Knitting advice Nr. 19: Don’t trust brand names or book titles (Vikings didn’t knit)

Scandinavia has a rich knitting tradition, but this tradition doesn't date back to the Viking age (roughly end of 8th century-mid 11th century). Vikings didn't knit. Therefore it makes no sense to publish books with titles such as Viking knits or Viking Patterns for knitting, etc. It's a pity, really. Vikings had lovely sheep and … Continue reading Knitting advice Nr. 19: Don’t trust brand names or book titles (Vikings didn’t knit)

Knitting advice Nr. 13: Don’t use a Russian bind off for half-mittens (it’s too loose)

I really like the Russian bind off as it makes it so easy to control your tension compared to traditional bind off. When you use the traditional bind off, it's very easy to end up with a bind off edge that is less wide than the rest of your fabric. This can be a problem, … Continue reading Knitting advice Nr. 13: Don’t use a Russian bind off for half-mittens (it’s too loose)

Knitting Advice Nr. 11: Don’t buy superwash wool (Part 2)

That's it. That's the advice. Don't buy superwash. It's bad for the environment, it's bad for people living near the plants that scour and superwash wool. Introduction The first superwash treatment: chlorination Chlorination and the structure of the wool fibre the fleece of sheep the wool fibre structure felt Research on chlorination Hercosett process : … Continue reading Knitting Advice Nr. 11: Don’t buy superwash wool (Part 2)