The tubular/invisible bind off - success

So finally with the help of a write up on a discussion board I worked out the cast-off. I seem to be striking out with the Interweave instructions but this poster did a great job. I can't say I understand exactly what I did. But it looks fine and I didn't drop any stitches.

Taking from poster "Starlings" from a 2005 forum postings on Craftster.org. She did a great job and hopefully won't mind me reposting her write-up here for others. I found it surprisingly difficult to find a clear set of instructions especially with a 2x2 rib (I found it more readily for a 1x1):

from starlings:

"

Now comes the sewn bind-off. The 2x2 rib version may seem a little crazy, but with a bit of practice it will make sense. The basic principle is the same as kitchener stitch: The yarn passes through each stitch twice - the first time in the manner opposite to the stitch itself (purlwise in a knit stitch, for example), and the second time in the manner of the stitch. At that point the stitch is dropped off the needle.

Break yarn and thread it through a blunt needle.

1. Draw the needle through the first knit stitch as if to purl, then bring the needle around the right side of the stitch and to the back of the work. From behind, between the second and third stitches, insert the needle into the third (purl) stitch as if to knit.

2. *Insert the needle into the first stitch again, this time knitwise, and drop the stitch off the knitting needle. Insert the needle into second knit stitch as if to purl.

3. Bring the needle around the back in the same way as before, then, from behind the work, insert the needle into the first purl stitch as if to purl and into the second purl stitch as if to knit.

4. Insert the needle into the second knit stitch (now the first stitch on the needle) as if to knit and drop it. Insert the needle into the next knit stitch (now the third stitch on the needle) as if to purl and drop the first of the two purl stitches off the needle.

5. Bring the needle to the back and insert it into the next purl stitch (third stitch on the needle) as if to knit. Repeat from *

"


Overall I liked how this sock turned out. I probably could have done it a little smaller if I am going to wear them to allow for a snug fit. The Flat Feet yarn has been fun to work with. It unravels with a kink but you hardly notice it while you are working with it. It also is a soft yarn. Now to finish the other sock...(another reason I reposted starlings written instruction...)

Tubular bind-off for double rib

Given the trouble I had starting this sock I shouldn't be surprised that I am struggling right now with casting the darn thing off. I don't want to give up on this Invisible Double Rib Bind-Off; but it is pushing me. The only consolation I have right now is reading blog after blog in which someone else struggled with it but found it worth the end result. :)

That and my new favorite quote (found on another knitting discussion board during my desperate research to better understand my instructions):

"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."
- Catherine Aird

First sock almost complete

As it turns out; once I got the hang of the toe this has been a satisfyingly mindless pattern. :) The leg is just ribbing all around.

Chubby Bobbin

I got my sewing machine back yesterday after a lonely week of it at the repair shop and so I am making up for it with lots of sewing today. I decided to try out something called a SideWinder by Wrights. It is a portable bobbin winder that you can use instead of doing it on your machine.



It looks like I left out threading through the little loop; but what was even more funny is that I must have done something else wrong because the auto-shutoff didn't happen and resulting in chubby bobbin. I will try again. :)

Overall it is a small easy little device to use. The bobbin looks good except for being a touch full.

Fun heel patterning

Notice how the heel worked out. :) This has been great fun to see how the colors are coming out. Also, I am loving this from the toe-up sock pattern. Definitely one of the easiest and cleanest heels I have ever worked.

Flat Feet progress

There were enough mistakes bothering me that I pulled the sock and started over again. Now I am much happier with it. I also went down a couple of sizes. Fun mixing as it goes from the dark purple to the blue.

A much appreciated break in the weather

I think Western WA is breathing a collective sigh of relief to get to enjoy a little sun and a break from downpour. :)

Flat Feet sock attempt

The sock pattern I have selected is "His-Her Crew and Knee Socks" from Interweave Knits, Spring 2002.

The green thread pictured is necessary for what is known as a Provisional/Invisible cast-on. Wow did I struggle with that. I couldn't sort it out from the magazine glossary; but this great online tutorial did the trick: Invisible (Provisional) Cast-On Also known as Looped Cast-On

As you can see I am now taking out that yarn to put the "live" stitches on my other two double points.

Another reason I selected this pattern is because I have never done a sock from the toe up before so this is something else new. I wanted a relatively quiet texture pattern in case the color mix is really busy.

This pattern is a challenge for me so I do have another option if I get fed up. Unfortunately I am also working on another set of socks that is also not a mindless pattern which means I need another project for my mindless needs.

This last photo I am going to submit to Conjoined Creations. They have a very fun, ongoing contest to get more photos of people using their yarn. You can get entered in a drawing for yarn prizes which is hard to pass up a chance to try for. :)