Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 12

Final Submission

I've got everything printed out and ready to go.  All written work is complete, all swatches are knit and blocked and labeled.  I've checked all references (to make sure anything I cited is indeed listed as a reference).

The program required 17 swatches and a mitten.  Each swatch is accompanied by a page in the binder with cited references for the techniques, some required writing instructions or a paragraph about the technique.  One swatch required writing a pattern so that another knitter could make the swatch.

A 2-4 page report on blocking and care of hand knits with references.

22 questions answered and cited; some questions having 2-5 sub questions.

I gave myself a deadline of 6 months to complete this Level of the program.  I received my instruction packet on 6/8/14 ... and its done as of 11/28/14!!  I took two fairly large breaks where I didn't do any additional work on the program (4-6 weeks).

I did not keep up on blogging about it - mainly because I took all the photos of the swatches on the same day, LOL!

I learned a tremendous amount.  Especially about tension and different increase and decrease techniques.  I've never had any real issues with tension in my knitting, but I still learned some techniques to improve it.

Ravelry Project Page

You can see all the posts on this topic on the blog by clicking the TKGA Level 1 tag below or searching for it in the box above.

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 11

Level 1 Project

The Level 1 Project is the Classic Mitten with Stripes.  Looks very easy, but that cuff was a doozy!  In addition care must be taken to obtain the appropriate gauge, length of knitting as stated in the pattern and it must be blocked appropriately.

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 10

Swatches 14-16 Cables

These swatches required cable work.  The cables should not have over stretched stitches or ladders between the purl stitches.  They should also be blocked properly to not flatten out the cables.

Swatch 14: Single Cable Cross

Swatch 15: Horseshoe Cable

Swatch 16: Cable Swatch & Pattern

This swatch required writing a pattern and knitting the appropriate number of multiples and repeats of the provided cable stitch.

Swatch 17: Colorwork

This swatch required a mid-row color change join that avoids holes or uneven tension.  It also required changing colors in ribbing and avoiding bi-colored purl stitches.

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol 9

Swatches 11-13 Lace

These swatches include eyelets and decreases.  Swatch 13 required writing a paragraph about how the different yarn overs are worked.

Swatch 11: Simple Eyelet Pattern 1

Swatch 12: Simple Eyelet Pattern 2

Swatch 13: Yarnovers

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 8

Swatches 7-10 Decreases

The decreases, like the increases, are supposed to have the same tension on either side, the mirrored decreases are supposed to look as similar as possible to each other.

Some of these swatches required writing instructions for the technique.

Swatch 7: SSK & K2tog

Swatch 8: K2tog & SSK

Swatch 9: SKP & KSP

Swatch 10: SSP & P2tog

New Cowl Pattern Released!

The meaning of Astrid is Divine Strength. Astrid is an infinity cowl that combines graceful, delicate lace with bold, strong stitch patterns.

It works great with variegated yarn and will also work well with tonal or solid. 

Each stitch pattern is a multiple of 2 stitches; this can easily be modified to make a longer or shorter circumference if desired.

It is most definitely potato chip knitting ... just one more round ... just one more round...

Uses less than one skein of sock yarn. Great use for that special luxury blend.

Astrid  $5.00

FO: EEeekkk!

Pattern: Baby Mice

Yarn: Left over bits of Malabrigo Sock

Needles: US 2.5 (3.0mm) and US 0 (2.0mm)

Body 1 1/2" long, tail 2" long

Cast On: 11/2/14

Finished: 11/22/14

Actually mice don't frighten me ... I think they're pretty cute.  I don't like them in my house (yuck) but we live in the woods so it sometimes happens ... we rescue them from the cats ...

I modified the pattern by knitting an i-cord tail on US 0 instead of the twisted yarn tail the pattern called for.

Friday Felines Vol. 33 2014

Willow

She is a little goober ...

FO: BEANS!?!?

Pattern: Beans the Cat

Yarn: Swan Island Worsted

Needles: US 6 DPNs

Cast On: 11/11/14

Finished: 11/12/14

Love this pattern, its free, super quick and a great use of left overs.

Seriously?!?!?!

I've had sinus/allergy issues as long as I can remember ... had an allergy test last week ... want to guess what I tested positive for??  I'll give you a hint - I've also had cats in the house my entire life (like one slept in my crib).

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 7

Swatches 4-6 Increases

These swatches are different types of increases.  Increase stitches should have the same tension on the left and right.  These were fairly easy for me, I've used these types of increases in the past on various projects.

This portion of the program includes placing increases evenly, mirrored increases, shaping and of course ... following instructions as written.

Swatch 4: Bar Increase

Swatch 5: Make 1 Increase

Swatch 6: Lifted Increase

Master Knitting Level 1 Vol. 6

I am almost done!  One more swatch to go.  I am going to break up the posts here by sections (there's a lot).  These are swatches 1, 2, 3 & 15 and they have to do with different stitch patterns and measuring gauge.  Lighting could have been a little better for the photos ... but I am not taking another 16 photos!

In order to pass, tension has to be even, ends need to be woven in unobtrusively and securely, the directions need to be followed exactly (knit ribbing for 2" means 2"), and all swatches must be blocked appropriately with no distortion of stitches (especially ribbing or cables) or pin marks.

Swatch 1: K2, P2 Ribbing and Garter Stitch

Swatch 2: K1, P1 Ribbing and Stockinette Stitch

Back of swatch 2 showing even tension on the back side.

Swatch 3: Seed Stitch

Swatch 15: Horseshoe Cable