Knitsters Meet Here! [Archive] - Page 3

jenahdawn

09-13-2007, 11:19 AM

L, my mom crocheted me a drawstring bag I can bring my projects places in....except I now have way too many going at once, so I broke down and bought a needle case....but I used the 40% off coupon from Joann's.

Wow, I don't know if I have ever posted in this thread. I've been knitting for over 20 years. Nothing fascinating, but I can make a mean scarf.....and quick....I just don't have the patience for patterns.....

Also, about a month and a half ago, crochetting finally "clicked" with me and I finally understand how to do it.

Katy

10-04-2007, 08:23 PM

Okay thanks to Scooter and Jenahdawn, I'll be out picking up my stuff tomorrow to teach myself how to knit.

Just to clarify, a couple of beginner questions...
* I can just buy basic stuff at Michael's to start learning with, right? Nothing fancy, just cheapish yarn and needles?
* Between my Stitch 'n Bitch book and KnittingHelp.com, I should be able to pick it up pretty easily?

Scooter

10-04-2007, 08:54 PM

Yay, we pressured you into it!

#1: Yeah, Michaels is a good place to start. Do you have a pattern picked out already or are you going to be looking for one there? They tend to carry a lot more crochet patterns than knitting ones, so I'd suggest figuring out what you're going to knit ahead of time. Then you can use the pattern's instructions to figure out what type and size of yarn and what size and type of needles you need.

#2: Yeah, I think so! The videos on knittinghelp are really good, because the view is from over her shoulder, so it looks the same as it will in your own hands. You can just sit in front of your computer with the yarn and needles and copy what she's doing until you really get it. I don't have experience with Stitch 'n Bitch, but I know it's popular, so it must be pretty good.

Katy

10-05-2007, 12:47 AM

Scooter, the S'nB book has some patterns in it. I'm thinking of just starting there since there are a few S'nB gatherings around where I can get some help if needed.

So my next question...the first "practice" assignment - a chunky, tri-color scarf - requires a size 15 needle, will I use a 15 again? I mean it's pretty chunky, isn't it? Since it's a practice scarf, I'm willing to use a smaller needle if it will prove more useful down the road.

Man, being a beginner is tough when you're clueless - LOL

aprilshowers

10-05-2007, 05:34 AM

Katy - personally, I've never used a size 15. So if your instinct says to go with something smaller, I'd trust it. Pick up the needles at the store and hold them in your hands and see what feels comfortable. Maybe something closer to an 8 or 9 to start with? If you follow the same pattern, the scarf will come out smaller but you can almost always find something to do with it and donate it to a children's charity if no other options present themselves. Also, is there a hat in the book? Even though they're a little more complicated than a scarf, a scarf is long and monotonous, while a hat will give you more instant gratification and get you excited to start on your next project (I speak from experience on that one!).

As for the yarn, my main recommendation is to pick something light colored (black and navy make it hard to see the stitches) and smooth - none of the bumpy or novelty yarn.

Good luck and have fun! And remember you can always come back to ask us questions if you get stuck.

jenahdawn

10-05-2007, 08:29 AM

I use size 15 (or maybe it's only 11.....I don't know, I haven't used them in months and months) when I am making a super chunky/bulky scarf.

No need to spend tons of money. And, remember, like I've been telling you, don't expect to be an expert right away....give it time and practice!

Katy

10-05-2007, 12:35 PM

Okay, I'm starting on my double cast-on, but while I think I've got the hang of it, I think my yarn is too chunky and my tail keeps shrinking. Um...maybe I should run out to get smaller needles and thinner yarn?

aprilshowers

10-05-2007, 12:39 PM

You just cast on and you've already found an excuse to buy more yarn - you're a knitter at heart! ;)

jenahdawn

10-05-2007, 01:17 PM

Does this mean CC is going to go by way of The Sight Which Shall Not Be Named because we've got Katy addicted to knitting already?

I deny ALL responsibility!

Katy

10-05-2007, 02:04 PM

AprilShowers - don't even get me started. I stopped at a LYS (I'm even learning the lingo!) hoping that if I bought yarn from them that they'd help me a bit. Well, they did and I paid for it. I wound up buying a $7 skein of wool (it was on sale) and another knitting how-to book. I started using it, but realized that I still think it's too chunky and uneven, so I packed up and headed to Michael's where I picked up a more basic, worsted, medium yarn and the size 8 needles it called for. I figure I can always save the wool I bought for a scarf once I get better.

Jenah - you promised me I could start cheap :eek: it's costing a little more than I had anticipated - LOL

ETA: Ahhhhh...must easier! Though I have a feeling I'm pulling things too tight.

Scooter

10-05-2007, 02:10 PM

Aprilshowers, LOL! :D

Katy, What size yarn are you using? If you're doing the double cast on, you've got to make sure you have a really long tail to start with, or you're going to run out before casting on all your stitches.

How are you figuring out how long of a tail to start with? One way to approximate how much yarn you need for X number of stitches is to start by just wrapping the yarn around the needle (not overlapping, just like a lot of spirals down the needle, if that makes sense). Each time you wrap it, it is approximately one stitch. So for example, if you have to cast on 20sts, wrap the needle 20 times, pull all those off, and use that as your tail (plus a little extra to stick out the end). See if that method works any better for you. And the good thing about it is you can always just rip it all out and try again. ;)

kemaji

10-05-2007, 02:22 PM

I haven't been in this thread in ages, so here are some of my more recent projects:

edited

carrie9142

10-07-2007, 04:20 PM

Ok, help me with a stupid question. Do you do a row of knit stitches, then purl, then knit, and so on? Or do you just do one stitch over and over? I can not seem to find out!

Thanks!

Scooter

10-07-2007, 04:45 PM

kemjai, those are beautiful! Love all the lacework.

Carrie, that depends what you're knitting. If you're trying to do stockinette stitch, that is knit a row, purl a row, knit a row etc. It comes out flat (like the sweater Pocket posted in post #500 above). If you're trying to do garter stitch, it's knit every row. It ends up having kind of ridges, horizontally. Here's a garter stitch scarf (http://z.about.com/d/knitting/1/0/q/-/-/-/garter_stitch_scarf.jpg) so you can see the difference.

carrie9142

10-07-2007, 08:34 PM

THANK YOU!

Also, my hands hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!:o

Scooter

10-07-2007, 09:24 PM

You're welcome! So what did it turn out you were supposed to be doing, stockinette or garter?

question:
Has anyone knit any Debbie Bliss patterns?

Debbie Bliss rant:
I did a cute 6-9mo old's sweater and skirt set for DD for last Christmas (she was 7.5 mos old) and the pattern was so messed up that me, my mom, and the woman at the LYS had a hell of a time figuring it out. Finally we decided Debbie Bliss' pattern was just plain wrong, and had to revise some of it. Then the sizing came out all screwed up, despite my gauge being perfect (the LYS owner even confirmed that!). The sizing was so wrong that DD will be wearing it THIS Christmas instead. (At 19.5 months old!!) DB unfortunately doesn't always list completed measurements. :rolleyes: (Btw, it's a few pages back, but here's the finished sweater w/picot edging (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1111736&postcount=440).)

OK, so I started another Debbie Bliss sweater for DD this spring that was meant for this fall (I was going slow with the intarsia!). I'm now thinking it's going to have to be for next fall, instead. :mad: But the really annoying thing is she has you knit the buttonband and buttonhole band separately from the sweater body, although you're knitting up in the same direction! So it ends up this strip that's disconnected from the seater! And when you get to the top, all the stitches end up on the same stitch holders for the neckline, and you have to SEW UP the buttonband strips to the sweater body! A complete waste of time, couldn't I have just knit them when I did the body?! I'm so annoyed. And the number of rows is off (ONE size smaller needles), so it's a pain to sew up evenly. Besides the fact that some of her counts are wrong and I have to make minor adjustments as I go (like when she says to start the intarsia pattern on a wrong side row? Come on, according to the chart and common sense, it's a right side row!)

