Material project:

The gauge can be adjusted by changing needle size, without changing the pattern, stitch, yarn, or habits of the knitter. Larger needles produce a smaller gauge, fewer stitches per inch, and smaller needles produce a larger gauge, more stitches per inch. If necessary, further adjustments can be done by cleverly changing the pattern dimensions. Ribbing can also be used to draw in the fabric to the proper gauge.

In knitting, ribbing is a pattern in which vertical stripes of stockinette stitch alternate with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitch. These two types of stripes may be separated by other stripes in which knit and purl stitches alternate vertically; such plissé stripes add width and depth to ribbing but not more elasticity.

The number of knit and purl stripes are generally equal and need to be this way. When they are equal, the fabric has no tendency to curl, unlike stockinette stitch. Such ribbing looks the same on both sides.

Ribbing is notated by (number of knit stitches) x (number of purl stitches). Thus, 1x1 ribbing has one knit stitch, followed by one purl stitch, followed by one knit stitch continued.

Ribbing has a strong tendency to contract forming small pleats in which the purl stitches recede and the knit stitches come forward. Ribbing is often used for cuffs, sweater hems and, more generally, any edge that should be form-fitting. The elasticity depends on the number of knit/purl transitions; 1x1 ribbing is more elastic than 2x2 ribbing, etc. However, some cable patterns may "pull in" more than ribbing. In such cases, a ribbed border may flare out instead of contracting.

Slip stitches may be added to increase the depth of the ribbing, and to accentuate the stitches of certain wales. Ribs can be decorated with almost any motif used for a plain knitted fabric, e.g. bobbles, cables, lace, various colours, and so on.

The most common ribbing stitches you will use are:

1X1 rib stitch pattern and what that means is that you knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch all the way across your needle.

2 X 2 ribbing and that means that you knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches all the way across your needle.  2 X 2 ribbing is really a nice stretchy fabric even more than 1 X 1 ribbing.

There is many of ribbing stitch pattern variations you can try as well. An example of this is:

• Knit 3, purl 1
• Knit 4, purl 2 and
• Knit 4, purl 4 

You can be as creative as you like and find one ribbing stitch pattern that works well for you.

When you knit ribbing you knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches stacking them onto each other row by row.

The knit stitch looks like little 'v's and the purl stitches look like bumps.

The yarn is at the back of the work.

Then the the yarn is brought to the front and next stitch is purl. Continuing this creates a rib with this basic stitch. 

Basic Knitting Stitches

GARTER STITCH

This is the most basic stitch and is attained by knitting every row. The result is a flat, reversible, ridged fabric. This stands up well to wear and does not roll at the edges.

When you get to the end of your first row, the full needle is transferred to your left hand and the process starts again of knitting each stitch all over again.

STOCKINETTE STITCH

This is the V-patterned fabric in knitting. Unlike garter stitch, this stitch has a much smoother appearance and a tends to curl at the edges.

Purlwise

When knitting a stitch, the yarn is always held at the back of the work. When a stitch is purled, the yarn is always at the front. In ribbing, when you change from a knit to a purl stitch, ensure that the yarn is in the correct position to work the next stitch. When the yarn is moved from the back to the front, or vice versa, the yarn should go between the two needles, not over them.

 Knitwise

Purlwise

Knit one, purl one (K1, P1) ribbing

Cast on an odd number of stitches. Row 1 (right side) Knit one, *purl one, knit one; repeat from * to end. Row 2 Purl one, *knit one, purl one; repeat from * to end. Repeat rows 1 and 2.

Knit two, purl two (K2, P2) ribbing

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 extra. Row 1 (right side) Knit two, *purl two, knit two; repeat from * to end. Row 2 Purl two, knit two, purl two; repeat from * to end. Repeat rows 1 and 2.

SEED STITCH

Seed stitch is a textured stitch created by working a sequence of knit and purl stitches which is regularly alternated on every row.

seed stitch

Cast on an even number of stitches. Row 1 (right side) *Knit one, purl one; repeat from * to end. Row 2 *Purl one, knit one; repeat from * to end. Repeat rows 1 and 2.

Double seed stitch

Cast on an even number of stitches. Row 1 (right side) *Knit one, purl one; repeat from * to end. Row 2 Repeat row 1. Row 3 *Purl one, knit one; repeat from * to end. Row 4 Repeat row 3. Repeat rows 1 through 4.

This is the basics to knitting and it has been explained simply so you all can try it out!!!! :D My knitted top has taken in this information in the making of it. Knitting becomes great fun if you follow a few simple rules. Try it out!!!! I hope this has helped you all see things clearer and got you enthusiastic to start. Good Luck!!!!

until next time...

