My latest video was a tough one for me. I didn't plan it. I was upset hearing Kamala Harris was out of the race and wanted to talk about it, in addition to racism and issues in the crafting community. I turned out far more emotional than I expected and there's footage I didn't use because well...reasons.
But, I'm proud that I not only said what I had to say, but that I posted the video. These are hard times right now. I know for me knitting is not just a hobby but an act of self care and yes temporary escape. However, I do think we need to be careful of confusing self care with denial. When we deny that the knitting world is just as susceptible to racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other prejudices we allow those things to fester. The knitting world is a wonderful world. But, it does not exist in a bubble. And I hope that we can have open, honest conversations that allow all of us to grow as people. Tonight finished editing my latest video and thumbnail. Gonna be honest. Kind of disappointed that my Monday tutorial on Weaving Ends with Duplicate Stitch is languishing. Le Sigh. I've gotten nice feedback on my Interchangeable needle review. I knew going into this YouTube journey there were already a lot of videos out there and building an audience would take time.
As I'll probably state a million times, I first learned to knit from reading books and I have to say most of them did a really poor job of explaining good techniques for weaving in ends. It was only a few years ago I learned about using duplicate stitch to weave ends and it makes so much sense. Because the tail is following the stitch path of the work, and thus taking the shape of a stitch, it moves and stretch with the fabric avoiding any distortions. Plus the tail stays put. This is my go to method for weaving in ends Below are directions for making a sample swatch with a contrasting color so you can practice recognizing the stitch path. Duplicate Stitch Practice SwatchSupplies: Circular or DPN Worsed Weight Yarn: 2 colors Tapestry Needle Any yarn will do but I would recommend a smooth yarn that provides good stitch definition. I like worsted weight because the stitches are large enough to see, but you still have to do some work to identity the stitches. Directions:- Cast On: With Color A 20 - 30 stitches. -Knit Stockingette for 10 rows ending with a wrong side row. -Cut yarn leaving a 4-6 inch tail. (More tails to practice weaving in your ends the better) -Join Color B being sure to the new yarn has a good 4-6 inch tail. Do not use join methods like spit join, Russian Join, magic knot etc. that do not leave a tail to weave in - Knit 1 row. - Cut Color B leaving 4-6 inch tail -Slide fabric down to other end of needle -Join Color A the same as you did Color B -Knit Stockingnette for 10 rows. -Cast Off |
AuthorI'm Carrie CraftGeek. I've been knitting for 20 years and crafting my whole life. I love to share my passion with the world! *Indicates an affiliate link. As an affiliate I earn on qualifying purchases. To learn more about affiliate links please visit the FAQ
Archives
February 2021
Categories
All
My YouTube Channel and Blog are free to enjoy, but they do take time, resources and coffee. If you'd like to tip me buy "buying me a coffee," it would be greatly appreciated
|