Down Another New Path

Knitting roads diverged ... and for 2010, I took the Elizabeth Zimmermann way. Being a knitter of more than 30 years, I did not think there were many un-explored paths to be found. But Elizabeth has proved me wrong.

There was the new-to-me path of 'prime rib stitch', travelled when I made the Prime Rib Hat.

For whatever reason, I had never before knit 'prime rib stitch'. Following the marathon of Olympic Knitting, I needed a small project and decided on EZ's Prime Rib Hat. Not being a novice knitter, I was surprised by the struggles I encountered in understanding that stitch. A humbling experience every now and then helps to gain perspective. Or so I'm told.

Then there was the path of multiple steeks I went down when I knit the Green Sweater.

There were four steeks in that sweater. Not just the basic centre front steek, or even the slightly more intricate sleeve steeks, but also a square neckline steek.

Now on Waterloo, there is yet another new path. A neckline steek that more closely resembles dressmaking techniques, than knitting. Studying both Sally Melville and EZ's books, I determined the appropriate neckline width and depth needed, basted an outline using those measurements, sewed the requisite two lines of stitching, then cut.

Voila! An instant neckline. Perhaps the perfect neckline for knitters who don't like fiddling with decreases to achieve shape. This weekend will tell, as I intend to pick up stitches and create trim. Come Monday, Waterloo could be ready for a stroll. Down a real path.