Namaste

The Pattern

For the back, i started the rib with 40 stitches. All ribbing is done in the red yarn and top in orange. this was for 8 rows with 0mm needles. thereafter, i knitted 46 rows of orange knits. thereafter, i cast off 4 stitches on the next two rows. after this, i decreased by one knit on either side on every 4th row until i had 16 stitches left on my needle. this was the back completed for now.
for the front, i did the same rib as the back as well as the same knitting until the start of the neckline. hereafter, i decreased either side of the front on the left and right, knitted 15 stitches and cast off 10 stitches in the centre to form the begginning of the neck line. thereafter, i decrease every 4th row. for the neck and sleeve ribbing, i used a 7mm needle.
for the sleeves, the ribbing was 19 stitches and 10 rows. the last row increased by 2 stitches on either end. keeping the ball attached still, i started with the sleeve using the orange yarn. for the sleeve, i changed the needle to 10mm. i knitted the sleeve for 5 rows and increased  on the 5th row with one stitch on either side. for the next 12 rows, i increased on every 4th row on either end by one stitch until i had 29 stitches on my needle. hereafter, continue until 60 rows are completed. now cast off 4 stitches on either side and knit 2 rows. thereafter, decrease on either side. then decrease on every 4th row until 5 stitches are left.
the panel on the sleeve is done with seperate balls for each part. i started with 8 orange stitches, then 5 colour and then 8 orange again. i twisted the colour for every knit done.
for the neck, one armhole was kept open which made it easier to knit straight. for this, i used 7mm needles and picked up each stitch on the neckline that wasnt still on a needle. the back stitches werent cast off and the sleeves so i was able to just pick up those stitches onto my needle and knit on. this rib is 6 rows.

My Knitting process!
This has been one tough yet rewarding time for me where i could escape and just knit. I learnt a new way to knit, how to make a Raglan sleeve top, how to make ribbing which is going to be shown below where its done to the open edges of your top in order for it to lie flat and not roll up naturally....oh yes, and how to make a top!!!!

Here is my process in pictures:
(Hope you follow)

This is the ribbing for the back of my top which is what i did for the back too and the cuffs.

This is the knitting as i went along. I decided to add rows in-between to break the orange in the front, back and sleeves. this will all be explained in the next post of my pattern i followed.

For the centre, sleeve and neck ribbling, i cut the existing ribbing into thinner pieces and worked with a smaller needle.

My way to keep track of my knitting and rows. i wrote down the number each time i knitted a row. this made me feel more sure with my knitting as i am very forgetful and get carried away a lot.

my back completed:D i kept this on the needle so i could transfer it onto my other needle when i did the ribbing for the neck.

NOW FOR THE FRONT :P

...and the front is done:D i was so proud when i finished the front and back.
and now to tack the sleeves

me stitching the sleeve onto the front and back...

Complete... for now. the easiest way for me to put the ribbing onto the neck, was with only one sleeve on. thereafter, i was able to add the second sleeve and see the finished product. this was so satisfying and exciting to see as i did it and was able to tackle the challenge well.

this is me in my top!!!! i am so proud of myself.

After knitting it, i added the finishing touches to my top....a necklace. this was to give it an authentic indian feel and to add a bit of me into the design. this chain was worn by me when i was younger when i performed and danced for the dancing school i attended.

My finished top! hooooray!!!!

until next time....
Namaste

Looking back at the beginning of this project, I started with how i felt and used colours that i could relate to with the feelings i felt at the time and the emotions I was having everyday, constantly. The colour of white... mourning...sadness. This colour feels very empty and lost. there is no vibrancy within. these were the feelings I felt. So I looked into my life and thought of how I could make yarn and knit a raglan sleeved top with it. all the aspects needed meaning, so what better way to look at it, than with my everyday lifestyle. I made points, I am Hindu, I have been dancing from the age of 6 and have graduated in the Indian classical dance form of Baratha Natyam, I am a very soft, kind soul and I love the vibrancy of my religion and all the meaning embedded within. So I thought to seek materials in my own home and not in the shop. I searched and searched... Asking my mom was the best thing I did as she had the best idea and materials I was able to use which had meaning and relevance... Sari's. This is the Hindu cloth worn by Hindu girls and women for occasions and marriage. Thereafter, i started knitting enthusiastically with the yarn I made with the white sari found which was strips of 2cm thick. I had a crazy idea when knitting this so incorporate the colourful intensity of my  religion within through the use of bangles tied onto the top. The next day, I took my knitting and bangles in to class to show my lecturer, Mark and see if he says yes to it. He loved the idea but suggested to knit the bangles into the knit. He showed me how and I completed a row. I was chuffed with the outcome. Here is a picture of it on that day:

