Hey everybody! Look at us, knitting lace! Did your last clue look like this?
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CLUE #7
Our next pattern involves one of my favourite knitting techniques: cables! Before I learned how to knit them, cables used to intimidate me. All those twisty bits! Must be hard, right? I could not have been more wrong. Cables are a piece of cake. (Maybe not vanilla cake, but still cake. Maybe something a little spicier, like carrot). The magic of a cable is simply knitting stitches in a different order than they appear on the needle. That doesn’t sound so bad right? Let’s take a closer look. First you’re going to get familiar with these little guys:
Those things up there, are cable needles. There are a few different styles of cable needle, but they all essentially do the same thing; help you hold a few stitches aside to knit later. No cable needle? A spare double-pointed needle will do just fine. Don’t worry if your cable needle isn’t exactly the same size as your knitting needle, it just needs to be large enough that it doesn’t slip out of your stitches.
Your pattern will tell you whether you need to hold the stitches on the cable needle in front of your work, or at the back. If you hold your stitches to the back, your cable will cross over to the right. If you hold your stitches to the front, your cable will cross to the left. Our afghan clue #7 uses both right and left leaning cables:
C6B = Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle
and leave at back of work. K3, then K3 from
cable needle.
C6F = Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle
and leave at front of work. K3, then K3 from
cable needle.
Here’s how to go about knitting your C6B:
***Please note pictures are for instructional purposes only and do not represent the entirety of what pattern #7 will look like when completed***
Slip next 3 stitches onto your cable needle without knitting them. Make sure to slip them purlwise so as not to twist your stitches. The “B” in C6B stands for “back”, so we should let the cable needle hang out back.
Next we knit the next 3 sts as if nothing ever happened.
Now comes the twist! Slip the 3 sts from your cable needle back onto your left needle…
… and then K3 like nothing happened there either!
OR If you like, instead of slipping the cable needle stitches back onto your left needle you can knit them directly from the cable needle itself.
Your right-hand needle determines your tension, so again, it’s okay if the cable needle is a slightly different size that your knitting needle. Whichever method you choose, your finished C6B should look something like this:
See how the stitches cross over to the right? Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?
Our pattern also includes twisted stitches, which are essentially just two stitch cables – one stitch crossing over another, whereas the C6B had us cross 3 stitches over 3.
Tw2R = Knit into front of 2nd stitch on left
hand needle without slipping stitch off needle,
then knit into front of 1st stitch and slip both
stitches off needle together.
To knit a Tw2r, skip the first stitch on the left needle (do not knit it OR move it to the right needle), and instead knit into the 2nd st on the left needle:
Without slipping that 2nd stitch off the needle, then knit into the first stitch that you previously skipped:
Now slip both stitches of the needle and you’re done!
Next time I’ll walk you through cabling 102: cabling without a cable needle! Look for that tutorial and our Mystery Afghan Clue #8 coming Wednesday January 27th.
Happy Knitting!
Julia
I initially joined this knit along because I thought it would be a good exercise for a co-worker whom I taught to knit a couple of years ago. I thought that if she wants to do it, I will do it along with her. Now I can’t believe how excited I await these new clues. I’ve got reminders on my calendar to prompt me to check for each new clue. I hope that Bernat has another kal in the works, because I am already anticipating excitement withdrawal when I don’t have any new patterns to look forward to.
Hi Sue;
That’s so nice to hear! Rest assured, we will definitely be having more KAL’s!
Julia.
Any clues about what’s coming up for the next KAL? Or is there going to be a CAL (Crochet a-long) for those of us who want to learn but are hook-challenged?
Jan
The cable needle is a neat invention. Being a loose knitter, I like how the stitches-in-waiting have a little scoop to rest in while the other business is tended to on the main needles. A rather small cable needle can work with a range of yarn sizes. Using a spare dp needle is ok, if it is short enough and the right diameter to keep the waiting stitches from slipping off. I’ve used one with limited success and much prefer the one designed for the task – it stands to reason that I can’t find my cable needle right now!
(and I put it where I thought I would find it again -tsk).
Anyway, onward – if it doesn’t show up, then we experiment with a double needle, or perhaps try bending a spare plastic needle?
I’m finally caught up from taking time off of this KAL for my Christmas gift knitting. I just finished my last of clue #6 last night. So I’m very excited to start clue #7!!!!
How do I access the comments for clue #6? (Just in case I missed something.)
Hi Donna – To look at the comments from an older clue, you can either scroll down in the blog until you find the post for clue 6, or select ‘mystery afghan Knit along’ on the right and that will filter the blog to only show Knit along posts. At that point it should be the one right below Clue 7.
