lace

Lace  n.   [lās]  A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open web like pattern.

The hot part of the summer … August.  For many of us, this summer has been unusually hot for weeks already.  Hot weather does not always inspire knitting.  At least not for me.  So I thought if I knitted something light and airy I might not feel the heat so much.

So what could that project be?  A lacy scarf?  No, you wear scarfs for style and warmth.  A shawl or wrap?  No.  Again that is something you wear for warmth.  Then it dawned on me:  a knitted mesh tank top to wear over a solid tank or a bathing suit!  This is not a piece of clothing I would probably have in my closet so it was time to poll my young nieces.  All of their suggestions resulted in a soft, stretchy tank top in a cheery summer yellow.

This month’s Summer Mesh Tank is knit in one piece from the top down in a very basic lace stitch using large knitting needles (size 15).  If you have ever knit with large knitting needles you may have discovered that it is almost impossible to achieve a flexible, flat bound-off edge.  By the very nature of the bind-off stitch the fabric pulls together and loses its stretch.

So for this pattern I have incorporated a useful technique to avoid this problem.  It might seem odd when you read through the pattern, but basically the technique has you doubling the number of stitches on the row just before the bind off row.  Doing this gives you a flexible edge with a pretty braided look to it.

This technique is useful on all sorts of projects when you need to help the bound-off edge a little. 

Why not knit up a cool summer tank to be cool … and cool!

Oh Yeah!!

KoolAid  n.  a brand of flavoured drink mix.

If you remember this guy and the phrase “Oh Yeaahh!” then you are probably near me in age.  KoolAid is still a favorite drink of children all over.  Since it’s sumer and KoolAid season I thought we might have a little fun this month.  We’re dying yarn with ... KoolAid!!

Unlike commercial yarn dyes, KoolAid is inexpensive, non-toxic and easy to work with.  It is naturally very acidic so you don’t even have to mess with vinegars or ammonia to set the dye.  So gather up a few tools and the kids and have some fun.

You do have to choose your yarn carefully.  You want untreated animal fibers – wool, alpaca,etc.  Plant or man-made fibres will not work.  By untreated I mean that the wool cannot be treated for machine washing or drying – so no washable wool for this project!  If you are not sure, just make sure the washing symbols match these:

 What you need:

Yarn

Unsweetened KoolAid  (do not add sugar!!)

A large pot  (steamer insert is optional)

4-cup measuring cup

Bath towel

Rubber gloves and an apron might be useful, too, since KoolAid  stains!

How to dye with KoolAid:

1. Unwind yarn and form into hanks of 50-60 yards.  Using the back of a chair is handy for this if you don’t own a swift.
2. Tie the hanks in 5 or 6 places to hold the yarn together.  Use acrylic yarn for the ties so it’s easy to find when you are done.
3. Wash the yarn in mild soap (don’t swish or wring it; just gently squeeze it).  Then let it soak in clean water until you are ready to place it in the dye.
4. Dissolve KoolAid in 4 cups of water.  For a softer mottled look, use one package.  For a more intense colour, use 1½ packages.
5. Pour KoolAid into your pot.  Place yarn in the pot (don’t bother to press any water out of it) and add enough water to cover the yarn.
6. Heat the yarn-filled pot to almost boiling.  Turn off the stove and let the yarn rest in the water for 30-40 minutes.  You’ll know the yarn is ready when the water is mostly clear.  And it will be!!  If it is not, just repeat this step again.
7. When the water is mostly clear, gently remove the yarn and rinse it in a sink of water that is roughly the same temperature as the dying pot.  Colder water may shock the yarn and cause felting.
8. Wash in mild soap and rinse again.
9. Remove hank gently from the water and press out some of the water.  Place the hank on a clean bath towel and roll it up.
10. Unroll and hang to dry.
11. Once dry, the wool can be wound into balls for knitting.   

So, what should you do with this fun-coloured yarn?

Why, make some KoolKats, of course!!