| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Bugs |
Extend a jumper...I have some jumpers which are nice and woolly and fit well but don't go down far enough on my back (to cover the cold bit between top and jeans). Does it sound reasonable to get a matching or contrasting wool (and yes, do tension squares to make it match the original, roughly), then pick up stitches round the hem, and knit an extension, albeit in the wrong direction? I'd only need to add six inches or so, which is easier than knitting a whole jumper...I realise it may look slightly mad but that's OK, I just want to be warm all the way down. Has anyone done or seen this done, and is there anything to bear in mind? |
| toggle |
rip put the rib, knit a bit longer, do new rib? |
| judith |
I'm thinking that the extra-long rib might look a bit odd (even though you don't mind).
How about knitting a band in stocking stitch, then cutting off the rib and sewing in the new, contrasting bit above the rib. Like a steek, only the other way around. (Note the casual use of the word steek as though I am someone who has actually tried doing it!). |
| alice |
hasn't someone written books about chopping up knitted garments and restyling them?
i'll wander off and have a google.... ooh, found this for starters 
http://www.knittingforcharity.org/easy_instructions_for_lengthening_knitted_garments.html |
| toggle |
the woman who did the frnkenknits column for knitty for a while did a book |
| Bugs |
Brilliant, thanks for the Frankenknits tip as I have also found a project by that lady for genetically modifying jumpers in to cardigans, which I am definitely (no, honestly, I really am) going to try - I have a couple that fit nicely but are just a bit too homicidal about the neckline.
It sounds as though it's similar to Judith's steeking technique (see how I have helped maintain the illusion there? If someone comes along who doesn't know better they'll think you're steeking queen). I think you're probably right about the long rib...I look odd enough as it is (especially since the hairdresser incident). Alice, that link is just the kind of thing I was after - I wasn't sure how picking up stiches would work, but I quite enjoy a bit of grafting, so I'll definitely have a look at that. I have a good half a dozen jumpers which would be made a lot more practical by one or other of these techniques so if someone could just find me a spare day or three I'd be away... |
| nettie |
I've tried extending a couple of woollies and have found that the easiest way is to pick up the stitches on your needle 3-4 rows before the bottom of the bit you want to extend, then carefully cut the original "cast-off" bit off. Unravel the 3-4 rows, your stitches will be neatly on the needles ready to carry on, and you can add your new wool as the unravelled bit runs out.
hope this makes sense 
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