the blue blog archives: steeking is fun

The only problem with steeking is that the things that get steeked are usually the most beautiful knits you've ever made or seen.

Like this Koigu vest knit by fellow Knitsmith, Nancy. Nancy is an artist, doesn't follow patterns, and makes the most incredible knits. But she doesn't have a sewing machine. So, it was my job to sew in the steeks on her vest.

The boys watched. They are fascinated by the sewing machine. Click here and here for the boys' eye view!

Nancy wants to do the cutting herself. It's a special moment between a knitter and her knit. I wasn't about to take that moment away from her, so I handed back the vest just like that.

Claudia was giving this away. (I'll pause for a moment for you to take that in. Yes, she was giving it away!) She'd worked on this giant 80's style fair-isle back in the day and was never going to finish it. She said that someone unafraid of steeking should take it and cut it up and make something (pillow cover, felted bag...) out of it. How could I pass that up?! Just look at that incredible corrugated ribbing. I'm so excited about cutting this baby!

They may be the most beautiful knits I ever seen, but when it comes to steeking, it sure does help that I didn't knit them!

posted by alison at 8:15 am | in design workshop

Comments

Makes sense to me that it's easier to steek something you didn't knit...

Posted by: Chris at January 30, 2006 8:41 AM

I have a couple of FairIsle's that I'm working on and some that are ready and waiting in my stash. I am freaked out about doing the steeking part. I'll have to find a hand holder! Both of those are beautiful!

Posted by: Morgan at January 30, 2006 8:45 AM

The vest by Nancy is amazing, as is Cladia's cardigan. However, the rib photo pop-up HTML is broken. I just get this http://alison.knitsmiths.us/%3Ca%20href=
:(

Posted by: AmyP at January 30, 2006 8:50 AM

That sweater was gorgeous. I'm sure you will turn it into something amazing... if anyone can you certainly are the one! Can't wait to see what it becomes.

Posted by: Kate at January 30, 2006 8:58 AM

Both the vest and the cardigan are phenomenal. It perked up my morning just to see those colorful artworks.

Posted by: anmiryam at January 30, 2006 9:01 AM

I hope you know how incredibly happy you made me by TAKING THAT DOG OFF MY HANDS! Yeah!

Posted by: claudia at January 30, 2006 9:24 AM

Steeking scares the bejeezus out of me! It's that rollercoaster scared... I still am working up my nerve to go on the ride!

Posted by: Mama-E at January 30, 2006 9:41 AM

I can't believe she doesn't want that, wow. It's just pretty.

Posted by: pixie at January 30, 2006 9:47 AM

Both are beautiful, thanks for sharing. I'm the opposite way about steeking - I'd be more nervous cutting someone else's knitting because I'd feel worse if I ruined someone else's work.

Love the boys pictures, always.

Posted by: Margot at January 30, 2006 9:50 AM

I can't believe Claudia called it a DOG!! I have that cardi. My mom knit it for me. I love it. Looks great with kakhis and jeans!

Posted by: Kathleen at January 30, 2006 10:08 AM

How funny, Kathleen, that you have the same cardi! It is a beauty, that's for sure. I'm sort of tempted to finish it (one sleeve still has to be knit), but it's soooo huge. And steeking is soooo fun!

Thanks again Claudia! I'm just a dog-lover, I guess. ;0)

Posted by: alison at January 30, 2006 10:36 AM

I'm sure it feels like a wet stinky dog in your hands when its Fair Isle and you know you'll never finish it!! I can imagine the weight that Alison took off Claudia's shoulders!! Might seem silly because it's so beautiful, but it made them both happy. :)

And BOTH of those FI's are just BEAUTIFUL!!! I never would have thought of using Koigu for one. Just beautiful beautiful beautiful!!

Posted by: Laura at January 30, 2006 10:39 AM

Eeek, a steek! Such bravery. I'm not sure that I could do that to my own knits, never mind someone else's.

Posted by: Colleen at January 30, 2006 11:20 AM

Ooh, Nancy's beauteous colorwork is an inspiration! I'm mesmerized (MUST get more Koigu... MUST get more Koigu).

Posted by: Ina at January 30, 2006 11:33 AM

Ooh, Claudia's FI sweater is just gorgeous. I don't think I could let it go. I would definitely finish it and wear it, but I don't know if it will fit you or not. Nancy's vest is a work of beauty too!

Posted by: Wanda at January 30, 2006 11:47 AM

knitting pr0n. Why am I here stuck at work instead of at home with all my yarn?

Posted by: michelle at January 30, 2006 12:03 PM

Both of those knits are beautiful. I, too, am surprised Claudia doesn't like that sweater. Beautiful, hand-knit fair isles never go out of style.

Posted by: Kristy at January 30, 2006 12:31 PM

I have had an impossible time when my knits meet the sewing machine. How do you keep the machine from stretching the knit waaaay out? I've looked at all sorts of steeking tutorials, but I'm not finding that addressed anywhere? Is it just me?

Posted by: Sarah at January 30, 2006 2:38 PM

They look so gorgeous in the photos. I've seen Nancy's in person, and Claudia's is amazing - that ribbing is soooo cool. I hope you can do something fun w/ it.

By the way, New Haven info - for your next trip The Peabody has a dinosaur exhibit, mummies and a sabertooth cat - B&S might dig it. And a cool children's museum as well.

http://infonewhaven.com/index.cgi/11765

http://childrensbuilding.org/

Posted by: Thea at January 30, 2006 2:52 PM

It's going to be a while yet that I'd get around to steeking....I mean, I need to get around to my first sweater still. ;)

Posted by: Elemmaciltur at January 30, 2006 4:10 PM

Ohhh, have fun with that fair isle. It is so pretty. love the colors.

Posted by: Lisa at January 30, 2006 5:54 PM

God, those colors are gorgeous!
Must have been a pleasure just handlng that piece of knitting! Great work, Alison.

Posted by: melissa at January 30, 2006 6:50 PM

Wow. So much color representing so much talent. One day...one day I may be there...! Great work, ladies, and way to go, Alison, for having the guts to cut up knitted stuff!! Eeks!

Posted by: ruth at January 31, 2006 8:37 AM