swatch

Tension vs Gauge

[Translate] I think two of the most misused terms in knitting are tension and gauge. I’ll try and explain the difference. Tension is defined as the state of being stretched, or mental or emotional strain. Basically, the amount of force being applied to a thing. Gauge is defined as the thickness, size, or capacity of something, especially as a standard measure, in particular, or an object used to measure this quantity. As a verb, it is the act of measuring the previous. Now these things are completely different, yet knitters seem to interchange them as if they were the […]

Pullover or Cardigan?

[Translate] Hmmm … I’ve gotta get a move on! I’m a little behind in my sweater challenge, mostly because I couldn’t make up my mind. Cardigan or pullover? I’ve decided to go with a cardigan for a few reasons. The first is that it will give me the chance to steek! I love steeking and I’ll also be able to show you how to do it in a few weeks when I’m at that part of the sweater! Another reason is that I think this yarn lends itself to a cardigan – there’s just something about it that says […]

A little yarn tasting …

[Translate] What better way to start the week than a little yarn tasting? When I think of one, I’ll let you know. For now however, I’d like to start a little something I call Sip and Knit! Yes, we’ll be tasting a new yarn, but also pairing it with a beverage suitable for that yarn as well. Yes, there’s a strong likelihood that that beverage will include alcohol, but what better way to enjoy a nice yarn than with a nice drink as well? 😉 Well, the yarn we’re tasting this week is called Sweater, by Spud and Chloe. […]

Starting the KAL

[Translate] Hmmm … you know that saying about the best laid plans? Well, I’m afraid this summer top KAL is one such situation. I went to the store today to have a look at the top and I have to say I was totally disappointed. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to figure out how they got the picture to look so good! Yes, in real life the garment does not look nearly as good as the picture. could we have been duped? Perhaps. But all is not lost. I still intend to go ahead with the KAL, […]

Tuesday’s Tips …

[Translate] Here we are with another six tips to help you improve your knitting … Swatch it – If you’re like me, you have a few yarns or weights of yarns that you like to use a lot. In order to save you time in the future, you could make a few swatches with that yarn in the recommended needle size and maybe one on either side of it as well in stocking stitch. This way you’ll know what your gauge is in stocking stitch in that yarn with specific needles. Next time you’re doing a pattern with that […]