Found it! Thanks!
I tried watching a movie last night while I knitted my last block of clue 6. It wasn’t until I was finished that I realized I forgot an even row and ended up switching my RS and WS. So, I have to re do that block but it will have to wait because I’m so excited to start this pattern.
unfortunatly i had to have shoulder surgery so for the next couple of weeks i will only be following along. I have almost completed block #6. i really loved the patternfor #6. i will save up the remaining three clues until I can kbit again. i will use the time off to block the previous clues so i will be ready to join them all.
This is my first kAL and it has been the best experience. thank yoy Barnat and my KAL community.
crystal v.
Hi Crystal;
Glad you’re enjoying the KAL. I hope you recover from your surgery quickly. Feel better soon!
Julia.
Hi all! I got caught up last week and have been patiently waiting
on this clue to come out. It looks very interesting and I can’t
wait to get started on it.
I hope everyone is having as much fun as I am. Iam looking forward to another KAL in the future.
Good Luck to everyone with these cables.
Happy Knitting!!!
Wendy
I can hardly wait to get started on #7. It’s been so hard waiting for the clue!!
Thanks
Judy
Hi I thought I couldn’t wait for Clue 7,This one
is very hard,I startedit 5or 6 times,and can’t get past row 3 any hints on doing thisone would be apprecciated Thanks Donna
Hey, Donna!
I do the even rows by looking at the chart. I just don’t have enough experience to recognize all the knits and purls – sometimes the purls look like knits at the points where the stitch changes.
Just remember that you will be reading the chart from left to right on the even rows.
This clue looks a bit complicated. I’m still not caught up with clues 5 & 6. Hopefully by the time # 8 comes out I will be.
I love doing cables, but now I dont need a cable needle, it was a great trick that I got from knitting daily, now I rarely use them, this looks like a lot of fun, thanks so much. Clue 6 looks much better than 5. Cant wait to see how it all comes together.
Devo
Thank you for the hint about not using the cable needle. I’ve managed to find the instructions and I’m going to give it a try. I keep dropping the darn cable needle when I have to hold the stitches at the back, lol.
Typo! In the written instructions – CO 46, in the diagram, we have 60 stitches.
I wondered why I was short a few stitches…
Also found my cable needle (yay!).
OOPS My mistake (don’t I feel silly) – I missed the foundation row. I cast on 60 to start and purled the first row. Now finished most of the pattern and it is looking fine. That’s when I noticed the ending row – to match the foundation row. I think I’ll carry on with the way I’m doing.
I notice, then, that the foundation row isn’t given in the chart?
Hi Bess;
The pattern has us cast on 46 stitches and then increase to 60 to prevent the finished block from flaring at the top and bottom. Cables draw in and narrow your knitted fabric. Having fewer stitches at the top and bottom of the block compensates for the narrowing in the middle and helps the finished block to lie flat. You may have a difficult time sewing your blocks to the rest of the afghan if you cast on and cast of with 60sts.
We generally only chart repeated actions, so the set up row and decrease row is not included in the chart.
I hope that helps!
Julia.
On Alt rows are back of Tw2R two purls? Hard to see with loops. Guessing they must be as they are a form of 2 knits on RS.
Hi Knittingbee;
You got it! It IS hard to read your knitting when everything is twisted. Those twisted stitches are knits on the right side, so yes, we purl them on the wrong side.
Julia.
Yah!! My blocks look perfect, just about a 1/2 pattern smaller. I must knit big or something because it never seems to take me as many rows to make my 8 inches. I got done really quickly. The lace pattterns both seemed to go really fast for me. I have been working on a sweater for my daughter. The chunky kids sweater I beleive in the bernat pattern libray. I have finshed the back and am halfway done with the front already in just the last two weeks plus my blocks for the the KAL. doing this has definitely increased my knitting speed (and the pain in my fingers)!! I just can’t seem to quit. I think I’m addicted. I do need to take my time to do all my book work for the daycare for the year so my knitting may have to take a backseat for awhile. Can’t wait to start the new blocks!!
Am looking into purchasing interchangeable circular needles. Thanks for all posts on them. YOu have convinced me they are worth it. Especially if I’m going to keep with this hobby. Does anyone have any cons on them or are they all good?
Hi Shirley,
I’ve been using a set of Denise Interchangeable I got on E-Bay about 4 years ago. I love them and have never had any problems with them. The only drawback for me is that thanks to the multiple cables, I wind up with too many projects going on at the same time! This is probably the best knitting equipment investment I’ve ever made. Hope this helps.
