Girls at Uncommon Threads thought it was time to jump on the band wagon.

We are Beth & Kathy, the owners of Uncommon Threads and we'd like to share the day-to-day happenings at the store with you and celebrate the successes of our customers and friends. We'll keep you posted on gatherings, events and new yarns as they arrive.

We hope you will enjoy the blog - please feel free to add you project pictures and comments!