Knit Advent Day 4 and Garter Intarsia
Garter intarsia is a little different. Changing colors on the right side is normal. But it’s when you’re working on the private side of the work (otherwise known as the wrong side), that changing colors is odd. Since in garter stitch, you knit every row, you must bring the old yarn forward between your needles to drop it. As usual, pick up the new color yarn from underneath the old. In order to continue knitting, take the new color back between your needles to the other side.
This gift ornament is garter intarsia, and the bow is knitted separately and sewn on.
The Advent Calendar with its ornaments was the last big project I designed and finished before my youngest daughter was born. We lived in England at the time, and I remember sitting in our American La-Z-Boy, in our English living room, with the gas fire burning—very cozy. I was sewing, sewing, sewing the felt pieces onto the ornaments. I had to finish before the baby came!
The instructions were published in INKnitters, Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10 (Winter 2002 through Fall 2003 issues). You may be able to find these issues online. Now, nearly 20 years since they were first published, I am thinking about reissuing the patterns, with some changes and improvements. Let me know if that’s a pattern set you might be interested in buying. Email me at knitandcrochetwithsuzann@outlook.com.
The Advent Calendar is for intermediate (and beyond) knitters with patience. Techniques include intarsia, lace, i-cord, sewing, stranded color knitting, and slipped-stitch color knitting. If you are willing to follow instructions, you’ll do fine. It is a time-consuming project, so pace yourself.