Starting over

Yesterday I shared a fabulous knitting technique. http://stitchsarah.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/knitters-delight-perfect-tubular.html

Tonight I finished the ribbing, admired my work, unpicked the contrast yarn and discovered...an orphan loop!  I'd missed picking up one stitch. Aue!

No cunning idea for rescue came on a flash of inspiration, so the oldest strategy in the knitter's repertoire came into play.

Unpick it all and start again.

A bit of a bother, but to be honest I made a better job of it second time round. It took about the same time as it takes to sing the Beatles "Starting Over" five times.  I wish this strategy were available in more facets of life!

Knitters' delight: perfect tubular ribbing cast-on

For a change, I share this technique learned two-thirds of a lifetime ago. Credit to Heather Halcrow Nicholson

1. Using any contrast yarn and speedy method, cast on HALF the number of desired stitches.

2. Knit one row in contrast.

3. In proper project yarn, knit 5 rows Stocking Stitch, beginning and ending with knit rows.

Now for the cool bit. 

4. P1 from the needle, move the yarn to the back.

5. With the left needle, pick up the bottom-most loop of project yarn where it pokes down below the contrast.

6. Knit this stitch. Move yarn to the front.

Repeat steps 4-6, alternating purling from the needle with knitting from the bottom row of project yarn loops, until all stitches have been purled from the needle. 

Voila! The knit stitches have created the tube and you have the correct number of stitches. Continue in k1, p1 rib as required. Unpick/snip out the contrast yarn whenever you like.

Singing again, dressed up!

I've said it before, it's great to sing. And everyone can.

Tonight, I sang in Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy, with our own amazing NZSO. Pictured, me in concert rig. Any opportunity for sparkling cleavage, I say!

You can find my next public singing dates here http://www.acs.org.nz

This is not simply an attempt to sell you tickets - though that would be great! - but you'll see there are a couple of opportunities to come to an Open Rehearsal, see what we do and even try it out for yourself in the anonymity of the chorus.

Remember, everyone can sing!! I invite you to take up one of these free opportunities to enrich your life with this beautiful activity. Wear whatever you like, but please join me!

Pre-concert nerves? why yes, just a little

Final night of review and rest, for tomorrow I'll be a Beethoven 9 gal.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L7lQ_KplYHs 

We're performing this incredible work - from memory! - with the wonderful NZSO 

It's more than a little scary to look forward to. Utterly amazing and exhilarating to do!