Can You Help Me with a New Pattern?
The “Intro to Showy Garter e-Book” announcement in January was just the first of five (yes, five!) Showy Garter e-books, each of which illustrates a different way to use the Showy Decrease to give garter stitch a kick. It was my most ambitious effort yet, with 21-pages of tutorials and patterns. I’m in love with (and addicted to) Showy Garter and can’t wait to share more with you.
4 Patterns in Intro to Showy Garter e-Book 1
This was a big turn around for me, since I really disliked traditional garter stitch. If you haven’t had a chance to download the free intro ebook in Ravelry, now’s a great time to do so because we’re about to take the next step!
Showy Garter e-Book 2: Garter in Motion
The next series of patterns use the contrast of the raised Showy Decrease vertical lines and the horizontal garter lines to create designs on the knit fabric. The first of these patterns is a sock weight shawl that’s perfect for warm weather knitting.
It has fun color blocking, interesting construction and bold colors. I’ve knit 2 samples already and I’m diligently working on the pattern.
Your Help Needed
I am struggling a bit trying to balance detailed and conceptual instructions. My concern that too much detail may make the design look difficult when it is not. I designed a swatch that mimics the flow of the lines in the shawl to test it out.
As you can see, the vertical lines stop and start to create triangles. On the shawl design, these connect to form dramatic angular patterns.
Want to Try it Out?
I’m going to switch things up a bit and test the swatch tutorial before publishing the pattern to Ravelry. I’d love to hear your feedback on the content and layout of this mini-pattern. Here’s what to do:
- Download the free “Intro to Showy Garter e-Book” from Ravelry. There are tutorials in there that you’ll want to reference. Click on any of the 4 Showy Garter patterns listed on my designer page, the e-book has them all. If the new shawl looks too complicated, try the vertical lines dishcloth to get a feel for the idea.
- Visit our website to download the swatch tutorial pattern. It’s on the top right of our free downloads page
- Find some smooth scrap yarn in two colors, about 15 yards each color. I used a cotton so I’d have a washcloth in the end. There’s more info in the swatch pattern.
- Let me know! The first 10 people to send me helpful feedback and a photo of their swatch get a Ravelry coupon code for any of our patterns. You can comment here on the blog and/or send me an email at laura@knittingnuances.com.
I can’t wait to get this shawl published. I think you’re really going to like it!
Do you think a shadow knit design can be made using the showy garter stitch?
Yes, I do think it has fun possibilities. Even with just one color the raised vertical lines really stand out. I’ve been planning on trying it and have just not decided on the image to create. If you have any ideas I’d love to try it.
Set Up Showy Lines with C2
Row 2 (RS): k1, *[k2, yor, k1]x4, k3* and REPEAT? (now 39 sts)
What is YOR? The same as yarn over?
Row 3 (WS): *k3, [sl1wyif, p1, k2]x4*, k1
Yarn in front before or after slip 1? or is it a regular yarn to the front to purl the next stitch?
Sorry, YOR is a yarn over in reverse. There is an explanation in the intro book and main pattern. I didn’t add it here, I should have. Laura
The purpose of yarning over in reverse is so that you do not have to purl through the back loop to close it on the next wrong side row. I find that the most awkward stitch ever. The pattern gives alternatives like a make 1 loop or reorienting a standard yarn over on the next row before purling it. It all depends on how you knit and what is most comfortable for you. Laura (again).
Row 2 (RS): k1, *[k2, yor, k1]x4, k3* and repeat * *(now 39 sts)
Row 3 (WS): *k3, [sl1wyif, p1, k2]x4*, k1
Is this wyin sl1 Or is it a regular change from K to P with yarn in front
or sl, wyin P Where should the comma be? The comma is confusing.
Which pattern do you consider the main pattern?
This is just a mini test of the shawl pattern that is coming. It is also part 2 of an e-book series. The Into to Showy Garter knitting is in Ravelry and has pages of tutorials. Now I realize I will need to repeat some of those tutorials in every e-book to make it easier for knitters new to the idea. We’ve been talking about the Showy Decrease here on the blog for almost 2 years, but that doesn’t help new readers so I need to be ore diligent at providing background info. I’m learning a lot from the comments and emails so far. Thanks all.
As a teacher, I love that this is a way to take “simple garter stitch” work to a more exciting variation!
As a creator, I can see an enormous variety of design possibilities with this technique! I have been playing with cables quite a bit, and like the way the Showy Decreases create bas relief .
As a knitter, I see that garter will never be “just plain old garter” ever again!
Thank you for sharing your innovations with us!
I would like to see the Start/ Continue / End color cues bolder or having more contrast. On my preferred device, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, the colors are muted and difficult to differentiate on the screen.
Thanks for the great comment. I love the contest of the squat garter stitch and the raised Showy Decrease. There are 5 e-books in the works because I’ve already thought of 5 different ways to combine them! I just want to knit and write patterns 24 hours a day.
In Row 3 do we slip the stitch as if to knit or purl?
As if to purl. The other would twist it. 🙂