You might think that after completing 40 knitted squares for my latest blanket…I would have had enough of garter stitch. But, Oh no this simplest of stitches is not out of my system yet. If you learnt to knit at all, you will have knitted garter stitch, the bumpy ridges created by making a plain knit stitch on every row.
Your memories of childhood garter stitch might mean that you are haunted by limp stretchy knitting and can’t ever imagine to returning to this basic pleasure.
The simple can really be beautiful. I find that a thicker yarn and larger needles really brings out the texture of this stitch. For my recent blanket I have knitted the squares in an aran weight yarn with a 5mm hook. Looking at this photo, if you are not a knitter – you will say…’hang on a minute, what have you done there. its on the squiff?’ Yes, you are right it is knitted diagonally and doing so makes it both more interesting but also a more stable square.
It is also possible to elevate garter stitch even further by slipping the first stitch of every row, which provides a nice neat edge and really well defined places to sew the squares together.
So at the beginning of this week I attached all my blanket squares together and completed my edge. I’m hoping that I will be able to release it as a pattern soon for those who are interested.
Before I embark on my next project – or indeed return to an abandoned project, I have cast on a few accessories.
I have used the left over Stylecraft Grace to make a few quick and easy beanie hats for friends. This yarn appears very light and airy but is pleasingly an aran thickness and so knits up quickly. I work a seamless pattern in the round. As the weather cools quick and easy beanie is invaluable as an emergency hat. Small enough to pop in a handbag or workbag – just in case.
On Friday I made a version in the sumptuous claret tones of ‘Hip’ and then thought…’Wouldn’t it be fun if I made a neckerchief scarf to compliment the scarf’. The pattern I use is a classic design. You can find photos of the design from the 1930’s and it has also been reproduced as a costume staple for Miss Marple. There are reasons why some things become classics – usually because they just work. I always return to the same pattern which is available on Martha Stewart’s website. It is a great pattern because you can adjust the instructions to match the yarn you have available.
In order to ring in the changes and avoid being too matchy-matchy, I worked two strands together. I combined the Grace ‘Hip‘ with Stylecraft Special DK in Lipstick. (I had this left in my stash). The combination of the two yarns creates a satisfyingly robust fabric. The mohair ‘Grace’ adds softness and the Special DK provides a pop of colour. The shape of the neckerchief is effortlessly chic at the neck – plus very cosy without dangly scarf ends.
A couple of observations – I think I should always combine two yarns together to make this scarf, it creates the ‘just right’ texture. Secondly…oh my word I was playing ‘yarn chicken’ at the end of this project. This is all the ‘Grace’ I had left. That is too close a call. Finally, you know you are pleased with a project when you contemplate not giving a gift away and start making convincing arguments in your head that the recipient might not even like it…is it their colour anyway? There is only one thing for it. Cast on another and see if you can satisfy that garter stitch knitting bug with one more project.
Yarn Chicken is when you risk finishing a project with the yarn you have left…there is that sense of impending jeopardy. Will you be able to finish without having to buy another ball of yarn!
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