The Daily Skein is written and run by me, Cailyn Meyer. I live in Snoqualmie, Washington with my husband and two cats. The cats and I are still in negotiation about which of my supplies they are allowed to chew on. One loves wool and one loves the cables on my circular needles, which happen to be my weapons of choice for knitting.
I love all sorts of other crafts too, like sewing, wirework and my new passion, spinning.
I also enjoy such varied and sundry activities like biking, kayaking, hiking, and skiing (seasonal, of course.) They’ll probably show up here sometimes too.
The Daily Skein 
A friend showed me your site yesterday. I really appreciated the Puzzle Ball pattern. My kids loved their (gift) ball when they were little, and now I can finally make some for friends. The directions are well written (all the pix were really helpful) and sound reasonably easy. Here’s hoping…
FYI – For years I was a knitter, but after living in Arizona for many years I got away from that. More years doing counted x-stitch, and now quilting (hand piecing and hand quilting.) Using a sewing machine is new for me, but I’m having fun. My quilts sure work up faster than when it was all done by hand.
Who knows what’s next? 🙂 Bobbi
For the queen of diamonds glove patterns when it says to drop a stitch, do you just drop it off the needle? Could you please e-mail me with the answer?
Thanks,
Carol
Hello! I run a newsletter for some spinners and knitters in NH, and was wondering if I could put your mouse pattern in my newsletter.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Thank you for asking, Jess; that would be wonderful! I’d love it if you could include my blog’s address in the newsletter, too. I’m happy you like the mouse pattern; I have to make a new mouse soon since the first has been so “well-loved.”
Cailyn
Hi, nice to meet you !
Hi,
I am starting the Cruiser mittens for my husband. His hand sizes are Length: 8&1/2 and he would like the ribbing about 10″ and the circumference is 8&1/2. I measured his thumb from the tip to the to the end of the hand and it is 5″. I’m not sure how to adjust the pattern to his hand size. Do I cast on more stitches? Thanks, Sophia.
It sounds like you just need to knit the mittens longer; use the large size instructions, but ignore the directions on length. Work the mittens to your husband’s measurements. I sent you an email with more details!
-Cailyn
I am starting your Java socks and they look awesome. I want to do the cables without a cable needle, but the instructions have me confused. When you bring the yarn forward to slip a stitch, do you bring it back around before you knit the next one? Do you happen to have a video tutorial on this one?
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Angie
Yes, you bring the yarn back around to the back before knitting the next stitch. I don’t have a video of this technique with 1-over-1 cables, but the technique is the same as the one for 2-over-2 cables, just with fewer stitches. I like Grumperina’s tutorial on cabling without a cable needle (just photos, though). YouTube has many videos on the technique too- just remember, when they slip 2 or more stitches, you’ll only be slipping 1.
-Cailyn
Hi Cailyn- I have not picked up the needles in years and am therefore a little rusty with the terminology. I saw your Saltzburg Twisted Stitch sock pattern and knew I had to try! I’m so pleased with the result so far but have come to a stop with a couple of instructions and hope you can explain them to me please. At the heel flap row 2 what is SI ? And can you please clarify what ssk means? I should be so grateful for your help as I feel to wear them as leg warmers (as I can get no further) would not do them justice!
By the way, I found the pattern in Yarn Forward and then found the website: your patterns are stunning!
Many thanks……
On row 2 of the heel flap, Sl 1 means to slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn in the back. Sometimes the font makes that instruction hard to read… I once had someone ask why I said to slip 11 stitches! I don’t have the magazine in front of me right now, so there could be a typo there too. But the instructions should say to “*sl 1, k1* to the end of the row, turn.”
Ssk means to slip, slip, knit. It’s a single decrease that leans to the left.
-Cailyn
Hi, I love your site. Love your sock patterns a lot. Would love to knit the Lava Socks, but can’t find the pattern. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers Claudia
Found it !!! Yeahh.The only problem is, the men size is not big enough. What should I do if needed US 12? Thanks Claudia