by Judy Becker, photography by Vivian Aubrey
2011 Indigo Frog Press
This book gives five ways to use Judy's Magic Cast-On (JMCO) besides toe-up socks. That's an idea I like. First, because I hate knitting things in pieces and then having to seam them. Second, because it's an idea I've already used. The brim of my Diamond Cap starts with JMCO.
Great minds think alike. One of the patterns in the book is Laurel Jane's Cap by Deb Barnhill.
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
That's a very similar hat! I published my pattern in September 2011, which is when Ravelry says the book was published - which rules out any chance either of us influenced the other. Phew! I'd hate for another designer to think I copied them.
Once I got over the "OMG that's my hat" reaction, I took a closer look at the book. I like it a lot. There's a nice introduction where Judy gives a brief history of her knitting adventures. This is followed by a clear techniques section showing you how to do JMCO and the five new ways to use it. The book has a cute "treasure map" with the five ways on it: Provisional Bay, Tubular Reef, I-cord Island, Magic Bridge, and Double Straits.
Provisional Bay is the use I made of JMCO in my hat. It's also the traditional sock toe use. It enables you to knit in two directions from the cast-on point. The book expands the use to substitute for any provisional cast-on. I think I'll try it next time I need a provisional cast-on. I think it might be easier. And no waste yarn required!
Tubular Reef uses JMCO to substitute for a tubular cast-on, which is an easy extension of Provisional Bay in my mind. I've always started a tubular cast-on with a provisional cast-on.
I-cord Island uses JMCO to start a two-directional i-cord. A neat idea, even if the uses may be limited. The book has an absolutely adorable use, the tail for Pippa by Deb Barnhill
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
I can see using this to start i-cord straps for bags.
Magic Bridge is a great idea, using JMCO to add stitches in the middle of a project. The book uses it for a really interesting sock construction that starts with knitting the heel, Three-Point Socks by Jeny Staiman.
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
Looking at how the Magic Bridge works, I think it might be a great idea for adding the stitches in between the fingers for gloves. What do you call that point on your gloves? There was an interesting discussion of this topic in the designers group on Ravelry a couple of weeks ago. The terms thumb armpit and thumb crotch were mentioned.
Double Straits uses JMCO to start double-knitting. I have an idea in mind for a double-knit design and think I may try using JMCO when I get to developing that design.
The book includes 23 patterns making use of JMCO. I haven't knit any of them, but in a glance thru they look clearly written and nicely photographed, with charts and schematics as appropriate. A few that caught my eye:
Charlie's Creature Cap by Cat Bordhi
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
Magic Cowl & Wristlet by Sivia Harding
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
Swept Off My Feet by Judy Becker is just too fun! I'm not sure I'd ever knit it, much less wear it, but it sure did make me smile!
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| © Vivian Aubrey |
I highly recommend this book. It's a great reference for how to do Judy's Magic Cast-on and all the many ways you can use this wonderful cast-on. My public library is insisting I return their copy tomorrow, so the book has been added to my Amazon wishlist.
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