Throwing and picking
Yesterday I learned how to knit in the so-called continental method (also called “picking”), holding the working yarn in my left hand. I like it so far — but I haven’t learned how to purl this way yet. I’m going to finish a garter stitch dish cloth first. I also learned a different way to keep tension when I’m working with the yarn in my right hand (”throwing”). Being able to knit both ways — and to keep proper tension while keeping my hands relaxed and my movements efficient — ought to help me continue to knit without aggravating my thumb problems.
I’ve never quite learned how to hold my knitting needles in either manner you mentioned. The stitches turn out just fine, but in typical fashion I must do everything the hard way!
Do you do a lot of knitting?
Comment by Beauty — October 23, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Beauty,
I’m still working on the sweater I started two years ago, so I guess no, I don’t do a lot of knitting. I do like it, but my thumbs don’t let me do much at a time. That’s why I bothered trying to learn these new methods — to see if they are more efficient / easier on hands than the way I used to do it.
Comment by Marcy — October 24, 2007 @ 2:44 pm