lace practice

This lace pattern is turning out nicely which includes a k2tog and yo (yarn over) sequence.  Again, thank goodness for the instructional videos!  I tweaked a few things in a shawl pattern and ended up actually writing out my own pattern for this lace.  This pattern would make a lovely scarf and shawl.  I will be using this for a secret project (shhhhh).  Waiting on my new CinDWood Universal S-Loom and then I'll be all set to start looming.   

practicing stitches

I wanted to share a loom knitted dishcloth I made yesterday.  This dishcloth was loomed using the small blue Knifty Knitter loom and one strand of 100% cotton of either the Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Creme.  I'm not sure which brand because the yarn was laying around and wrapperless.  I used the knit stitch and purl stitch.  The garter stitch is used for the frame to prevent the edges from curling.  Once this dishcloth is washed, the stitches will fill in and fall into place.  It turns out the 5/8" gauge on the small blue KK loom combined with the knit stitch creates a lovely close knit.  No doubling of yarn strands needed.  I just ordered the purple KK round loom with the 5/8" gauge and can't wait to try it out.  I also have an 18" adjustable Markman RG rake in this size gauge.  It's a great size gauge for looming shawls, scarves, and afghans.

Looming dishcloths is a great way to practice new stitches.  I know at this stage in my looming experience I should know how to slip a stitch at the the ends of a flat panel, but I never tried it and wanted to practice and perfect the technique.  I think I just didn't understand the math behind it.  Do you cast on an extra stitch in the pattern so you can slip or what?  No, you just cast on the number of stitches the pattern calls for.  The stitch is still counted even though it is slipped.  The slip creates a beautiful neat appearance on the edges.  Now that this makes sense, I have to say I love the way the edges turn out, and I'll be using this technique from now on.  I never liked that "knobby" look you get on the sides of the flat panels without using the slip stitch.   
Thank goodness for the loom knitting instructional videos.  They are an incredible resource!  I used Isela's, "Create a Flat Panel on Knitting Loom," instructional video.  Thank you Isela!  Your looming videos have taught me so much.  I appreciate very much the time you have taken to create these videos.
  
Looming Through the Psalms:
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.  May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.  May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God."
Psalm 20:1-5 

starting a new project

Here's a sneak preview for a new project I'm starting.  Shhhh, it's a surprise!  It's a stitch I found for the Lace Shawl converted for the loom.  It's working up nicely.  Thank goodness for the online tutorials.  It's been so long since I've loomed, I forgot how to do a YO (yarn over) with a K2tog (knit 2 together).  Click here  in case you're stumped like I was. 

Looming Through the Psalms:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.  Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.  There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.  Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."  Psalm 19:1-4