Tension is so important, but have you ever wondered what to do if your knit and purl rows are coming out at different tensions? Well, you could knit with a pair of different sized needles – one 4mm and one 4.5mm, for example, or you could take a leaf out of the book of innovative blogger Sarah, from Bella Knitting and teach yourself to knit backwards.
If you don't like turning your work at the end of every row when knitting narrow pieces of stocking stitch – for example, entrelac – then this is a great technique to learn, although it does take a bit of puzzling out.
As an added bonus, have a look at the links on the right hand side of the page for some great free patterns.
Tuesday May 27, 2008 How to knit backwards
Catch A Sailor's Fancy
We mentioned the Sailors' Society's 'Catch A Sailor's Fancy' competition in issue 41 of Simply Knitting. The idea is simple: you simply have to make a hat that no self-respecting sailor would ever wear. Pink? Flowery? Impractically large? The choice is yours, but the hat does have to be well made. There are several categories that hats can win in, including 'Small Fry', for hats made by children under 10 years old, 'Made with Mum' for hats made by two generations together, 'Most Beautiful' and, of course, a Supreme Champion. The winner in each category will win a hamper from Coats Crafts.
If you're planning to enter the competition, you need to register your interest in entering (but not send in your hat) by the 30th May, so get your entry form and return it before you start knitting! Entry forms and further details can be obtained by writing to Catch A Sailor's Fancy, 8 Greenwich Quay, London SE8 3EY.
If you're planning to enter the competition, you need to register your interest in entering (but not send in your hat) by the 30th May, so get your entry form and return it before you start knitting! Entry forms and further details can be obtained by writing to Catch A Sailor's Fancy, 8 Greenwich Quay, London SE8 3EY.
