knitting question

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Hi Melody, I was reading the amazon description on your latest knitting book. It boasts that you don't have to use variegated yarn, or pick up stitches to get that modular look. So.. what's the catch? Would you please let us know when you find out? If there's no catch I'm buying it!
Thanks,
Helen

Dear Helen,

I was very surprised that this is not the typical form of modular knitting that I have been doing all these many months. It is based on short rows, or turning midstream so to speak. Changing to a second module is done by leaving the open stitches on the needle (from the first module) and connecting each row with a SKP. This is very nice in some ways and the projects are just wonderful. I am very glad I went out on a limb and ordered it.

The idea is found in the multidirectional scarf that I did a few weeks ago. It is easy to do and there are hundreds of possibilities.

I recommend the other modular knitting books too, Module Magic and Dazzling Knits and see this site for wonderful modular patterns.

This is the first module of a shawl that I am making from the new book. Notice the center increase. It is started with only two stitches and then an central increase in every row. Every 7 rows is a yo row, which will make this lacier when it is blocked.

My knitting in bed project is an Aran Isle sweater. I love this Bernat Lana. The perfect combination of soft yummy merino and value. After the sweater is done I plan to dye it a nice aqua.

These are pretty standard patterns, and the design is one I am making up as I go along. I think I may put a shawl collar on this and it could be either a cardigan or a pullover. I have enough yarn to make it long sleeved...we'll see.

The second sweater I ever made (age 15) was an Aran Isle pullover. I was told by my mother to wash your sweaters afterwards, to get the grubby-hands dirt out of them. So like a good daughter I dutifully filled the sink with hot soapy water and scrubbed the thing into a felted minature. NO WONDER I am anti-felt until this day. I never got to wear my new creation. And never made another Aran Isle design until now. I guess I am finally over the disappointment.