I don't want to knit any more of her patterns, but they're so cute I keep falling into the trap. :( :mad:

Katy

10-07-2007, 10:16 PM

I had a friend recommend The Knit Stitch by Sally Mellville (http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Experience-Book-Knit-Stitch/dp/1893762130). It looks to be a pretty decent book, that will keep me focused on one technique until I'm comfortable with it. And I believe, I'll be able to make more than just a simple scarf :cool:

I'm just afraid of going overboard before I really get the hang of knitting. Has anyone checked out this book or have any thoughts on beginner books in general?

carrie9142

10-08-2007, 08:16 AM

I was trying to do a stockinette. But, I must be doing something really wrong. The first knit row looks fine. Purl row looks fine. Then, somewhere around the 2nd row, things go horribly awry. Its like extra loops just appear on the needle. I am trying to take pics to explain. I get kind of obsessive, and had to make myself stop knitting. My hands have curled up into claws. And! I am so impatient with learning new skills. I don't want to practice, I want to watch a video and then go make a sweater. :o

aprilshowers

10-08-2007, 08:19 AM

Katy - sounds like you have the beginnings of a great stash already! Now you need something to store it in :) Sorry, I don't have that book but I have heard good things about it. I usually take a knitting book out of the library to check it out before making a purchase.

Scooter - I hear you on the DB patterns. It drives me crazy how much sewing up she requires (I usually convert them to in the round to avoid some). And they always come out too wide. I've started just knitting down a size. But you're right, they are CUTE. There are a couple of her patterns that I just keep knitting over and over because they're easy and adorable:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/1425529156_63e9fbdbed.jpg?v=0
Hooded Sweater from Special Knits

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/1425525284_c509e25a37.jpg?v=0
Fair Isle Sweater from Special Knits

What is the pattern you are working on?

aprilshowers

10-08-2007, 08:22 AM

carrie - a lot of beginners accidentally create extra loops at the ends of their rows. Make sure that when you are doing a knit row, you hold the yarn in the back of the work and when you are doing a purl row, you hold the yarn in front of the work. Take lots of breaks to help relax your hands. They will relax as you get the hang of it. And there's no reason you can't jump into a sweater but you might want to stick with a baby or teddy bear sweater so that you don't waste much time or yarn if you don't like the results. Or maybe try a hat? The most important thing is to get results fast so you can get excited about it and cast on for that second project. Good luck and have fun!

carrie9142

10-08-2007, 09:04 AM

Frick!!! Ok, now I am not even sure I am doing the knit stitch right.

Here's how I have been doing it (continental style):
single cast on
R needle front to back
take string in L hand over the R needle, b/t the two needles (kind of flike you would use a crochet needle)
pull the string through with R needle horizontal
pull stitch off.

Here is what it seems like I should be doing based on video:
cast on
R needle up front to back
take R needle OVER string (kind of flipping the whole needle over)
back through
off

So, which one is right?!? I am not good at this y'all.

aprilshowers

10-08-2007, 09:39 AM

I think that those will both have the same result so it's a matter of which is more comfortable to you. I suspect that if you continue with what you are doing, you will eventually get faster and it will turn into what the video is showing.

Now take a deep breath - this is supposed to be relaxing, right? ;) (I know, I know, I'm a perfectionist too!).

Scooter

10-08-2007, 10:27 AM

I just tried it both ways with some spare yarn here while reading your post, and both ways have the same result.

Except now I'm remembering how much I hate continental! :p I have bad wrists (carpal tunnel issues) and found the easiest way to knit while keeping relaxed wrists in a neutral position is knitting English, holding my arms so my palms kind of face upwards. I hold the yarn between thumb and index finger, throw the yarn with my middle finger, and use my pinky and ring fingers to hold the needle against my palm. Sounds weird, and no one else would find it comfortable maybe, but it's a perfect example of how each person adapts their own knitting style to suit them best. :)

Scooter

10-08-2007, 10:32 AM

April, those are really cute! I think DB patterns would be good the 2nd time through, after you've had a chance to revise it. I wish I'd read this pattern more carefully, I just thought that since they were separate I'd be picking up and knitting the button/buttonhole bands, because that's what normally happens if you don't knit them while knitting the body! Grr.

Did you have to change that Fair Isle sweater pattern much? I'm interested in trying Fair Isle, still. The cardigan I'm making has these intarsia dogs and argylle diamonds on it, and let me tell you, it's got way too many ends to tuck in! Finishing is always what gets me, I hate it. Maybe the Fair Isle wouldn't be as bad...?

carrie9142

10-08-2007, 10:35 AM

Then i must be some kind of freak, because my stockingette looks like a big ball of knots!!!!

carrie9142

10-08-2007, 11:15 AM

Eek! I think I figured it out!! When I was purling, I wasn't pulling it all the way through, and ended up with double loops on my right needle. I am not explaining it well, but I am guessing (hoping!) y'all know what I mean. I just looked at it a little differently and saw what was going wrong, though I still don't know what I was doing previously.

THANKS for all y'alls help :D

jenahdawn

10-08-2007, 11:23 AM

kemaji *drool*

Okay, where DID you get that orange/red/purple yarn?

And, I may have missed it, but is there a pattern somewhere I can attempt?

Scooter

10-08-2007, 11:25 AM

carrie, yeah that makes sense! Glad you figured out the mistake. :)

kemaji

10-08-2007, 11:26 AM

Sounds weird, and no one else would find it comfortable maybe, but it's a perfect example of how each person adapts their own knitting style to suit them best. :)

My sister saw me knitting one time and got all confused on how I knit...she's been knitting for almost as long as I have, so knowing how was not the issue. I agree that each person adapts this to suit themselves.

Carrie, I was going to suggest that you were doing what amounted to a yarn over (YO), which would add stitches and leave an open space in the fabric, but it sounds as if you figured it out for yourself. If you ever try lace, YOs will become your friend.

kemaji

10-08-2007, 11:37 AM

kemaji *drool*

Okay, where DID you get that orange/red/purple yarn?

And, I may have missed it, but is there a pattern somewhere I can attempt?

jenadawn, I missed your post until I had already posted. The yarn I used was HandMaiden cashmere laceweight in the sangria colorway. It's a one woman company based in Canada and the woman who does the dyeing uses the most amazing yarns. I covet most of what I see of her work. Here is her website (http://handmaiden.ca/yarn.html), however you won't be able to buy the yarn directly from her, but you can see close up photos of all the varieties of yarn that she uses. The two places I've purchased her yarn from are:

The Loopy Ewe (http://www.theloopyewe.com/)
Knitty Noddy (http://www.knitty-noddy.com/)

The one thing about handmaiden yarns, is she doesn't really subscribe to set colorways so each batch will come out somewhat different depending on her mood. Also, I'm not sure she even offers a 100% cashmere laceweight anymore.

The pattern is from Victorian Lace Today (http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064072/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-1518071-2211806?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191868569&sr=8-1) and it is Miss Lambert's shetland shawl. If you don't have it, I highly recommend the book.

carrie9142

10-08-2007, 11:39 AM

It must be my super adavanced skills taking over ;)

I learned how to crochet when I was young, so continental feels mor comfy for me. I wonder though, why don't knitting needles have hooks?! It would make things waaay more easy.

Y'all don't know how inordinately proud I am. I am not even making something with the stockingette stitch, but I became obsessed with getting it!

kemaji

10-08-2007, 11:41 AM

It must be my super adavanced skills taking over ;)

I learned how to crochet when I was young, so continental feels mor comfy for me. I wonder though, why don't knitting needles have hooks?! It would make things waaay more easy.

You must be way more coordinated than I am. I have tried to learn how to crochet so many times, but I can never get the hang of it. Invariably, I end up with a lumpy mess and my hands are aching when I quit.

Scooter

10-08-2007, 12:04 PM

Carrie, they do make knitting needles with hooks on the end! I made something with bobbles months ago, and part of the instructions were to "knit 4 together" repeatedly. (ETA: that means put your needle through 4 stitches on the left needle, at the same time, wrap the yarn in the back, and pull it through all 4 at once to make 1 stitch where 4 used to be.) NOT easy, and a perfect time to use a crochet hook to help. I think in regular knitting a hook would get in the way, though!

Funny you mention crocheting--the hardest part for me about learning it was getting used to holding the yarn in the left hand. ;)

jenahdawn

10-08-2007, 12:39 PM

kemaji, THANK YOU!

