Thread: Heaven: Knitting and all things crafty Board: Limbo / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
When I first joined the ship there was a long thread on (mainly) knitting. I didn't participate much, as I was in awe of all your skill, and because I hadn't knitted anything other than the odd baby garment for years.

Now the damp dark evenings are driving me in from the garden earlier and earlier, and I really mustn't spend so much time in front of the computer, I feel the urge to attempt something crafty.

Visiting The Knitting and Stitching Show last month I was tempted to order a kit, which arrived yesterday. ...the first time in 45years that I have attempted to knit anything for me.

What are the rest of you creating on these dark evenings? (Not Christmas pressies, there's another thread for them!)

[ 02. March 2011, 20:19: Message edited by: Belisarius ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Good idea. Why don't I turn off this computer and go take up my knitting.

I could either do the cotton modular jumper (mitred squares in shades of pink, cream, brown & blue).

Or the other cotton jumper, of which I have just the back to do - random stripes/blocks in navy, blue, cream, yellow, orange and red.

Or one of several other begun-but-not-finished projects.

Or I could just dive into the stash and start up something new. Today, for the first time, it is really wet and rainy and autumnal and it's possible to think of knitting with wool rather than cotton. I think maybe a waistcoat?
 
Posted by spugmeistress (# 5795) on :
 
i'm (still) knitting this skirt from www.knitty.com (free amazingly cool patterns) which i've been knitting on and off for at least 2 or 3 years now and its still only belt length, let alone knee length.

am also desperate to learn sock knitting and make myself some hand warmers, but time does not permit atm, and i'm not the fastest knitter in the world [Frown]

do any of you go to knitting groups or stich n bitch or anything like that? we have a craft breakfast at church once a month which is quite cool, but am trying to go meet up with this other one in chorlton if they'll have me, tis always inspiring to be around crafty peoples and make friends [Smile]

rach =)
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:

I could either do the cotton modular jumper (mitred squares in shades of pink, cream, brown & blue)

I'm doing mitred squares, too. That's what tempted me to have a go at this pattern...no more than 35 stitches on the needles at anyone time, so much easier on tired arthritic hands.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
I'm not good at sticking to a single knitting project. I'm currently working on a baby blanket in fingering-weight using the Curve of Pursuit pattern. Because of the fine yarn, I've had to go to 14 'squares' but it's easy enough, and I tend to do it while I'm reading threads on SoF! [Big Grin]

I'm also working on a summer sweater made from mitred squares using a cotton/rayon print yarn in red, gold, brown and black, and on a cardigan in dark red 5 ply. The body of that's just stocking stitch, but I'm planning to put a fancy band all the way round it (which will take about a hundred years, I suspect).

I put the needles away for several years and have just come back to knitting in the past couple of years. I don't know how I did without it.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
A Stitch n Bitch group has just started in Hay - I went to the second meeting on Thursday evening.
I'm very much a beginner knitter, so I've just been to the local Oxfam shop this morning to get a pair of size 5 needles so I can take part in the charity project that the organiser of the group has started. Basically it's knitting blanket squares for knee rugs, for elderly people who spend a lot of time in a minibus being taken to their day centre. This will give me a lot of practice in increasing and decreasing, since they're being knitted on the diagonal.

Meanwhile, I'm the group's demonstrator for odd crafts, like hand spinning dog fur, Viking knitting (nalbinding), and using a medieval lucet to make cords.
 
Posted by Mrs Widgery (# 11950) on :
 
I can't knit to save myself . . . the really sad thing is though that the ladies at stitch and bitch gave up trying to teach me . . . . [Disappointed] that's just a little bit pathetic on my part

I'm in the middle of a counted cross-stitch atm - something nice and bright and colourful for our new kitchen.
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
I haven't knitted for years but I've just started a cross-stitch picture. It's intended for the nursery, but pregnancy is messing with my brain and I keep making mistakes! I also like freestyle embroidery, but never know what to do with the results - there's not much call for tray-cloths nowadays!
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
This is why I love the ship! Now I don't feel so bad about my lack of ability, and the fact that I still haven't quite finished the counted cross-stitch bookmark I bought nearly a year ago from these people. And that despite it not being difficult, or having many stitches, I still managed to muddle up a bit at the bottom. I can count, really I can. Just not very well, it would seem.
Now I might go and finish stitching on the backing.
Gnome
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Keren-Happuch:
I also like freestyle embroidery, but never know what to do with the results - there's not much call for tray-cloths nowadays!

I've embroidered my daughter's jeans before now - mostly to repair damage and cover up the repair work. I'm also in the middle of embroidering a long sleeved T-shirt of mine to cover up the bleach stain.

When I took Chemistry I used to drop acid down my legs and leave neat holes down my jeans, so I used to cover them with satin stitch and use that as the centre of a lazy daisy stitched flower, add some green stem stitch and the odd lazy daisy stitch leaf made very funky jeans that were much admired and totally to repair damage.

The other thing I am about to start again is teaching children to embroider felt to make glove puppets.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I am making a multidirectional scarf (photograph at the bottom of the .pdf) in Air. It has the look of modular triangles, but is actually short row shaping. [Big Grin] I made two hats in this too.

I made a lovely powder blue Odessa hat for my little cub. Unfortunately the link doesn't seem to be working properly just now.

In the next few days I am expecting a delivery of yarn from the wonderful Colinette.com. There will be some rainbow One Zero - Jamboree to make a long 'stocking hat', 3 skeins of Parisienne - Florentina to make a shawl, and one skein of Parisienne in Mist to make a cowl. These are Christmas presents from my Mam and Dad. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
I've embroidered my daughter's jeans before now

When I was a poor postgrad student, a local store sold these cotton trousers - in those days, tight to the knee, then flared. I embroidered a fieldmouse on one leg. Smocks were in then as well, and I had several, with proper smocking.

Embroidery used to be used a lot on clothing - so I say, go for it. You could transform your wardrobe.

[ 11. November 2006, 17:41: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
I've started knitting this year: but only fluffy wool scarves, 10/12/15 stitches, usually big needles. I know the difference between knitting and purling, but that's it

The truth is, "proper" patterns scare me: can someone point me towards something which might be easy and small enough for it to be put down to a learning lesson if I make a mistake? I looked at the stitch n bitch website, but there's none in my neck of the woods...

The other thing I've been thinking of is crochet. My grandmother crocheted my mother two fantastic blankets when she went to college, which were then passed on to me - they're clearly made of lots of odds and ends of wool as they're stripey from the inside out. I thought it might be a nice project in her memory if I could do the same, 35 years on. I don't know how to crochet, but then again, this time last year I didn't know how to knit either [Smile]

[ 11. November 2006, 17:53: Message edited by: Ferijen ]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
I've recently discovered yarn made from corn at Southwest Trading Co. and am knitting washcloths and a couple of bookmarks with it. I also have an alpaca baby blanket and a wool scarf on the needles and just finished felting a wool sherpa hat for a friends soon-to-arrive baby. I promised myself I wouldn't start any new projects until all my Christmas presents were done, but then I found some great hemp yarn at the LYS and have begun a wine bottle cozy (from www.knitty.com think).

Since I usually knit while reading the posts here, you'll know why if you don't hear from me often.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:

The truth is, "proper" patterns scare me: can someone point me towards something which might be easy and small enough for it to be put down to a learning lesson if I make a mistake?

Have you seen www.knittinghelp.com ? There are online videos showing various stitches in both continental and English style and you can watch as many times as you need to in order to get familiar with the proper method.

The Staphanie Pearl-McPhee book,Knitting Rules has great directions for really simple hats and scarves. That would be a good, easy was to learn without too much expense of time or money.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
I'm in the middle of knitting a jacket type thing to cuddle up with in winter nights...the only problem is...I've not been using a pattern, and I'm sure it will all go horribly wrong. The problem was I decided to make it when I couldn't go out and get a pattern and now that i've got one I am trying to convert what i've done to the pattern. I'm about to start shaping the back, and have done the straight bit on one of the sides.

I love knitting with big needles - i'm using 8s at the moment but really want to use 15 or 20 mm if i could find sutible wool for a reasonoable price
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Sophs - if you've checked the tension, you should be ok.

Basically, if you know how may stitches measure how much, then you know if it is big enough to fit.

My take on shaping is Very Simple. The back of anything can be knit as a rectangle. The front - V necks are easiest: decrease every other/every three/every four depending on the thickness of the yarn. Its a fairly simple calculation as to how wide the shoulders, to how deep the V (based on your stitch count to the inch as above). Plus you can always infill a too-wide/deep neckline with more rib, so it's not fatal.

Sleeves are fairly easy to work out on the same basis. But if you really want simple, go for the kimono shape. Back a rectangle. Fronts two rectangles - but sufficiently smaller to leave a gap for the neck. Sleeves - rectangles.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
What are the rest of you creating on these dark evenings? (Not Christmas pressies, there's another thread for them!)

Roseofsharon, This is one of the many reasons I love doing socks. It's late spring down here and socks are perfect for summer/spring knitting as they are easy to hold and not hot on my lap. I sit on my back deck in the afternoon sea breeze and knit socks almost all summer. Well, not those days last year when it was 45°, but certainly most of the time.

Spugmeistress Socks are really easy IF you just follow the directions. Don't read ahead and get panicky about not understanding what to do. I taught myself. Have a look at the Socknitters site. They have well written tutorials as part of the large resources there.

Cranmers Baggage I'm with you. Multiple projects are good. No boredom and everything gets finished. Years ago, I would only ever knit one thing at a time and it often just drifted off into oblivion. When I picked up knitting again, I started multiples. They all get worked on and all get finished.
 
Posted by gizzie (# 11715) on :
 
yes I must get out those knitting needles again. I've seen such a lot of lovely new textured yarns but unfortunately the patterns( for sweaters etc) on sale here are mainly just for standard double knitting wools and the like. Will look at some of the sites you've recommended.
 
Posted by Penny Lane (# 3086) on :
 
Since I generally knit or crochet while watching TV or traveling in the car, I usually stick to easy "idiot's delight" type projects that don't require precise attention to a pattern for intricate cables, stitch changes or counting. I'm about to start a Christmas stocking for my daughter's fiance. Everyone in the family has one from the same pattern, so figure I'd better start his.
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
I've been working on a jumper (at least, that's what it's called Stateside...what does everyone else call a sleeveless dress that's worn over a blouse or shirt?) for my daughter for about a year now. It may end up being for HER daughter at this rate. Really cute cotton yarn, mostly pinkish-red, but flecked with blue and green and yellow and orange. It's slow-going, and I'm a little pessimistic about how it'll turn out--I ended up improvising here and there on the front half...but it's been so long I can't figure out what I did to match the back half! It'll be crochet trimmed if I ever get that far.