I, too, am planning to buy an interchangeable circular set. The only reason I am not choosing Denise (made in the USA, stand behind their product, mostly good reviews), is that they are plastic. I hate plastic crochet hooks. Knitting is VERY different, from what I understand, but, since I have had a bad experience with plastic hooks, I do not want plastic needles.
I plan to buy Knitpicks, but have been unsure whether to get the nickel plated or the Harmony wood. After the post by Jan D. describing her problem with the wood separating from the metal, I think I will get the nickel plated ones.
I have been told that wood needles are easier on your hands – I don’t know. I want needles that will last for a very long time.
Again – “it is just personal preference.”
Hope this helps!
Trying to get started on clue #7. Anyone else having trouble coming up with 60 stitches on the foundation row? Can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong! Help!
Hi Kathi;
Perhaps try writing out the whole row before you knit it? Instead of:
Foundation row: (WS). K3. *M1. K3. Rep from
* to last st. K1. 60 sts.
Try writing out every stitch like:
K3. M1. K3. M1. K3. M1…
There should be 14 M1′s in total across your row, and you should end with K4 (K3 from the repeat, plus K1 for the last st).
Good luck!
Julia.
Aha! After starting over twice I consulted the stitch glossary! Now I see how to get from 46 to 60!! I wasn’t doing the M! right! Nice to see it coming together, I’m only on row 5, but am happy to say 1 and 3 came out “even”! Woo Hoo! Hang in there, once I cut out the distractions I’m getting it!
I think # 7 is too confusing for me. Too many cables. Im going to make a simpler block with maybe 3 cables across the block. I dont mind a challenge but this one is too much too soon. Any chance of an alternate choice?
Hi Joan;
If cables aren’t for you, maybe you can make an three extra blocks using our former patterns?
Julia.
I just refused to admit that I couldnt do it so I gave it another try and the block is a beauty. I found that I was knitting too tight so that the cables were more difficult to cross.
Yea! for you. Glad it worked better for your second attempt.
I’m so incredibly far behind due to illness over the whole holiday time. I hope I’m able to catch up but may need to accept the fact I won’t be done in time to enter this for the contest. I am still overwhelmed about lace (yarnovers and I don’t seem to get along yet) and cables.
I hope to pick back up where I left off at clue #4 in the next few days.
Any encouragement or kindness since I’m feeling kind of less than wonderful would be so helpful.
By the way, my birthday’s tomorrow, and ALL I’m planning to do is some no-stress knitting.
Hi yarntangle;
Happy Birthday! Don’t let your knitting stress you out. If you like the knit and purl patterns better than the lace and cables, there’s no reason you can’t make your whole blanket with only those patterns. There are no rules!
Hope you’re feeling better soon and have a great birthday!
Julia.
Thank you Julia for the reply and nice birthday wishes (and reassurance about using only K and P stitch blocks for the afghan).
I’m just a bit upset at myself because I really really want to learn these more advanced techniques and the KAL seemed the perfect way to do so.
Maybe I will try to keep working on those, it just feels like with getting so far behind since I’ve been ill and such that I’ll never catch up with the group, let alone learn these new aspects for myself.
I’m going to see how the next week or so go. I’m not ready to totally ditch trying new things just yet!
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, yarntangle!!!!!!
FIRST THING HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON AFGHAN BLOCK 7, I FOUND BY LISTING THE ROWS IN A COLUMN, THE FIRST 18 STITCHES AND THE LAST 18 ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME EACH ROW , ITS THE 24 STITCHES IN THE MIDDLE IS YOUR MAIN PATTERN, SLOW AND EASY AND IT WORKS, ONCE YOU GET 5 OR6 ROWS ITS A JOY TO DO HOPE THIS HELPS DONNA FROM ONTARIO CANADA
I have the first 24 row repeat of Clue #7 done and like the way it is developing. I could not make the M1 method of increasing work and didn’t want to add a row of plain K so I used the knit and purl in one stitch method for the increases. Think the purl bumps will disappear when sewing the blocks together as it is not very noticeable now. My favorite type of cable needle is the elongated U shape because then it can just be hung on the square somewhere until needed again and it doesn’t get in the way or lost.
Having the pattern charted is nice and the method used that shows where is the purl stitch on the T4B and T4F should end up is great. Not many KAL knitters seem to be using the charts, but I think Bernat should correct the Key for the square with the dash inside.
Key information for this square/stitch (one with dash inside):
on #5 is not listed probably because only used on 2 edge sts
on #6 and #7 should read Purl on RS rows, knit on WS rows
This is my first KAL and I am enjoying reading all the hints and advice and always look forward to the new clue.