Also, about crochetting....after 20 some years of knitting, and several years and "teachers" attempting to drill crochetting into my head, I finally, kind of, got the hang of it. Nothing fancy, but it takes a LOT. I've been told many times it's easier to teach a crocheter to knit than a knitter to crochet.

kemaji

10-08-2007, 12:42 PM

See, I already hold my yarn with my left hand and even then, I still couldn't do it. Uncoordinated, I tell ya...that's me.

jenahdawn

10-08-2007, 01:25 PM

(had to "pretend" crochet to figure that one out!)

If you had somone patient enough (that was my problem, too), it would take several lessons, but I have complete confidence in you!

relly

10-11-2007, 07:36 AM

Popping in to ask the experts a question:

My Mom would like to knit sweaters for my 18 month old twins. She would like to do a just a basic pullover with maybe a dog on the front my daughter and perhaps a truck for my son.

Is there a website for free patterns for toddlers you would recommend?

I did check out the 1st 2 pages, so I have those book suggestions from 2005 and also did a google search but I came up with fancier kids sweaters.

Thanks

young lioness

10-13-2007, 09:22 PM

Relly -

I don't do much knitting for kids, so my knowledge of resources is pretty limited. I just took a look at Knitty (http://knitty.com), which has lots of free patterns in general (not just for kids) and the Double Scoop (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTdoublescoop.html) pattern might work for what you are looking for. She'd have to chart out her own pattern for the dog or truck, instead of the ice cream cone, and she could do the striped arms or just not change colors if you don't want the stripes.

****************************

I'm so proud of myself...last night I tried fair isle for the first time. I've always been a bit afraid of colorwork, but my sister wanted mittens, and I've always wanted to knit either the Tiffany (http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTtiffany.html) mittens or Anemoi (http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/12/anemoi_mittens.html) mittens, so I decided to give it a try.

I started knitting the Tiffany pattern on size 3 needles, which turned out to be too big to get gauge, but I was able to learn the basics and I don't think my tension is too bad, for a colorwork beginner. (That spot in the center looks more wonky than it is in person, because the edge wants to curl...it is a picot edge, and it was rolling because it isn't folded under and tacked down.)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/1562081257_5d27ba290c.jpg

I've since frogged what I had on the needles and I'm going to start again tomorrow with 2 size 2 circulars to see if I can get the right gauge with those.

beetle

10-15-2007, 06:57 AM

Hi, ladies!
Maybe something like this has already been posted, but I wanted to ask for knitting book recommendations. I'd like to ask for some for Christmas. I have a couple great baby books but would like something geared more for adults. I've seen some books that look interesting but am always leery until I've heard from someone who's tried them! I'd say I'm a moderately experienced knitter.

Anyone know anything about these? Any others you'd recommend?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514Gf0Qij3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516AYY10VRL._AA240_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519DP77XPGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

Scooter

10-15-2007, 10:41 AM

Relly, the thing with free patterns is that it's hard to find *exactly* what you're looking for like that. There are quite a few free sites out there, and I bet you could find a basic pullover. But probably not one with multiple design choices--can your mom graph out the designs (dog & truck, or whatever?) and just use any pullover sweater pattern? Or is she looking for pullover patterns with those (or similar) designs already? I'd definitely suggest going to the library and looking through each knitting book to find something.

Here's another site with a lot of cute & cool free projects:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/0,2024,DIY_14141,00.html

Young Lioness, oh that came out nicely! I haven't tried fair isle yet, either, but if that's your first try it encourages me! :) You'll have to post the completed piece for us.

beetle, I've gotta nix any Debbie Bliss right off the bat. Look back also a little bit in this thread at post #521 for why. ;)

****************
OK, so I'm continuing on my Debbie Bliss tirade. Yesterday I put DD in the sweater I'd posted here that I made her for LAST Christmas--she is still a little too small for it, and it looks very different than the photo in the book did! The shoulders are really wide, so the shoulder seam hangs way down on DD's arm. Like it's 1986 or something. :mad: I wouldn't have picked that pattern if it had shown that was the style!

And the cardigan I'm working on (which is taking FOREVER because the directions are so badly done) is driving me crazy! Where I'm at right now it says "sew up shoulder seams." Easy, right? Well, good ol'Debbie had me bind off 4 extra stitches on the back piece, so the fronts don't match it. I'm going to have to see if I can reknit the back so it matches the right number of stitches.

Oh, and her instructions for the buttonholes band? Instead of saying "space buttonholes 1.5inches apart" or whatever like a normal pattern would, she says "mark out 6 buttons on the buttonband, hold up the buttonhole band to that, and make buttonholes to match the markers." WTF, how complicated does this need to be? I had to count every row and then calculate out where the buttons would be, and then count that many rows and put some stitch markers hanging off of it to mark the button places. Took SOOO long. :mad:

I think I'm going to write DB's publisher, this is ridiculous!

aprilshowers

10-15-2007, 12:26 PM

Those are really strange directions! What pattern are you working on?

beetle - I don't have any experience with those particular books. I recommend looking through the books in person, just because you never know whether you'll like the patterns inside. What kind of things do you want to knit? Sweaters? Stuff for the house? Socks? Something else? That might help us give you ideas to look for. I like Elizabeth Zimmermann's books. They are older books (60's, 70's?) and aren't traditional pattern books. It's more like reading a book than following a pattern and her patterns are more like recipes than anything specific. She's got some great ideas and tricks! I also liked Mason & Dixon knitting, though, truth be told, I haven't actually knit anything from it. If you're interested in felting, I like "Felted Knits" by Beverly Galeskas.

jenahdawn

10-15-2007, 12:41 PM

scooter, I LOVE the DIY site!

My current favorite, which I have made and now am adapting bigger (and such) for one for me, since it's SOOOOOO easy is this one:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4826209,00.html

http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/07/06/dkng402_1ca_d.jpg

Scooter

10-15-2007, 01:12 PM

Jenah, have you ever seen her show Knitty Gritty? We had the DIY Network for a little while and I really loved it. So many cool ideas, and so many tips on techniques and things, I really learned a lot from that show and got inspired to try new stuff. That's a cute hat, I wonder if I could make one DD's size...

Aprilshowers, I know, isn't it strange? And of course, you mark off the places to put the buttons after you already had to sew the buttonband on separately. Don't forget that fun step.

The book is Baby Style (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Style-Accessories-Irresistible-Knitwear/dp/0312267142/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7822796-1436713?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192478178&sr=8-1) by Debbie Bliss. Don't ever get it, anyone! Both this and the sweater & skirt combo I ranted about were from that book. I foolishly thought just the sweater pattern was screwed up, but apparently it's the whole book. And none of the Amazon reviews reflect that, I should probably write a review.

I took some photos so you can see this overly-complicated project. :rolleyes: You can see the stitch markers on the buttonband. I was trying to hold it so you can see how the top shoulder seams don't match but I don't think you can tell:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/dasmud/IMG_3737.jpg

And...why it will be my last complicated intarsia pattern for awhile. (I hate finishing! :o) Ugh, not looking forward to weaving those ends in!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/dasmud/IMG_3735.jpg

I just was won over by the cute scottie dogs and argyle diamonds pattern. I admit it.

Katy

10-15-2007, 01:34 PM

I got to meet Vickie (and a few other crafty women and business owners) last year at South by Southwest. They did an awesome panel about being the "boss lady." They were some very cool women, a very cool business women!

jenahdawn

10-15-2007, 01:50 PM

Ugh, I HATE weaving the ends in! If I could find someone who actually LIKES it, I'd PAY them to do it!

Scooter, the hat in the directions is 50 stitches, for me, I'm doing 80, so you'll have no problem. It's takes about an hour or so. (Depending on if you just sit and do it)

I've seen the show a few times, so much fun! Sometimes there are....things that aren't quite my taste on there. Yeah, that's what I'll stick with.

carrie9142

10-17-2007, 01:58 PM

Jenah That is a cute hat! I have a question though, what are the 'holes' in it? I can't really tell what is happening there based on the picture.

Another question for y'all. Here's how I knit (continental) I make a stitch and then push the stitch off by placing my index finger on the top of the L needle and pushing it down. The only problem is after awhile it starts to hurt my index finger! I am getting a pretty good callus started on my finger, but I can't really figure out a good/fast way to do it without poking my finger! I am wondering what y'all do? Or if maybe there is something out there, like a thimble, that would work?

