Author: tabitha

Uncharted Territory

A Tutorial on Chart Reading

A number of the patterns I have released recently include knitting charts. Charts are a useful tool for knitters because they can compress a lot of written information into a small “picture” of the written text. Over the next few newsletters, I will be presenting the basics of chart reading. Hopefully, these will help you better utilize this wonderful knitting tool.

The first thing to understand is that knitting charts start at the bottom and work toward the top. This is completely backward to the way that you normally read, but is perfectly logical if you think about the order that you knit the stitches on your project. You build from the bottom of your knitting (cast on edge) to the top (bind off edge).

Cooking with tabitha

Crockpot Chicken Chili

Chili is one of my family’s favorite winter meals. It is warm, hearty and quick to prepare – the ultimate in comfort food. This version is made with chicken instead of beef and white beans instead of red ones. The flavors are a little different than the traditional chili but I think you will find it a nice change of pace. I use a 6-quart slow cooker for my version, but the recipe divides easily for smaller crockpots.

Infinity Squared

This reversible moebius cowl is as fun to knit as it is to wear. Great for guys or gals, you will find it an essential for your knitting gift list. The perfect last minute gift knit.

Pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters. Skills required: Cat Bordhi’s Moebius Cast on (for knitting moebius in the round), knitting in the round, applied i-cord bind off, grafting.

Tuesday Tips – Gauge

Almost every knitting expert will tell you that gauge swatches are essential to knitting. Yet, almost every knitter will tell you that they hate making gauge swatches. Over the years, I have been gathering tips to make the swatching process less painful. I thought I might share some of them with you over the next few weeks.

Gauge Tip #1 – Remember your needle size

Elevensies

My kids and I have been reading through The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkein together. Thanks to our hobbit friend, Mr. Bilbo Baggins, we were introduced to the lovely tradition of elevensies each day. My family has decided to adopt this hobbit tradition as our own. Each day, we take a break from work and school to enjoy a cup of tea and, perhaps, a snack. I read a section of The Hobbit while we sip our tea. It has been a nice way to recharge our minds and enjoy some family time together. If you have never tried elevensies, maybe it’s time you did.