Last week, I wrote about using fake Fair Isle: the knitting looks, vaguely, like Fair Isle, but the patterns are created using slip stitches.
These are some squares I made last year for a throw. You can see that the patterns are not truly like Fair Isle, but they are an easy way to handle colour work without disrupting your tension.
I was pleased that @phoenixwren asked me about this, as I had abandoned these squares, half assembled, and his query prompted me to get them out, take apart and start again.
One silly thing I had done was to block the squares by pressing them. As this yarn is made with a hollow centre, giving maximum insulating properties, that was a bit daft :) I also wasn't happy with the way the seams looked on the connected squares - a bit bulky and clumsy.
It was interesting looking at them again and realising how much my technique and confidence has grown since I knitted these. Anyway, they've been through the cool rinse and spin cycle, and plumped up again, so I can have another go at putting them together.
Source If you want to have a go at these patterns yourself, you will find free downloadable pattens at Rowan's Martin Storey Knit Along 2016. There are lace and other textured patterns, as well.
Meanwhile, my next top-down cardigan is going well:
The neckline is just where I want it and I'm about halfway down the yoke. This cardigan is taking longer than the previous one, with a knit row taking about 20 minutes and a purl row about 30 minutes. I also make lots of mistakes, but the good news is that they are easy to spot and correct on the return row.
I'm really pleased with the texture. Sometimes, I just sit and stroke it (only when I'm on my own, of course, at least I think I haven't done it in public).
10k Minnows Project
You might have seen this project by @steevc to grow more minnows (and eventually, more dolphins). He's come up with lots of ideas about how we can do this, and today @slobberchops has published an SBI giveaway and votes from @chops.support post where you can nominate people to receive sbi shares. Please do have a look!
Nice start we can see the cardigan is going well also don't abandon those squares they are good and for example that blue blanket is a beautiful inspiration for the squares @shanibeer.
Perhaps these patterns or similar could be used with the squares you already made.
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I've made all the squares ... it's the dreaded sewing up!
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Hahaha, what are you talking about @shanibeer I thought that was the fun part! Hehe
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😂
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Those squares look so difficult but they are gorgeous. I love the sweater. You are truly an advanced knitter.
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The squares are really easy once you get the hang of it - the effect looks very complicated! I'm glad you like the sweater, I'm very pleased with it :)
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Wow. That is such a pretty blanket @shanibeer. I love it!
Did you knit the edging from the stitches in the squares or did you knit it separately and sew them on?
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It's beautiful, isn't it? I love the colours! However, it's not mine, it's the sample in the knit along. If you follow the link you'll see the patterns for the different squares and one for making up which explains how to do the border. I don't know whether it's done by picking up stitches, although that's what I would do (anything to avoid sewing up)!
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Ah. I see @shanibeer. I wondered why the colours changed! 😂
I'll make a note of the link and take a look later.
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Thanks for the link to that Knit Along, @shanibeer :D
I really like the colour and stitch effect of your cardigan. It's interesting to see stitches when they're part of a 'top down' (as against 'bottom up') garment.
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Thank you, it's really nice to see you 😊
I really struggle with the upside down bit, it was quite useful to photograph it today, because usually I'm looking at it the other way up 😂
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I love how your cardigan is coming along! It is such a pretty stitch! I can see why you like stroking it, I can tell how soft it is! Keep up the great work!
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😍
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I still love the color of your new cardigan and the stitch pattern reminds me of ripples in a pond. I do not know if you like to wear dresses, but I could imagine yoursweater as a perfect dress-cardigan. It has subtle vintage vibe <3
And with the slip stitch knitting, I think @muscara has also made beautiful knitting with this technique and seeing again the possibilities is very tempting :-D
After writing this comment, I will read the post you recommended, thank you for the links.
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I'm really pleased you're picking up the vintage vibe - I love that shape/fashion! I do have a summer dress I had forgotten about and this would be perfect with it 😊
Yes, @muscara has made some beautiful things and I like her variations on slip stitch. I'm wondering if I could use those techniques to introduce colour graduations/blending? I must try a few samples.
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The squares look really beautifully finished, the stitches are really even, impressive!
All the best with your cardigan project, I've never knitted anything in top-to-bottom technique... interesting to see the process.
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Thank you 😍 It's a new adventure for me!
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Thanks for the links! Your squares look great! :D
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👍
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I really like your squares! That's very beautiful! cardigan also turns out great !!!!
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Thank you :) One day the squares will be a beautiful blanket ... hehe :)
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