In the meantime, I have actually completed a few things: a giant baby blanket for a friend's new one, and a silly-looking but very warm hat for my daughter.

What I really want to do is a felted bag for myself.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
My dear mother-in-law was an avid knitter, and when we cleaned out her house I took all the leftovers of baby yarn. It turned out there wasn't really enough of anything to make a project... and then I heard of a charity that collects hand-knit baby hats (especially preemie sizes) and gives them to hospitals. Just the ticket! I've made four little hats so far, some simple booties, and now, because they've asked for blankets, I'm making a patch-work style blanket out of these odds and ends of yarn. It's such a feel-good thing to do while watching TV. I feel my MIL's presence and know I'm helping some little ones too. (Plus, there are a lot of simple patterns available -- a godsend because I'm a very mediocre knitter.)
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Curiosity killed..., I too had jeans patched with fanciful embroidery once upon a time. One pair had an entire landscape across the back yoke. Oh, that was hard when the jeans fell apart beyond repair.

ferijen, I learned to knit mostly from Maggie Righetti's Knitting in Plain English. She recommends knitting baby clothes as practice for moving beyond straight unshaped knit and purl. They're small, so not much investment, but get you to practice all the knitting skills you'll want for larger items. And if they turn out odd you can always turn them into teddy bear clothes.

I'm currently knitting a strip afghan in "prayer shawl" stitch: Cast on some reasonable number. (I'm using 65, I think.) 3 knit, 3 purl, repeat. On the return, purl the knits and knit the purls. Oh yes, do the first and last stitches in whatever your normal edging stitch is; I always knit first and last but I understand there are better edges. You end up with essentially a garter stitch with subtle columns. Four strips, each a big skein of yarn, sew together when done. Donate to homeless shelter.
 
Posted by MaryFL (# 7482) on :
 
No knitting here, but lots of crocheting. I haven't done much with yarn lately (for one thing, the weather's been pretty warm). Instead, I've been working with thread, doing lots of doilies, mostly vintage patterns from the 40s and 50s. There are so many beautiful ones out there, and most doilies I can finish in about a week (5 days for the actualy crocheting, and a day or two for blocking). At the moment, I'm doing Christmas doilies and I have a few doilies to make as presents, so I plan to be very busy until after Christmas. [Smile]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
I've been working on a jumper (at least, that's what it's called Stateside...what does everyone else call a sleeveless dress that's worn over a blouse or shirt?)
Down under, "jumpers" are what most others call sweaters. The sleeveless dress used to be called a pinafore but I really don't know these days.

There are lots of layered looks, particularly among students etc. but a jumper and blouse as you know it, is not a well known look here.
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
In the UK a Stateside "jumper" is called a pinafore dress, and was a staple of children's clothing as they stay on the child, unlike skirts, when the child has no waist at around 5. You still see pinafore dresses for school uniform for the younger children, but it's getting less common. When I went to secondary school pinafore dresses were included in the options for the 11 year olds, but I haven't seen anyone older than infants (5-7 year olds) wearing pinafore dresses in school.

I taught myself to knit for my very small premmie sized daughter who needed hats and mittens in August. She then got lots of home knitted stuff until she got too big to be interested (and boring to knit for) and her dolls got clothes, but she's now outgrown that too. I still will occasionally knit gloves and balaclavas, etc, but stuff that's quick. I also copied commercial stuff when I taught myself, so twist the stitch as I knit - it makes for a tidy result, but isn't quick and I don't think I should teach others, sadly. I find gloves and socks fun. I like the magic of shaping this one dimensional thread into a three dimensional shape.

I can crochet, but again, little stuff like edging, squares to build into other things. I wouldn't be neat enough to make a shawl for example, unless it was made up of lots of sections joined at the end.

I used to dressmake a lot, especially when my daughter was younger and the other kids wouldn't diss her for wearing homemade stuff. I also made stuff for myself and would customise clothes with fabric paints or embroidery - subtle little bits like a butterfly on a blouse pocket.

The other thing I would love to do more of is patchwork - have you seen the books of clothes made of patchwork? They are incredible.

[eta: gots = got lots]

[ 12. November 2006, 07:20: Message edited by: Curiosity killed ... ]
 
Posted by Gay Organ Grinder (# 11833) on :
 
I have been knitting since I was 8. I have lost count of the sweaters/jumpers I have done. I have two knitting machines as well but I don't find them as relaxing as handknitting.

Any other male knitters out there care to 'come out'??
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
As a kid I learnt to "knit" in a very basic way - i can do scarves and squares!!!! (I also used to do crochet doilies but ran out of uses for doilies...)

How hard is it to do socks? Is that something I could pick up? I love knitted socks... Where do I go for a basic pattern?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
The other thing I would love to do more of is patchwork - have you seen the books of clothes made of patchwork? They are incredible.

Do you have titles/authors? They sound very interesting.

When I dressmade a lot, I used to do cheat's patchwork quilts, by machining simple shapes together and backing it with an old sheet. I have one on the bed yet that I made about a decade ago.

I have a patchwork kit for a weskit which I bought in, I think, Seattle, about the same time, but have never got round to making up.

I love the aleatory element of patchwork, which is why I knit a lot of 'patchwork' type patterns.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
oooh, a knitting thread [Yipee]

I have grand plans for socks - I have the yarn already (a lovely purplish wool) but now I need needles! I have been warned against the standard circulars they sell at Spotlight (local crafty/haberdashery/manchester mega-store) because they snag the yarn at the point where the needle joins the plastic bit. I may decide to just buy Addis.

I recently got the book "Stich and Bitch", mainly so I can have it on my bookshelf and have visitors giggle at the title. Next I need to get "the Happy Hooker" (crochet)

I am still cross stitching my fractals but I think I need to shift my crafty priority to making something for my Secret Santee.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I love smocking, but can't find anything to use it for. With a family of sons and grandsons there isn't much call for little smocked garments.
My son and daughter-in-law wouldn't even put the babies in smocked rompers when they were tiny, and mock the photographs of my boys in them.
I am far too large to look good in gathers!
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
I got books on patchwork out of the library Miranda Innes: Rags to Rainbows which shows patchwork from around the world in fun projects.

I can't find the one that told how to make clothes, but this is the sort of stuff that was being described.
 
Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:

In the next few days I am expecting a delivery of yarn from the wonderful Colinette.com. [Big Grin]

I've only just discovered Colinette and have nearly finished a jacket in Giotto Mist which is shades of grey, pink and mauve all blended together. It is knitted in rib on 6mm needles so it has only taken a few weeks to do. I'm planning to do another one is one of the gold/brown/green mixtures but in stocking stitch this time.
 
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
There are some fabulous yarns around now- glittery, fluffy, ribbony, etc.
I knitted several scarves last year - most of my family now have one!
This year I cross stitched a sampler for daughter Erin's wedding.
I devised the pattern using a book by Jo Verso. Her designs are clear and contemporary.

My big problem craft wise is my puss cat Lucy.
All threads are fair game to be pounced on, so I can only carry out these projects when she's on a bed, or in the garden!
 
Posted by gizzie (# 11715) on :
 
I can really see a project coming on! I've saved a few of the sites which people have linked to. If I can find a reasonably easy pattern for a long sleeved sweater which can be used for some lovely new textured yarn I shall be starting something in the new year. But probably not before as I have still got loads of cards to make for Christmas.

Gay Organ Grinder - I hope some more male knitters will come out too and share their projects. My sister in law in Scotland told me that her grandson wanted to learn to knit but his dad said it wasn't appropriate. So I sent her a photo that I took when I was travelling in Peru a couple of years ago. We went to an island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca (called something like Taquile I think). In the town's main square we saw the local men , standing around , chatting and knitting fabulous intricately patterned garments(and not a pattern in sight!). Apparently there it's the men that knit, women spin the yarn and dye it. Every young man has to knit himself his own hat in his individual pattern, and these hats are not just bobble hats , they are three or four feet long. Knitting your own hat is like a rite of passage into manhood.
 
Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
I'm a a bit of a Jack of all trades when it somes to craft. Hadn't done anything for years, then when I was pregnant with baby b, I decided to make a quilt for him. I finished it when he was 16 months old, and I only managed that because I posted pictures of the unfinished quilt on my blog and asked people to nag me into getting it done. (Finished article here )

Since I finished the quilt though I have really got back into the crafting thing. I think I found that having something I was working on to do in the evenings or any spare time when baby was sleeping made me use that time more constructively than just flopping in a heap. I've remembered how much I enjoy always having something on the go, and usually a notebook full of ideas as well.

In the past I've done silk painting, patchwork, making toys and generally fiddling about with paper and paints and seeing what happens. Recently I have really got stuck into making bags. I've just finished a patchwork quilt for a friend's baby, and now have to get going on the list of things to make for Christmas presents. And Christmas cards.

Like I said though, Jack of all trades and definitely master of none - I wouldn't want anyone really proficient in the stuff I've dabbled in to look too closely at it. [Smile]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I love smocking, but can't find anything to use it for. [snip]
I am far too large to look good in gathers!

Doesn't have to be all gathered. Back in the days, I had a top of which the front was two side pieces, with a panel of smocking in the middle.

Anyway, I have been so inspired by this thread that I am halfway up the front of a knitted weskit, using some yarns I got in Ontario last autumn when we were over. I don't have a pattern exactly - I'm just looking at a picture in one of my Vogue knitting books and adjusting the width/length as I go.

Do people have favourite designers? I will go out of my way for anything by Brandon Mably
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
Ah, yes, pinafore--thank you Lothlorien and Curiosity killed.... My daughter is nearly 4 and still "waistless," so this style works really well on her. This thread is inspiring me to make a push to finish this thing!

I think someone else mentioned knitty.com. They have a bunch of really cute patterns.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by gizzie:
If I can find a reasonably easy pattern for a long sleeved sweater

A fantastic book that might be just up your street is The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. The Amazon US site allows you to have a flick through the book on-line.

Ann Budd given several different basic designs on sweaters and cardi. She provides a table to look up, with the number of stitches per inch, and the size of the sweater. This way one basic sweater pattern can be written so that you can use it to make a chunky sweater for a 6 month old baby, and the same pattern can be used to make a 48" sweater in 4-ply (fingering).

I also have the companion book, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, which has hats, gloves, socks and sweaters. I recommend both books. They are fantastic if you want to move into designing your own stuff rather than relying on the patterns of others.
 