Hereafter, I looked at this again and the fabric. There wasn't enough for an entire top and the material started to fray badly and didn't look good anymore. I also didn't like the slight appearance of colour as i wanted vibrancy and an attractive appearance, so too like my culture and religion. The knits also grew and made me re-think my idea. I went back into the cupboards and searched for more material to use. After a lot of searching, I found the perfect materials and immediately cut it into yarn to start again eagerly. This one of the sari's I used and the balls of yarn i made for my top:

I was VERY happy with the outcome of the yarn.
Now to see my knitting... Keep checking!!!! ill be posting tons of pictures! :D

Until next time...
Namaste

THE TRIMURTI (Hindu Trinity):		SHAKTIS (female aspects):
Click photo to enlarge	Brahma The Creator Vehicle: swan has 4 heads, 4 arms, and a reddish complexion not commonly worshipped not to be confused with Brahman (the ground of all being) or the Brahmin (priestly caste)	Saraswati Goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts Vehicle: swan wife of Brahma sits on a white lotus playing a veena	Click photo to enlarge
Click photo to enlarge	Vishnu The Preserver Vehicle: garuda (bird) has 4 arms, a blueish complexion, and rests on a snake was incarnated (born as an animal or human) nine times with one more still to come is the main god of Vaishnavism	Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and prosperity Vehicle: owl wife of Vishnu usually shown bestowing coins and flanked by elephants	Click photo to enlarge
Click photo to enlarge	Shiva The Destroyer / Transformer Vehicle: bull has matted hair, a third eye, a blue throat and a trident in his hand often worshipped in the featureless lingam form is the main god of Saivism	Parvati The Divine Mother Vehicle: lion the reincarnation of Shiva's first wife has many forms, such as the popular Durga and Kali (see below); often shown together with Saraswati and Lakshmi as the tridevi ('triple goddess')	Click photo to enlarge

OTHER POPULAR HINDU GODS
Click photo to enlarge	Ganesh God of the intellect and the remover of obstacles Vehicle: mouse son of Shiva & Parvati has an elephant's head	Murugan God of war Vehicle: peacock son of Shiva & Parvati popular in Tamil areas also known as Skanda	Click photo to enlarge
Click photo to enlarge	Durga A fiercer form of Parvati Vehicle: tiger has ten arms holding many weapons	Kali Goddess of time and death Vehicle: donkey usually portrayed as dark and violent	Click photo to enlarge
Click photo to enlarge	Rama The 7th avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu the central figure in the epic storyRamayana	Krishna The 8th avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu usually portrayed as a child and a prankster; often shown playing the flute	Click photo to enlarge
Click photo to enlarge	Hanuman an ape-like god known for assisting Rama	Surya God of the Sun pulled on a chariot by horses	Click photo to enlarge

...More about me:D
i am a proud Hindu with all my gods, festivals, foods and traditions. i follow my culture and religion faithfully and pray to Bhagvan(God). Since my accident, i have been very close to god and the traditions i have been brought up with. I take note of everything now and do everything possible to grow with knowledge, life, peace, god, family and love. I have learnt my home language and can speak a bit. I have immersed myself into learning the ways, how to cook the food, speak the language and re-sight the prayers. I am bringing order and stability into my life this way and its making me stronger. I believe god brought me back into this world to do great things and be great so I look to him to find my way, I look to him for guidance and love, I look to him for strength. He has given all this and more to me.
I have found great fascination in the colours seen in my religion and the festival of Holi. This festival is celebrated by all now in Cape Town with throwing coloured powder, called kanku, all over each other yet they don't know why. This upsetted me a bit as its not just fun, theres a deeper meaning people should know. Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes at the end of February or early March. The festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
the meaning of the colours can be seen below:

COLOR MEANINGS:

Red
is the most exciting color and is known to escalate the body's metabolism. Dark red has anger implications it indicates high energy, determination, and much passion.  Found not only in the lores of ancient medicine but in the superstitions of modern times, red has been viewed as the vigorous color of health. The color red has also been a representation of love within a relationship between two people. Red has come to mean beauty, love, stength, energy, courage, career, goals, power, and willpower. In Hindu belief, red represents the Kundalini or genital chakra.

Orange
is the only color of the spectrum whose name was taken from an object, the well-known and popular fruit called the orange. The fruit comes from an evergreen tree. Because the tree is evergreen and ever-bearing, the color orange became associated with fruitfulness. In folklore the color orange stands for fire and flames, lust, vigor, excitement, adventure and wholesomeness. Orange also has meaning for success, stimulating energy, justice, attraction, endurance. In Hindu belief, orange represents the sacral chakra.


