Super duper bonus fun
So I know on the first and third Tuesdays I usually release a pattern, but today I wanted to do something a tiny bit different. Today I’ve updated the version of Curls 2 to include links to the Stitch Maps for each of the patterns.
So at this point, I’m guessing you’re having one of two reactions. Either you’re thinking ‘yay, it’s about time, I loved them in the first Curls and have been wondering where the heck they were for Curls 2‘ (in which case, if you already have Curls 2 in your rav library, head over there right now and download the updated version), or you’re wondering ‘what the heck is a Stitch Map’ (in which case, read on)!
So, stitch maps are charts without the grids. But more than that, they’re charts that show you the relationship between stitches in a much more concrete way than traditional charts tend to. The easiest way to understand it is just to show you an example. Here’s what a feather and fan stitch looks like as a Stitch Map.
See how the stitches tip and lean back and forth and make lovely wavy lines? Very much like your fabric will if you knit this stitch pattern? Nifty isn’t it! stitch maps are about as close as you can get to seeing the fabric before you put yarn on your needles. They let you visualize the finished result amazingly clearly. You can actually see that quite well in the stitch maps for Curls.
See how the shape of the fabric really shines through? That’s what makes stitch maps so awesome! You can see how your fabric will behave in a way that a traditional, gridded chart just doesn’t allow. You should totally go over to StitchMaps.com and read all about them…they are really quite amazing and you’ll have a lot of fun playing with them.
To celebrate adding stitch maps in, I’ve got both Curls and Curls 2 10% off on ravelry with the code MAPPED through the end of the day (eastern time) on Friday. This works on both the electronic version and the paper + electronic combo (while supplies last…ravelry is running low on the paper ones and there won’t be any more until the new print run arrives). Just put whichever versions of the book or books you’re looking for in your ravelry cart, click on the ‘use a coupon code’ button, and type in the code MAPPED. You’ll see the change in price reflected right away.
Someone will ask, so just as a preemptive measure… Yes, the first Curls already has stitch maps included in the electronic version available on ravelry! And yes, if you already have the electronic version Curls 2 in your ravelry library, you’ll get the update automatically (ravelry’s got a great article on how to find your updates if you hit any snags). And yes, Stitch Maps really is super cool, it’s free to play with (and there are fancier versions if you want to subscribe), and you should totally go experiment!
So how about you guys, have you played with any of the chart visualization stuff that’s out there these days? I know we’ve talked about Stitch Maps both today and in the past. And then there’s Knit Companion that I know lots of folks love. And now there’s Knitmastery (from the folks who make the charting software I use…so I expect it’s absolutely glorious). Anybody have any favorites? Any others I should know about? I suspect there are other grand things out there I don’t know about yet!
Oh, super duper indeed! I’m in the first camp (loved them in the first book, and wondered why you “abandoned” them in the second). Happy to know they were just a little slow. I think they’re so great. Much fun and all that.
Also loving the swatch and yarn photos from Curls 3.
Yup, just got distracted (shiny object syndrome!). They’re way too cool to abandon!
I am so glad I decided to check my Feedly app for blogs updates today! I just ordered Curls 2, both the book and the PDF files. Thank you for the discount code and the fun stitch maps.
I’ve only knit from a chart once before, so I’m kind of scared, but I think your patterns are so lovely and I’m looking forward to giving some of them a try.
You’re going to LOVE charts. They seem scary at first, and then they click, and then you don’t ever want to work another way again (at least if you’re like me). And yay, I’m so glad to hear you’re excited for the books, thank you!
Hi Hunter!
What a fantastic idea! Those stitch maps make such a difference! I purchased Curls 2 through Book Depository. How can I access the electronic version of stitch maps for this book?
Thank you, I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards,
Patricia
Hi Patricia, they are cool aren’t they! JC is so clever to make a way to create them (and I think they’re just so pretty).
As for the eversion, it is available as a bonus to folks who got the paper book directly from me (via ravelry). But if you got the paper book from a book store or lys or other online vendor, it doesn’t come with an eversion (just like how most books you buy in a bookstore or on amazon don’t automatically come with an eversion). Including that was just a little something extra ravelry and I were able to work out for folks who purchased directly!
Hi Hunter,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Okay… that makes sense 😉 so… can I buy them separately?
Cheers,
Patricia
They’re only available as part of the eversion on ravelry, that’s the only place get them.