Join being careful not to twist.

How many times have we all seen that caution in a pattern? Or, as Amy Detjen says, JBCNTT. My style sheet from PotterCraft requires “Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.” I help students avoid this every week, people. Yet here I was, casting on for a simple in the round sweater body, double checking it carefully, and several rounds in noticed I was doing the twist.

The scene – a table in a slightly darkened hotel conference space. The cast – CPAs, attorneys, municipal finance types and me. (I am none of the above. A sort of downstairs maid.) I didn’t want to rip out and cast on again when I was supposed to be paying attention. That was the whole point of bringing this particular project, knitting in the semi-dark, going around and around to keep me thinking about work.

I twisted it back at the join, and kept on going. I figured that since it was a rolled hem, I could take it out later and knit down. At least I wouldn’t waste five hours of blissful stockinette meeting knitting. An attorney tapped me on the shoulder later and told me how jealous she was, that she didn’t want to risk looking unprofessional but wished she were knitting.  I thought I did look professional, tights, dress, even some makeup!

Here it is in its twisted beauty.

And after being allowed to roll up, no weaving-in or attempt to improve the appearance.

I may just leave it. (Peter, avert your eyes.)

On the other hand, taking it out and knitting down is no big deal. What do you think?

I cannot reveal the pattern right now, but the yarn is Fiora from Berroco. I LOVE this yarn. It’s a cotton, alpaca, rayon and wool blend. It feels like a sweatershirt with drape and class, so I chose sweatshirt grey. Cozy. Which I need.