A great beginning
The fourth project, a round neck cardigan, was started this week.
Previously Jean had us do a provisional cast on and work the rib after the pieces were finished. However, this time I'm working the rib immediately after doing an invisible cast on. That ' so my 2x2 rib will correctly line up with the stitches in the pattern.
Unfortunately, I didn't do this with the v-neck pullover and now have the daunting task of figuring out how to graft the ribbing to each piece. <sigh>
Although Jean didn't teach this cast on technique in class I was able to easily follow her instructions on the DVD.
It's really quite simple. Here are a few photos of the process.
Start with a provisional cast on from a crochet chain and knit a few rows.
Start ribbing ...
Alternate between,
1. Purl two stitches on left needle
2. Pick up and knit stitches from crochet chain (horizontal bumps) twice.
After working a few rows undo crochet chain and pull out waste yarn.
What a beautiful and easy beginning.
Left to do:
- finish round neck pullover
- v-neck ribbing, blocking and sewing
- round neck cardigan back and right front
- v-neck cardigan swatch
...so much to do and so little time.
The cast-in looks great. I'm in a similar homework boat as you are. I just don't think there is enough time! Good luck!
Posted by: Naomi | February 24, 2008 at 07:43 PM
What a cool cast on. Maybe I should buy the DVD after all. I have done it another way, but this looks faster and easier.
Sarah
Posted by: SarahSeattle | February 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM
That cast-on looks great. It lays nicely and lets the rib morph into the cables so smoothly.
I think I'll start a collection of cast-ons and cast-offs since I've seen so many good ones lately.
Posted by: KarenJoSeattle | February 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I love this cast-on, both for 1x1 and 2x2 ribbing. Question: what kind of waste yarn did you use? It looks nice and slippery. In class, I usually give people mercerized cotton but your yarn looks like it could be even better.
Also wanted you to know that I found out about your very cool hard-sided tackle box/knitting tools storage box via Sarah Hauschka. My box was a HUGE hit both at Madrona and at Stitches West - people seemed to care about the box almost as much as about class content! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Susanna in Seattle | February 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Where will I find the DVD? Thanks.
Posted by: Martha | February 26, 2008 at 03:39 AM
I really like that cast-on and the way it looks on your knitted piece.
Posted by: Esther | February 26, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Cool new banner, Melinda!
Since I am abandoning everything I learned about knitting and am starting over, learning to knit right-handed, I can't begin to wrap my head around your invisible cast-on. As always, it looks beautifully executed. You are an exquisite technician.
Posted by: Gail | February 26, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Martha - the DVD is available via Jean's website www.knittingwithJean.com
Susanna - It is a nifty little box.
The waste yarn came from Jean. That's what they use in Japan. Unfortunately we haven't found a source for that exact kind of string. I also use nylon cording that I found a Pacific Fabrics but it's not as flexible.
Gail - you're switching? Wow!
Posted by: melinda | February 26, 2008 at 06:13 PM