BASICS, BASICS, BASICS – Lesson 1/Swatches 2 & 3

Swatch 2:

·         Using the long-tail cast on   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iv03nRS8xU 

·         K1/P1 Ribbing  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUj3mw1SFZM 

·         Calculating evenly spaced increases   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUj3mw1SFZM 

·         Right slanting lifted increases   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKxZGa1qI5M

·         Knitting stockinette stitch   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1gWJGGZbO4  

·         Binding off   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0plhuwVF4j0 

Swatch 3:

·         Using the long-tail cast on   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iv03nRS8xU 

·         Mirrored lifted increases   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G4FBYXtr4U&playnext=1&list=PL3C16CB784D76DA9F&index=2 

  

I was glad to learn that there is a right and left slanting lifted increase.  I practiced both methods before working the swatches.  Tomorrow, I will be working on Swatch 4 which deals with M1 both right and left.  This is an increase method that I tried early on in my knitting experience and just could not seem to get it right.  I have been practicing both the M1L and M2R and think I have it figured out so I could use this method of increase, should I ever be required to, but I still think that the two lifted increases (right & left) are my favorites.

Another thing this lesson works on is noticing the difference between the two different sides of the cast on edge.  If you have been knitting even just a little bit, you know that there the two sides of the cast on row are different.   One side, the one I like to call the right side, is smooth and neat.  The other side shows bumps and I like to refer to this side as the wrong side.  The truth of the matter is whichever side YOU choose for the right side is the right side.  There is no law that says one is the right side and one is the wrong side.  The first two swatches allow you to choose which side is the right side.  The 3^rd swatch tells you to use the bumpy side as the right side.  Late you are asked questions about how you feel about using the bumpy side as the right side.  Personally, I can’t imagine ever making a conscious choice to use this side as the right side, but you know what they say about never say never.

I have two more swatches to knit then answer questions for all the swatches and prepare everything to send off for evaluation.  I have already learned quite a bit from this first lesson and have not yet completed it.  I am not sorry that I started with this basics course before moving on to other courses and the Masters program.  I have discovered that a lot of people that went into the Masters program actually took the basics course first.  I intend to continue through what I call the “foundation” courses until I have all five completed before starting the Masters program.

Go forth and Knit!

I pray you are all always happy, blessed, loved and healthy.

Have a God filled day,

V