Thanks :)

jenahdawn

10-17-2007, 02:04 PM

It's just yarning over. I didn't know how it would work out, but it actually does!

Scooter

10-17-2007, 03:08 PM

Carrie, wish I could help, but I don't knit continental. I described the way I knit English above--but I can say that I experimented with how I hold the yarn, my fingers, and my wrists before I found the way that is most natural for me. So I'd suggest playing around with it to see how you can change the way you're holding the yarn and needles slightly so you don't need to do that.

carrie9142

10-17-2007, 03:17 PM

Do you mind posting a pic of the one you did? I just can't figure out what it really looks like!

maybebaby

10-17-2007, 03:45 PM

wow, scooter! that sweater is amazing.

I really want to make baby pants. That's my next project. But right now I'm making a scarf for a friend because I just needed something mindless (confidence booster?).

Scooter

10-17-2007, 04:50 PM

Maybebaby, Thanks! I'm working on the neckband now, it's in the final stages and then I can post the finished pics. I'm ordering yarn right now for my next project. :) So are you going to try that wool pants pattern we were talking about on LJ?

Scooter

10-17-2007, 05:07 PM

That reminds me, I wanted to share this discovery with you guys:

The Great Wool Soaker Parade (http://fullvid.com/wool/WSLinks.html)

It's a loooong list of links to patterns for soakers. Shorties, longies, free and for-purchase patterns, there are a ton. So if you want to make any shorts or pants for babies, this is a great place to browse! :)

jenahdawn

10-17-2007, 10:45 PM

Yeah, it's easy once you firgure it out....and stop thinking you're going to end up with dropped stitches.

Fair warning: My husband is the photographer....but he's sleeping, since it's 12:30am...

This is the small one, the one I am making for me is more of a, "Oh, let me work on this some" project:

http://pics.livejournal.com/jenahdawn/pic/000bwq14/s320x240

http://pics.livejournal.com/jenahdawn/pic/000bx7dg/s320x240

And mine...eventually...

http://pics.livejournal.com/jenahdawn/pic/000bt1gs/s320x240

relly

10-18-2007, 08:13 AM

Young lioness – thanks for the link to the Double Scoop, its similar to the one we chose. The mittens look great, I like the colors you chose.

Scooter – thanks for the link. We did end up getting 3 books from the library with one of them being a Debbie Bliss book. That’s too bad about the sweater fit, but the Scottie dogs are adorable.

Beetle – can you recommend a pullover sweater pattern for size 2T from one of your great baby books?

My Mom is going to knit the sweater from the cover of the Zoe Mellor book – Adorable Knits for Tots, it’s the star sweater, one in light blue and the other in pink. We picked up the 2 other books recommended but didn’t find much we liked.

beetle

10-18-2007, 08:52 AM

Hi, relly. There is a really nice pullover sweater pattern in this book:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515SK5FJ3BL._AA240_.jpg

This is a picture of one someone made:
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/d9/9c/b328124128a0b311cb7e7010._AA240_.L.jpg

The book provides instructions for a bunch of different designs to go in the center: a heart, a star, etc. I haven't made this one, but my friend did, and it actually turned out even cuter than the picture above. (The rolled collar & sleeves were not so chunky on hers.)

I have made this pullover sweater, but had some issues with the pattern:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e317/beetle219/Babygirlsweater.jpg

Oops... Posted the link to that pattern, but it seems to be inactive now. Sorry! I found the pattern on this site: http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php.

carrie9142

10-18-2007, 01:13 PM

Thanks Jenah! I just started working on it and have just finished the ribbing part. I am SURE I will have some more questions!! :o

Everyone is soooo good. My stitches don't have anywhere close to the uniformity y'all's have. Oh well. Practice, right? I am so impatient though. I want to go from learning how to knit/purl to making myself an awesome sweater. :rolleyes:

carrie9142

10-18-2007, 03:07 PM

young lioness

10-18-2007, 03:30 PM

ok another question. Sorry!!

I am doing the hat Jenah posted. The pattern says:
**Work in st st for 1", ending on a purl row
K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog across row (figure B)
Purl across row**
Repeat ** to**

So does that mean stockingette for 1"
k1k2tog etc
purl
another 1" of stockingette
etc

or is the repeat the k1k2 row/purl row the repeat?

thanks!

The repeat includes the one inch of stockinette. Usually when a pattern talks about repeating instructions, they are in between * symbols. So you repeat everything between the symbols as many times as it says to repeat. If you look at Jenna's picture, you see that the holes are about 1" apart. It is the YO (yarn over) in the instructions that creates those holes.

I hope that makes sense. I just got done with a company happy hour and I'm a tiny bit tipsy.

aprilshowers

10-18-2007, 04:45 PM

Scooter - that sweater is going to be adorable!! And, in progress, it looks exactly like every DB sweater I've ever done - all those stitch holders and ends. Ugh. Sometimes I wonder if she just sketches up the general design and someone else writes the pattern. What is your next project? What yarn did you yarn? I have enough stash that I almost never get to order new yarn for the next project so I have to live vicariously (though, truth be told, I did just make a trip to the LYS for DD's pinwheel sweater).

carrie - which hand is the index finger that you're using to push down the needle? The right? I do that too, sometimes, but usually just on the first stitch of the row. For the rest I seem to just use the right-hand needle to pull the stitch off. If your knitting is too tight to do that, try relaxing your hands (easier said than done, right?) or maybe going up a needle size for the yarn you're using to get larger loops. Or try using smoother yarn. I find I tend to do it more often when I'm using yarn or a gauge that has me struggling a bit more. I'm using Karabella Aurora 8 for my current project and it is like butter!

maybebaby - do you have a pattern in mind? I've done a couple pair since we CD. My favorite is a combination of Blu from Knitty (with elastic waistband) and Aubrey Doodlepants. I am almost finished with a pair right now (just need to get to the sewing store to buy the elastic).

beetle - that sweater is beautiful! I love the lace panel down the middle.

carrie9142

10-18-2007, 05:17 PM

Thanks YL! I was thinking that it included the 1", but I didn't want to mess up. Not so confident in my abilities! I did look at the pic and that did help decipher.

maybebaby

10-20-2007, 11:06 PM

maybebaby - do you have a pattern in mind? I've done a couple pair since we CD. My favorite is a combination of Blu from Knitty (with elastic waistband) and Aubrey Doodlepants. I am almost finished with a pair right now (just need to get to the sewing store to buy the elastic).

I haven't figured out what pattern yet. I've looked at the blu pattern on knitty. I have made one beginner baby sweater before, a bunch of hats, and some scarves, but I need an easy pattern. Where did you find the Aubrey Doodlepants? Is that on Knitty too?

and scooter, yes, I really am going to get to the knitting pants pattern, maybe in November. I just am indecisive on the pattern. I keep looking around... maybe I should just dive in!

Scooter

10-21-2007, 10:04 AM

maybebaby, as cute as that pattern is, it's written in a kind of funky way for the non-newborn sizes (and after my current project I need a few easy-to-follow ones) so I bought some wool and I'm going to do "cargo" from knitty. Probably won't add the pockets, though. I've had good luck with most of the knitty patterns, I think they're double-checked better than Debbie Bliss' are. ;) Anyway, check out that that soaker link I gave earlier, tons of leggings patterns, you can decide if another one catches your eye. The "Cargo" one has the best photos and has diagrams, so I thought it would be the best bet.

Beetle, love that sweater! Beautiful job!

Carrie, the evenness will come with time, especially when you've found the most comfortable way to hold your needles and become really consistent. :)

Aprilshowers, we CD too, and I'm a little worried about Cargo from knitty fitting over her big CD bum. Have you tried that one? Do you think Blu fits better? If not, what adjustments do you recommend making? (Both of them have elastic waistbands, which is what drew me to them the most.)

Cargo (http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/PATTcargo.html)
Blu (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTblu.html)

maybebaby

10-21-2007, 10:46 AM

thanks scooter! off to re-read the cargo pattern.

aprilshowers

10-21-2007, 11:58 AM

Okay, I take it back, it was Cargo I did, not Blu. I just love the elastic waist and hemmed cuffs. To accommodate the CD bubble butt I just added a couple of short rows in the back. Except for the short rows, I did the pattern as written the first time but I prefer top-down so now I do the Aubrey Doodlepants (found here: http://www.aubreydoodlepants.com/) but with an elastic waist and hemmed cuffs like Cargo. It has gotten impossible to get DD to stand still to tie the drawstring so an elastic waist is much easier.

jenahdawn

10-21-2007, 02:14 PM

Carrie, sorry I couldn't answer....I was in the hospital with a bit of a "scare" (33 weeks is too soon) for a few days, but YL is right! (I did finish mine while sitting in my room, though...)