Hi Karen;
We’re looking into it! A corrected pdf will be up asap. Thanks for letting us know.
Julia.
So, I completed the first 24 rows of clue #7. I love it. It is beautiful. I was frustrated at first because I kept having to start over because I kept having accidental YO’s. Finally I put my 4 kids to bed and turned off all distractions and gave it my full attention. I worked slower than usual but was able to get it. So, those having troubles, relax, remove distractions, and take your time. I’m a visual learner and found great videos on Youtube for the m1 stitch and the cable stitches. I pretty much have learned to knit thanks to youtube. So, if you are visual and the pictures above aren’t enough, try youtube.
Hi Julie;
So nice to hear you’re enjoying the new pattern and have learned some new skills. Some knitting patterns really do need to be done when the kids are in bed!
Julia.
I agree – no kids allowed when I am knitting block #7. Even though my “kids” are “adults” it is still a challenge. Also have a challenge with my son’s dog who got left behind when son moved out (although he is still here visitng for mealtime). The dog misses him so much it is very pathetic. He wants to sit in my lap and cuddle (all 40 pounds of pit bull) and I have much trouble knitting when he is there.
Overall I really love this project and want to get as much done before I go back to school. Won’t have as much time to knit then due to grading papers. Hope to be able to keep up with the last squares and finishing work. Good luck to everyone!
“You may have a difficult time sewing your blocks to the rest of the afghan if you cast on and cast of with 60sts. ”
Thanks, juliaknits, it is good advice for the fact that cables do draw in. My tension so far is looking good, starting on the 60 – After the first 24 rows my block measures 4 inches deep by 10 inches wide, so it looks like my pattern rows will work out even. This will be the first block to do so of any that I’ve made. I’ll do a tighter cast off at the end of the block, than I’ve been doing for the other blocks. I have a trick up my sleeve for doing the sewing up, to compensate for all the odd sides.
This one and the one with ‘bricks’ are the most interesting for me so far.
Got the 1st 24 rows done on #7. Beautiful pattern. The directions looked complicated but when I started to knit everything fell into place. I purchased a small photo album from the dollar store. I type out each row with bigger letters to make it easier to read. Then I cut each row apart and tape it to a
4 x 6 index card and place each card in the photo album. Easy to keep your place this way. Flip the page when you finish a row.
Hi Lynne,
That was a great idea you had of using a photo album. I took it one step further and copy and pasted each row of the instructions from the PDF onto an individual index card and was able to eliminate the physical cutting and taping. I was also able to regulate the font size to one that I could easily read. Thanks again for the great idea!
Happy Birthday Yarntangle.
I too had a bit of a challenge with the first couple of rows. Been quite awhile since I have knit cables. Had to start over. Realized my biggest mistake was making sure I got the yarn forward or back to where I needed it to be. This prevented unwanted yo’s and thus an extra loop I didn’t know what to do with on the alt. rows. Turned off the tv and concentrated on the pattern. After the first 4 to 6 rows the pattern began to emerge and it became much easier to follow. For those of you struggling it is worth the persistence. Looks nice after 1 repeat of pattern.
I use a small fat straight cable needle. Looks like a short double point needle. Holds stitches well because of size. Find it easier to hold and can just knit straight off of it. If you are having trouble with your cable needle there are several types out there you can experiment with. Keep trying till you find something for you. Cables are always pretty and worth the trouble.
I have really had no trouble reading the pattern, but, after the third row, I discovered I have a mysterious yo. I think I will just start over since I haven’t gone very far.
I do need a clarification, though:
On the M1, do you pick up the top strand of yarn between the stitches with the left needle from the front? This is what I have been doing – I hope it is right.
I also had one stitch left on after finishing row 3, I’m not sure where I’m messing up.
I have the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles and just love them. I use them all the time. In fact I have had a few of them break and they stand behind them 100% replacement. I knitted the Wonderful Wallaby sweaters for all my 4 kids and their spouses. Plus 6 sweaters for the grandkids and two for the great grandkids for Christmas two years ago. That put a lot of weight on the neddles and I had some break at the base, replaced with no questions aked.
I am sure you would get a lot of use out of them as I have.
Joan
I am a bit delayed on getting Clue #7, but it certainly looks interesting. This KAL is giving me some good practice. I have some of the new type cable needles but am really not fussy about them. I prefer the broken plastic needle that I have used for about 30 years. When ever a needle broke, I would take the pointed end for a cable needle.
Julia,
You describe cabling in such a wonderful way that if I lived closer to you I would hunt you down and kiss you right between the eyes (that’s how my mom used to tell me I was doing a great job – over her expectations.) Cables have always intimidate me and your discription has really got me excited to take on the challenge.
