Are your Ribs showing?

K2, P2 ribbing

Can you remember the last time you actually saw your ribs protruding through your skin... their definition clearly visible as your rib cage became the Focus of the momentary picture of who you were/are?  For most of us, we give no thought at all to our ribs .... they are just there - holding us up and out - - protecting all that is contained within - - but also very well padded and insulated and long forgotten.

There's no need, however, for us to have this out-of-site, out-of-mind approach to the ribbing in our knitting.  Ribbing can actually be one of those make-or-break techniques that becomes the perfect compliment for all the stitches to follow ... the quintessential ending to the thousands of stitches that have been knitted and lined up like a perfect platoon of soldiers all standing at attention.  And don't kid yourself into thinking that Ribbing is just Knit 2, Purl 2, repeat.  No ma'am.  There's more to this Lather, Rinse, Repeat technique that you can even imagine!

Rows & Rows,
Blocks of Color
the Perfect Sit & Knit Project

ribbing at the edge
"snugs" the fit and
covers the ears
to keep them warm as well

Ribbing is the combination of Knit and Purl stitches that form a vertical stripe that characteristically draws or cinches in the knitted fabric, creating an ideal method of providing elasticity for those areas that need to be more fitted - - cuffs or sweater hems or socks.  This elasticity is not limited to utilitarian purposes only.  It also serves in a  decorative role when used in a scarf.  When applied to a hat, the fit becomes more 'forgiving' and allows for a personalized or "customized" [sounds more expensive and couture] fit and snugly wraps the head and fits like a glove!

Ribbing is all about the proper combination ... the give and take that is created by the Purl stitches which Recede when followed by the Knit stitches which Stand Out.  The front runner of Jesus, John the Baptist, had a good understanding of the Ribbing in his Christian Walk when he declared "He must increase, I must decrease."  (John 3:30).  Part of the maturing process for me is not just Saying that verse .. but Living that verse.  Accepting the notion and applying the Truth of it all ... Allowing God to Increase in His Presence in my daily life - both in the visible areas that others may notice AND in the quiet of my own heart where i reveal who i really am ... and all that i lack, in order to become MORE like Him.  I do believe that this will be my own Lifetime Learning Lesson ... finding the Proper Combination of Who He is ... and Who i can be when i acknowledge His love and leadership in my own daily walk. 

This pattern is called a
Mistake Rib and is achieved
by altering the K - P combination*
(on purpose!)

If you study the Basic Ribbing of K1, P1 or the K2, P2 you find that the Knit Stitches take Front and Center stage and the Purls retreat to the background ... and yet despite the recession they are situated and snugged up so very close to the Knits .... and when i think about that in regard to my own life i should find comfort and encouragement in knowing that He desires to be Front so that i don't really have to!  His Presence provides me a refuge to rest in the Recesses of His Protection and Care, learning to trust while tucked in His Shadow .... still in line with Him, but acquiescing to His Lead .. and my follow!

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - - and this not from yourselves, it if the gift of God - - not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.   [Eph. 2:6-10]

*Mistake Rib:  (Works on multiples of four plus three.)

*Knit two, purl two across,* ending with knit two, purl one.
Repeat this row for the pattern.