Scooter

11-03-2007, 05:40 PM

My current favorite, which I have made and now am adapting bigger (and such) for one for me, since it's SOOOOOO easy is this one:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4826209,00.html

Jenah, I'm trying that one right now (hopefully I'll finish it for someone for tomorrow...). I just increased the size by going up a couple needle sizes instead of altering the pattern itself. I'm not sure how you adapted the sizing when you did it.

My question is this: you CO 50 sts and then do a 4 st rib (K2, P2) around the bottom. However, 50 does not divide evenly by 4, so when it's sewn up the ribbing won't be seamless around--because it starts and ends with a K2 section. Hope this is making sense. Does that sound right to you??

jenahdawn

11-03-2007, 07:21 PM

I don't remember what my baby hat looks like, but...wait, no, it makes sense what you are saying...(hang on, I'm trying to figure it out in my head) No, you are right.

When I adjusted for adults (and two two year olds) I did 80 (for mine and my cousin's) and 60 (for the girls) I still used size 6. And I (for the 80) just about doubled everything else, with the exception of the last two rows, and I still only did the two rows of holes. For the toddler ones, I just made them 1 1/2" instead of an inch. (I am hoping this makes sense as I am BEYOND over tired right now)

Let me know if you don't get what I am saying.

But, if you are just going with bigger needles and don't like the idea of the four K, then I would either increase of decrease by two, it shouldn't change it much at all.

Emilie

11-03-2007, 07:22 PM

Does anyone have a good pattern for small mittens? I am wanting to make this advent calendar (probably for next year - I am a pretty slow knitter :o ):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/1849257253_83f329d43c_o.jpg

I would need to make 24 of them and the website I found this on (a retail website) lists them as 2" wide by 3" to 7" long. Any direction for me?

Thanks!

Scooter

11-03-2007, 08:25 PM

Jenah--thanks! Almost all of that made sense ;) I'm just wondering about this part:
For the toddler ones, I just made them 1 1/2" instead of an inch.
I didn't see any gauge or tension instructions, so I'm not sure if you're talking about the holes or not. :confused: Did you just increase the number of stitches you cast on?

Emilie, I haven't made any myself, but I did a quick search on a couple free pattern sites I have bookmarked:
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/search.php

And these all came from knittingpatterncentral.com (http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/baby_clothing.php)'s page of free baby patterns:
http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/knit_a_baby_baseball_tee_with_mittens.php
http://www.yarnfwd.com/babybonnet.html
http://www.craftown.com/knit/knit37.htm
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/slideshow/slideShow.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/bhg/slideshow/data/1134657215952.xml&catref=SC1649

thyme

11-03-2007, 09:30 PM

On that 50 stitch ribbing, when you seam it the seam should use the edge stitches, so you will end up with just two k stitches showing in the rib, one from each side.

Scooter

11-04-2007, 12:03 AM

Nevermind, I think you were talking about the amount of space between the YO rows. I finished that hat in about an hour and a half! Amazing! Great project for beginners! :) I'll take a pic and show how it came out. I hope I didn't make it too small--knit with worsted weight on size 8s it fits probably a 12mo old. I'll try it again soon for my own DD (18mos with a big head) but I'll have to CO more like 68sts instead of 48. (Just in case anyone else is trying to figure out the sizing issues!) Also, I think 52 would have looked a little nicer with the pattern, since you'd get an extra YO in that way.

thyme, I think that would be true depending on the seaming stitch you use. I can't remember the name of the one I usually do, but it it's flat and usually invisible, and only decreases the piece by 1 stitch, not two. If I did that with the 50 st count hat, it would have made a much thicker seam that seems a little more irritating for the person wearing it.

kemaji

11-04-2007, 03:01 PM

thyme -- you could do something like a slipped stitch on either end, which makes seaming much simpler and virtually invisible.

Emilie -- I don't have any tried and true mitten patterns, however here's (http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/2006/12/todays-thumb-is-almost-opposite-of.html) a blog that I found really helpful when I recently got stuck on a couple of mitt patterns. You could probably read her tutorials and just wing it.

aprilshowers

11-04-2007, 04:27 PM

Those are beautiful, kemaji! I have been thinking of casting on for a pair of fingerless gloves and I really like those. I checked out the pattern but she doesn't give a gauge. Can you tell me what gauge you got? Thanks!

While I was looking for the pattern on Ravelry, I ran across your photo of it and checked out your other work. Really beautiful! I especially love your Hemlock Ring Blanket. I have no patience for blankets but that is one I really want to do.

kemaji

11-04-2007, 05:40 PM

edited

aprilshowers

11-05-2007, 05:36 AM

Thanks, I have some sock yarn marinating in the stash that will probably work. I haven't done gloves but I have done a couple pair of mittens so I'm familiar with making a thumb but probably still need directions. I'll be sure to check out that blog when I get around to it.

Yup, I'm same name over there. I haven't gotten as into the forums and such since I already read knitting forums somewhere else but I love seeing everyone else's projects and getting inspiration from them. I was in a bit of a knitting slump before I got on Ravelry but now I have no problem finding my next project to cast on!

Sandie78

11-05-2007, 02:01 PM

Hi y'all. I'm wondering if you could help me. I'd like to make a bias garter blanket, but the instructions are confusing me. Here's what it says:

Stripe Pattern
Work 10 rows each in A, B, C, D, E, F, G. These 70 rows make up the stripe pat.

Blanket
Increase slanted edge
With A cast on 3 sts. Working in stripe pat and garter st, knit 1 row.

Ok, so I'm already confused. I thought the stripe pat was 70 rows, so how do I make just 1 row? Or does it mean I should make 70 rows 3 sts wide (the stripe pat) then knit 1 more row of A?

Next row K1, M1, k to end

K1 what? Knit to the end of what?

There's more instructions, but maybe they'll make more sense after I understand this part.

Thanks!

young lioness

11-05-2007, 02:16 PM

Increase slanted edge
With A cast on 3 sts. Working in stripe pat and garter st, knit 1 row.

Ok, so I'm already confused. I thought the stripe pat was 70 rows, so how do I make just 1 row? Or does it mean I should make 70 rows 3 sts wide (the stripe pat) then knit 1 more row of A?

The first part of the instructions just gives you the overall color pattern. It sounds like you'll change colors every 10 rows. What I quoted above is just the instructions for the first row after the cast on. You are using color A and you knit into the 3 stitches that you have cast on. So at that point you are 1 row into that color.

Next row K1, M1, k to end

K1 what? Knit to the end of what?

K1= knit one stitch
to the end = to the end of the row of stitches -- as you continue in the pattern, you will have more stitches in each row, so it says knit to end rather than knit x# of stitches

At the end of this row you will be done with 2 rows of color A. Continue following the instructions for each row and once you have knit 10 rows you will change colors.

I hope that helps.

pocket

11-05-2007, 02:20 PM

My understanding of these instructions (and they are not very clear at all!) is that Stripe Pattern describers the pattern. You will knit 10 rows each of 7 different colors and then repeat until you are done. the instructions are that you will begin with color A and cast on 3. Then you follow this pattern:

RS: K
WS: K1, M1, K to the end of the row

You are starting at the corner and increasing but you will need to decrease as well once you get halfway through. Are there more instructions?

Sandie78

11-05-2007, 03:23 PM

Scooter

11-05-2007, 04:20 PM

I think they're saying the same thing, at least the way I read it.

M1 is notation for a specific kind of increase, so that might be what you're confused about. Basically, you're going to be doing this:

CO 3 sts
row 1 (RS): Knit 3.
row 2 (WS): K1, increase, K2.
row 3: Knit 4
row 4: K1, increase, K3.

Beginning on row 11, change to your next color yarn (B).

It's off balance because you're only increasing on one side of the work, which will produce the diagonal/bias effect.