Hi AyarnFanatic;
I’m so touched! I’m glad you’ve unlocked the mystery of cables. Happy to help!
Julia.
I just want to say I appreciate very much the visual aids for this pattern. I have done cables before, but tried doing the tw2r on my own, and couldn’t- so I looked at your pictures. The one thing I have a bit of trouble with is the t4b-the purl is very tight, or actually you have to pull the k3 reallt tight to get the purl done-unless I’m doing something wrong there. But it’s pretty.
Wow, the pattern is beautiful when done out, but I have to say it would probably be intimidating for someone who has never done cables to start with such a large number of different kinds in one piece but It is gorgeous when done. Thanks bernat!! This may be my favorite yet
Is the chart wrong? When there is a dash on an odd row, shouldn’t there be a dash on the corresponding even row? Likewise, a space on an odd row should have a space on the corresponding even row?
Finished the first colour and working on the second.
Reminds me why cables are popular for sweaters. Produces a visually beautiful product as well as one that is thick and warm.
Inspiring me to want to knit one soon.
One thing that puzzles me is the symbol on the chart for the Tw2R – it’s a line that slopes from upper left to lower right.
Now, my Tw2R’s look like something that slopes from lower left to upper right.
So I would think that the chart would more or less reflect that. Just like the chart does for the C6B for example.
Thoughts??
Judy
I think I can almost do this block without looking at the pattern – almost! (Assuming that I’m doing it right, of course.)
When I finished the first block, I observed that the center panel looked like two pairs of ropes, with one pair always on top of the other. The top pair look like two X’s, and the underneath pair look like two O’s.
When a top rope and a bottom rope are about to crossover, the top rope will always be on top.
And the top pair always cross themselves with the right rope on top, while the bottom pair always cross themselves with the left rope on top.
So now, if I come to a C6-something, I can actually figure it out from the fabric, as long as I can remember the rules – or keep the first one handy to look at.
Now, if I could think of something that would tell me about when I do the crossovers with those side 6-wide cables!!! Yes, I know it’s every 8 rows, but I don’t want to count!
Judy
I’m only on row 10. This is a real challenge. I’m like the little engine”I think I can, I think I can….)
Wheww! I made it through. I crossed 2 cables wrong but I was able to just rip back the 6 cable stitches and correct it without ripping the whole block. I saw that on a knitting show on PBS and it worked like a charm. Now that I got one block done I’m going to try and catch up on 3 blocks from old patterns I’m behind on.
To help the little engine just think “I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can… Positive thinking is half the game won
OK. I have had to frog my work four times already – never getting past the third row! And I have done cables before… I will restart (again) tomorrow without the tv and husband in the room…
Another learning experience for me…cables. I’m doing pretty well (thanks for the helps), but I’m coming out with an extra stitch on row 3. I finish the row and there is one stitch left on on the left needle…any ideas what the heck I’m doin?
Hi, Kayro,
First, you have to identify where things are ok, and where they’re not.
The neat thing about this pattern is that, except for the big cable stuff in the middle, the rest is all done on top of similar stuff in the rows below. The outside 18 stitches should be easy to follow.
If I were a guessing person, I would think that perhaps the T4B might cause you to lose a stitch. The end of the T4B includes a purl stitch. You *might* be counting that as one of the “P2″ following the last of the T4B’s.
To validate that, check the Tw2R a couple of stitches after the last T4B – did it land on top of the Tw2R of a couple of rows down? Or even, did it land on top of the P2 that you would have done Row 2 (that looks like a K2 on the right side of the fabric)?
The left-hand side of the fabric should look very similar in alignment to the right-hand side.
If you can, send a photo of what you have to judy dot obee at gmail dot com, and I can try to figure out what is up.
Hope this helps.
Judy
I am assuming you counted across and have gained a stich. The way we picked up a stitch in the lace to make up for our stitches knitted together in the last clue was with a yarn over. Perhaps if you are used to seeing YO as a stitch you aren’t realizing you are making one. The first time I did this clue I actually gained one in front of each Tw2R. I wasn’t moving yarn to the back as I was knitting into front of stitches. It could be something simple like that. If you look carefully at each row (and count), it is easier to figure out a mistake and correct than if you actually made the mistake on a previous row. Good Luck
Hi, Kayro,
Can you please check that you have EXACTLY two purl bumps visible on the right side in the exact center two stitches (30 and 31) of your Row 3?
And can you please check that you have EXACTLY three purl bumps visible on the right side in stitches 19, 20, and 21 from each end of Row 3?
The answers to these questions might help to solve your problem.
