“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

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In today’s email:

• Knitspiration: You don't always have to do what the pattern says
• Stitchionary: A german shaping technique
• Pattern Pick: This hat is great for learning short rows
• PLUS: An unexpected sweater, not getting into Hogwarts, and more

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💡 Knitspiration

👌🏼 It's ok to make changes to your knitting

Recently in the Yarnist Society I was helping one of our members with making some adjustments to her sweater.

The pattern called for a 6 stitch I-Cord bind off.

If you don't know what that is, don't worry, its not important to the story.

As we talked through the problem eventually I asked her if there was a specific reason that we had to use that bind off.

She said she didn't think so.

I offered her an alternative method of creating the same effect.

Guess what?

It worked just fine.

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In our Swatchless Sock KAL going on right now inside the community we just got to the heel.

It uses something called a German Short Row to shape the heel cup.

And on our call yesterday someone asked what was the advantage of this short row technique versus something like a wrap and turn (again if you don't know it's not important).

I said that the difference is mostly aesthetic. The German Short Rows are a little tighter and some people find them easier than a wrap and turn.

In the end it doesn't really matter which technique you use if the result is the same.

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If you like a different cast on or bind off, use that.

If you want your sleeves shorter, then don't knit them as long.

If you want your shawl to have an edging, then add it.

If you want to knit the hat flat instead of in the round go for it!

You don't have to do EXACTLY what the pattern says.

If you're comfortable doing it a different way it's ok to do it that way.

Do what works for you.

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📆 Daily Stitch

German Short Row

Short rows are a way to shape fabric in a non-linear way.

They decrease while pulling the fabric in to create a curve.

This German technique does this without a wrap, like most short rows have.

It have become the preferred method for many for shaping heels of socks.

Some people find it easier to do, but you can try for yourself.

Learn this Technique

🧶 Pattern Pick

Sidewinder+ by Johnny Vasquez

I designed this hat as an experiment with short rows.

I wanted to see if it was possible to shape the top of the hat while knitting flat.

So the cool thing is this entire hat is knit back and forth using garter stitch.

If you've never tried short rows before this is a great project to learn with.

And right now you can get $2 when you use the button below!

Get This Pattern

😂 Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs: