Why Not Replace the Worn-Out Cuffs on a Sweater that You Love?

Sweaters are not knit like they used to be. And since it is difficult (and costly) to find a hand-knit 100% wool sweater that will keep you warm when the north wind blows, why not save you r old one and knit new cuffs for that vintage Norwegian!

This is the step-by-step process to do precisely that. This is my friend Ann Marie's sweater. You may recall that I replaced cuffs on a red sweater of hers a few weeks ago but that is the only other time I have done this. My point is that this is not rocket science.  If you understand how knit garments are made and have been knitting a little while you can do this. Remember it is not rocket science.

Take a good look at the old sweater cuff.
Count the stitches and write this number down on a piece of paper.
You will want to have the same number of stitches on the cuffs you knit.
Knit a swatch with the yarn you plan to use to replace the old cuffs. If the gauge does not match try a different size needle.  I used size 2 U.S. double-point knitting needles.
by Mary Lachman 

Pick a spot about 2 rows above the point where the cuff ribbing meets the arm of the sweater and the stockinette stitching begins. Cut off the old ribbing completely around. If needed hand-sew a guideline in for yourself and then cut.
by Mary Lachman 

Note that my cut edge is about 2 rows above the point where the ribbing ends and the stockinette stitch begins for the sleeve.
by Mary Lachman 

Pick up stitches with a crochet hook and the new yarn you will be using for the cuffs. I used a size 3/D U.S. hook.
(If you have never done this before there are many good videos on You Tube. Just search 'knitting pick up stitches'
by Mary Lachman 

Transfer the stitches from crochet hook to double-pointed needles. I used a size 2 U.S.
 by Mary Lachman 

Continue picking up and transferring stitches from crochet hook to double-pointed needles.
by Mary Lachman 

Knit 1 round. If you need to decrease stitches because you picked up more stitches than were in the old cuff just knit 2 stitches together on that round as needed.
Continue knitting ribbing (knit 1- purl 1 in this case) until the cuffs reach the proper length.
Bind off in a knit 1- purl 1 pattern all around. (This prevents the bind-off from flaring out.)Weave in the ends and you are done!
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Photos by Mary Lachman 

Work in Progress Wednesday - Stitches and Knits

STITCHES                                      If you visit my studio you will see the scraps I keep. I love recycling and cannot bear to discard good lengths of fabric. The leftovers of strips of 2", 2 1/2" and 3" wide are kept in bins on a shelf. I sew smaller pieces into strip sets. 

These are sometimes put away in bins (for years!) until I decide on a project. 

Here are seven fabrics that I sewed together randomly. 

Then I used a Kaleido-Ruler to cut triangles. This ruler has easy to read marks that indicate what size setting triangles to cut from what width fabric to match your triangles.

In the photo above the marks to indicate the triangles from strips are on the left and marks for setting triangles from strips on the right

And this is my completed block.

KNITS
On the knitting needles this month is a rose-toned mohair shawl. It is a variation on a pattern that I saw in Free-Spirit Shawls: 20 Eclectic Knits for Every Day by Lisa Shroyer.

The pattern starts with a big cast-on of around 240 stitches. I used a size 9 needle. I modified the lace pattern at the cast-on edge to one of my own liking.

Shaping for the shoulders is done with short-rows and wraps. I plan to use an i-cord bind-off to finish it and when I do I will post more pictures.

I have had the mohair (gift from a friend) for more than 2 years and finally decided to use it!  I only have one skein left.

Mary Lachman Design Half-Finger Gloves and Flanders Nature Center

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I was luck enough to be cooking for family and friends. I brined the turkey, something I don't always do, but this year the outside temperature was slightly above freezing so I put the turkey outside in a gallon of water in which I had dissolved 1 cup of kosher salt and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

Then I decided not to baste the turkey every 20 minutes (what I do if I don't brine) and I was so pleased that the cooked turkey was tender, moist and delicious. Note to self: remember what you did this time!

My creative fiber endeavors were postponed until Friday evening but I was able to finish my commission for the half-finger gloves this morning.  The client wanted purple wool with a little green accent. I started them three times and finally liked the subtle green placement at the wrist. They are not blocked yet, but here is a photo. The pattern is mine.

Half Finger Gloves - Mary Lachman Design

Remember to stop by the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust,  5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT.   The Artisan Marketplace is open 11-4 every Saturday and Sunday through December 21st.
There is fiber art, Nature Center honey, maple syrup, doll clothes, bat houses, and more. And yes they fingerless gloves! A portion of all sales benefits the Nature Center, open space, and programming.