Posted by Basket Case (# 1812) on :
 
I am crocheting my Christmas gifts this year (about 1/3 done): sleeveless gloves: an example


They're easy, don't take much time, and allow me to use up yarn scraps.

Plus, my 80-year-old mom needs to jazz up her image a bit.
 
Posted by spugmeistress (# 5795) on :
 
cranmers baggage and badfundie - how on earth do you knit whilst on the internet? i need this skill! i used to get alot of knitting done whilst watching telly or films or whatever, but now i dont watch tv alot, and spend all my time on the internet, i dont find my hands are as free to be doing something else...

sophs - i like making up my own patterns as i go as well [Smile] also, big knitting is ace, it goes so fast but you're right, the wool does tend to cost a fortune - my local st anns hospice charity shop has just started selling wool quite cheap though, and they sometimes have chunky stuff in. 15s are also quite fun for using as drumsticks [Big Grin]

lothlorien - ta for the link, i shall have a look [Smile] i've tried starting a couple of times, but i still can't quite get the hang of dpn's for circular knitting. i like using circular needles but they are quite hard to do such small stuff on and the magic loop thing doesnt work so well with my denise kit (which is amazing by the way everyone else, you'll never need to buy needles again!)

emma - i shouldnt be teaching you bad habits and/or cheating, but since i have tried the traditional ways of socks and not got very far, i am now trying these - sox on 2 stix from knitty. i have a thing for short row shaping (its so clever!) and also like curiosity killed... says - i love making seamless three dimensional shapes out of this little piece of string!

ecumaniac - try the denise kit i mentioned above if you can afford the initial outlay, they are pretty good for circulars, but maybe not small enough for socks (i have yet to find circulars small enough for socks, i think they make them in japan but they are uber expensive on ebay) also, cross stitching fractals?! i need pictures! i love stuff like that, i used to embroider maps when i was at art college [Smile]

birdie - i'm the same, i love trying new stuff and learning new crafts and making up my own random things, but i dont think i have the attention span to learn any of them particularly well! at least friends and relatives dont get bored of all the presents they get made though when its a new craft every month [Biased]

you are all (especially the patchworkers/dressmakers/embroiders) inspiring me to go and do stuff now! if only i had the time [Frown] i am cross stiching my christmas cards this year though, so that should be fun (i also have a thing for 8 bit pixel designs and any type of craft that can duplicate them)

rach =)

[ 12. November 2006, 22:52: Message edited by: spugmeistress ]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gay Organ Grinder:


Any other male knitters out there care to 'come out'??

You didn't ask about websites, but just in case you don't already know, there is www.menknit.net and also www.menwhoknit.com . Knitty.com did a whole issue on men knitting. There were some pretty cool projects. The only male knitter I know personally claims to be allergic to Christians, so I don't think I can get him to post here. [Frown]
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
Wait a minute...this is a CHRISTIAN website? [Razz]
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
Spugmeistress,
If you can knit and read at the same time, you can knit while reading stuff on the 'puter screen just as easily as while reading stuff on a page. Easier, in fact, because when I'm reading a book I often have to fiddle to make it stay open without being held.

Emma,
I'm not a sock knitter, so someone like Lothlorien might have better advice, but socks are not hard once you get over the mental hurdle about using double-pointed needles or circulars. The Denise needles are lovely, but hopeless for socks, because they don't go anywhere near fine enough. They're also a bit frustrating for those of us not in the US because they run in US sizes, which are different from the rest of the world. [Biased] The on-line knitting community is very into socks, so I suggest you do a bit of a web search. You'll find blogs and tutorials on knitting on 4 0r 5 DPNs, two circulars, or one long circular using the 'magic loop' method. Or ask Lothlorien. She's an expert. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
Apologies for double post - forgot about this:
quote:
Originally posted by Mrs Widgery:
I can't knit to save myself . . . the really sad thing is though that the ladies at stitch and bitch gave up trying to teach me . . . . [Disappointed] that's just a little bit pathetic on my part

I'm in the middle of a counted cross-stitch atm - something nice and bright and colourful for our new kitchen.

Mrs Widgery,
I can't believe that someone is unable to learn to knit. Your stitch'n'bitch group is obviously made of less stern stuff than mine, if they gave up trying to teach you. If you live in the bit that's gert by sea to the south, I'd love to try to teach you to knit, and to introduce you to my s'n'b group.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I find that socks are far easier to knit on two small circs than on dpns. There is a good tutorial for working with 2 cics. My preference is two 40cm Addi Turbos, although it it possible to get 30cm Addi Turbo circs. With these smaller ones, you should be able to knit an adult's sock on just the one circ.

I got a set of Denise Interchangables for my birthday, and I am very happy with them. They have been used for straight knitting as well as round and round.

bb
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
I find that socks are far easier to knit on two small circs than on dpns.
I do hats on circs and sometimes use them as straights if I have a lot of stitches. However, I find that they often make my hands and wrists sore. In hats, I tend to keep knitting, just because there isn't a break and so I keep going. I have arthritis in many joints including fingers and wrists so dpns force me to change position at the end of every needle. As a result hands are much better so I do all socks on dpns.

If I use them as straight needles, I have problems with my hand because they are not as comfortable to hold as ordinary needles or dpns.

Each to his own, as the saying goes.

The best I have found for arthritis is the casein needles made by Swallow, an Aussie company. Several brands. They are wonderful and I even have a couple of sets of casein dpns which my husband cut down because they were so long. I also like my rosewood dpns but am careful whatI use them on because they snap easily.

It's taken a bit of experimenting to find what suits me and the arthritis.
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
I have embroidered some of my clothes - I was given a book of really lovely Chinese style transfers for my birthday a year or 2 back and had to find something to do with them! I ended up buying a wrap-around skirt from e-bay just so I could have something with a large flat surface to decorate! I also embroidered a cotton top/blouse thing a while ago - the plain ones were much cheaper than the embroidered ones in fashion at the time so I got a plain one and invented my own design. Very satisfying! [Smile] If bump is a little girl she might end up with all sorts of embroidered clothes!
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
I do a bit of premmie baby knitting for the local hospital - tiny hats and baby socks (not proper ones!). I find these little patterns less scary!
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
For learning to knit socks, get some recommendations for good basic sock patterns, then follow the advice a good friend gave me: The first time or two you turn a heel, just have faith and follow the directions blindly. It will work. Once you do one or two, the heel instructions will make sense.

I think mittens are a very good starter project - not big, the shaping, even with a thumb gusset, is simple, and if you do a peasant thumb (one that just grows out of the palm with no gusset), the thumb is not hard at all, either. I don't think gussetted thums are too hard, either. Several of the mitten books I have include easy mittens for beginners.

I do mostly 2-color knitting, socks and mittens. Not true Fair Isle (tooooo many ends to darn in), but other ethnic designs. Most of my output goes to Afghans for Afghans.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
I learned to knit this year because I wanted to make a Harry Potter scarf, and I picked it up very easily because of my experience with other fabric / yarn based crafts like embroidery, dressmaking and friendship bracelets. I've been knitting for about 9 months now and am in the middle of making a jumper for a friend of mine from a pattern in the afore mentioned knitty.com.

I love to knit socks, they are quite possibly my favourite thing to knit because in their basic form they are very easy, but they can be made more complicated with intricate patterns and designs. It was my birthday last week and my friend bought me a book with sock patterns in. I can't weait to finish his jumper and get started on one of these projects - I certainly have enough sock yarn to keep me going! I always knit my socks on 2.25mm double pointed needles, as that makes sense to me and I like the way that method works, but I would suggest that the best way is to try out the different methods and see what you find works best for you.

I go to two differnt knitting groups at the moment - one that meets near me in a bar, and one that meets all over the place in central London. I really like meeting up with other knitters and seeing what they have made. Since i've lived in London i've started taking my knitting with me to do on the buses and Underground. I find knitting on the bus hard as I get travel sick after a little while, but can stand in a train full of passengers and quite happily knit away.

I would reccomend something like wristwarmers or mittens as an easy pattern to follow for a beginner, plus they are not too big so you are not put off at the very beginning by having thousands of stitches to cast on. My first knitted projest (I crocheted the scarf in the end) were some Mrs Beetons from Knitty - they are a fairly simple pattern that works out really well.

LMM
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Can someone recommend me a nice big machine washable wool/yarn? I have a pattern book for Rowan Big Wool and Biggy Print and, while they are gorgeous, they're handwash only and a bit on the pricey side. I don't mind something that's not 100% wool - just looking for something chunky and colourful.

Thanks.
 
Posted by spugmeistress (# 5795) on :
 
Magnum Chunky by King Cole - its 75% acrylic, 25% wool and therefore machine washable - pretty substitutable for Rowan Biggy and a hell of a lot cheaper. Shame it doesn't come in such nice colours though [Frown]
Which reminds me, I have some actual Rowan to knit a chunky hat that I should really get round to now my sister is threatening to steal the one I knitted for myself last year.

rach =)
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I don't do knitting.

For the past year thought I have been pretty obsessed with card-making. I reckon I have made close to 500 Christmas cards this year - 100 personal ones and the rest have been sold. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I am not sure I want to see another Christmas card until next year now!

In the past I have also been a bit of a patchwork queen and I think I have probably made about 8 double bed sized quilts - about half of which have been hand-stitched. I have also done cross-stitch and dress-making.

I like most crafts and will try most things, but knitting just doesn't appeal!

Auntie Doris x

[ 13. November 2006, 20:50: Message edited by: Auntie Doris ]
 
Posted by SemiFae (# 11972) on :
 
Fantastic, a crafty thread!

I finally learnt to knit last summer; I'd failed to learn when Mum tried to teach me but Paton's Woolcraft and a fairly simple poncho pattern got me going. I use big needles for 2 reasons: 1, I can finish a project fairly quickly and 2, when the cats try to help it's easier to see how to fix it.

I'm currently knitting a scarf to see how I get on with a new (to me) yarn called Carneval. It's a wide ribbon type yarn and knitting it on 8mm needles (the manufacturer suggests 10 or 12mm) is giving a fantastic chainmail type look. I can't find any patterns specifically for it but I've got a couple of other patterns calling for 12mm needle with the same tension so will try using 1 of them. Next project is a jumper in purple Albany yarn, I was givan 10 balls last Christmas.

My other projects on the go include making Drapes for the pen my chap's siamese will spend much of the day in (when she's not on his shoulder) at the GCCF Supreme show on the 25th November. This one gets priority at the moment because of the deadline.

I also make cards and have my first craft fair in 10 years, Mum and I used to do lots of them before I left home, on Saturday. I need to buy more card later to do some more Christmassy ones. I use pressed flowers and leaves with interesting papers, the Christmas ones are all holly and ivy.

