Ask the [Knitting] HiveMind: Do I have to use a long-tail cast on here?
![[covert-ops] question mark (sitting inside)](http://www.covert-ops.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/co-question_mark_sitting_inside-sq-500-200x200.jpg)
I’m preparing to start work on Debbi Stone’s Spectral, using a Miss Babs gradient set in Pegasus. Assuming I don’t pull my hair out in the process of splitting the balls of yarn in half by weight (and then further marking off another 11 grams on one of those balls), the next step will be to cast on.
Using ball A1 and a long-tail cast on, cast on 336 stitches.
Now, really. Is there any reason it has to be a long-tail cast on? Couldn’t I use, say, a cable cast on, and not have to either a) redo the cast on 4 times to finally get enough in the long tail, or b) have an egregious excess of yarn in the long tail going to waste?
Following the cast on are 4 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing. This ribbing is repeated as the last 4 rows before the end, and the cowl is bound off in pattern.
Thoughts?