M is for Mosaic May!

Hello Everyone!
May is upon us and per our May Newsletter that means M is for Mosaic May. We have a great skill builder hat project class, the Mosaic Mojo Hat by Katie Carr Swanson. This hat is based on ideas found in Mosaic Knitting (1976 with updated editions 1997, 2006, and 2008 (this edition contains an additional 116 magic mosaics!)) by Barbara G. Walker, the creator of mosaic knitting. The hat incorporates the two-color garter stitch short row pinwheel crown with mosaic patterns for the bands and a rolled stockinette stitch edge. Linda has beautiful color combinations to use for your hat. You can also pick up the Tidal Flats Tote by Moira Engel where Linda has included notes for three tote bottom (and shape) variations. And once you start knitting mosaics you can never get enough, there is also a Pop Up Class on May 25th for a dishcloth project that centers on pattern reading. 
When referring to Mosaic Knitting, Barbara G. Walker’s name is synonymous with this technique. Barbara Walker is a complex, multifaceted, and prolific writer who first learned how to knit in college.  Wikipedia goes into detail on Barbara Walker’s background (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_G._Walker), but it is notable that she is the one who put slip-stitch knitting into the knitting history books, coining the term mosaic knitting with her definitive book on the subject was first published in 1976 (see previous mention).  And here we are, knitting this deceptively easy technique that looks as modern today as it did when Barbara Walker introduced it 41 years ago. 

The Twist Collective Blog Post, "Give Them the Slip: In Defense of Mosaic Knitting" (http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/107-articles/1941-give-them-the-slip-in-defense-of-mosaic-knitting) explains mosaic knitting as, “The term mosaic knitting was coined by Barbara Walker and described in a 1976 book devoted to the technique. While the name is sometimes used more loosely to refer to all slip-stitch patterns, Walker used it to refer to a technique defined by a specific set of rules. What makes mosaic different from most other slip-stitch patterns is that within the constraints of those rules, a designer can create new motifs and repeat patterns and images.”
Mosaic Knitting and Slip Stitch Knitting continue to be used interchangeably, but as the Twist Collective writes, they are different, related, but different. 
One of the best explanations of the difference between mosaic and slip stitch knitting is found in the blog, White Horse Knitting by lipizzanknitter, who is a The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) certified Master Knitter and current co-chair for the review committee. In her post, “Don't Confuse Mosaic Knitting with Color Slip Stitch Knitting --They Are Different” (2014) (http://whitehorsedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/09/dont-confuse-mosaic-knitting-with-color.html),
Taken directly from her blog, lipizzanknitter offers a comprehensive explanation and comparison chart for types of slip stitch knitting, as follows:
Slip Stitch Knitting is a large category, which includes different types of finished stitch patterns. Categories of Slip Stitch Knitting include:
• One color used to create a textured fabric 
• Non-color dependent patterns-- Patterns that can use one or multiple colors but texture is the main focus. 
• Color dependent patterns --Patterns must contain at least 2 colors and the emphasis is the color pattern created. 
• Slip stitch patterns combined with other knitting techniques
• Mosaic knitting, a type of slip stitch work invented by Barbara Walker.
• Brioche knitting, a type of slip stitch work that uses yarn overs and slipped stitches to create layered, fluffy fabrics. These can be one or two colors. 
• Double Knitted Fabric-- Typically worked in two colors but can be worked in a single color. 

Mosaic, Brioche, and Double Knitting use slipped stitches to create unique fabrics. These sub-sets of slip stitch knitting are regarded as their own separate categories of knitting.  They have characteristics that separate them from typical slip stitch work and are considered apart from Slip Stitch patterning. 

Most knitters can easily see the difference between Brioche and Slip Stitch work. It's also easy to see the difference between Double Knitting and Slip Stitch work. However, many knitters often confuse Mosaic Knitting and Color Slip Stitch Knitting.


The following chart summarizes the similarities and differences between Color Slip Stitch Knitting and Mosaic Knitting: 

	Basic Color Slip Stitch Patterns	Mosaic Patterns
Similarities	One color is worked at a time. Textured fabric is created. Colors are carried along the selvedge. Both use slipped stitches to create the patterning. Can be worked in rows and rounds.
Fabric	Creates its own fabric through the use of varying texture.	Worked on a base of either stockinette or garter stitch.
Design	Uses small repetitive motifs. Patterns tend to be simple with short multiples and repeats.	Patterns are geometric ranging from simple to complex. Multiples and repeats tend to be longer then typical slip stitch patterns.
Color contrast	Look can vary depending on how much colors contrast.	Colors must contrast.
Number of colors used	Can use 2 or more colors. Some patterns don’t require color.	Uses 2 colors.
Number of strands used per row	Most patterns work alternating colors using 1 strand similar to Mosaic, but there are patterns where more than one color is used per row using the intarsia technique.	The 2 colors are alternated with one strand worked for 2 rows then the other color worked for 2 rows.
Color sequence	Colors may be worked for 1, 2, or more rows and alternated in varying sequences.	Each color is worked for 2 rows first on the RS then on the WS.
Row repeats	RS and WS rows are usually different.	WS rows are worked exactly as the previous RS row. Occasionally an accent stitch may appear.
Orientation of slipped stitches	Stitches can be slipped both knitwise and purlwise, depending on the pattern.	Stitches are slipped purlwise.
Placement of working yarn while slipping stitches (Floats)	Yarn can be held to either the RS or WS of the work when slipping stitches.	Yarn is held to the WS of the work when slipping stitches.
Combination with other stitch patterns	Can be incorporated with other techniques.	Does not combine with other techniques. Special borders have been created to work with Mosaics including Mosaic rib and Mosaic seed stitch.
Charts	Because of their simplicity, row by row instructions work well and charts are generally not needed. If the pattern is charted, then every row will be shown using standard charting technique, using a symbol for the slipped stitch.	Employs a unique charting system developed specifically for Mosaic Work. Each row is read from right to left and then from left to right. There are exceptions. Charts are usually easier to read than row by row directions. Typical chart will not use a symbol to designate stitch to be slipped.

So, get your Mojo on with Mosaic Knitting and as always,
Knit On, Lisa