If I get bored of all that there's also cross-stitch, though my last piece got destroyed by one of the cats before I finished it. When it's cold enough I also have a large latchhook rug to finish!

No wonder I'm no good at housework [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by Mrs Widgery (# 11950) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Cranmer's baggage:
I can't believe that someone is unable to learn to knit. Your stitch'n'bitch group is obviously made of less stern stuff than mine, if they gave up trying to teach you. If you live in the bit that's gert by sea to the south, I'd love to try to teach you to knit, and to introduce you to my s'n'b group.

Thanks for the offer CB - let's see, not so much girt by sea to the south as girt by the murray and the border (we are on the NSW side) although we are due to head sydneywards in three weeks (panic, [Eek!] panic [Eek!] - there are boxes everywhere!!). Is that accessible geography for you?

My s'n'b group would normally be pretty tough, but I'm the youngest at s'n'b by about 30 years and I always take Baby Widget with me - they turn into putty in his admittedly sticky little hands and they spend more time playing with him than teaching me to knit!! Still, a kid can't have too many grandmothers.
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
Have all you knitters out there seen this?

Don't know whether to [Killing me] or [Overused] !
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I saw it on display at The Knitting and Stitching Show last month at Alexandra Palace. It is certainly eye-catching, and mind-boggling!
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mrs Widgery:
My s'n'b group would normally be pretty tough, but I'm the youngest at s'n'b by about 30 years and I always take Baby Widget with me - they turn into putty in his admittedly sticky little hands and they spend more time playing with him than teaching me to knit!! Still, a kid can't have too many grandmothers.

Hopefully you'll find some younger knitters in Coat Hanger City. I know of at least two under 50, because I'm related to them. [Biased] In my own s'n'b group those of us over 45 are a distinct rarity, and there seem to be a steady stream of babies, all of whom are showered with all sorts of trendy bits of attire.

Speaking of knitting for babies: during some web surfing last night I discovered a pattern for baby's first DNA model. I've never been into knitting dolls or teddy bears, but I reckon this might be fun.
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I don't do knitting.

For the past year thought I have been pretty obsessed with card-making. I reckon I have made close to 500 Christmas cards this year - 100 personal ones and the rest have been sold. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I am not sure I want to see another Christmas card until next year now!

Wow, I thought I was a bit obsessive about card making, but I'm a novice by you, Aunty Doris! Consider me in awe!

quote:

In the past I have also been a bit of a patchwork queen and I think I have probably made about 8 double bed sized quilts - about half of which have been hand-stitched. I have also done cross-stitch and dress-making.

I love quilting. I've made several double bed and single bed quilts, numerous cot quilts, and probably hundreds of table mats.

At the moment I am making bags. I went to a number of charity shops and bought out their reduced jeans - usually the ones nobody would wear. I've cut them up into squares and made a variety of retro bags. I'm trying to develop something of an alternative career if possible - I'm feeling burnt out in my "real" job (teaching. Not sure the alternative career is feasible, but it's something to aim at.

Retsoc
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Retsoc:
Wow, I thought I was a bit obsessive about card making, but I'm a novice by you, Aunty Doris! Consider me in awe!

Obsessive pretty much defines me around card-making!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Mrs Widgery (# 11950) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Cranmer's baggage:
[QUOTE]
Speaking of knitting for babies: during some web surfing last night I discovered a pattern for baby's first DNA model. I've never been into knitting dolls or teddy bears, but I reckon this might be fun.

Now that is cool - and the sputnik thingy - i'm going to pass these patterns onto the MIL and then smile sweetly and see what happens. She was a biologist pre-retirement, so she'll probably make one for herself as well!!

Actually I'm hoping, seeing how the move will put us closer to family that the MIL and I can get together and try for some knitting lessons. Big Widget is old enough and wants to learn too.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Mrs Widget,

Here's a DNA scarf for you to practise your knitting when you learn!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I love the idea of knitted DNA, but I think it's a bit beyond me at the moment - I'm still practicing increasing and decreasing.

I'm also getting back into rag rug making, of the proggy variety, and seat covers for hard chairs.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I would like to voice a big harumph! A certain young Gremlin asked me to knit a hat for him, and described the hat he wanted (a square crowed hat with 4 tassels). I finished it this afternoon, however when he tried it on he decided that it looked too silly!

I have now had to take out a pair of tiny scissors and chopped off the crown so that I can knit a regular crown. [Frown] This is the last time he designs knitwear.

bb
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
Last year I was asked if I could do a full sized adult version of a hat I'd made for a baby, and I agreed. There were lots of issues about scale which I gradually worked out and it took a long time to finish the project. Each time the intended hat wearer visited I'd try it on his head and we'd agree about shaping. This time last year we had a final fitting, tried it on, agreed it was fine and I finished it off, sewing in all the ends, at which point the wearer said it wasn't right at all and didn't fit and wouldn't do. So I ripped back almost to the beginning of the hat and started over. Fortunately the last version fixed the remaining bugs in the design and a wearable adult sized version was finished in time for Christmas, but I could have shot the guy for having told me the hat would do and letting me tuck in the loose bits in the first place.

I just made a fingerless glove for my left hand by guesswork, so the challenge is whether I can make the right hand glove look the same.

'frin

'frin
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Ok, inspired by this thread I've decided to try to knit a pair of socks as a Christmas present according to this pattern.

I'm halfway through my first round. Should I be worried that I'm feeling doubtful that a foot will be able to pass through the hole?!
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Ignore me. I've just spread the stiches out as far as they'll go along the needles and it does look plausable. D'oh!

Hazey (who is obviously not ready to design her own patterns yet!)
 
Posted by SemiFae (# 11972) on :
 
I love my current yarn and have nearly finished the scarf. I want to do a hat to match! Does anyone have a pattern for a chonky knit hat (pref' 8mm needles)?
 
Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Cranmer's baggage:
...and I tend to do it while I'm reading threads on SoF! [Big Grin]

wow, that's never occurred to me! My mother used to knit while driving; nervewracking for me, as the oldest daughter - I had to sit in the front seat and keep my eyes on the red light and tell her when it turned green, so she could drop it in her lap and drive to the next stoplight.

I tend to knit while watching DVDs (I have no television, otherwise), especially the audio-commentary track where I've already seen the film once.

Tea gnome, as you bemoan your counting ability, have mercy upon yourself and bear in mind that part of the challenge is learning/knowing/remembering from what part of the stitch/square one counts, you know? It's not quite as easy as it sounds...!

oooh, babybear, I love the photo of the spiral crown of the Odessa hat (scroll down page) - very cool!

I tend to make up patterns - I'll see a particular pattern (I don't mean pattern for a finished item, I mean pattern of stitches--) and think, oooh, that would look cool if I combine it with this other thing over there... some of them work really well and it's always fun to experiment, to learn what makes which effects.

Learning knitters: give yourself permission to tear out freely. And also give yourself permission to NOT tear out a mistake... sometimes I'll look at a newly-discovered mistake, midway down a sizable piece, and think, "hey, that's what makes it a HANDknit piece!" and decide to leave it. Other times I'll tear down & fix, or work the single stitch up & down (hard to do with cables...). It's all good fun. [Big Grin]

Roseofsharon, I'm with you - I like smocking but have a hard time finding applications... *sigh*

gizzie, I love the idea of knitting your own hat as a male rite of passage [Yipee]

basket case, I think you mean fingerless gloves...? There's a proper name for those, but I've forgotten it. [Roll Eyes]

This is so inspiring, y'all - thanks for making my evening.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
oooh, babybear, I love the photo of the spiral crown of the Odessa hat (scroll down page) - very cool!
Odessa hat looks very impressive to non-knitters but is actually quite quick and easy to do. I've made about 8 or 9 of them as gifts. I gave one which was done with beads to DIL who wore it one cold night to church. Apparently she received many compliments and found that a whole heap of people could not have listened to the sermon as they were either busy counting beads or working out how they were used in knitting.

Fingerless gloves? Also known as wristwarmers if that is what you were thinking of. Easy and quick to do. Google for Mrs Beeton and wristwarmer for a slightly fancy pair.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege:
sometimes I'll look at a newly-discovered mistake, midway down a sizable piece, and think, "hey, that's what makes it a HANDknit piece!" and decide to leave it.

Ah. To me, it equates handknitting, or indeed any handicraft with inferiorly produced items. I am as particular in my crafts as I am when I am writing and designing computer programs.

I would suggest that learner knitters learn the importance of 'good enough' and also how to create an intentional ladder to get back to a mistake and then correct it. 'Good enough' is a recognition that things do not have to be 100% perfect all of the time, and that as long as an item is 'fit for purpose' then that is 'good enough'. There are times when we could improve our work, but the returns measured against the amount of work needing done is not acceptable.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Almost finished the first front of the weskit I started last week. I am doing something which I've used successfully in a previous one, and which I wonder is not done more frequently - which is to knit an integral edging (instead of doing ribs for the edges/armholes as a separate strip or pick-up-and-knit).

I knitted the first 10 rows or so in garter stitch (these begin to form the point at the bottom of the front), introducing stocking stitch from the middle out, so that I end up, once past the shaping, with all stocking stitch, but a band of garter at the front edge. As I approach the armhole decrease, same thing, introduce garter stitch below what will be the edge.

Anyone ever tried this on a larger garment?
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
Firenze,
I have used an integral garter stitch edge on adult garments. My mother-in-law used to use it on almost everything. Only problem is, I don't much like garter stitch edgings (and if I do use them, I prefer the front bands knitted in vertical ridges, not horizontal). Working integral bands in rib or moss (seed) stitch doesn't work, because you need them at a finer tension, and slightly stretched, in order for them not to stretch and 'bag'. You can get away with it on small children's things, but not the length of an adult garment. But if you're happy with the garter stitch option, it's one less element of finishing, and that's a good thing. [Smile]
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SemiFae:
I love my current yarn and have nearly finished the scarf. I want to do a hat to match! Does anyone have a pattern for a chonky knit hat (pref' 8mm needles)?

This shows a way of knitting a chunky hat - use your scarf as a tension sample. Size 11 needles appear to be 8mm.

I've knitted a hat like that (using ordinary weight yarn and thinner needles - to go with a scarf which I used to get the number of stitches right). The only difference was that I did my decreases at the beginning of each count of stitches (I put six markers in at even intervals and knit together the first two stitches after each marker) - I could understand that easier. Oh - you can substitute chocolate for wine.
 
Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege:
sometimes I'll look at a newly-discovered mistake, midway down a sizable piece, and think, "hey, that's what makes it a HANDknit piece!" and decide to leave it.