Here's the knittinghelp.com page about increases that lists the M1 technique:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/increases

ETA--noticed this hadn't been mentioned:
With A cast on 3 sts. Working in stripe pat and garter st, knit 1 row

Ok, so I'm already confused. I thought the stripe pat was 70 rows, so how do I make just 1 row?
When they say "working in stripe pattern," they mean that they're not going to be reminding you about changing the yarn color. So you're going to be expected to change yarns according the set pattern (10 rows per color) as you go through the rest of the instructions. I hope that makes more sense for you!

aprilshowers

11-05-2007, 04:28 PM

M1 stands for "make 1 stitch." It is a type of increase - you can see directions here: http://www.knittingatknoon.com/makeonerl.html.

If you think about the shape of the blanket you are making, you start with 3 stitches in the corner and knit one row. Then, every other row, you are adding a stitch to make the row bigger. You keep doing this until the row is 23" wide (that will be the diagonal of the blanket). Then you start decreasing (that's the k2tog "knit 2 together") to the other point of the diamond-ish shape you're making.

Now, as you're doing these increases, as pocket and lioness mentioned, every 10 rows you will change color as directed in the "stripe pattern" at the top of your directions.

Does that help?

ETA: I see Scooter beat me to the punch and put it much more simply than I did. But it never hurts to have another point of view. Good luck and let us know how it turns out or if you have more questions!

young lioness

11-05-2007, 04:43 PM

Hmm, I think I understand what you are both saying, but I think you are saying two different things, and I'm not sure which is right. "M1" would mean "make the stripe pattern"? So is that the 70 rows? Argh, I feel so silly.

There are more instructions:

Rep last row until slanted edge measures 23"

Diagonal
Next Row K1, M1, k to end
Next Row k1, k2 tog, k to end
Rep last 2 rows until piece measures approx 35" from bottom short edge

Decrease slanted edge
Next row K1, k2tog, k to end
Rep last row until 3 sts rem. Bind off

Then there are instructions for crocheting the border. I'll worry about that part later.

I feel like this shouldn't be too hard. I'm just not getting it. I have a feeling once I can get started it'll make a lot more sense.

I think you are getting too fixated on the 70 rows, and that is confusing you. Don't think about the 70 rows and color changes yet.

To start out, you will be making a triangle, starting from a narrow point (the 3 stitches you start with) and gradually adding 1 stitch near the end of each row (make 1) to make the triangle wider and wider.

M1 = make 1 stitch...so you are creating a new stitch at that point, and when you finish the row you will have one more stitch than you started with. This is what will start to make the triangle get wider and wider.

Let me see if writing this out row by row makes it easier to understand.

Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1 - Knit 3
Row 2 - Knit 1, make 1 stitch, knit 2 (total of 4 stitches when finished with row)
Row 3 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 3 (total of 5 stitches)
Row 4 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 4 (total of 6 stitches)
Row 5 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 5 (total of 7 stitches)
Row 6 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 6 (total of 8 stitches)
Row 7 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 7 (total of 9 stitches)
Row 8 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 8 (total of 10 stitches)
Row 9 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 9 (total of 11 stitches)
Row 10 - Knit 1 , make 1 stitch, knit 10 (total of 12 stitches)

Switch to next color yarn

Continue next ten rows, knitting the first stitch in each row, then making 1 new stitch, and then knitting the rest of the stitches in the row. After 10 more rows, you will have 10 more stitches than you did when you finished the last color. You will start the next color.

When your knitting measures 23 inches along one side (one of the sides that isn't the side where your needle is), you will be ready for the next part of the instructions. Don't worry about that part until you get this far.

Sandie78

11-05-2007, 04:48 PM

Ahh, thanks gals. That makes a lot more sense. The "M1" was throwing me off. All righty, hopefully I'll get to Hobby Lobby soon to get several different colors of yarn and then I can get started.

Thanks!

young lioness

11-05-2007, 04:50 PM

I guess i cross-posted. I agree with everyone elses descriptions, but with one exception. The way the instructions got split into two posts makes it look like the increases only happen every other row, but I think they happen every row. If you read it all together, I think you will see what I am saying.

Increase slanted edge
With A cast on 3 sts. Working in stripe pat and garter st, knit 1 row.
Next row K1, M1, k to end
Rep last row until slanted edge measures 23"

Diagonal
Next Row K1, M1, k to end
Next Row k1, k2 tog, k to end
Rep last 2 rows until piece measures approx 35" from bottom short edge

Decrease slanted edge
Next row K1, k2tog, k to end
Rep last row until 3 sts rem. Bind off

Sandie78

11-06-2007, 01:49 PM

I started working on the blanket today. Thanks to your help it's coming along nicely. :)

Scooter

11-07-2007, 09:29 PM

YL, that's true, I thought it was 'repeat last 2 rows.' Good catch!

I finished the Cargo pants from Knitty for DD (well, except for putting the elastic in, but I'm done with everything else). I didn't put any of the design stuff on them--buttons & pockets--because I just wanted plain leggings. It was a good pattern and knit up quick. I loved the technique she used on the hem, it's an edge that I wish I could use more often. I did take aprilshowers' advice and add some short rows in the back to make room for a cloth diaper.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/dasmud/IMG_3968.jpg

And this shows the short rows in the back making the puffy little bottom:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/dasmud/IMG_3969.jpg

You can see my extra ball of yarn in the background, actually. I used 100% Peruvian Highland wool for this, $1.99/ball from Knit Picks. It is super soft wool! And I only used two 50g balls so these leggings cost about $4.00!! Not bad. :D

I also wanted to post a pic of the hat that Jenahdawn peer pressured me into making. ;) I couldn't get a good shot of the hole pattern (the yarn overs):

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/dasmud/IMG_3959.jpg

I did that one with 100% cotton.

I'm excited, tonight I'm starting a pullover sweater for DD to wear around the house this winter. The yarn is also from knitpicks, and it's a cotton/modal blend that is fabulously silky and soft!

Sandie78

11-21-2007, 01:41 PM

Cute leggings and hat, Scooter!

Here's the blanket I was able to make thanks to the help from you gals:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/2052893599_19b319bb62.jpg?v=0

kemaji

11-21-2007, 08:12 PM

Sandie -- Great blanket! I love how the stripes turned out.

sewhappy

11-29-2007, 03:57 PM

Scooter - the hat is adorable. To take pix of items with decorative stitches like that, I tend to stuff them with tissue paper to give them some shape.

carrie9142

11-30-2007, 10:05 PM

I got my ravelry invite a few weeks ago. Man, I can spend HOURS reading threads, looking at patterns, looking at FOs. I can't believe how much information there is!

GeekGirl

12-01-2007, 01:53 PM

I got my ravelry invite back in October, and it's been a Godsend. I'm g33kgirl over there, if anyone wants to add me!

Brandles

12-09-2007, 12:58 PM

OMG--it's been MONTHS since I posted here!

I finished my fall scarf and knitted another one for a Christmas gift. I also knitted a scarf for my Great Aunt from dark green eye-lash yarn. I finished my Grandma's Prayer Shawl and it was blessed and delivered to her (I just "happened" to be there!) and she LOVES it! :D I made her a small matching scarf she'll get for Christmas with the rest of it.

Now, I'm back onto the socks again. But...I have two new baby cross-stitches to do as soon as possible, so I'll be working on those now. If I have to go somewhere that the mothers who will be receiving the cross-stitches are, I'll probably start another Prayer Shawl. I'll use the super-soft yarn I picked up at Odd Lots for $1.00 a skein. I figured out that 9 of them will make a Prayer Shawl! I bought enough yarn to make 2.

ETA: Does anyone have and use knitting needles with LED lights in the points so you can knit in the dark? How do you like them? Where did you get them? Thanks! :)

Photobug

12-10-2007, 05:45 AM

ETA: Does anyone have and use knitting needles with LED lights in the points so you can knit in the dark? How do you like them? Where did you get them? Thanks! :)

I've never even heard of these.... How cool!

I imagine it'd be like having your own light show, as you rotate the needle around. How fun!
(but also kind of annoying for anyone else in the room. LOL)

jenahdawn

12-10-2007, 01:52 PM

I have them. I got them at Joanne's.

