Spit Splicing
A few years ago, my friend Mariann told me about spit-splicing -- and today, I did it for the first time. Spit-splicing is done in order to create a continuous length of yarn and eliminate the need to join then weave in ends later. For my garter stitch shawl, it's the best method to use because I don't want to have a "wrong" side and I didn't want to join my yarn in the center of the shawl or on the ends if I could "splice" the yarn. I used Nancy Bush's method of actually putting the yarn in my mouth instead of spitting in to my hand -- it sounds gross, but it works.
And there's been progress too. I'm on Row 138 of about 280 total rows. And it's so tough for me, but I'm going to stick with the one-project-at-a-time thing -- and right now, this is the one project. So forgive me if this is the last in-progress shot you'll see of this shawl. You can't get more boring than a dark, solid-color garter stitch that grows ever so slowly. However, this is also the time where I allow myself to consider what I'm knitting after I finish this, and since I've gotten the needles necessary (Addi Lace, Size 4) to continue another Cheryl Oberle shawl, that's my next "big" project to finish (or in this case, frog and re-knit).
By the way -- In each of the photos above, I've given you a peek at a future knit.
Comments
I so admire your conviction to stick to one project at a time!
You can do it! :)
Posted by: Vanessa | May 8, 2007 01:45 PM
Hmm, that tank?
Spit splicing is gross, but it's great for non-superwash wool. I'm using it in a Kureyon project right now.
Posted by: Chris | May 8, 2007 02:25 PM
The one project rule is a life-saver. I've just fallen off the wagon though... thanks partly to you, and Habu. Say no more. :)
While I adore solid-colour garter stitch, I know what you mean about progress shots.
And the paper lanterns are intriguing. I'd love to see more.
Posted by: Nora | May 8, 2007 07:05 PM
You are so my hero with the one project at a time thing... you'd think my OCD would keep my ADD in lline, but nope... it is not to be... oh that tank, I love that tank, it's the tank right?
Posted by: Liz | May 8, 2007 08:37 PM
I love that green. It is so rich looking.
I admire your one project at a time philosophy. I have a really hard time doing that. Hence, my four unfinished projects right now. I have a solid color garter stitch shawl on the needles now,too, but it gets so boring to knit. I have not worked on it in weeks. I will try to take inspiration from you.
Posted by: Sallie | May 9, 2007 09:10 AM
Thanks so much about sharing the info about split splicing.....I had never even heard of it!?
AHHH! I too am trying to complete something ....mine is rather boring....all garter too! :)
Posted by: leslie | May 9, 2007 09:17 AM
I have been too chicken to try spit splicing; I'm afraid I won't really get them spliced together. But I should try it. The tank pattern is very pretty! I hope your shawl goes quickly and satisfyingly!
Posted by: Brenda | May 9, 2007 12:03 PM
Janet, have you seen theeeese?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawkpurl/93975077/in/set-629212/
Posted by: Olga | May 9, 2007 04:06 PM
Wow, this sounds like a wonderful technique that I need to explore!
Posted by: Felicia | May 10, 2007 09:13 AM
I don't know why folks are grossed out by spit-splicing. I like it a heck of a lot more than weaving in ends! :)
Posted by: s t a c i | May 11, 2007 08:40 AM
One of my friends does the same thing with the spit splicing and swears by it!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Robin | May 11, 2007 12:13 PM
Spit-splicing (Russian Join) is one of the greatest tips I ever learned to do, gross or not. It is most gratifying once you have completed a whole sweater and only have the bare minimum of ends to weave. That garter stitch shawl is going to be gorgeous. I love the color.
Posted by: Julia | May 12, 2007 07:01 AM
Hey Ms. J, you've been tagged, check out my blog about the silly game. :P
Posted by: Jennie | May 13, 2007 09:50 PM
Those little lights should make an interesting knit. I'd been wondering how they'd be to work up, and I can't wait to read how you liked making them. Knitting whimsy at its best!
Posted by: puttermeister | May 14, 2007 11:14 AM