Ah. To me, it equates handknitting, or indeed any handicraft with inferiorly produced items. I am as particular in my crafts as I am when I am writing and designing computer programs.
For me, it was about the attempt to disable my truly-paralyzing tendency to perfectionism.

I am blessed; I was raised to believe "handmade" is superior to commercially made because personal care and pride was involved. In my childhood experience, it was superior: my mom made our clothes - but frankly, she tailored them - beautifully made and finished, much nicer than what the other kids were wearing off the shelves. So I'm delighted to give and receive handcrafted items. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I had a terrible day struggling with a mitred square yesterday.

I kept finding that I had an even number of stitches, usually because I'd forgotten to PSSO in the decrease row after struggling to K2tog with two strands of yarn and big needles.

Then it was a nightmare to undo the row to rectify the mistake, as the fibres on the hairy yarns kept tangling with each other. I kept losing stitches to the row below, and having to unpick yet more.

Then I found I'd done several rows in the wrong yarn (this was a four colour, striped square), so had to do more unpicking.

Eventually I got to the final row/stitch, laid the thing out to check which edge I was picking up from next. It was back-to-front! [Mad]

It seems that I missed out the first row after picking up the stitches from the previous square, and had completed the whole thing wrong side out.

At that point I decided that I was too tired to fight with it any more, and that I should tackle the latest unpicking after a night's sleep. [Snore]

I'm pleased to say that today has been more successful!
 
Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
When it's not really obvious which is the front and which is the back, I will put a big stitch holder on the front side so that I keep track of it more readily... it's a thought.

And yes, there are some yarns which are incredibly hard to re-use... [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I had a terrible day struggling with a mitred square yesterday.

Then it was a nightmare to ...
Then I found I'd done several rows in the wrong yarn ...

Eventually I got to the final row/stitch, laid the thing out to check which edge I was picking up from next. It was back-to-front! [Mad]

A fairly standard technique in these circumstances is to relegate the offending item to the 'naughty corner'. Sometimes the bad knitting only has to spend the night there, sometimes it takes a few days and then it decides to behave itself. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
A fairly standard technique in these circumstances is to relegate the offending item to the 'naughty corner'. Sometimes the bad knitting only has to spend the night there, sometimes it takes a few days and then it decides to behave itself. [Big Grin]

I swear that sometimes the "naughty corner" so affects the recalcitrant piece, that it makes amends. Stitch counts which were off seem to right themselves! [Yipee]
 
Posted by Fool of a Took (# 7412) on :
 
What I made for the Nutter

Back to the knitting store today for supplies for Christmas Project #1... the same thing, slightly larger and more cousin-sized.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Wow, Took, that is really beautiful! And your Little One is such a cutie. [Angel]
 
Posted by Penny Lane (# 3086) on :
 
The tea thread prompts me to ask if anyone has a favorite pattern/instructions for knitting or crocheting a tea cozy? Much obliged if you'd share!

ET correct spelling - oops!

[ 18. November 2006, 16:43: Message edited by: Penny Lane ]
 
Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
great pics, great subject matter, Fool o'Took [Big Grin]
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Yes, I think I need a tea cosy too. My tea in the pot is getting unacceptably cold in between cups.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Took, the Nutter is sooooo gorgeous! And wearing such a nifty jumper [Axe murder] Well done.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Even the least experienced knitter could help to knit a river for WaterAid
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
Feeling quite pleased this evening - managed to finish off 6 denim patchwork bags this weekend, and they turned out well too.

Retsoc
 
Posted by SemiFae (# 11972) on :
 
Thank you Ann!

This will be a first for me, I've never used circular needles before. As it's the blunt end of my needles my cats tend to attack I may manage to knit the hat without feline assistance.
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
I knitted a scarf on Friday night which my friend took away yesterday... I'm clearly doing something right! And my Mum's said she'll teach me to crochet...

Still need to understand knitting patterns a bit better - I'll try the baby stuff idea!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
I'm also getting back into rag rug making, of the proggy variety...

Eigon, could you tell us a little about your rag rug making? My grandmother made rag rugs out of old clothing and I have such fond memories of those simple rugs in her living room. I'd love to hear how you make them, select the fabric, etc. (and also what proggy means).
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
Finished my bookmark last night! [Big Grin] It's only taken me eleven months [Hot and Hormonal] And the pansy at the bottom's a little squinty, but you wouldn't notice. (Actually my flatmate said it looked like the mask face from the Scream films, so it spent the night tucked away on the bookshelf) But hey, it's finished. Now what shall I do?
Gnome
PS FoaT, The nutter looks so cute, and hasn't she grown big [Eek!]

[ 21. November 2006, 10:02: Message edited by: Tea gnome ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Finished my bookmark last night! [Big Grin] It's only taken me eleven months [Hot and Hormonal] And the pansy at the bottom's a little squinty, but you wouldn't notice. (Actually my flatmate said it looked like the mask face from the Scream films, so it spent the night tucked away on the bookshelf) But hey, it's finished. Now what shall I do?
A case for your sunnies or ordinary glasses?
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
It's just as well I don't wear glasses, cos I never manage to hang on to sunglasses for any respectable length of time at all, and if I do, I can't be bothered wearing them for the five minutes of sun we have a year [Biased] You've reminded me though that I've a big bit of crotchet waiting to be made into a cushion cover, so perhaps I'll do that. It's only been a year ongoing though, so perhaps it's too soon [Razz]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Mamacita - happy to oblige about rag rugs.

At the moment, I'm doing proggy rugs (or proddy), for which you take your old clothes, or whatever, and cut them into strips about 3" long and about 1" wide. You then use a special tool to pull the pieces halfway through your hessian/burlap sack, so you have two tufts. Keep going until the sack is covered.

I also do hooky rugs, where you cut a long strip of fabric which is hooked through the hessian sack to make a series of little lumps. For this you need a frame to keep the hessian taut - I use four lengths of scrap wood and four G clamps, and sew the hessian onto the wooden frame.
You can do the proggy rugs on your knee, and they also seem to grow faster than the hooky rugs. However, you can get quite a lot of fine detail with hooky that just isn't possible with proggy.

The last big rug I made was more of a "mixed media" effort. It had a pool at the bottom which was quilted, a waterfall formed by sewing strips of lace onto the backing, and the surrounding rocks, bushes and sky were a mixture of hooky and proggy rugging. I daren't put it on the floor while there are dogs in the house!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Very interesting, Eigon! My grandma's rugs were the kind where she made long strips of fabric and then braided them. So the process you described is new to me. It sounds like it takes a lot of patience, but then I guess all our crafts do, in one way or another. I understand about keeping the pets away -- knitting and cats don't go so well together, either.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
The worst part about making proggy rugs is cutting all those little strips of fabric...very hard on the hands!
I made a small one about ten years ago, but in spite of having loads of fabric scraps have not managed to work up the enthusiasm to take up the scissors to start another!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
The Little Fundie and I just got home from seeing Flushed Away and I am now obsessed with the sweater that Rita wore. Is there someone here who knows if there is a pattern for it somewhere? I Googled "Flushed Away sweater", but found nothing. Even though I'm willing to write my own pattern if necessary, I'd be happier with a good one.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I haven't yet seen Flushed Away, so hopefully I am thinking about the right sweater.

The sweater is a fairly standard design, and there is a pattern for it at Knitty: Leo. Rita's sweater is a tighter fit so you might want to go down a size. She also has some coloured bands around the cuffs and neck. And instead of the roll neck it looks like there is a picot cast off edging.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Is this Rita, and this the sweater you mean?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
Is this Rita, and this the sweater you mean?

Yes, that's it. The link that Babybear provided is going to be a great help in starting. I will need to figure out the little scoop neck and the sizing for an eight-year-old, but that shouldn't be too horribly difficult as long as I don't try to finish by Christmas.
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
I've just been knitting some scarves for presents using a new (to me) technique.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
What is the technique called? I don't think I'm familiar with it. From the photos, it looks like you knit a very open fabric, then weave yarn through it. Looks interesting.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
I'm currently knitting the afore mentioned Leo for a friend of mine. It's a pretty easy knit, though the endless rows of ribbing are getting to me a bit! I made some changes to the pattern and knitted the body in the round because I hate seaming and purling so this should minimise the amount of both that I have to do! I have about an inch to go with the body before I start the decreases for the sleeves and have to stop knitting in the round. I'm looking forward to this because it will instantly halve the number of stitches I need to do on each row.

I've knitted on Leo, and solely on Leo for the last two months and have really struggled with sticking to one pattern, especially because I keep looking at the copy of "Knitting Vintage Socks" that I got for my birthday and thinking about all the patterns I can't wait to knit! Those patterns, and my Koigu, Cherry Tree Hill and Lorna's Laces keep calling to me, and every time I walk past my yarn shelves I gaze longingly at all the different colours I have.

I gave in finally last night and cast on (tubular cast on) for the second sock in my Jaywalkers. I want to get these finished too, and it was really nice to knit something different. I'll return to knitting my friends jumper tonight at knitting group though.

LMM
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I normally have a big knit and a little knit on the go. The little knit fits in my bag when I go out. I knit at the bus stop, and again whilst traveling. Tis amazing how many of my socks have their existence due to bus travel. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I find I go on knitting jags - where I suddenly work obsessionally on something odd and unplanned.

The current one is for clearing down my stash of chunky yarns. I hit on a method for a shawl - all garter stitch, with regular rows of drop stitch - using up blue tweed yarn, torquoise, russet, fawn, dark green and orange. It is all turning out quite nicely, in a sort of Andean folkway look.

And yet I can't think of anything I have less use for than a multicoloured, thick shawl.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
And yet I can't think of anything I have less use for than a multicoloured, thick shawl.

You might not have a use for it, but my cat would love it!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Cranmer's baggage:
What is the technique called? I don't think I'm familiar with it. From the photos, it looks like you knit a very open fabric, then weave yarn through it. Looks interesting.

That's precisely it! I saw an example of Gedifra Scarf Net in a shop, but they'd run out of the net and weren't expecting to re-stock for a week or so, so I did some thinking. I thought that when I've done knitting on big needles and stretched it sideways, it forms a sort of a grid, so I looked around for one thick/one thin yarn with one plain and one fancy. I use 20mm needles and 12 stitches, garter stitch until the scarf is long enough, then weave the thick yarn. With the cream scarf, I left about 3 stitches each side as a border.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:


And yet I can't think of anything I have less use for than a multicoloured, thick shawl.

If you have a prayer shawl ministry in your area, they might like to have it. Many cancer patients cannot tolerate hats, but they are often cold and would love to have a nice, warm handknitted shawl. [Axe murder]
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I knitted 20 hats for Innocent smoothies this year!

