Using Stitch Dictionaries As Design Aids // Casual Friday 2-43

[@karenbochinski]

Thanks for sharing your library. I love Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary: 150 New Stitch Patterns to Knit Top Down, Bottom Up, Back and Forth & in the Round The Ultimate All-Around Stitch Dictionary: More Than 300 Stitch Patterns to Knit Every Way both by Wendy Bernard.

[@n.ayisha]

i knit most things top-down, even the more complex fabrics like cables and fancy lace designs. working top-down allows me to use every bit of yarn in a given garment, or (conversely) to make quick adjustments when i am in danger of running out. this means that i sometimes have to sit there and reverse-chart the entire yoke section of a garment, so that i can account for all of the necessary shaping, but i just look at that as part of the process. if all of the complex bits are in the top section, i will use a provisional cast-on and work bottom-up through that part, then i resume working top-down from the provisional cast-on to the lower edge. what i like most about top-down construction (especially when it is seamless) is that i can usually try on the garment and make adjustments as i go. that is what i consider to be the major disadvantage to worked-flat-and-seamed designs. that approach is perfect for sewing because you can add as many darts and tucks as is necessary to fine-tune the shaping, but you can't really do the same with knitting (without creating bulk). ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference, which (some would say) is the whole point of the 'maker' lifestyle.

[@msnookchile]

Thanks so much! I really enjoy the tour of your library, and today's explanations were especially helpful. More please!!

[@carrenstika8444]

First I want to say, I love your educational videos. They are WONDERFUL! Thank you! So informative. I have learned alot. Next, I want to thank you for making certain that these education videos are closed captioned! Thank you! As someone who has had a progressive hearing loss since adolescence... and now, gulp, qualifying for Medicare TODAY!!! ... and someone who knits and enjoys learning more about this art/craft... I appreciate being able to have access to your wonderful videos and all of your skills and talents. Thank you for sharing.... and thank you for making your information accessible to me and to others who may also have a hearing loss (more than people know!). :)

[@amymikelson3060]

Very fascinating episode. Thanks for going through your library like this, it's great to get opinions and suggestions on books. Love the idea of having the binding redone on books. I am always so impressed by anyone who designs. I don't know that I could ever wrap my head around it, so am happy to knit the patterns of people who do.

[@grannysquared7140]

After your first library video I went to e-bay and found "Sock Innovation" and a group of 4 books that just happened to include "Knitting on the edge". I also got in that group, "Vogue Knittting", "Big Book of Knitting", and "The Encyclopedia of Knitting and Crochet Patterns". I paid a total of 25 dollars including shipping. I am happy with all of them I have so many new ideas. Thank you.

[@stephaniewinters1399]

Roxanne, thanks for the video! You mentioned that learning how to take a knitting stitch that was designed for a flat construction and chart it for a round construction a useful skill to know. Do you know of a book or other resource I can use to learn this? I realize there are computer programs; but, I'd like to learn this skill first with "paper and pencil" and then proceed to the computer (I want to understand what's going on). Thanks! Stephanie

[@TheSuzberry]

Here’s my question: will you be my other, smarter sister? My younger sister thinks I’m smart. But your intellectual curiosity amazes me. Thanks again for sharing with us.

[@bettybanks5367]

Thankyou for sharing your information. Love your videos!

[@brittanysmith1327]

I love the sweater you designed. I don't think it's too much at all.

[@Amethyst1919]

I prefer top down because I like the look of increases better than decreases. I find them flatter and more invisible.

[@RomiW]

Very interesting ! Thanks💖

[@ksenijakravetz]

The Barbara G. Walker's Treasuries are my favourite. Helped me with most of my designs.

[@qltygrl3187]

Ksenija Kravetz I have all four! Love them!

[@monicabuch3827]

Thank you for sharing

[@newday4936]

Hello Roxanne, I have seen some beautiful knitting patterns that are knit from top down. I've never done this as here in lreland we have always knit from bottom up and in pieces. I have two questions that you may be able to help me with. Is it easy to follow the patterns that are knit from top down? Is there a way to get the pattern reversed? Thank you Roxanne

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Are you asking if there is a way to get the instructions for the project reversed, or if there is a way to reverse the stitch pattern used in the project?

[@newday4936]

Hi Roxanne, thanks for replying. Yes I'm asking if there is a way to get the instructions for the pattern reversed

[@mimikaolin3693]

Very interesting ! Just please take care not to wear white clothes when important text and mention are over a white or contrasted back ground. It’ s unconfortable to read them. Many thanks for charing your passion and knowledges, that helps a lot 🌺