Correction and tips
I stand corrected on the Knitty Gritty pattern, "They call for Cascade Pastaza, *not* Cascade 220. Pastaza knits at about 4 sts/1" on 10's." Should I assume the "Karen" who left the comment is the Karen Baumer of the episode? No way to know since no email or web page was included in the comment, and the only Karen who posts comments here doesn't hide her info. Pastaza is more in keeping with the needle size, Pastaza is gauged at 4 sts/1" on size US 9's. It doesn't make the "trendy" factor any less, chunky knits on large needles. I was just afraid they were not addressing gauge issues. When I see the Cascade label I immediately think 220 (love the stuff!) so it was my bad on that point. Still don't like the cutesy factor. And in talking with my friends today, neither did they. So what about you?
And thanks to Shari, Darleen, and a late comer Rosemary for the following tips;
From Shari: Here's an idea - When you're knitting the I cord, bring the yarn around the FRONT of the needles rather than the back. That way you don't have to purl, but you get the purl side on the outside, which is desirable for those funky yarns.
From Darleen: After knitting a teddy bear with eyelash yarn I discovered that if you carefully comb or brush the finished or outside of the piece more of the eyelashes are brought to the outside. Makes it look more furry. You could try this after the I-cord is on the pen.
From Rosemary: I am glad I am not the only "nut case" out there. I saw that suggestion in a magazine and promptly ran around the house finding smooth pens from motels, hotels, etc. I did a 4 stitch I cord, but used a strand of sport weight with the fun fur. It gave it a little more stability. I also did not keep the cover on the pen, so I knit all the way to the top, slipped the pen in and bound off around the pen. I didn't have to glue it at all, so when the pen runs out, you just slip another one in. I can ALWAYS find my pen in my purse. My grand kids love them!!!
These tips can be used anytime you are knitting with eyelash type yarns. Yeah, I know, what could be more "trendy". I never said I didn't knit trends, just that I don't want the "trend" knitting to be viewed as the only thing to knitting. Knitting is so much more than size 10 needles and chunky knits. But I will say again, if it gets them knitting, great! Let's just take it beyond that "trend" and show them the "meat". I'm glad to see that Sally Melville will be on the show, love her stuff.
Will give you a low down on the weekend trip to St Louis soon. It was fun even if it was cold and damp. And knitting has been going on, so something to report there too. Later!