Judy
I’m replying so I can start getting the emails again. The only downside to the knit-a-long has been my problems with the emails comming for a while and then stopping. It’s always an issue figuring out how to get things started again and I go through this every couple of weeks.
This is my first time doing cables and my first time using a chart, but because of all the knit/purl changes for the even rows I thought the chart might be a big help if I was having trounle reading a stitch. However unless i’m doing something wrong, there are a number if mistakes on the chart. I wrote out all of the even rows and compared them to the chart and found mistakes in row4 st30, row6 st32, row10 st29, 32, 39, row16 st29, 32, row18 st39, row20 s32, 39 and row22 st21. I’m counting stitches from the left side of the chart. So is the chart right and I’m making mistakes or the other way around?
This is not a good block for me! I am getting ready to quit. I restarted AGAIN today, and I keep on ending up with extra stitches or with too few stitches at the end of each row. I count on each even row and have 60 but somewhere in these cables and twists I must be doing something wrong. I am not enjoying this one.
I have finished one block and am halfway through the other two on circulars. I can’t believe I am doing cables!
Just think – a few short weeks ago I couldn’t knit at all!!!!!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, BERNAT!!!!!
I love this KAL!
OK, I don’t hate this one quite as much any more. I sat down and counted every stitch out loud and have made it to row 17 with no major mistakes. I am sure that I have small goofs throughout but I am not going to let that bother me. To Kayro – I am thinking that maybe I wasn’t always taking both stitches off the needle after the Tw2R – that is the only explanation that I could come up with for my mysterious extra stitches in my earlier attempts.
i need help….this is the first time ever looking and trying to do a cable pattern. i figure out the m1, tw2r and c6f but i cant find anything on the t4f and t4b. can anyone help? thanks knitters
I learned the T4B and T4F from the stitch glossary on the clue. If you can tell me what you don’t understand, I will try to explain it to you.
thanks, i didn’t see that until after posted the comment.
I love how this pattern is turning out!! I’ve done the 1st 24 rows. I’ve done cables before, but not this intricate. I got stuck on row 3, and had to redo it a couple of times, but now I mark the pattern with my magnets (on my magnet board) exactly where I’m suppose to be. It really helps a lot.
My husband really likes the design of the cables and wants me to make a sweater for him with a bunch of cables in it…..someday….maybe….lol…:-).
Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in clue #8!!
Happy Knittin’….:-)
Only 24 rows to go! This pattern is beautiful. Almost makes me want to do an Irish knit sweater – almost!
I got somewhere around the middle of a row (31?33?35?) and my needle slid out! As I tried to slide it back in, my stitches ran away, and, of course, it was in that T4B, T4F section!
I thought I would have to frog the entire piece and start over. BUT, after frogging several rows, I was able to frog one stitch at a time and get my needle back in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEN, I was actually able to figure out what row I was on!
I only lost about 10 rows!
I know – you experienced knitters are thinking, “so what, that’s just part of it.” But, this is a MAJOR milestone for me! I didn’t think I would EVER be able to pick up after I lost stitches.
Thank you again, Bernat, for this KAL. I am thrilled to have learned to knit!
I know how you feel! I went ahead and put in a lifeline after the first 24 rows – I had had such difficulty getting started that I wanted to be sure that I wouldn’t have to frog back further than inside one pattern repeat.
Darn it! I spoke (or wrote) too soon.
After working several rows, I noticed some misplaced purls. But, I thought, I can just frog back to that row and start from the same place.
So I did.
After working several rows again, I noticed my pattern was misaligned. Evidently, I wasn’t on the row I thought I was. The pattern is just too complicated.
Sadly, I just frogged the entire piece and have started over. (My yarn was starting to get fuzzy.)
The good news is, I am positive I could have done this if I had been working a simpler pattern.
I don’t know how to do a lifeline.
To do a lifeline, pick a row where you feel that up to that point you are comfortable that everything is fine. Take a finer yarn that is a contrasting color (often folks suggest crotchet thread, I used some cotton I had lying around). Thread this yarn through the stitches (while they are still on the needle) – this is a bit tricky and I count every one to be sure I haven’t missed any. Leave it in with long ends hanging out at either side. Then, if you mess up later, you can rip back to the lifeline and pick up those stitches onto the needle and start again. If you google “lifeline knitting” you will get some good references that probably explain this much better and with pictures…
Thank you, Donna!!!! I don’t need to google anything – your explanation is very clear! What a wonderful suggestion!
Thank you very much!
