The Same But Different: Sewn Bind-Off

Some of the very first things one learns as a new knitter is how to cast-on and how to bind-off. What you aren't told in those early days, as you struggle awkwardly to master the long-tail method, is that there are many, many different ways to do the very same things.

I, being just a teeny bit lazy, am inclined to stick with the standard. It's easy. I know how to do it without looking at instructions or a tutorial. I can cast-on stitches using long-tail in my sleep and I generally bind-off stitch over stitch. But, it is important to realize that different cast-on methods and different bind-off methods create different and potentially awesome results.

Last year I learned a sewn bind-off while knitting Romi Hill's Fairy Snow Cap. The sewn bind-off used in the pattern provides a wonderfully "finished" look that melts easily into the 1x1 ribbing of the hat. It stretches, it is substantial, and while subtle - it makes a difference in the overall look of the finished knit.

Recently, I needed a quick project to satisfy my need to finish something (Anything!) and so I started Clara Parkes Hill Country Hat. Let me say that to me a hank of slightly rustic, colorful, tweedy goodness is pretty darn irresistible. I have nothing but praise for the simple, classic hat pattern.

I made my Hill Country Hat slightly longer to create a slouchy effect that better suits my enormous 'noggin and I added a pom to use up the last of the 142yd skein of tweedy Rowanspun Chunky. The only other modification? Romi's sewn bind-off. Totally worth the extra effort of referencing the tutorial. Totally worth the extra time.

Here is a link to Romi's tutorial for the Sewn Kitchener Rib Bind Off in case you'd like to give it a go!

Manic Mommy Moment

Last week we went to see Santa Claus.  Getting two small people ready to brave the cold, ride the "el" and spend a day on-the-go is a big chore.  In the very early stages of this preparation I went insane.  I realized that Jelly Bean is bald.  A bald baby.  A bald baby in a holiday photo.

She needed a hat.

Immediately.

So, much to Newfangleddad's consternation I began to knit.  A hat.  The hat has eyelets and a ribbon.  We didn't have ribbon but that didn't stop me...  I used gift wrap curling ribbon.  I am a terrible mother.

It was too small.

I stretched it.

This was definitely a single use hat.  I squeezed it over her giant 'noggin for the photo.

Here's the deal.  My DLP is the baby whisperer in our house.  He is the king of the kids.  Sure, I contribute.  I go to work every day to pay the mortgage and the car payment and the groceries... but sometimes the need to contribute to the children overwhelms me.  Hence the hat hysteria.

I decided that Jelly Bean deserves a hat.  A real hat.  A hat made for her, not made to soothe a manic mommy moment.

This hat is a real hat.  This hat is a hoot.  Literally.

Materials:
Berrocco Vintage Chunky in Oats and Dried Plum
Size US 10.5 needles
Two buttons
Darning needle