But, I can knit without looking (20+ year of experience), I got them because they were cheaper (on clearance) and longer than whatever size I was looking for. (I am not a fan of plastic needles, I prefer bamboo)

But I also got them in crochet hooks, as I just learned this summer. I don't mind them that much there.

Sandie78

01-08-2008, 04:36 PM

Here is a project I just completed. It's my first sweater ever. I'm very happy with how it turned out.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2178101131_9441669145.jpg?v=0

Photobug

01-09-2008, 04:38 AM

Beautiful sweater! I haven't gotten up the nerve to try a big project like a sweater yet. I'm very impressed with those who actually do it. Congratulations!

beetle

01-09-2008, 07:02 AM

Thought I'd come by and post a picture of the sweater I finished as a Christmas present for my best friend's little boy. This is a Debbie Bliss pattern, size 12-24 mos., using her Baby Cashmerino yarn. Lots of firsts with this project: first time with intarsia and finally learned proper seaming and how to correctly pick up and knit stitches. The seaming took FOREVAH!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e317/beetle219/Oliverssweaterfront.jpg

Sandie78

01-09-2008, 12:49 PM

Oooh, that's adorable!

aprilshowers

01-09-2008, 04:21 PM

Beautiful sweaters!!

beetle, that is one I have thought about doing. I've never used the Baby Cashmerino before - it looks so luxurious! Your work is gorgeous!

As for me, I am actually (gasp) making a sweater for myself! I won a Fleece Artist kit (Imogen) from the Spin-Out raffle and cast on the day after it arrived in the mail. It is a LOT of endless stockinette so I can't wait to finish and try it on!

beetle

01-10-2008, 06:50 AM

Thanks, ladies.

aprilshowers, I love working in the Baby Cashmerino yarn. This is the second project I've done in it. (Also made a cable knit blanket.) It feels great, is easy to work with, has great stitch definition, and once it's all blocked, it has just a little sheen that is just gorgeous.

young lioness

01-10-2008, 09:49 AM

I just finished my first project using DB Baby Cashmerino, and I agree -- its a beautiful yarn. I used it to knit a pair of mittens as a gift for my sister.

(one of the mittens)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/2146695444_d748b5ef11_m.jpg

This was my first time doing stranded knitting and although the project took me a long time, I'm excited to try some more patterns using the technique.

aprilshowers

01-10-2008, 05:05 PM

Those are beautiful, lioness! I've done a little stranded work but nothing that complicated.

I'll have to check out the Baby Cashmerino. How does it wear?

beetle

01-11-2008, 11:29 AM

Gorgeous, young lioness! Not sure about how DB Baby Cashmerino wears, since all my projects in it have been gifts.

Sandie78

02-11-2008, 03:44 PM

I've got two more projects to post.

A jumper I knitted for DD.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2258470741_2ddd7ccfeb.jpg?v=0

A baby hat I knitted for a friend.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/2259266040_795e96da2b.jpg?v=0

whos that girl

03-10-2008, 11:22 AM

Yall check this out. Cute article.

Source (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1120ap_odd_knitknot_tree.html?source=mypi)

YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio -- No, thats not a hallucination. That pear tree is wearing a sweater.

Wrapped around the trunk is a colorful, crazy-quilt skin made up of panels of yarn knitted individually by residents and visitors alike. Good-luck charms cling to the yarn. Family photos, poems and jokes peek out of knitted pockets.

The art project in this southwest Ohio village, already known for its offbeat art, has become a conversation piece and even a photo op.

what takes this to a different level is it is a community thing, said Corrine Bayraktaroglu, an artist who helped start the knitknot tree project. People are really, really enjoying it. Theyre coming from towns to have their photograph taken with the tree. Theyre adding stuff to the pockets.

Knitters around the U.S. are dressing trees, street signs, benches, door handles and other objects.

Last month, residents of Columbus, Ind., knitted cozies for 33 ornamental pear trees that line the citys main street. One tree, called the People Hugger, has knitted arms.

article continues....click Source above

BrownEyedGirl

03-15-2008, 08:33 PM

How long would it take a complete and total beginner to do a baby blanket (3' x 3' give or take, nothing difficult)??

I want to get a new blanket for DS and it would be sort of be fun to make something for him...but I'm also not all that patient.

Photobug

03-19-2008, 08:48 AM

A couple of things that I finished recently:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2344934695_fed2f63a4f_o.jpg

Here they are before felting:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2345762118_fdafeda0e1_m.jpg

And these oven mitts for my mom:
In progress:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/2344934639_3371a84c81_m.jpg

finished product:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2323/2344963907_5f998994a2_m.jpg

beetle

03-19-2008, 08:55 AM

BrownEyedGirl, Every knitter goes at a different pace, and it also depends on the complexity of the pattern. I would say that for a beginner, it would be best to plan on a simple baby blanket taking maybe a 2-3 months? Anyone else have thoughts on that?

Photobug, those felted boots are too cute! And the oven mitts really turned out great. Are the patterns from a book?

Scooter

03-19-2008, 09:04 AM

Brown Eyed Girl, I think it would take weeks--or months like beetle said--depending on how much you work on it. If you haven't knit anything else, you might end up having to rip out your first attempt several times because the stitches won't be even and with a blanket that means it'll end up wonky (like a trapezoid instead of a square or something). If you have knit something else and feel your stitches would be pretty even, it would still take a long time. If the pattern is too simple, it'll bore you before you hit 12 inches, but knitting a 3'x3' blanket could get annoying by the end to anybody. ;) I'd suggest using thick yarn and big needles, and a pattern that makes you think a little bit so you don't get completely bored!

Photobug, those came out great! I hadn't thought about making felted oven mitts, what a good idea! Might have to remember that come next Christmas.

I've been working on a project for my DD (a pullover sweater with a hood) and shamefully ran out of yarn right before the end of it! At least it's just the hood, so hopefully a different dye lot won't stand out too horribly much. This week I also started on Reid (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTreid.html) from knitty, which is such a perfect little lacy cardigan for the summer, also for DD.

tgal

04-21-2008, 06:01 PM

A friend of mine has a bag that everyone loves and I am trying to figure out what type of yarn is used. I'm almost positive that it is made using a locker hooking method, but it reminds me of the loops used with the kids knitting looms, but they are more of a lycra material. Has anyone seen yarn like this or know what this might be. The bags in the picture were made in Africa, but my friend bought hers at a craft show. TIA for any ideas you might have!

http://www.besweetproducts.com/product_type.php?cat=8&prod=85

Photobug

04-28-2008, 04:42 AM

Photobug, those felted boots are too cute! And the oven mitts really turned out great. Are the patterns from a book?

Thanks! The boots are actually a free pattern from knitty.com - "fuzzy feet". It's the second pair I've made, and though the first came out okay, they were my first time felting anything, so this second pair definitely came out looking more "finished". It's a fun, relatively quick pattern and easy to follow. I highly recommend it!

I can't remember where I got the pattern for the oven mitts, I'll have to dig out my pattern to see, but I'm pretty sure that was a free pattern as well.

nuhmah

05-08-2008, 05:27 PM

I just watched an episode of Knitty Gritty where she did an overstitch instead of an intarsia for a pattern. She felted the project, but I was wondering if anyone have experience in this without felting? I want to make DS some longies with a pattern on the butt and maybe the legs, but I really don't want to get into Intarsia and knitting in the round.

I just found the episode online - it is Swiss Darning
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dkng/episode/0,2046,DIY_18180_43397,00.html

AprilB

05-09-2008, 12:26 PM

I just made this for a friend. It turned out looking more like an Eggplant than a Berry. :) Its a super easy knit. I could have finished it in an afternoon but I wasn't feeling very well.

Here's the pattern (http://randomstitches.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/hello-world/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2454692188_819695c515.jpg?v=0

aprilshowers

05-11-2008, 05:20 PM

Cute hat! You did a great job both with the knitting and the photography.

Scooter

05-11-2008, 10:35 PM

numah, I haven't done it for a whole block of color, but for just a few fill-in stitches here and there. It wasn't that difficult, but it was a little time consuming to keep checking that the stitches were all laying the right way so that it would look like knitting instead of embroidery. I hate finishing so usually I'd rather just do a little intarsia...but then you still have all those ends to weave in so you can't win! Knitting in the round is not as complicated as it seems, go for it! ;)

AprilB, that came out so cute! I just added that pattern to my ravelry queue, I know several expectant moms and quick projects are good!

