Don't forget to knit...

With all the blog chatter lately about sewing and smocking and quilting don't think for even a minute that I've quit knitting. Really, its all just a way to distract you from the knitting designs I'm working on... less pressure, ya know.

So as I was shaping that little sleeve cap up there I thought I'd pass along a knitting tip...

if the directions instruct you to bind off a few stitches at the beginning of a few rows in steps such as on a sleeve cap or for shoulder shaping, always slip the first stitch, either knit-wise or purl-wise for whichever you are doing, and then continue as usual.

Slipping the first stitch keeps it a bit "shorter" and therefore doesn't form such a high step at the beginning of the row. Doing this over several consecutive rows will give you a more rounded look rather than defined steps.

I'll tell ya... inspiration is everywhere lately. All of a sudden Tater is completely fascinated with old stories and fairy tales. Most of the books I read to her are hand-me-downs from the older kids and lots of books from the library... which is all wonderful, but I wanted to give her something new and special.

I ordered her this Beatrix Potter collection and we've been reading about Peter Rabbit and all his acquaintances for days now and loving every tiny word. Words like "pinny" and "hob" and stories of mice that sew and cats that bake mouse pie.

The colors of Beatrix Potter story prints have always drawn me in because they are made up of all those classic heirloom-style colors and watery hues. The little knit blouse I've finished is a natural creamy white with soft blue cuffs that match the color of Peter's coat almost perfectly.

Comments

[Debbie]

Thanks for the tip about slipping the first stitch. I will use this advice!

[Mel]

Ah, Beatrix, how I love thee!

My favorite has always been The Tale of Two Bad Mice. I absolutely adore Hunca Munca. This was the first children's book I bought when I found out I was pregnant with my firstborn 15 years ago. :)

Looking forward to seeing the blouse.

P.S. I'm about 6" from being finished with the Red Riding Hood Cape. Dear Daughter will be thrilled when she sees it on her birthday.

[Michelle]

Oh, I love Beatrix Potter! The colors of the story are what I used to paint my daughter's room...pretty pale chartreuse, soft pink, cream.....

Thanks for the tips about shoulder shaping! I'm just about to begin decreasing for armholes in a baby sweater!

Your children are so lucky to have you as a mom!