( [Confused] go half the ship.)

Innocent - the smoothies/juices company - have been asking people to knit little hats to go on top of their smoothies. For every one which is sold in Sainsbury's or EAT from now till Christmas, 50p will be given to Age Concern.

I now have an irrational desire to go into every Sainsbury's or EAT I can find, to see if I can find one of my own hats!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
The current one is for clearing down my stash of chunky yarns.

Instead of making a shawl that you don't want, how about warm scarves?

I am knitting scarves for my local Women's Refuge. I know that my local Salvation Army Citadel is happy to distribute hats, and scarves at this time of year.

I have just finished a long, pointy hat (think elf) in Colinette One Zero in Jamboree. It is a hat to make me smile, and this very same hat makes my children squirm when I say that I will were it out in public. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I don't really do socially concerned knitting. The poor will just have to wait until I do my periodic clear-out to the charity shops as usual.

Actually, I did once see one of my donated handknits walking the streets. It was on the charity worker I had given stuff to.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I treat myself to an Innocent smoothie each time I do a 'big shop' at Sainsbury's. Never seen one with a woolly hat on.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I think the woolly hatted ones started being sold this week. Saw my first yesterday (and no, it wasn't one of my hats!)
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
Wondering if anyone would have any advice on buying a sewing machine. I'm not quite sure what I'd use it for; just at the moment I'm getting fed up of sewing little seams for lavender bags by hand (and they're not very good seams either), but it seems like a Useful Thing to have.
I saw a few today, but have no idea how to judge. Prices went from about £100 to £1500 ( [Eek!] that one made lace, but at that price I'd expect it to make tea and do the laundry too!) And abilities seemed to range from twenty kinds of stitch to the aforementioned lacemaking. The lady in John Lewis said it was Necessary to have one which would work with stretch fabric.
What would you look for? I could see a time when I might try my hand at making children's clothes, but I don't know what else.
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tea gnome:
Wondering if anyone would have any advice on buying a sewing machine.
<snip>
The lady in John Lewis said it was Necessary to have one which would work with stretch fabric.
What would you look for? I could see a time when I might try my hand at making children's clothes, but I don't know what else.

I make all of my trousers and various household items.

I think you can get along very well with a sturdy, durable machine that does straight-stitching and zigzag, including buttonholes. When I sew stretch fabrics, I set the stitch length at long and hold the fabric in a stretched position while I sew it. I think my newer machine has a stretch stitch, but I've never bothered with it.

I bought my old machine second-hand in 1963. If it did zigzag I would never have bought another. It is very heavy and durable; my daughters and I call it The Tank. It handles heavyweight fabric, which is something that many lightweight machines cannot do. When I make jeans I thread the newer machine with regular thread and the old one with top-stitching thread and an extra-large needle. That's easier than having to keep changing threads and needles on one machine.

As a bit of general advice, don't be impressed by any features you can't imagine using. It's not important how many things the machine can do; the question is how well it does the things that you want to do.

Moo

[ 08. December 2006, 13:32: Message edited by: Moo ]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Technically if it has zigzag it can handle stretch fabric. You just use a small and fairly narrow zig-zag rather than a straight stitch! You may need to relax the tension somewhat.

She will not be happy with me for saying this, but that's how I was taught to do it.

Jengie
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
I knitted 20 hats for Innocent smoothies this year!

I now have the start of a collection of Innocents Smoothie Hats.
Bearing in mind that we don't eat boiled eggs, so don't need any egg-cosies, what are we exoected to do with them?

Regarding sewing machines: My 'Jones' was bought in 1969, does straight stitch, zig zag, and a few other bits like buttonholes and 'elastic stitch', which has been perfectly adequate for most things.
What it doesn't do, is cope with jersey-type fabrics, which has been a real nuisance over the years, as these fabrics became ubiquitous. Nor can I drop the feed-dog on this model, which I discovered when I tried to take up free embroidery on the machine.

So, tea gnome, think carefully about what you want your machine to do, and get one that will do that, and maybe a little more. Don't buy an all-singing, all-dancing machine if you are unlikely to use all it's features.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I had (and still do, somewhere in a far-distant cupboard) an old (as in Really Old) Singer, which had had an electric motor fitted. Still weighed a ton, but you could have sewn carpet with it.

I then got a Jones, which I've been using for about 20 years. It's fairly tinny, has a tendency to foul up thread, but, on the other hand has gamely sewn miles and miles of curtains.

I'll be getting it out after a long rest this w/end to do something in satin, so I'll see if it is still viable.

If I did upgrade, I would still only pay a couple of hundred at most.
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Any good knitting patterns for ties?

Don't ask.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
If you Google "free knitting pattern necktie" you will get many, many patterns from which to choose.
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
Knitted ties brings back memories of a Maths teacher I had at school who wore them - or they may have been crocheted!

Retsoc
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
If you Google "free knitting pattern necktie" you will get many, many patterns from which to choose.

Well, yes, I did realise I could do that - I was kind of looking for personal recommendations as, given that I've a relative beginner, I don't know when looking at a pattern whether it's going to be any good or not. But google it will have to be. [Smile]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Sorry about that, it's just that not having information like the age and general taste of the recipient, I hesitated to make a more personal suggestion. The Lion website has a tie in seed stitch that should be pretty easy. As soon as I figure out how to post the link here, I will.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tea gnome:
Wondering if anyone would have any advice on buying a sewing machine.

Don't buy a Singer. In my opinion, though they are one of the big names they are not up to much these days. My Mum has a Bernina that is 30 years old and still going strong so I would highly reccomend checking those out. My Janome is 11 years old and in perfect working order despite seeing very heavy use (I make all my own clothes) over the years.

Spend more getting a good quality basic machine rather than a cheaper fancy one with lots of stitches that you won't ever use. Zig Zag stitch, straight lines, maybe a wavy live stith are pretty much all you'll need. Mine also has a special setting for doing button holes and i'd reccomend that too.

Buy a machine that you can get parts for easily and replacement bobbins / feet for near where you live. Once you have your machine, get it serviced relatively regularly (I used to get mine done once a year but haven't done recently because i've not had the time to use it as much as I used to). Services are around £50 where I live.

It's probably worth going to an independent sewing machine shop and taking the time to talk to the sales person about what you want - don't go to a Singer shop or any other franchise because they'll try to convince you that theirs is the best - an independent retailor will give you a reccomendation based on your needs.

LMM
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Another option is to check Freecycle or places that have second hand machines. There are many old machines that are fantastic and will happily chunter along for years yet. Reconditioned old, old Singers (the ones that weight a tonne) are good too. they can cope with anything you throw at them.

bb
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
Thankyou for all you advice, lots of aspects I hadn't really considered, soory I didn't check back in sooner. LMM, I have to admit one of my first thoughts was "I could get a Singer, I've heard of them" (!) so that's a useful idea. I may get the yellow pages out tomorrow. And try freecycle.
Gnome
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Here is one useful test of a machine you're thinking of buying. See how slowly it will sew. On a tricky project, speed control is essential.

Moo
 
Posted by mountainsnowtiger (# 11152) on :
 
Hello crafty people, I have questions about making hooked rag rugs.

I’ve picked up a second-hand book about making rag rugs. The majority of the projects in the book are hooked rugs made using a hook and working on a hessian/burlap background. One of the projects is a hooked rug made by using a latch-hook and working on a canvas background – but in this project the latch of the latch-hook is taped out of the way using a small piece of sticky tape.

Preliminary enquiries suggest to me that latch-hooks are more readily available for sale than other rug hooks. Having studied my rag rug book, it looks to me as though using a general rug hook (i.e. a hook without a latch) and using a latch-hook with the latch taped back are very similar techniques. It seems to me that the main difference is that a latch-hook might not be able to pierce hessian the way the other type of hook does, so if using a latch-hook you need to work on canvas not hessian. To me, working on canvas looks easier anyway (I presume the downside is that it’s more expensive than hessian).

From study of my book I have concluded that I think it should be possible for me to do the following – create my own simple design, procure canvas and latch-hook, transfer outline of design onto canvas, use sticky tape to tape latch-hook latch out of the way, create rug by using standard hooking technique illustrated in rug-making book.

Have I missed some hidden subtleties of the whole rug-making malarkey? Am I exhibiting novice naivety and heading towards disaster? Or could my plan actually work?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I think your cunning plan will work.

I got my rug hook at a workshop day run by Jenni Stuart-Anderson, who has written at least one book on rag rugging and appeared in others (usually doing braided rugs, but she teaches hooking and prodding as well).

For hooking, you do need to keep the canvas/hessian base taut, preferably on a frame, otherwise it is very difficult to do, and comes out lumpy.

Proggy/prodding is much easier, as you can just sling the hessian over your knee and get stuck in. You can do it the traditional way, with a six inch nail or some similar long pointy implement, but I use a tool rather like a pair of scissors - from the front of the rug, you poke the tool in and then out on the right side again about half an inch on, open the 'jaws' and insert your 3" strip of material, and pull back until the material makes a tuft, equal on both sides.

Again, I got the tool from Jenni Stuart-Anderson.
She also sells speed shuttles, which work from the wrong side of the base fabric, giving a finish like hooking, only much faster.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Hazey Jane

I really do not think you will get any pattern simpler that this one for a necktie. You will need to know how to knit, increase and decrease, but you do not even need to know how to knit pearl. and casting on or off is even limited. No sewing together either.

Jengie

[ 13. December 2006, 14:10: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by Roxanna (# 9639) on :
 
Thanks to Babybear for the odessa hat link. I've knitted five as Christmas presents.

I now want to knit something for me, so can anybody suggest a pattern for a big wrap/shawl thing? I want something that is easier to keep on than a basic rectangle, but not a poncho.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Moo:
Here is one useful test of a machine you're thinking of buying. See how slowly it will sew. On a tricky project, speed control is essential.

Moo

I have an old, very heavy Bernina which I bought second hand 25 years ago. It has a lower gear than can easily be engaged and used to sew slowly.

I do very little sewing, but have found it good for making craft items.

Huia
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roxanna:
Thanks to Babybear for the odessa hat link. I've knitted five as Christmas presents.

I can't remember if I mentioned, there is a scarf that is pretty similar in nature, called the Bertie (.pdf warning). It was designed by a lass I know for a competition in a knitting magazine. She came in second place with it.

quote:
I now want to knit something for me, so can anybody suggest a pattern for a big wrap/shawl thing? I want something that is easier to keep on than a basic rectangle, but not a poncho.
knitty.com is a totally excellent place for free patterns, brilliant articles and all round inspiration. Their pattern archive is normally the first place I go when I am looking for a new project.

