Portuguese knitting and a design update

I realized that I haven’t posted a blog yet explain in detail what Portuguese knitting is. Portuguese knitting a style of knitting where you tension the yarn around your neck or a pin with a hook. Even though most people call this style Portuguese knitting this style this style is used in many other parts of the world.

I learned this style when I had a wrist injury and was not able to knit so I read about how the Portuguese style of knitting is easier and les stressful on the hands. I learned and was able to knit without causing me more pain.

If you don't have a pin your can use the yarn held around your neck, although this is my least favorite way and will only use it if I forgot my knitting pin. If you are using really thick yarn or scratchy yarn, it can bother the back of your neck. knitting pin also have their drawback as your have to pin it to your shirt which leaves a tiny hole in your shirt. One way around this is to use either a magnetic pin, a pin with a clip that clips on your shirt, or a necklace.

In my shop you will find all styles of knitting pins. All new pins I am making are either magnetic or clip on style. I created a doubled ended knitting necklace which comes in handy when using two colors and instead of using 2 pins, you just need the one necklace. If you are not using two colors you can still use this necklace and just run the yarn through both hooks. 

Update on sweater design

It is slow going on my raglan sweater design. Between the holidays coming up and some other designs I am working on I had to put this one on the back burner for a little bit. I wish I had more time to knit and crochet but working a full time job and trying to run a small business eats up a lot of my time.

My design is coming along and I am about halfway done with the  raglan sleeve shaping. When I was planning this design I was going to also put the cables down the sleeves but decided to have it just down the front but when I write the pattern up I will give an option for the cable on the sleeves. 

The main challenge for me when I am done with knitting the sweater is grading it. This is the first design I am making where it will have multiple sizes. I have read tutorials on how to but I know I am going to run into some hicups.

I did try using excel to make my cable chart and did not like it. However I found a site that is amazing. They have a free version or you can pay 5 bucks a month or 2.50 a moth if you pay for the whole year. stitch fiddle