Perversity thy name is Three-Needle-Bind-Off

So, 3-needle-bind-off is supposed to be a good thing, which it is. And a time-saver, which it usually is. I know it is. But it has vexed me just about every knitting moment for the past three days. But I was going to use it no matter what.

When last I showed you Colinette Point 5 it was ripped back and ready for a new neckline and shoulders. Well, it has them again, but I’m not sure anything’s different. For every thing I fixed, I think I added a new mistake. Did something good in that I added about 3" in length (I had gone short worrying about yarn quantity). Ended up with an extra ball after the sleeves, so when I ripped I took the opportunity to split that ball between the front and back. The sleeve are folded up in this photo - see now that the yarn camouflages the folds and makes it look short-sleeved.

Did all this while hanging out with the family, which of course means I counted rows and stitches far too many times. Then I decided that I would do the sloped shoulders with short rows and a three-needle bind off. This is essentially a good approach to reduce bulk with this yarn. But it's insane to do it sitting on a sofa watching Mary Poppins, complete with family singing and Emily dancing. I had big fat needles slipping and flying everywhere. This photo was taken when I came back from the bathroom and saw my insanity for what it was. Could have waited, but of course I HAD TO FINISH. What is it that comes over me sometimes? Don’t answer. Did finish and it’s all good enough. Now for joining the sleeves. Maybe tomorrow.

Since I was a little tired of Point 5 and itching to start Rogue … I did. Been waiting for some quiet time so I could look over the pattern and make my adjustments and found my window on Sunday afternoon. I’m short with short arms, but a 38 bust, so there are always critical adjustments, especially if I don’t want to turn up the sleeves. This pattern had to be manipulated carefully to keep the cables and the proportions, especially since I wanted it boxy.

That done I cast on 216 stitches in the round and started knitting happy as could be. Except when five rows into the hem I saw that I was supposed to be either doing a single rib or twisted knit stitch. Ooops. So, this is when my true personality comes out. I went researching hems and reading her on-line FAQs, etc and decided to reduce the hem from 12 rows to 6 (from 2” to 1” turned under) and not worry about the stitch style. Then got it in my head that I would attach the hem while knitting a round. Too bad I didn't use a provisional cast on, but I figured I'd get by. This meant picking up the cast on loops – all 216 of them. This photo shows the cast on being picked up on #3 circs (the hem was knitted on #6 and the body is on #8). I did a purl row for the turn row.

Now for the fun. I’ve come to admire deeply all the knitters through history who’ve knitted the hem in place with three needles. Of course my first stitches had to be across the cable pattern that runs up each side. Now, yesterday I did think about the biggest danger and made a mental note to be careful (what silliness on my part – mental note!). Imagine me, bent over carefully matching the front to back stitches one for one while figuring out how to pick up the tight and twisted CO stitches and the front stitch in both K and P stitches. So deep in that zone of concentration that I forgot something… CABLES! Duh! 15 stitches had become 23 over those 6 rows. Got all the way through the cable pattern and into the body before the skewing became apparent with about 10 body stitches. Looked ok from the front, but the back was so torqued. Rip. (btw, that little "I love you" note was brought to me by my daughter after being punished with room time - she's learning some tiny bit of charm from her younger sister.)

Once I spread the pick ups symmetrically across the cable band it all lined up great. But oh boy did it take some time to do 216 three needle picks. And it was all very fidgety and always felt on the edge of disaster. Something was always sticking or slipping. This photo shows about 75% done which is when I felt almost under control (and only because the end was in sight). Still, nice to think I have this technique to add to my repertoire. Sorry for all these flash photos, but it's been raining all day. Perfect for knitting. (Also sorry is this photo and the next are placed strangly on your screen. I'm still trying to get used to using a floating width.)

Oh, but it looks so good. And more importantly, IT’S DONE!!! The sleeves will be cake after this.

I'm going to every other day or so for posting - need to balance.

Comments

[Jackie]

WOW - I am totally impressed with all the thinking and knitting going on over there...where are the girls?? I can only imagine how many times you've had to count and stop mid-row! :) Love the color for Rogue!

[michelle]

whew! that post made my head spin. you're one smart cookie! i have yet to adjust patterns to my fit. your approach to it and tips are really helpful!

[Tipper]

That angora looks absolutely delicious. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels as if her knitting is teetering on the edge of disaster sometimes! :)

[Risa]

I'm very impressed with your solution to the problem with Rogue! How very creative. I'd be daunted with picking up that many stitches from the cast on edge. Congrats on adding the three needle bind off to your bag of tricks. I used to use it to finish off the toes of socks before I finally figured out the kitchener stitch. Simply beautiful work! Good luck finishing Point 5.

[Allison]

I am so glad that I am not the only one to have such issues in my knitting. I feel that when I knit I use more of my math skills than at work and I am an engineer!