In the archive they have Convertible. It was designed by a woman who has problems keeping normal wraps in place. The basic construction is a long lace rectangle, with a garter stitch border. Into the border, she has worked button holes. She has made her own form of cufflinks that go through the holes and can convert the wrap into a shrug, or a poncho. Three looks from the same piece of knitted fabric.

If you aren't fussed by the lace pattern she has used, you could substitute in a different pattern quite easily.

[ 01. January 2007, 08:16: Message edited by: babybear ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Anyone has a John Lewis near them, there are some good yarns in their sale. I got quantities of Debbie Bliss dk in navy, dark brown and torquoise (which I purpose to put with some terracotta I already have).

But just now, I am knitting up various blue, pinks and green. One of the yarns, I have had for, I think, 32 years.
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
I've started a blog (see my sig) to keep track of my crochet projects and have put a description of the fingerless gloves I mentioned on this thread up there.

'frin
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
On a previous knitting thread someone recommended the Ladybird knitting book. I found one on ebay and started. I found it really easy to follow with no previous experience. So thank you whoever posted that.

What I couldn't (and still can't) do is follow a pattern. I look at one, even one that says easy and my brain kind of freezes.

However we have recently formed a LETS group and I requested knitting help (as did two others) an expert responded and now we have a little group going.

So having done scarves courtesy of ladybird, I am now doing a bag on circular needles which is going to be felted.

I love felting, I have gone to a few groups and made a couple of bags and a wall hanging. But I have never done knitted felting as I haven’t been able to knit, so I’m really excited by the idea of doing some.

What I would like to ask is how I get started on patchwork, I want to do something really really basic, can anyone recommend a good book or website - I'd be very happy with guidelines aimed at children as I find I can follow these - Thanks
 
Posted by jerusalemcross (# 12179) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
oooh, a knitting thread [Yipee]

I have grand plans for socks - I have the yarn already (a lovely purplish wool) but now I need needles! I have been warned against the standard circulars they sell at Spotlight (local crafty/haberdashery/manchester mega-store) because they snag the yarn at the point where the needle joins the plastic bit. I may decide to just buy Addis.

Have just discovered this thread. (What a pun!!)
Try seeing if you can get hold of "Denise" circular needles, I think they're American - they are "modular" in that you get a kit of "ends" and "middles" and slot the two together. I've used them a bit and find that there isn't any snag between the ends and the middles if they're put together properly (the set comes with instructions and you can get spares). The huge advantage is that you only need the one infinitely variable set, and if you want to pause in the middle of one project and start another you only need to put supplied stop ends onto the middles and attach the pointy ends to another set of middles. Sounds complicated but is really useful. The mfrs claim that they pass through airline security but I haven't had the nerve to test them. Not cheap but less than a whole set of single-numbered circulars.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Embroidery on T shirts

I thought this might be the best place to ask this, rather than starting a new thread.

I've bought a rather boring t shirt (it was cheap).I thought I would use waste canvas and xstitch a small flower on it. Has anyone done this? Would it be a good idea to iron some vilene on the wrong side before I start?

Any other hints gratefully accepted.

Huia (spacing probs)

[ 02. January 2007, 23:49: Message edited by: Huia ]
 
Posted by jerusalemcross (# 12179) on :
 
Huia, I would use hardanger linen or heavy counted-thread embroidery fabric for your flower xstitch rather than canvas; plus vilene - but do check that the vilene you use is washable. I think canvas would be too rigid and possibly scratchy through the t shirt material. Ick...
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Jerusalemcross the waste canvas method uses a light canvas that is tacked (basted)to the t-shirt, the threads in the canvas providing a grid over which to cross-stitch. Whe the design is stitched the canvas is dampened and its threads are carefully pulled out with tweezers.

Hence not icky itch. Magic [Biased] .

Good point about ensuring the vilene is washable.

Huia
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I lovedoing patchwork (well - iusedtodo very basic patchwork) and would love toget back into thatagain one day.

My current plan is the new weekly knitting magazine which encourages you to knit a square a week, and teaches you a new technique every week.

The downfall is my work/life balance is seriously out of kilter at the moment,so time to actually do these thigns is limited!!
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
I've started a new patchwork project over Christmas - a colleague at work asked me to make it for her. It was going fantastically... until my sewing machine jammed and it now won't sew properly. [Waterworks] It's (hopefully) being repaired, but I am getting withdrawal symptoms.

Retsoc
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Try seeing if you can get hold of "Denise" circular needles, I think they're American
I've never used Denise needles but belong to several sock groups on Yahoo. The comments there are that the Denise set does not go down to a small enough size to knit good dense sock fabric. So check what you want them for and what sizes come in the set..

Personally, I prefer to use double pointed and for socks use 2.25 mm or sometimes 2.75 mm if I'm using somethng thicker than normal sock wool, like 5 0r 6 ply thickness. Usually I make socks on 3 or 4 ply.. Others use magic loop with one circular or knit two socks simultaneously on two circular needle.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
Would it be a good idea to iron some vilene on the wrong side before I start?

I have done similar things with children's clothes. I used the waste canvas technique to get the embroidery in place, and then afterwards I used iron-interfacing on the back of the stitches. This gave a nice smooth finish to the back of the design.

I have used this technique on commercially embroidered things too. Sometimes the embroidery is just too irritating, especially if it meant to be worn next to the skin (eg t-shirt or pjs). The application of some iron-on interfacing smooths every considerably.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I'm alternating between cross stitch and knitting at the moment. Cross stitching a little card of a teddy bear mowing the lawn, for my dad's 75th birthday on Saturday. And knitting a sweater for a penguin. Yes, really. Details here.
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
I got a couple of really cool cross-stitch kits for Christmas - a scene of Bruges for which I dropped hints like tons of bricks and a map of Norfolk with little pictures of well-known landmarks etc. Whether I'll ever have time to do them is another matter. I've already done the tiny little teddy bear keyring kit though. [Smile]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Ages ago when I was lurking there was a link on this thread to something that appealed to me - so here and here are photos of the results.

I think the bags might be my "knit of the year" like these were for 2006 and these were before (although I also made one in pinks for my god-daughter for Christmas 2006 - she calls it her marshmallow jumper!)

[edited to add that I use double pointed needles for my sock addiction - I think the long flexible ones wouldn't be short enough]

[ 03. January 2007, 11:25: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by jerusalemcross (# 12179) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
quote:
Try seeing if you can get hold of "Denise" circular needles, I think they're American
I've never used Denise needles but belong to several sock groups on Yahoo. The comments there are that the Denise set does not go down to a small enough size to knit good dense sock fabric. So check what you want them for and what sizes come in the set..

Personally, I prefer to use double pointed and for socks use 2.25 mm or sometimes 2.75 mm if I'm using somethng thicker than normal sock wool, like 5 0r 6 ply thickness. Usually I make socks on 3 or 4 ply.. Others use magic loop with one circular or knit two socks simultaneously on two circular needle.

Yes, you're right, the Denise ones (or indeed any fixed circular ones)don't have short enough middles to do decent socks unles you're knitting for Hagrid. DP needles are much the best; the really good bamboo ones don't slip as much as metal. The Denise set I have only goes down to 3.75mm (English size 9) whatever that is in USA. I'm not a sock knitter, more of an Aran and the-more-complicated-the-better jumper one. [Yipee] If I want socks I go to Marks & Spencer or the craft shows.
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
Does anyone know of stockists of Berroco wool in the UK please? - Google has not been my friend, and I want to knit this cuddly thing.

cheers!
A
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I've got confirmation now that my "art of knitting" magazine will be coming... but it hasnt come yet. What is really puzzling is that its a weekly mag, so they send you 4 copies once a month. Wouldnt it make more sense to make it monthly?!
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
I am so excited! My in-laws gave me a subscription to a Swedish weaving magazine, Vavmagasinet, for Christmas.

Now all I have to do is acquire a floor loom... [Paranoid]
 
Posted by Pax Romana (# 4653) on :
 
Well, I just finished making a really cute "pouffet" hat, from a pattern developed by a friend of mine from my church. This lady is an extremely accomplished knitter and crocheter.

The hat is really cute.

I'll be glad to pass the pattern on to whoever would like to try it.

Pax R.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Yes, pass it to me [Yipee] I am sort of on a hat binge right now and I need more patterns. Thank you for the offer.

Thanks to Babybear for the Odessa pattern, btw. I made one for a friend for Christmas and will probably do 1 or 2 more.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
The needles that are used for socks is a very personal thing. I know people who love their bamboo double pointed needles (dpn), some who love metal, or plastic one, and others like the magic loop method and I adore using 2 circs. There are some extremely helpful video clips available that show these techniques.

I would be incredibly loathed to go back to using dpns instead of circular needles for socks. I use circular needles for practically everything now. However, my set of Denise needles only goes down to a 3.75mm, which isn't small enough for 4-ply socks. I use 2.5mm Addi Turbos for them.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
Sock needles are a very personal choice. I always use DPN's and generally go for 2.25mm as I seem to get a really nice even fabric with that size. Up until recently i've only used metal ones as I like really really sharp points on my needles but I needed a new set because all my needles were occupied and I wanted to make my Dad some gloves for christmas, so I bought some bamboo double pointed needles from Libertys and have been really pleased with them. I've got some brittany birch double pointed ones as well but i'm really not keen on those, partly because I find they flex a bit too much for my liking, and partly because they are too short and I find them awkward to knit with.

I'm knitting the gloves from Jaegar matchmaker merino 4ply on 2.5mm double points. I'm making up my own pattern for fingerless gloves as I go along and have been very pleased with the results so far. I'm about halfway through the second glove.

LMM
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
I used to knit quite a bit, then got hand trouble, and quit. However I am determined to teach both my God daughters to knit and crochet. My sister is quite up to teaching my niece. Well to that end over New Year I gave the older of my two God Daughters her first crocheting lesson. I had not crocheted for yonks, but realised it might not put a strain on my left hand. So am now going to try crocheting her a scarf for her birthday. Should be simple enough.

Jengie
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Inspired by this thread, I went online last night and ordered some lovely Dale of Norway wool yarn in "sand." We've been feeling the lack of an afghan in the family room for some time, so I'm going to crochet one. Very simple, just double crochet all the way through, to show off the beauty of the wool.
 
Posted by samara (# 9932) on :
 
I'm curious about knitted socks, so I thought I'd ask the experts.

So, on to knitted socks. My first thought was of the scratchy-but-warm slippers my grandmother made (with acrylic yarn, I think). Not particularly enticing. Yet I hear of felting merino wool, and I wonder: do knitted socks have to be bulky? How comfy do they get, assuming adequate skill? Can they be fairly light, suitable for summer, or does that require machines?

