Yesterday, while my heart was nearly breaking (as it seems it so often is these days of Darfur and Tibet and violences large and small in the Middle East, and so many more in an endless unfathomable parade), I picked up the recent issue of World Ark, published by Heifer International. In its pages I was able to see examples of humanity's other choices. So, I will be sending another donation to Heifer International, my small revolutionary response to events I cannot control. But if I did not believe in my very core that our actions have effects that range widely in time and space beyond our knowing I would just shrivel up right here and now.
I have been working hard on my little Tulip sweater, trying to finish it in time for Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp next week.
When I was knitting in the sleeve, it struck me that you, my loyal readers, might be interested in how to avoid sewing on the sleeve by using the three-needle bind off. When I get the next sleeve ready, I'll take some pictures. I really like the effect of this technique. Here's a close up shot:
Hi Janine-- I just started Jade S.'s Rheingold (photo of my paltry progress on my blog by the end of the evening...) and after reading all your tips on FI knitting, I am suddenly plagued with doubts of my own ability-- despite my recent, long-overdue mastery of the two-handed, two-color technique. But augh! Your tidy color changes! Your shoulder shaping! So lovely. I now see myself for the knitting barbarian I am! I will have to remain at your virtual knee and learn more, o great one.
Posted by: Emily | July 08, 2005 at 04:26 PM
I have read that the 3 needle bind-off makes for a less sturdy shoulder construction. When would you use it, and when would you opt to use conventional seaming? Would it make sense to not use it on a heavy worsted weight sweater? Or is it a good, strong seam regardless?
Posted by: Laurie | July 08, 2005 at 05:42 PM
I know what you mean: Sometimes doing something, however small, for someone else is the most consolation you can give yourself. And I love the three-needle bind-off--beats grafting, hands down.
Posted by: Becca | July 08, 2005 at 05:58 PM
Hi, Janine, would love to read a blog about your week at Meg's Camp when you get back. thanks, Mary
Posted by: mary mcmahon | July 08, 2005 at 09:42 PM
Why wouldn't you knit that plain sleeve downwards from the armhole to the cuff? Then there would be no seam at all. I could see it if you had a pattern and you wanted it a certain way up but plain? Please enlighten.
Posted by: Jo in Ottawa | July 09, 2005 at 08:45 AM
Actually, I have a question that reverses Jo's. I'm just about ready to start the sleeves on AS' Marina pullover, which calls for the sleeves to be picked up and knitted down after cutting open the steek. I've done this a million times (okay, maybe just a dozen), but I hate flopping a whole sweater around on my lap.
Is there any reason you can think of why I couldn't knit the sleeves separately and then sew them in, or pick up around the armhole and do a 3 needle bind off to attach them to the body?
Posted by: Meg | July 09, 2005 at 12:01 PM
where did this little gem of a sweater come from? i LOVE the colors!!!
Posted by: vanessa | July 11, 2005 at 04:44 AM
That's a beautiful sweater and we want to hear all about Camp!
Posted by: CarolineF | July 11, 2005 at 05:10 AM