I have tried three times to cast on the 46 stitches and then do the M1 row. Forget it. It is just to difficult to make 1 in the foundation row. I am going to knit one row first then do the M1 row. It is just too difficult to pick up loops in that cast on row. Anyone else having the problem. I am a fairly advanced knitter, and these directions are making me pull my hair out.
philly53 I can’t M1 into a plain loop no matter what, so if I was doing the foundation row, for sure I would have knit or purled across the cast-on loops first. There are other methods of casting on that give integrity to those first loops, although they are often tighter than with loop cast on. Work the first row plain if it helps
What I’m doing, I cast on the full 60, and at the end, cast off on a right side row so that the pulling in of the cable helps contract the row to fit the rest of the knitting. Otherwise the beginning and end are wavey. That doesn’t bother me, because every Clue I’ve done so far varies from each other as to size of block. Setting them damp to the 8 x 10 size, or near to it, will help.
I used a cable cast-on. That worked like a charm for the lace blocks and for this one. It is actually looser (for me anyway) than a regular knit cast-on and it gives a better foundation to increase or decrease from.
A note for folks who are reading the chart for this one. I was using the chart for the even rows to check that I was getting the stitches right and a few times it seemed wrong but I went ahead with following the chart. Well, I was right – the chart is wrong in a number of places (at least I think so) on even rows – be careful! I am NOT going to go back and fix my work (am up to second row 22 of first block) but will do it right on the other two blocks…
Maybe the organizers can check these rows? Thanks.
Dear Julia knits, I don’t think I’m right, each block I try to come close to the same amount of rows as the block before, or close to the complete pattern give or take a row,some how my blocks don’t measure 8 x 10 will blocking help.
Philly53
I had trouble with the M1 method on my first block of this clue also, and I ended up using the knit & purl into 1 st (or maybe called knit into front and back loop of stitch) method. The purl just sort of disappeared and was not noticeable in the finished block. The last 2 blocks I was able to get M1 to work by picking up one horizontal strand between sts though it was tight.
Judy
It is still counting but to mark the rows the outside groups of cables crossed I placed a small safety pin in the purls at the beginning of the crossing rows. Then the most you have to count is 8 and it helps check the other row count too.
Finished my third block last night and am wondering what the next one will be like.
Hi Everyone;
Please note there were some missing purls in the chart in the original pdf of clue #7. The chart has been corrected and the new pdf is availabe for download. Click the link in the post above or on the sidebar to the right. So sorry for the error!
Julia.
Were their purls missing or knits? When I was using it, there were knits missing on the even rows…
Hi Donna;
I’m referring to them as purls, but they would be knits on the wrong side of the work. They are purl symbols on the chart. Hope that helps!
Julia.
If you cast on using the long-tail method, the M1′s are easy.
I love how this block turned out. I must admit I was very intimidated at the thought of knitting cables but my block turned out great. I can’t wait to start the last clue!
I made my first block with the Silk color, and it turned out beautifully. At the beginning, I took out the first 3-5 rows MANY times–because I made a mistake once, and because I kept ending up with an extra stitch when I did row 3. I had to rip it out about 3 times before I realized I was making a yarn-over because I wasn’t always moving my yarn to the front or back when I changed from knit to purl, etc. Now I’m working on the second block and still catch myself making that mistake, but luckily I haven’t had to rip out because of that. Instead, I got to row 23 in the first repeat, smoothed out my work to look at it-and saw that back on row 13 or 15 I had crossed one of the middle cables in the wrong direction! So most of us make mistakes. I just wanted to comment on the cable needle. I have been using one shaped like a “u” that has one leg shorter than the other. It was the first one I found in my bag, so I used it. A couple of days ago I found one of the kind you have pictured on this blog, and tried it, but after using the “u”, this one seemed very awkward. So I went back to the “u”. So far, I’ve enjoyed this KAL and can’t believe that there is only one pattern left to do. I’m looking forward to more KAL’s.
Half way through the first block of clue 7. Knitting a row after the foundation row really helped me do the M1. I am loving this block. Very pretty. I have decided I am not going to do block 6. Block 5 was not fun. I do not like lace, so will replace block 6 with something else. I love a seed stitch, so I may do that.
I don’t think the chart is correct yet…
On row 10 it’s not working out…
I usually follow the directions but for this
pattern the chart work better, I’m a visual sorta gal!
But line 10 seems to give me a pain…
Am I missing something?
Hi Suzanne;
I just double checked the most recent chart and it looks all right to me. What exactly is giving you trouble with line 10? Let me know and maybe I can help.
thanks;
Julia
Hi Julia
I finally got this figured out after many boo boos – It’s hard to decifer the knits and pearls on the even #’d rows, so I
was second guessing the chart.