What's everyone been working on lately?

I'm in the middle of Reid (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTreid.html), a pretty little lace cardigan. I thought it would be a nice summer cardie for DD. It's white and I think I'm going to edge it in dark purple or a forest green, haven't decided yet. I haven't knitted lace in a while so it's a nice change of pace. My only word of advice, don't knit something from a complicated chart when you have morning sickness--too hard to focus on it! :p No wonder it's going slow!

aprilshowers

05-12-2008, 05:06 AM

I am in such a knitting slump right now. I have some socks on the needles, as usual (Nutkin pattern), in some gorgeous Fleece Artist yarn. I cast on last night for the Tiger's Eye shawl to finish up some remnants of Pure from my stash. I'm trying to find a pattern for a tank for myself using Blue Sky Alpacas cotton but I only have 450 yards and it seems like everything takes just a bit more than that. I've been spending way too much on Ravelry trying to find things to knit but the inspiration just isn't hitting.

Up until now, though, I had been churning out the FO's. You can see what I've been up to here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/aprilshowers This one was my favorite:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2471125993_c9abab1455.jpg?v=0
I made it big to fit DD next year but it's been cool enough that she's gotten a ton of wear out of it already.

Monty

05-12-2008, 06:53 AM

Wow, I didn't even know this thread existed!! :) Oh boy!

I'm a soon to be momma who has taken up knitting! Anyone have any advice on knitting the Curly Purly soaker? I'm not sure what size needle to use! Also, anyone have any baby blanket patterns that are super simple? I have some great baby alpaca yarn that is so soft and I must make something with it!! TIA!!! Sorry if this has already been discussed, I skimmed the archives but didn't find anything!

AprilB

05-12-2008, 12:28 PM

aprilshowers- Thanks for the compliments on the knitting and the photography. I consider myself a novice at both so your kudos made my day! :) I love the drive thru pull over you made for DD. You can tell by the big grin in the pic that she loves it too.

Scooter- That Ravelry queue is a blessing and a curse. Mine (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/April601) grows everytime I log on to Ravelry!

aprilshowers

05-12-2008, 02:29 PM

Okay, I totally shouldn't have looked at your queue. Mine has just grown! I already had some of the things on it and have made one or two of the things on your list so we seem to have similar taste. Thanks for the compliments on the sweater. It was so much fun to knit and DD loved talking about the "yarn sweater" mama was knitting for her.

mel7dog

05-12-2008, 07:18 PM

littlecindy

05-13-2008, 09:22 AM

haha...my days of knitting have been over since adrian was born. now that he's walking, it'll be a few yaers i'm sure ;)

i did knit this soaker (the punk knits free pattern from LJ) not too long ago:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/cmswalboski/2008/DSC06554.jpg

http://littlecindy.livejournal.com/197779.html

i've got a little turtle knits hybrid rib soaker done and one on the needles, too. i had to modify the pattern a bit, like always, LOL.

nuhmah

05-13-2008, 11:43 AM

What yarn do you suggest for the CurlyPurly pattern?

aprilshowers

05-13-2008, 11:45 AM

Any worsted weight 100% wool will work with it (assuming you mean to use it as a soaker, not just a piece of clothing). I did mine with Lamb's Pride Worsted and it worked really well as a soaker for a really long time.

nuhmah

05-13-2008, 12:01 PM

Yes - as a soaker. In the pattern notes, she seems pretty adamant about what types of yarn not to use, so I thought I would ask to see what people have used that works well. :)

Monty

05-14-2008, 06:43 AM

For the Curly Purly pattern I use size 7 for my main needles. I think the pattern calls for 2 and 4 sizes smaller as well, so I use 3 and 5 for the beginning.

Thanks Mel7dog! :) I started with 4's so hopefully that will work, I'll pick up some 3's for the next one! What type of wool did you use for the ribbing/waist?

Nuhmah: I know the pattern suggest using a wool blend (or anything other that pure Marino) for the waistband, apparently for the stretch. I'm using a wool blend and then will switch to a Merino for the body (malabrigo....just because it is SO soft!), I'll let you know how it works! :)

Littlecindy: Too cute!!!

aprilshowers

05-14-2008, 10:09 AM

Monty and numah - I was getting my soaker patterns mixed up. I forgot that Curly Purly was the one with the big waistband. I'll take back my previous rec and say, yeah, definitely avoid the merino wool for the waistband since it does stretch out of shape. Great idea to switch half-way through, Monty. I read a suggestion on Ravelry today to use 2 strands of sock yarn held together for the waistband. You could probably also use the same merino as you are for the body and just add strand of sock yarn. I haven't tried that myself but it sounds cool!

Monty

05-14-2008, 10:19 AM

aprilshowers

05-14-2008, 10:22 AM

Let me know how it turns out! I loved the Curly Purly soaker (I added the waistband to several other soaker patterns too).

mel7dog

05-15-2008, 10:03 AM

I make all my soakers/longies/sleep sacks etc out of 100% wool.
I started with Wool of the Andes Yarn : 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (http://www.knitpicks.com/worsted+weight+knitting+yarn_YL30010106.html) from KnitPicks and Patons Classic Merino Wool Yarn - 100% Wool (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3018&PRODID=prd24730). The Paton's has a bunch of cool colors (bottom of page) that sripe up really cute. Since I started dying my own yarn (with Kool-Aid, Easter egg dye, and Wilton's) I've used the plain white Paton's and Lion Brand® Fishermen's Wool Natural -100% Wool. I just ordered a whole bunch of the plain Highland Wool from Knitpicks to dye as well.

All of these yarns work great for us. They are plenty soft and because they are reasonably priced I can knit up a ton and don't care if the boys play in them.

mel7dog

05-15-2008, 10:10 AM

For fun here are some pics...
Made with Paton's
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/th100_4861.jpg

Super soft yarn off Etsy
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/100_4975.jpg

And yarn I have dyed...

"Starburst Original"
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/th100_4881.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/100_4968.jpg

"Lime Rickey"
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/th100_5000.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/th100_5007.jpg

mel7dog

05-15-2008, 10:16 AM

"Blueberries and Cream"
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_0165.jpg

"Shades of Blarney"
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_0200.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_0558.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_0560.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_1017.jpg

and my latest... (was going for some different colors, but got these and love 'em!)
"Calm Before the Storm"
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k188/BensMom426/Crafts/IMG_1037.jpg

If you haven't tried dying yarn yet, it is more addictive than knitting and not nearly as hard as it sounds!

Monty

05-15-2008, 11:05 AM

Mel: You are my inspiration! You got me started on knitting and now this whole dying thing looks like so much fun! Your a bad influence on me! He he! Your yarn and projects are BEAUTIFUL! I'm so impressed! Off to learn how to dye w/ koolaid! :)

Aprilshowers: Can do..... :) I'm almost done with they curly purly and I'm loving the waist too....a little time consuming but really not bad!

nuhmah

05-16-2008, 04:19 PM

I love the suggestion on the CP waist band! Thanks!

I was looking at the Wool of the Andes on KnitPicks the other day - the price makes it even more tempting. ;)

Sandie78

11-01-2008, 10:55 AM

Bumping this up to show off my latest project, booties and scratch mitts for a friend having a little boy this month. This project was very quick and easy which made it even more fun.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2992590568_20730fea66.jpg?v=0

giry76

07-03-2009, 04:24 PM

bump!

Photobug

08-29-2009, 06:06 AM

Anyone working on anything new? I'm starting to get the bug to knit again, but can't decide what to start. I'm thinking of making a pair of mittens for my mom for Christmas. I also want to make some felted oven mitts for myself.

Anyone else?

Scooter

09-05-2009, 12:33 PM

I know I need to get on the Christmas gifts, but with two 1 yr olds in the house it's not easy! I've spent the summer knitting toys for kids' birthday presents, and I think I'll do a few more for Christmas. Cupcakes and donuts are really easy to make, and great for kids with play kitchens.

I've been sorely tempted by the Calluna Sweater from Knitpicks:
http://community.knitpicks.com/group/citytweedkal/forum/topics/calluna-sweater

So pretty, looks flattering and nicely shaped. I do need a new warm sweater for the winter....would be better than wearing sweatshirts. And the pattern i only $1.29!