knitter's glossary

Here's what I'm thinking: if I define certain common knitting terms, for the benefit of non-knitters, in one entry, then I can refer back to the entry when I use a term, instead of defining the term in each entry. Because, you know, I have so many readers, and I want to make your life easier! So, here are some terms I use from time to time:

dpn: double-pointed needle
frog: to rip out knitting by removing the needle(s) and pulling the stitches out (rip-it, rip-it)
KIP: knit in public
kitchener: a method of finishing the toe of a sock which is weird to do, but if done right looks seamless
knitting ADD: the inability to stick to one knitting project at a time
knitting monogamy: the inability to work on more than one knitting project at a time
second sock syndrome: the mysterious inability to start (or finish) the second sock in the pair. The Fall 06 knitty has instructions on knitting 2 socks at once, on the same needles. As a novice sock knitter, I cannot convey to you how frightening I found this. Amazing, but frightening.
stash: the yarn that builds up around the house, but often isn't being used
stockinette: knitting that consists of alternate rows of the knit stitch and the purl stitch, resulting in a vertical looking piece:


tink: to knit backwards; unknitting
WIP: work in progress
yarn diet: not buying yarn, usually for financial reasons, leading to stash-diving, which is trying to match yarn in your stash to projects you want to do
yarn porn: photos of yarn on blogs and websites