It really is a lovely pattern
Thanks
Help!! I am stumped by the T4B in the stitch glossary: Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at back of work. That is OK. But then, K3, then P1 from cable needle????
What do I do with the other 2 stitches left on the cable needle? Especially in Row 3 where the instruction are (T4F, P2, T4FI) twice.
Shall I just go to bed and cry about it?
Never mind… OK, slip ONE stitch on the cable needle. My brain could not keep from thinking “three stitches”
I hope all this thinking is keeping my brain young, else I’m just burning out my brain cells!
I think this will be a lovely Afghan when it’s finished.
I don’t really need another afghan and was asking around to
see if anyone was interested. My daughter-in-law told me
of the Linus Project….you can donate blankets, afghans etc
to charity…the afghan is then given to a child who needs
comfort…here’s the link if anyone is interested
http://sites.google.com/site/projectlinuscanada/home
Well, I’ve managed to stay sane enough to keep trying. I’m now on row 17 of my first block and I’m so proud. I’m guessing that T4B does NOT mean what I’ve been calling it, so things are obviously getting calmer. Thanks for all the encouragement and help to someone new to knitting !!
Well, I’m done this block….and absolutely LOVE it. It’s been a long time since I have done cables, and am very proud of the intrcate blocks. I am hoping there will be some leftover wool to make a pillow or two in the blocks I love the best(one of which will NOT be #4)
I totally agree with you all. This KAL is a lot of fun and I have been telling every body I know. I am amaze at all the things I learned. The only downside is that I will have to use english instructions from now on. I guess I will have to translate the clues…
Looking forward to next clue even if i’m only half done first block of clue #7. Takes a lot of concentration and the cat is not helping.
I also have helpful cats. It seems they are always around, lending a helpful paw. One of them is helping me type this now.
Being new at knitting, I am always eager to hear suggestions from the experienced people. One suggestion was to use circular needles instead of straight needles. If the cat knocks your needle out of your hand, the stitches are less likely to be dropped. (I said “less likely” – it can still happen.) Another suggestion was to create lifelines. This is brilliant! If you drop stitches, you won’t have to frog very far to begin again.
A suggestion of mine is to give the cat a yarn toy. I crochet a curly “worm” for her. Just chain a few stitches, then single crochet twice in each chain to the end, tie a knot and voila! The work curls on its own. This will usually keep her busy for at least 5 minutes.
I hope some of these suggestions are helpful to you. Happy Knitting!
Do CATS EVER help? I mean they are CATS!
But that is why we love them isn’t it.
JanV
Yes, cats help a lot! They make sure your yarn doesn’t float away, test the strength of your yarn, make sure your work is well decorated with fur, and remind you that you should take a break often! They also try to boost your confidence by laying on your pattern – they know you don’t really need instructions.
After your work is finished, they purr loudly as they sleep on it – just to let you know you are appreciated.
Hi Everyone,
Clue 7 was giving me a bit of a hard time but I finally
knit a row after casting on and then followed the pattern.
However, with all those twists & turns I only do 4 rows at a time
because the boys and hubby are too distracting.
I also found the best time to work on it was as soon as everyone
was out the door.
Have fun with clue 7.
Knitting Mama out in Fredericton, NB
I was very confused with clue 7 at first. After a few frogs I finally got it. It is a really pretty block. I think it’s my favorite so far.
As an experienced knitter, I could not believe how confused I was trying to do the Tw2R, and the visuals were not helping me at all. I read over the instructions again and picked up on the part which said “Our pattern also includes twisted stitches, which are essentially just two stitch cables – one stitch crossing over another.” I started to use the cable holder to make mini cables, and it was a breeze from then on out. I made an incredible red cabled sweater in just 3 weeks in the early 70s (which my daughter now wears) and which had approx 16 different cable combinations in it, including intertwined hearts. There was no way I was going to be defeated by a Tw2R!
I actually chose a different twisted stitch. I knit in the back of the second stitch and then brought needle around and knit the first stitch. I think it just twists it differently, but somehow that way seemed easier to me then the one in the pattern.
I liked making this Clue. On the last block as I was casting off I noticed I zigged instead of zagged on one of the outer cables. It otherwise looks ok, and I am not going to try to correct it.
At one point I misplaced my cable needle, and had handy a short circular needle. Worked a treat!
I had a little trouble with clue#7 in the begining but now i am on a roll all be it a very slow roll. My shoulder is recovering nicely but still in a sling so limited range of motion. However, i am determined to complete this KAL.
This is a great block iam half done with my first block from clue#7. Now that i am comfortable with the pattern i am going to work the next two blocks together on my circular needles.
Happy knitting all
Crystal v.