Yarnie News

I just got some yummy new yarn at the Three Black Sheep Shoppe. Gina by Plymouth yarns. Looks like Noro Kureyon, but soooo much softer and better priced. 109 yds, 100% wool. It is spun in gradations, so no pooling when it is knit. I think a size 7US needle is recommended. When I tried it, I agreed.
And I then also ordered 2.2 pounds of this dyeable merino superwash from www.Wool2dye4.com
I am swooning with love already for this luscious yarn.
First thing I want to do is knit a swatch to see what gauge will be for me. I used a size 5US first and then thought I could go with a 6US.
I cast on about 30 stitches and did one or two rows of rib, and then stockinette and then garter. It's nice to see how everything looks with a new yarn. I am getting 5 stitches to the inch so for a 40" sweater I'll need to cast on 200 stitches. OK.




On Pinterest I saw this great new increase. A backwards E. It can be used in place of a yarn over or a M1 and I tried it in a swatch. I like it because you can snug it up next to the work and not leave a hole.
 
Cast on three stitches.
Row 1, K1, make the backward e increase, K1, make a forward e increase, K1.
Row 2, P.
You can see how the yarn wraps one way on the right and the other way on the left.

Chummy is keeping an eye on me.