SheepSarabandeTam
stranded tam knitted in the round.
Pictured project is made with 7 colors : white - beige - light blue - dark blue - navy - dark pink - burgundy Knitted in Rowan Designer DK pure wool and a handspun wool and angora strand for the sheep. In the charts, the key for this additional strand is the same as the key for white. Two charts provided : 7 colors or two tone.
Gauge
30 stitches and 32 rows for 4 X 4 " in stranded work after blocking.
Techniques
- "'Fair isle' stranded knitting with one strand in each hand. To obtain well-defined pattern, the main color should be worked as the top strand, always carried over the background color behind the work. Choose your usual hand for the main color to prevent pattern distortion. - I-cord with the last 4 stitches on top of head. knitted in successive rows WITHOUT TURNING THE WORK : - with dpn K4, do not turn, slide stitches to the other end of the needle. K4 again in the same way, pulling the working yarn tight to close the cord. Repeat this action up to desired length.
Materials
- about 100g of yarn - circular needle US 0 (2 mm) and US 1'2 (2,5 mm) or size to get the gauge. For each needle size : long circular for "magic loop" or two shorter circulars for two needle working. This second method is more suitable to work in stranded knitting as it helps maintain a regular tension and lets you get a good view of the pattern.. - 2 dpn US 0 (2 mm) - ring markers and marker thread To mark the start of the round and see work progress attach a thread on first stitch and carry it up the work every 2 rows. Place marker between each repeat in the chart - 8 repeats in total. - 1 wool sewing needle
Charts
Repeat 8 times per round.
Directions
Cast-on and ribbed band : With size 0 needle and. navy yarn co 108st, join in round. Attach marker thread. Knit 2 rounds in K2 P1 rib. Continue with dark blue for 5 rounds, increasing in the first round : increase 1 purl stitching each purl section = K2/P2 ribs. 36 stitches increased, Total 144 sts. Continue with light blue for 4 rounds, increasing in the second round : P1 12 times = 1 section of 3 purl sts. per group of 12 sts. (K2 P2, K2 P3, K2 P2) Total 156 sts. stranded work : Change to size 1 1/2 , needle 1-sheep with beige yarn knit an increase round : K1 52 times = \*K3, make 1\* Repeat to end. Total 208 sts. This round is the first Chart line. - rounds 2 to 13 : continue in stranded work, repeating chart 8 times, PM (8 X 26sts) = 16 sheep. 2- remaining pattern - round 14 : decrease 16 sts. (K2tog) along the round, decreasing in the centre of the space between the sheep. Total 192 sts (8 X 24sts.) Continue following the pattern. - round 38 : begin the decrease shaping part on each section. After 59 rounds (end of chart) = 8 sts remaining. Next round : K2tog all remaining sts = 4 sts.
I-cord :
Place the remaining 4 sts. on a dpn. Knit 5 or 6 rows (see Technique : I-cord) Cut the thread, keeping an 8" tail. Using the sewing needle, pass the tail through the 4sts. Pull to tighten the stitches and carry the tail through the centre of the I-cord to the inside of the tam. Weave in the tail end.
Blocking
Wash the work, and leave to soak for an hour in tepid water with a gentle shampoo. Rinse and gently squeeze to remove moisture. Put on a 26 to 28 cm diameter plate, tighten and center the work without distorting the ribbing. Let it dry thoroughly.
