Super Freak, by Martha Thomases – Brilliant Disguise

February 5, 2011 Martha Thomases 27 Comments

The various food sections of my local newspapers this week are full of suggestion for food to serve during the Super Bowl.  They tell me that Super Bowl Sunday is a traditional time for food, family and fun.

I call “Bullshit.”  I am old enough to remember a time when there was no Super Bowl.  I remember when sponsors ran any old ad during the game.

Super Bowl is not a holiday.  It’s a marketing opportunity.  It’s a big day for bookies.

That said, I like to overeat as much as the next person.  And, while I’m not much for beer, I enjoy a Bloody Maria (tequila, not vodka) or 12.  I like long, meandering discussions the socio-political implications of sexist beer commercials.

The only part of Super Bowl Sunday I don’t like is football.

On the chance that there are others like me, I offer a quick project to occupy your mind during the boring football parts of the game.  You should be able to finish at least one during the festivities, and both if you’re very involved in the pre-game.  I used two different worsted-weight yarns (Tonalita and Merino VIII, both from Trendsetter).

Martha’s Ruffled Wrister

Materials

1 ball (Color A)

1 ball (Color B)

2 circular #8 needles

2 circular #7 needles

Stitch markers

Terms

K:  Knit

P:  Purl

K3tog:  Knit three together

M1L:  Make one left. With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back.  Knit the lifted loop through the back to twist the stitch.

MIR:  Make one right.  With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front.  Knit the lifted loop through the front to twist the stitch.

Instructions using 2 circular needles to knit in the round.

With color A, cast on 90 stitches on one of the #8 needles.  Join in the round, being careful not to twist.  Place marker (pm).

Round 1: Purl

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: Purl

Knit every round until piece measures 2” (or desired length).  At beginning of next round, remove marker, and k3tog around, leaving 15 stitches on each needle.

Knit two additional rounds in Color A.

Join Color B, and knit 3 rounds.

At beginning of next round, knit 15, M1L, continue around =  31 stitches

Next round: knit across 15 stitches, pm, M1L, K1, M1R, pm, continue =  33 stitches

Knit 2 rounds.

Increase 2 stitches between markers every  3rd round 2 X =  37 stitches

Increase 2 stitches between markers every 4th  round  2X =  41 stitches.

On next round, place gusset stitches (11 stitches between markers) on length of  2 waste yarn.  Cast on 1 stitch over gap and knit to end of round.  You will have 31 stitches on your needle.

Continue upm desired length (usually to top knuckle of pinkie).  Change to #7 needles and K1P1 rib for another inch.  You may want to k2 together at beginning of round to achieve even number of stitches.  BO loosely.

Using #7 needles, knit K1P1 rib on gusset for thumb.  PU one stitch in the gap to prevent a hole.  Bind off loosely.

Weave in ends.

Make 2

Media Goddess Martha Thomases knows her dad is rooting for the Steelers.