Yellow
is cheerful but can become irritating if alone for too long. dark yellow can be oppressive while light yellow is breezy. In heraldry, where it is called for (for gold) the color yellow stands for the positive virtues of faith, constancy, wisdom, and glory. It also has been thought of as being a color that represents playfulness, light, creativity, warmth, mental powers, charm, confidence, vision, joy, enthusiasm, optimism, and an easy going attitude about life. The color yellow also has many negative associations as well, among them are jealousy, treachery, cowardice, aging, and illness. In Hindu belief, it represents the solar plexus chakra


Green
is peaceful, the color of a spring meadow. Bright green can be uplifting and dark green evokes the mental image of a grove or forest. Reappearing in springtime, after the dull, seemingly colorless winter, it became a symbol of fertility and growth, of abundance and external life. The color green represents harmony, growth, abundance, vitality, healing, and nature and radiates a feeling of fullness.  Green has come to mean youth, growing, healing, success, good luck, and beauty. Green It is said that green is the most restful color for the human eye. Green has great healing power. It can soothe pain. In Hindu belief, green represents the heart chakra.

Blue
is the most calming color. It is considered to be the second most powerful color after red and blue is the color of constancy and faith. The soothing color blue stands for sky, good health from good air, sensitivity, truth, sleep, healing, hope, friendship, protection, calm, creativity, patience, wisdom, peace, loyalty and ones desire to nurture. Around the twentieth century it became a symbolic representation of the male gender. In Hindu belief, blue represents the throat chakra.

Indigo or dark blue
is the color that indicates dignity, tranquility, higher intuition, psychic powers, and trustworthiness. It is as calming and shares many traits with blue but being darker the affect is more intense and powerful. Since indigo has some of the shading of violet, it shares some of the traits of violet as well.it provides calm and coolness without cooling your intent. In hindu belief, it is the color of the thrid eye chakra.


Violet or purple
is the color of royalty but rare in nature and perceived as artificial. Light purple or lavender is a fashion favorite while dark purple implies wealth. The color purple is symbolic of power, spiritual goals, passionate belief, visionary leadership, respect and wealth and has been worn by emperors, military commanders, and other high-ranking officials. It also has come to symbolize psychic ability, success, wisdom ,power, spiritual growth, and independence. Lavender has come to mean reverence and royalty. In Hindu belief, purple is the color of the crown chakra.

White
is a dichotomy with innocence on one side and sterility on the other, it means everything and nothing at the same time. White is, literally speaking the absence of all color. Symbolically white symbolizes truth, purity, peace, protection, happiness, and the masculine divine. White can sometimes have a negative meaning as well. It can symbolize the pallor of death. The color white projects feelings of calmness, relaxation and an inner peace with ones surroundings and inner soul. In India, as in Christian weddings, while most brides wear white, but it is usually relieved by at least a touch of some other color. If a married woman wears unrelieved white in India, she is inviting widowhood and unhappiness. In Hindu belief, white symbolizes energy in the hands.

Black
In many languages and cultures, black was associated with evil (and white with good). Both in art and in religion black signified despair, sin and mourning, satanic ritual, darkness and the underworld. Despite the color's many negative associations, in heraldry black, called sable, also stands for virtues of constancy, prudence and wisdom. It also has positive meanings of purity, binding, repelling, remembrance and protection. In Christianity, it stands for Death.

Pink
is the color of romance. Pink also symbolizes love, fidelity, friendship, honor, harmony, compassion and faithfulness. In Hindu belief, pink is also a color associated with the heart chakra.

Brown
is the color of the earth, evoking wistfulness or melancholy. light brown confers genuineness. Dark brown is reminiscent of fine wood and leather. Brown symbolizes animal majick, home, friendship, grounding, herb majick and Earth and the direction of North. In Hindu belief, it symbolizes the energy in the feet.

Silver
is the color that symbolizes encouragement, removal of negativity, and moon majick.

Gold
is the color that symbolizes solar deities, solar majick, and attraction.

Gray
is the color of neutrality and glamories.

Lets start right at the centre of this amazing project I've been given....ME! :)
I am a 23 year old woman that is studying 2nd year Surface design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. This has been a challenging year for me of difficulties and worries but growth and a lot of positive energy from my fellow class members and lecturers. The understanding and support i get is much appreciated and taken in with arms wide open.
I have been through a lot in life and it's just building up now with one difficulty after the next. i was in a major car accident 2 years back on the 31st of this month and i suffered a great deal from head to toe with injuries. These injuries are with me still and is still giving me difficulty physically, mentally and emotionally.This is one reason why this project has been so successful and appreciated. i am so lucky to have been able to emerge myself fully into this project with all the learning curves and mistakes.....oh, AND re-do's. haha.
But in the end i was so satisfied and happy with the outcome which u will definitely see and be a part of if you continue checking in with me. My studies, family, friends and god is what's keeping me going, the strength from all four parts of my life. i am eternally grateful for it all each and every day.

Until the next post.....
Namaste