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

Asymmetrical April 2017 - Wrap-up

Hello Everyone!

In wrapping up our Asymmetrical April, I am happy to say that I finished our hat project, Rebel by Josh Ryks.  When I last checked in, I was coming up on German Short Rows. I have done short rows on other projects and I wish I had known how to do German Short Rows! This method makes short rows much easier than the more traditional wrap method. The short rows are what give this hat its shape, fitting along with the natural curve of your head. Once I knitted the pattern through the short rows, the hat actually started to look like a hat. Knitting this project is almost like knitting a mystery knit-along, the hat shape only comes into view as you complete the short rows. My Husband, Linda's Dad, asked more about this project because the hat shape isn't readily visible. But once it comes into view, the sense of accomplishment is real! But, there’s one more step before our Rebel Hat is finished, and that’s the grafting. I have not grafted before this project, so I had to research how to do this particular technique. There are a number of site, but I found the tutorial at Craftsy to be very clear and it has pictures!

https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/12/knitting-kitchener-stitch-tutorial/

According to Craftsy, the Kitchener stitch is a finishing technique in knitting used to seam two sets of live stitches invisibly. It is essentially a new set of stitches woven from both live edges! Also called grafting in knitting, the kitchener stitch is fun to say, but can seem a little daunting to new knitters.

What I found, though, is that the tutorial gave me a basis on how to graft, a more clear understanding. But I found the best way to do the grafting on our hat is to follow the pattern. Josh Ryks’ pattern is very well written overall, and particularly in this area. Just follow each step and you’ll get the “V” in the back, completing all the required knitting. Now all that is left is to weave in those ends! As you recall, I used four colors in my hat, and while weaving in all those ends took some time, the color combination was well worth it.

I hope you enjoyed stepping into the new areas of short rows and grafting. I am sure we will see these techniques again. Here is my finished Rebel Hat.

I will be working on the Stephen West Tripartite project while on a trip during the first week of May. There are several project kits still available at Yarns by HPF. Stop in and check them out! Here is where I am on this very artistic project. 

I will post updates when I get home. I always take knitting when I travel. I found that the times I didn't, I missed not having the option to knit. How about you, do you take your knitting with you? See you next month for Mosaic May!

Knit On! Lisa

Asymmetrical April!

Hello Everyone!

We have been waiting for Spring to show up in the Northeast and with temperatures climbing from the 30’s to 50’s then to 80’s and back down to the 40’s, our typical New England Spring has arrived in all its asymmetrical glory. And coincidentally, if you've read our newsletter, you know it's Asymmetric April! Our April is not be filled with varying weather fronts, but we do have projects where the yarn is knitted in different directions only to come together in stunning ways, much like the appearance of a beautiful rainbow after a weather event. Our designers this month, Josh Ryks on the Rebel hat and Stephen West on the Tripartite garment both take the venerable garter stitch and the versatile short row technique to new and incredible levels. According to his Ravelry profile, Josh Ryks is a color-obsessed knitter and designer from Minnesota. As a self-taught knitter, Josh has been altering patterns since the moment a pair of sticks and string was put in his hands. Josh got started on his “official” design career after knitting a shawl by Stephen West. The shawl opened his knitting world to a wonderful playground of shape, color, texture, graphic detailing, and lines - as well as creating a shawl-obsessed knitwear designer. Short rows, color, lines, endless garter stitch, and graphic punch can be found in his designer tool belt at all times - and he’ll always have at least one shawl in his project bag! His Ravelry username is SwordofaKnitter and his website is www.swordofaknitter.com, a combination blog and vlog (video blog). Check out his other patterns. They beautifully show what you can do with garter stitch and short rows.

As you can see from Josh's profile, he is inspired by arguably the most creative designer using the garter stitch (and short rows), Stephen West. 

According to his website, www.westknits.com, Stephen West was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He studied dance at the University of Illinois where he encountered his first yarn store, Klose Knit in Urbana, IL. The creative atmosphere of that local shop spurred Stephen to start designing knitting patterns and he was quickly featured in Knitty’s fall 2009 issue with his Colonnade Shawl. Soon after, he began publishing more patterns and launched a series of pattern books under the brand Westknits. He continues to produce pattern books and hosts several online knit alongs each year like the Mystery Shawl Knit Along, Yarn a Long and Westknits Shawl Club. His simple clean designs have now been knitted by thousands of knitters all around the World.

So here we have two very creative designers using relatively simple techniques in unusual and dynamic ways. For this blog entry, I will concentrate on our Rebel Hat. Linda says the hat’s name fits me well. Hmmm…..

As a departure from the bright colors our designer favors, I am knitting my Rebel hat in white, black, gray, and tan. I prefer muted and more natural colors (but a burst of orange has been known to find its way into some of my knitted work!). I suggest reading the entire pattern to plan out your color arrangement. I am using four colors so I will have more weaving in of the ends, but picking two colors for the Main and Contrasting Colors certainly has great appeal, which I am sure I will think of as well when it comes time to actually weave in those ends! The pattern is straightforward aside from the make One Left (M1L) and Make One Right (M1R), which are very well explained in the pattern. As I was first knitting this pattern I though how is this ever going to get into a hat shape? I usually knit in the round and this hat is knitted flat, but not in the usual way. The shape grows through the added stitch placement and the ingenious use of garter stitch. It is important to keep track of the rows as they are key in the shaping, particularly with garter stitch. The only thing that really gives the Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS) definition in this phase of the knitting is how the striping looks in the beginning of the hat. It looks like the striping would look on the WS of the hat until you get to the directional knitted fold. I use old school pen (in different colors) and paper to keep track. I have used every tool, electronic and otherwise and for me, the old school method works best. I find the combination of tracking works for me, but use whatever works for you. As with most knitters and crocheters, I multitask (TV, coffee drinking, you get the idea) so tracking is crucial to bring me back on point. It also helps with Works in Progress (WIPs), where we all have a few (blog on WIPs in progress, how fitting!).

I am at the point where I have come to Section 4 of the pattern, the German Short Rows! I found that the description in the pattern of the SLPYO to accomplish short rows wasn’t as descriptive as I needed to this critical shaping of my Rebel hat. So this is where I turn back to “new school” and I found a great tutorial on German Short Rows at Tin Can Knits, https://blog.tincanknits.com/2015/05/. Although I have knitted short rows in the past, it’s been quite a while, so I need a refresher. I am working my German short rows as I write, and I will show my progress and a finished hat in the next blog. Here

is where I am so far (yes, that's a stitch marker to keep my front and backing clear view!):

I will post my Rebel hat completion in the new few days. I will also post about the amazing Stephen West project. Enjoy knitting this hat and let your inner Rebel free!

Knit On! Lisa