Wednesday, October 18, 2006

FAQ on the Pattern Row Counter

Well, I'm glad y'all like the pattern row counter so much. I can't take credit for the originality of the idea, but I did feel the need to bring such a neat tool to the attention of y'all. Initially, a few of you asked how I got the wire wrapped so neatly around the pin, and hence the video. Some of you paid more attention to my boobies than my hands. And those that were watching my hands were entranced by my manicure. Heh. Thanks. Rosi G. Says: DUDE how the hell do you knit w/those nails! ROFLMAO Um. I dunno. Faster than when my nails were short. Couldn't tell you why. But hey, I'm a reformed nail biter. When my nails grow, I let them. You gotta take what you can get. Canalgal Says: BTW, have you ever blogged your refrigerator magnets? Actually no. That was going to be my "M is for..." in the ABC along, but I ended up using Manzanita. But I did make a photo collage of them a long time ago! Here they are: M is for Magnets Bezzie Says: Dude, I thought Ripple eclipses only happened so many years?! We just got to see one! Not true. I just don't blog all those moments. See? The Belly of the Beast 'Tis truly the belly of the beast. Such a camera hog. Ripple I don't know what you're talking about. You just have bad timing. Bezzie Also Said: That's a pretty cool idea. I'll bet I could make an ugly one out of just jump rings for those 10+ row repeat designs. You could, but for that many rows, would you be able to tell at a glance which row you're on? The chain links between each loop help give a visual break between each loop and thus makes it easier to see what row you're on. You could even use those alphabet beads on the chain links to spell a word and make it even easier. Hmm...what's a good 9 letter phrase for that? How about "You R Crazy"? Heh. CPurl17 Says: Let me know when you set up shop! Your work is very neat! The one I have tends to get caught on my yarn. Set of pattern row counters - sock size and mediumI've thought about setting up an etsy shop for this, but I'd rather stick to swapping. Rosi G. and I have already made a deal for some of my pattern row counters. In fact, I finished her request last night.Customizable pattern row counter 2 - 10 rows See that on the left? That's our brainchild. Rosi asked if I could come up with one that could be customized to whatever # of rows you need. This is what I came up with. A series of jump rings connected with barrel clasps. You can count anywhere from 2 to 10 rows with this sucker. Just, pardon the pun, screw around with the parts and pieces until you get the combination you need. I was quite impressed with myself for figuring that one out. I need to buy more barrel clasps so I can make one for myself (and whoever wants to swap for one). Olga Says: Love them! I have a request for the visualization impaired (namely, me)...if you have time, could you post a picture of the marker in action on your needles? I'm having a hard time seeing how the loops are supposed to sit on there. Thanks! Absolutely! I don't have anything on the needles now that needs one of these, but we'll just pretend that my mom's cascade fixation sock needs one. How to use your pattern row counter Pretend I've just completed round 1 of a 3 row repeat. I need to turn my counter to row 2. To do that, I poke my working (righthand) needle into the next loop down on the counter, and then drop the top loop off the left needle. Does this pic help? entrelac says: Technical question for you. How are you securing the cuts on those rings and wire links so they don't snag on the working yarn? Entrelac asks because the type of markers she makes, don't have any dangly bits. She glues a bead in place over the cut of the jump ring to ward off any potential snags. I don't do this for these or any of my markers because I don't really need to. If you open the jump ring like a fan, pivoting the cut ends away from each other, and at the same time, push them in towards each other a bit, it will create an overlap. When you go to close the ring, with a little bit of finessing, you'll close the gap so tight that it will create a smooth join. I've never had a problem with snags and this method. Well, I hope that answers all your questions!

10 comments:

Zonda said...

Yes! It does! Thank you very much!! I was admiring your nails BTW!! ;)

Bezzie said...

What other post can I read about dangly bits, boobies and refridgerator magnets all at once?

roxy =^o^= said...

It totally answers questions. Hee!

Boobs?

Cats?

What are you talking about? *wink*

Yeah, what Bezzie said LOL

Anonymous said...

Those nails are real??? I thought they were fakes.
Your kitties need their own blog.
heh.

Rain said...

I wondered what on earth Bezzie was on about unil I saw the video. I cried laughing.

Sarah said...

Very cool!

Been sick, and haven't caught up on blogs all week, but you rock!

heh heh Bezzie cracks me up!

Anonymous said...

YAY MEEE!! I can't wait to get them!!! Thanks for the great swap!

entrelac said...

Follow up question, Cristi. I see that you're using store bought rings. I turn and cut my own rings for the stitch markers I make. And no matter how careful I am, the cuts themselves are snaggy, not just the gap in the ring. Short of taking a file to each and every ring (talk about tedious, and potentially damaging to the lace markers), any suggestions?

Olga said...

thanks for posting that follow-up! of course it makes total sense now with the picture (doh). I thought *all* the jump rings had to sit on the needle. again, great tutorial.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for posting this recipe. They look so much nicer than the knotted loops of yarn that I use for markers and so much easier than rolling the counter barrel for rows. I want to make me and some of my friends some but I don't have anything to work with so I have to buy it all. Since I won't be making jewelry would the tools that come packaged as 3 or 5 in a package be good enough. I think Joannes has 5 tools for 9.99 and with 40 o/o off that would be a pretty good price. Have you ever made a counter bracelet? Again thank you.