PSSO to Another Knitter
I've been knitting for close to 25 years - so why is it that there are certain things that I can never remember how to do?? Like SSK. I know it means slip - slip - knit. But I never can remember what I'm supposed to slip slip, and what I'm supposed to knit.
Make a buttonhole? Sure, I've made dozens of them. But do I know how to make a buttonhole? Nope. Now I can't even remember the things I can't remember.
I'm betting that other folks have this problem...so I'm hoping to compile a cheat sheet to include in the Gettin' Knit Together kit. What do ya think? Have a mental block about something that always sends you back to the knitting books? Do you have a trick to help you remember something or a real simple explanation for something that you used to find difficult?
Packs of Yarn Minders go to the folks who submit the best suggestions.
My mental block is the kitchener stitch. I always have to watch this helpful little video I found online before I can get it. But, that may be a bigger item than you want to include on your cheat sheet.
Posted by: Beth | May 01, 2006 at 12:45 AM
What a great idea! If there is a stitch I haven't done in a long time, I always consult a resource. My favorite right now is Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting...it is a font of information. However, it did not have a provisional caston...thank God for the internet as that is how I learned it...caston styles might be good. I agree with Beth on the Kitchener Stitch...another bear to remember.
Posted by: Estella | May 01, 2006 at 06:36 AM
Very cool help for Kitchener: once it's started, chant "knit, purl, knit off; purl, knit, purl off...".
Posted by: Jennie | May 01, 2006 at 12:15 PM
Things I always have to look up:
Kitchener Stitch
Magic Loop cast one - which needle do I start with (Bottom. I think.)
M1s (both right and left)
I'm not a chart person, but how about an easy key for standard chart symbols.
Uses for different cast-ons/cast-offs. (e.g. Cable cast-on is stretchy, great for ribbing.)
Posted by: Kat | May 01, 2006 at 02:43 PM
For the Kitchener, I think, "Purl, purl off, knit, knit off, etc"
Always try to remember that "a slip stitch is slipped purlwise, unless otherwise stated, and unless it's a SSK." right? dang, that's a toughie too.
Posted by: Kris in TX | May 01, 2006 at 04:55 PM
I always have to go back to check what I have to do to do the Kitchener stitch. I also always have to mentally work through Purl through the back loop. Oh, and M1, yeah, I always have to check that one out too.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 01, 2006 at 06:17 PM
I see a theme here. Kitchener stitch/grafting was the first thing that came to my mind too.
Posted by: Kristen | May 01, 2006 at 06:47 PM
And what about psso? I can't even remember if I got the abbreviation right!
For Regina, you should also include the yarn over - she never remembers that one!
All of the suggestions above are great!
Posted by: Joanna | May 01, 2006 at 08:18 PM
Kitchener stitch and make 1 using the bars inbetween two stitches. Good idea!
Posted by: Betsy | May 01, 2006 at 08:19 PM
Isn't there another way of saying PSSO too? Like SKP or something? Are we asking too much of "Gettin Knit Together"??!
Posted by: Monica | May 01, 2006 at 08:48 PM
I can never remember which abbreviation means I should put the cable needle in the back and which menas I should put it in the front. It's a shame because I love making cables but I get tired of writing out the lines of pattern that include cables just so I don't twist them the wrong way. Stupid mental block.
Posted by: scribblesnbits | May 05, 2006 at 09:08 AM