I think maybe the best thing about Norwegian purl is binding off in ribbing. Binding off ribbing with Norwegian purl is heaven, not having to dick around, moving your yarn around all over the place between every bind off. It also keeps the bindoff nice and loose. Norwegian purl rocks.
And so does Karen, the nice lady from The Studio in KC who taught me it. I think it’s the very best knitting thing I’ve ever learned. That and knitting continental, which she also taught me. I’m a freaking speedboat now. And I did my part passing it on at the Expo to a grandma who was really tickled to learn it. I hope she got to practice and absorb it right away (she didn’t have her knitting on her at the time).
Thank everyone so much for all the kind words about Skinny Cat. It really did help me feel better, although I’m still totally in disbelief that he’s gone. Aside from the grief/loss, it’s just so disconcerting losing an animals when they’re totally healthy and young.
Sugarfoot’s totally picking up the slack, being sweet and looking out for me, and spending all day in my lap (even when I’m spinning, which is strange, with all the movement), just like she did when poor Hermie died.
Skinny relaxing during Yarn School. (Why do their eyes photograph so creepy?)
Your post inspired me to look up Norwegian Purl – what a great technique! I recently learned to hold the yarn in my left hand, instead of throwing it right-handed, but I would switch back to the right hand for purl stitches. I also tried 3 other methods for purling left-handed, but Norwegian Purl wins for ease. Also, the purl stitch “legs” aren’t twisted on the next row, but seated exactly as they are when you throw right-handed. I’m very grateful for the the lead on this method. I’m currently working on a sweater with 211 stitches in the row — it’s really helping!
Hi., I had to look up the Norwegian purling as well because I have never heard about it, though I am a real Norwegian.
Turns out that “my” purling is like NP.I learned to do so from my mom and grandmother and always done it like that.
And yes it is easy and working with the yarn on the right hand is very awkward to me.
Well, good luck on the purling then.
Beate
Aw, shucks….I’m blushing! I have had so much fun turning knitters on to this little technique…glad to hear you are passing it on. In case you are interested, I have been making a study of various purl techniques. Next time we meet, let me show you the Brazilian (sometimes called Portuguese) Purl. It’s kind of fun and a great way to make it across an entire purl row. Karen
i’ll have to do some research on Norwegian purl …
also, my condolences about your kitty cat. i’ve got three of my own and can’t imagine what i’ll go through when i eventually lose one.