And if the old socks are done, well it
stands to reason, new socks started! In the bright clear colors of
dawn—all rosy pink and sunshine yellow. Well--that how today
dawned. Lovely but cold.(I was awake at dawn—and admired the sky—and then rolled over pulled the covers tight, and slept for another hour and half—7:30 is not too slovenly a time to get up.)
These socks are top down, (just because the last pair I knit were toe up) with a simple cast on--a long tail with a twist.
These socks are top down, (just because the last pair I knit were toe up) with a simple cast on--a long tail with a twist.
Not a twisted long tail but a twisted/
braided one. Start with a standard long tail. Make the tail a bit
longer (an inch or two for sock—more for more stitches or thicker
yarn.. NOT a lot longer.. but....)
Set up (if you use a slip knot to
start, make one; if you use a twisted loop..do that) *Make one
standard long tail stitch.
Twist the yarns: Bring the thumb yarn
up and over to index finger, drop the index finger yarn down, and set
it up on thumb. Repeat.
The tail yarn and ball yarns will twist up,
(and it becomes annoying by about the 40th stitch cast
on!) so stop and let them untwist (slide all the twists down, and let
the tail end untwist)
The difference between this version of
long tail and a standard long tail is almost imperceptible—when you
look at them-- Especially when working with a standard long tail set
up.
It's a bit more obvious (and the braid
is more noticeable) if you use two contrasting colors. Or for that
matter, 3 colors, or 4 colors.
The twist –as many twists do—creates
some extra slack in the yarn. So you get a firm edge that is
stretchy—perfect for socks—or any edge that needs extra stretch.
I have a video showing this cast on—using 3 colors.... (3 separate
yarns) (if you don't under stand how I am moving the yarns) The
same twist/rotate motion works for two yarns-- be they 2 separate
yarns (contrasting colors) or just a standard ball and tail –(and
it also works for 4 separate yarns/colors--or if you are crazy 5 or
more colors)
These socks are going to have a 3 X 3
rib for the cuff. I don't much like a knit and purl cast on (be it
a knit cast on, or a cable cast on, or even a knit and purl long tail
cast on.) I like a smooth top edge. I like this cast on for a nice
stretchy edge, that is slightly decorative and just a bit
different—but very easy to work.
I'll have some good photo's to show
you tomorrow.--The my photo 'studio” is getting too much sun light
now (it's afternoon) for a good shot.
1 comment:
You clever lil' devil you. lol
I'll try to learn that one as my punishment for not knitting enough the past year. ;-)
Lella
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