I just realized I’ve been utterly remiss in not mentioning Beyond Toes, Judy Becker’s new book. (Sorry, Judy!)
As the subtitle says, it’s a series of Knitting Adventures with Judy’s Magic Cast-on. Tied in many knitters’ minds with toe-up socks, I’ve long known the JMCO was magic because it could be used in many other ways as well – for example, as a provisional cast-on, as a start to a tubular rib, or as a start for double knitting. I’ve even seen Cat Bordhi use it to start a hem. Beyond Toes has patterns that make use of the JMCO in all these ways, plus a few new eye-openers.
Deb Barnhill uses it to start a bit of twisted I-cord – here, for piggy tails:
Jeny Staiman suggests using it to add more stitches to an existing piece, then knitting the stitches in both directions – say, to start socks at the heel then add stitches for the instep and the front of the leg:
Lorilee Beltman found a wacked-out way of using it to start mittens:
Cool stuff, eh? If you’re lucky enough to live near Portland, OR, check out the Beyond Toes trunk show that Twisted is hosting this week. As a bonus, Judy will be there tomorrow, Sunday the 6th, for a book signing from 2 to 4pm. Joan Schrouder and I are going – how about you?
Wish I could but SC is too far to make it by 2 pm. Bobsled Mittens are on my list too! Ooooh, so many mittens, so little time!
» Kathom
Just how many mittens do you need in SC??
» JC
Anytime it gets below 45 degrees, they come out in droves. We have such thin blood here. ;~)
» Kathom