the blue blog archives: left knitting*

I mostly worked on new projects while I was in Germany so that I could practice my continental knitting. I've only made a few projects using the technique since learning how to knit continental: the crazy continental, hubby's brown butter vest, and sooty mango. I was pretty satisfied with how they came out, but the yarns were fairly forgiving and at points the tension still wasn't completely consistent. So I stuck with throwing and used my left hand mostly for two-handed colorwork. But I've noticed that my throwing method keeps causing me little twinges in my right wrist, particularly when I am working in small gauges. I changed how I held the yarn, which keeps the twinges from coming, but my wrist has still been sore from my olympic record knitting pace in August. So, when I started klaralund I decided to give my right hand a vacation. And then I went on vacation. To the continent! I couldn't switch back then.

So in addition to klaralund, my secret project was knitted entirely continental (no, it's not quite done yet!). And I'm knitting pop continental style as well - except for the ribbing, which is still best left to my right (left to my right - hah!). I must say that I have been surprised at how comfortable I am knitting this way now and at how well the projects are coming out. The tension is very even and I'm even getting the hang of doing special stitches, like decreases and bind offs, with my left hand. So here I am knitting continental and loving it. I'm very tempted to switch entirely.

The only hitch is the few projects I still have underway, like the frankensweater and mom's jess cardigan. Plus, switching would put a serious cramp in my plans to knit the wavy-line sweater anytime soon. I've still got to get lots more comfortable with my left hand to do the yarnovers and lacy bits justice. But I do love a challenge!

* links stricken, literally translated as "left knitting", is actually how the Germans say purling, but it seems to me like a better name for continental knitting, don't you think?

posted by alison at 7:39 am | in pop

Comments

Oh dear, I suppose one of these days I will have to fully open my mind to continental knitting. I've been sort of walking around with blinders on, pretending I don't really know it exists (how's that for convoluted?).

Posted by: Norma at September 27, 2004 9:30 AM

I admire you for continuing to practice so hard in order to make a total conversion to it. I have practicised continental knitting over the years, too, and made a few small projects using it, but have been daunted by how much difficulty I have with purling. I am glad to know how to do it so that when I work on two-stranded knitting, I am able to do it without too much trouble. However, I don't really think I will ever convert over to it for the majority of my knitting.

I have a question for knitters who are tying to convert to continental knitting, though. Do you think I should teach new knitters to knit in the continental style when they ask me to teach them to knit, even though I knit using the right-handed, thowing method?

Posted by: Suzanne at September 27, 2004 9:41 AM

Neato. I've been doing my modified left-handed Continental (huh?) on Klaralund, where I knit throwing on the right-to-left rows and knit back right-to-left on whatr would be the purl rows. I'm lefthanded, so this is working rather nicely, but Silk Garden is pretty forgiving . . .

Posted by: maggi at September 27, 2004 9:53 AM

Very inspiring. I really should open my mind to jumping the continental hurdle. Could you give a weekend workshop?
: )

Posted by: Cindy at September 27, 2004 10:37 AM

I know how to continental knit but always go back to using my right hand to throw as I knit quicker that way. I also get pain in my right wrist and funny enough I'm a lefty in all other aspects of life. Maybe I should try knitting a baby hat or similar to get used to knitting continental again.

We need a support group for those who can't seem to stick to knitting continental! LOL! ;)

Posted by: ~Jo~ at September 27, 2004 11:55 AM

is it presumptuous to suggest that before you commit to a new knitting style you follow your advice to me and try combined knitting for a project? I am blocking my blanket at the moment and the combined half is so much neater than the continental half. You don't sound like you are having the purl tension problems I was having but even so I have to say I find the combined style much easier too.

Posted by: jo at September 27, 2004 8:40 PM

I have never even considered learning how to knit continental. You have me a little curious if I would enjoy it or not. I might just have to give it a try making something small. Thanks for always being inspirational.

Posted by: Kathy at September 27, 2004 9:42 PM

Good question, Suzanne! I struggle with that myself when I teach beginners. I usually ask if they are left handed or have done crochet. If so then I show them the continental method. Otherwise I stick to the english method. I think that most right handers are pretty inept with their left hand, so learning continental might make starting knitting even more frustrating. But still there are some students I've had who are right handers but instictually start to hold the yarn with their left hand. I tell them they should keep it that way - whatever feels more comfortable! Anyone else have any ideas??

Interesting idea Jo, but I don't think I'd like combined knitting. As you say, I don't have the same tension issues that usually bring people to combined knitting. My gauge inconsistencies were with holding even tension during knitting, not purling. I love purling continental and really find the combined motion for purling awkward and "wrong" feeling. Plus, I teach beginners and I'd hate to get too far away from the basic methods that I should be showing them. It sure does help knowing about combined knitting though. It's a great method for dealing with certain issues and can be something I can go to for a specific project or problem area (like ribbing) to improve my knitting.

Glad to hear that your blanket is looking good! I hope I get to see a finished picture. :)

Posted by: alison at September 28, 2004 9:00 AM

I taught myself continental when I picked up knitting again because the other way caused so much wrist pain on my right side. I love it - and don't think I would knit much if I didn't know how to do it. I still do more complicated movements with the yarn in the right hand if needed. Here's an interesting thought: I was teaching a friend both styles and she said the continental seems more efficient and the english is more elegant. I'd have to agree with that.

Posted by: Shelby at September 28, 2004 9:01 AM