Knitting would just not be the same without these techniques. They allow for so much more creativity, which is great motivation for people who want to add more originality and personal flair to their designs.
Now don’t get me wrong, I really respect those who focus more on the shaping and stitch variation of knitting design, but my own preference leads me to wanting more glaring skulls, flitting bats, and other various creatures to appear in my work. Maybe my previous absorption in the pixel world has something to do with it.
Here are some examples of the projects I’ve tackled so far using these methods. First, however, I must thank from the bottom of my heart Debbie Stoller and the rest of the Stitch ‘n Bitch folks for turning me on to these techniques!
Intarsia
The monkey design was adapted from the “Punk Rock Backpack” pattern in the Stitch ‘n Bitch book. It’s a big hit with my sweet baby nephew, and has been my favorite sweater to date. It was so much fun to do that there are scads more similar to it in the works.Fair Isle
You’ve seen the skullflake in my previous post. Check out the new Bat Border for my next pattern. More to come, I assure you.Illusion
It’s not as confusing to do as it seems. Once again, check out Stitch ‘n Bitch for instructions.These techniques can be a bit tricky at first, and sometimes are tedious, but the results are just too much fun! If you are interested in learning, here are some references that have helped me along (in all aspects of knitting, actually):
Stitch ‘n Bitch – if you don’t already have it, you should.
www.knittinghelp.com - my Sensei
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe - all the answers
Animated knitting stitches - the more visual, the better!
Until next time...
