Mosaic May - Wrap-Up!

Hello Everyone!

My Finished Hat

Crown

My Colors

In wrapping up Mosaic May, the projects for this month were not only interesting and creative, but set the stage for more mosaic knitting in my future! I will be talking about my adventures with the Mojo Hat and Tidal Flat Tote. I learned several things in knitting this skill builder hat project, the Mosaic Mojo Hat by Katie Carr Swanson. This pattern is very well written with clear instructions. I used worsted weight yarn in two colors as the pattern calls for - my hat Color A is turquoise and Color B is variegated red, dark blue, and turquoise. Due to past experience in knitting other hats, I made the large size to fit my head because I like my hats a bit more slouchy. I also opted for the size 8 needles per the pattern. The hat is entirely garter stitch, with the use of short rows and colorwork, taking garter stitch to a whole new level. The two-color garter stitch short row pinwheel crown revealed the variegated yarn in such a way that half the hat shows the darker blue and the other half shows red. This hat starts as a true skill builder because we have previously learned how to do a provisional cast-on, short rows, and how to graft. The pinwheel is a traditional crown for this type of hat, and truly enhances the stitch and colorwork. I chose the Mosaic Herringbone pattern for the band, which uses another, learned skill, chart reading. I knitted the rolled stockinette stitch edge with Color A as the primary part and Color B as trim. I really enjoyed knitting this hat, watching the pattern take shape, and the end result. But here’s what I would do differently the next time I knit this hat. I would go down a size in needle size. Garter stitch is very stretchy and the give can easily accommodate size 7 or even size 6 needles. I would also pick another band pattern so it would show up more clearly, especially with two relatively dark colors. I would go further and “manipulate” the variegated yarn so the transition from blue to red would be more noticeable. I am not displeased with my hat as knitted, I love the slouchiness and the colors are very rich. In skill building, however, we learn other ways to create the same piece, be it color contrast and color placement, needle size, and structure. All can be changed without changing the pattern basics. It is all about what works best for you and how you see the color and contrast, and how you would like your hat to fit. Stepping out of the confines of the pattern and adjusting it for your preferences is all part of enhancing your knitting. I have included my Mojo Hat and one of our knitters, Grace, who took our May Hat Class, was kind enough to let me include pictures of her hat so you can see the difference the color contrast and choice of band pattern make. Thank you, Grace, your finished hat is beautiful!

Yes, Grace, you did!

Grace's Finished Hat

I also knitted our kit, Tidal Flats Tote by Moira Engel, where Linda included notes for three tote bottom (and shape) variations. I chose to knit the round shaped tote. The mosaic and stranded patterns in the tote make it striking and the bulky yarn and yarn tape gives the tote textural appeal. The pattern is well written especially the Special Stitches Section. There is a clear chart for the stranded knitting. However, I highly recommend using Linda's additional notes. You will be knitting your tote in one piece instead of the additional sewing called out in the full pattern. One piece is sturdier than two, and there is no matching up sides. Definitely a win in my book. Working the bottom of the tote first, I knitted the round spiral pattern in the knit tape. Did I say the color will remind you of your favorite jeans? The knitting tape is Universal Yarns "fiber natura denims" come in colors with names that are jeans inspired like Indigo Dye, Vintage Wash, and Stonewashed, among others. Once the bottom is completed, a round of purl stitches transitions to the body of the tote. Here's where the mosaic knitting really takes off by using Universal Yarns Deluxe Bulky in Pulp (muted off white) and the denim color knitting tape. The color combination reminds you of your favorite jeans topped off with a crisp white shirt. The chevron mosaic pattern is subtle but quite visible due to the yarns' different textures. Transitioning into the stranded diamond pattern recalls skills learned during Fair Isle February on positioning yarn so the colors are properly aligned to ensure color dominance. The I-Cord Bind Off is perhaps one of the best techniques for a tote and is very easy to do using the pattern instructions. Knitting the I-Cord for the handle is a fun way to finish this intricate looking and deceptively easy tote. The tote incorporates a number of skills you have learned along the way and at the end you've created a fashion piece that is classic and trendy at the same time. Now your next decision will be what to carry in your beautiful tote. Yarn, of course!

Bottom View

My Finished Tote

I hope you enjoyed our Mosaic May and continuing to expand on your knitting skills. June brings knitting for the juvenile set - Juvie June's projects include a Baby Newsboy Hat that can be sized from baby to adult. Fashion isn't just for adults anymore!

Knit On and Keep Your Knitting Mojo Going!  Lisa

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