I once learned something about knitting, but never got really proficient. I have crocheted more. Knitting is tempting, particularly if I could make use of the results. There's more nice patterns for knitting than crocheting, I find.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Once you've managed to obtain a well-made pair of hand-knitted socks you will never want mass-produced socks again. There are lots of good books (one of the best is Knitting Rules! by the Canadian author Stephanie Pearl-McPhee) that could be helpful to you. If you are willing to use tiny needles and fine yarn, you can make socks as fine as you like. And don't turn your nose up at all acrylics. They've changed a lot. I'm just barely speaking from experience, though. I'm working on a pair of socks on #3 (American size, 3.25 mm) needles with suri alpaca yarn and that's the finest I've used so far.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I second Badfundie's comments about handknitted socks. You can make them to suit your feet, just bliss.

Samara, they don't need to be bulky. I think many in the USA seem to make them on big needles out of thicker yarn. I'm an Aussie and usually use what is sold as sock yarn, what we would call down here 3 or 4 ply. Like baby wool. I usually do the legs of mine on 2.75 mm needles and then go to 2.25 for the feet as that makes a strong fabric which wears well. Somewhere between 8-10 stitches/inch. Difference because of needles does not show when worn.

Another good book is Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Scurch. I bought my copy from Amazon. About US$16. This shows the anatomy of a sock and you can make a small one as an experiment. It has stitch dictionaries with instructions to suit your tension and the pattern you choose, all neatly set out in tables and instructions for making the sock.

Socknitters is a very large site with tutorials and online help and a yahoo group with lots of mail and help.

Acrylics are much improved, although I have arthritis in my hands and my fingers really prefer natural fibres. I buy sock yarn which has a percentage of nylon for long wear in it. I also have made socks from machine washable 5 ply and crepe. All these go in the washing machine and occasionally the dryer too. No problems. I do have some luxury socks and do these by hand.

It's hot down here, but I knit socks even in summer as they are small and don't sit in my lap like a shawl or something larger would.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I would definitely not use acrylics for socks. They are not as warm as natural fibres, and they don't wick moisture away like them either.

I have make about 12 pair of socks in the past 18 months. I use 2.5mm needles and 4-ply yarn. This produce a fabric that is slightly thicker than shop-bought socks, but not as thick as sports socks.They are fun to make, and one you get the basic pattern in your head they are so simple. However, it can be quite daunting reading the pattern first time around, but as long as you do exactly what the pattern says then you should be fine, if not, ask questions.

In sock yarns I really like Opal, Regia, Lorna's Laces, Cherry Tree Hill and Lana Gross. Most of these contain about 25% nylon in the yarn. This give the wool strength. A wonderful on-line shop is Angel Yarns They offer good service and a large range of yarns. sock yarn page.

There are sock yarns available in DK (worsted) weight, and the recommended needles are 3.5mm.

Sock yarn is fantastic stuff. I knitted Gremlin a pair of socks and then used the leftover yarn to make a hat and sock set for a baby.
 
Posted by bloodbro (# 12112) on :
 
if you are intending to knit socks learn how to darn them properly too
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I would definitely not use acrylics for socks. They are not as warm as natural fibres, and they don't wick moisture away like them either.

Yes but what do you knit socks in if you really cannot take wool? All the more need in that I wear thick socks and most of those you can buy are woollen.

I have one jumper 15% wool, worn over a cotton polo neck I manage to wear it for about three hours before I tear if off with frustration. I'd love to wear wool, have on a number occasions tried to force myself to, but have finally concluded that its a no go area for me.

Jengie
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Yes but what do you knit socks in if you really cannot take wool? All the more need in that I wear thick socks and most of those you can buy are woollen.

Ah, now that is a bit different. When you have a reaction against a specific yarn type then stay away from it and use something that doesn't make you want to rip your skin off.

Some wools, like Noro Kureyon are so 'wooly' that I can only stand them on my skin for about 20 seconds. Others like lambswool or merino are so soft and gentle that I can wear them all day.

Do you have the reaction to all wools, or are some worse than others? If some are worse than others I could send you some left over sock yarns so that you can test them to see if they might be okay for you. I am currently knitting socks in Lana Grossa cotton. This is a mix of 45% Cotton, 42% Virgin wool and 13% Polyamide. It feels so non-wooly that I had to read the ball band to check if there was wool in it.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
oooh - I thought I had posted on here and I cant find it *wails*.

Just to say that the "art of knitting" magazine has arrived (the first 2 anyway!) and its very exciting!!! Its got nice simple instructions (and a dvd so you can *see* what they're showing you*) and I'm much more confident already. They have practice thread as well as needles and some thread for the squares you make each week for the throw....

So far I have knitted and purled and made 2 squares - one that looks like "little ladders" [Smile] They are pretty colours too.

I'll have to wait for the next episode now... although in the mean time I've painted my wall [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I'm not terribly crafty (in a knitting kind of way) but someone at church is collecting clothes and blankets for new born babies in South Africa - apparently many leave hospital wrapped in newspaper because their parents cannot afford clothes.
I think I can only offer blankets, unless I do "square" jumpers (rectangles for arms & squares for bodies) which mightn't suit tiny babies. But I thought I'd declare my intentions of blanket knitting....


If, that is, the Cats allow me to knit and don't insist on tangling themselves in the wool. I bet they don't. And they do.
 
Posted by dawn treader (# 11296) on :
 
Hope you don't mind my joining you...

I'm slowly, steadily and very carefully making my way through a relatively basic Shetland shawl from Heirloom knitting, although the one-ply is doing my head in! Sister is due her third daughter on Palm Sunday, so I think it may be time to break into the more user-friendly Rowan wool-cotton and make a couple of baby things as deliciously light relief. Having said that, I do find the concentrated rhythmn of lace-knitting quite soothing.

Somewhat in awe of all the sock-knitting. I have never mastered four needles, despite many attempts, and have some beautiful but virtually unused sock yarn to show for it.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Sock yarn doesn't just have to be used for socks. It can be used to make up any 4-ply pattern, and looks stunning when made into baby/toddler clothes.

Two really lovely examples are a pattern from Opal and Devan. Fingerless mitts also work really well in sock yarn, as do hats and gloves and lacy shawls.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Wow - what fab piccies BB. I love that ladies shawl..... *drools*

At the moment Im enjoying little squares. Im not sure Id be patient/dedicated enough to do the big shawl but it is gorgeous!

I expect Ill be making things that can be made from little squares for a while.....!!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
That is up to you, of course, but that beautiful shawl can be made considerably smaller so that it just covers the shoulders. It is actually a pretty easy knit, with knit, purl, knit two together (k2tog) and a yarn forward. I suspect that it won't be long at all before you would be able to make it.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I have great respect for anyone who can make fancy shawlls - over 10 yrs ago I started a cobweb shawl, using 1 ply, and got so lost in the pattern that I never really knew where I should be. It's still in my projects cupboard and maybe, just maybe, one day I'll finish it. Or maybe I'll have a go at one of those wonderful Opal knitted shawls - the blus one looks so cozy.
 
Posted by Hugal (# 2734) on :
 
As this is about crafty things in general.
I am starting a couple of scrapbooks for my and Gill H's special birthdays. Anyone out there croppers or card makers. I mainly do cards but some cropping. Gill is the needle crafter in our house, knitting and cross stitch. I just do paper.
 
Posted by dawn treader (# 11296) on :
 
Fab idea to use the sock yarn. Just re-discovered some hand-dyed pink and burgundy and it's even machine washable. Baby cardie, I think!
 
Posted by Lioba (# 42) on :
 
I can't stand things that lie around unused that's why I'd like to give away the instruction and the yarn for this embroidery. So if you're interested, just pm me.

Lioba
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Done 4 squares!!!

At an hour a square (I'm not a fast knitter!)this could be a labour of love, but at least I now do something constructive whilst watching rubbish on television!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm knitting a shawl. It's supposed to be very basic ribbing, knit 3, purl 3, but the first section didn't turn out that way because I didn't know what I was doing properly. Then, when I started to do the ribs, they reversed themselves a couple of times (which actually looks quite pretty).
I'm finding it quite liberating to knit with only an approximate nod towards the pattern, and not to have to Get It Right. On the way, I'm learning a lot, and I'm going to keep it just as it is, dropped stitch/ladder and all. When I've finished this, I know I'll be able to do a 'proper' one.
 
Posted by Pax Romana (# 4653) on :
 
I recently knit a hat which was supposed to be done with a few rows of ribbing on the bottom, then stockinette all the way up.

I mis-read the pattern and ended up with a very cute hat with some nice looking "strips" where I had ended up reversing the stockinette. It worked, though, and it gives the hat character. So I just continued doing what I was doing.

The next time I make a hat using that pattern, I can either do it the "right" way or do it my way. It's nice to have a choice!

Pax Romana
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hugal:
As this is about crafty things in general.
I am starting a couple of scrapbooks for my and Gill H's special birthdays. Anyone out there croppers or card makers. I mainly do cards but some cropping. Gill is the needle crafter in our house, knitting and cross stitch. I just do paper.

I do card making and a variation of scrapbooking. Also the needlecrafts - patchwork and quilting mostly.

Retsoc
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Just starting out with knitting. I had previously tried (and thought I'd managed) to learn as a child, but recently discovered I'd been doing it wrongly for years! Now that I've relearnt how to hold the yarn etc I'm finding it quite difficult to go at anything beyond snail's pace. I keep being guilty of 'throwing the yarn' and I'm finding that once I have a few rows done it becomes increasingly difficult to hold it properly as it bunches up and gets in the way of the knitting I'm actually trying to do! I'm hoping that practice makes perfect.

Decided that I'd just start with something terribly simple - a garter stitch scarf, but I'm not getting very far at the moment.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
kentishmaid,
There is no 'wrong' way to knit. Most English language books will tell you a particular way of doing things - but some of the better ones will offer two or more options. If you learnt to knit in Europe, you'd be taught something different again. As someone who's been knitting for over 40 years, and teaching others to knit for 30, I firmly believe that if you're comfortable with what you're doing, and you are producing a fabric that you're happy with, then you are knitting the right way for you. If what you're trying as the 'right' way is not working for you, then how can it possible be right for you?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I would second that.

I have been knitting the wrong way for about 50 years. I take my hand off the right needle to pass the yarn round (instead of hooking it over using the little finger). But it does, I maintain, produce a very even tension.

And Eigon - congratulations on discovering (by the sound of it) seed stitch* and basket** stitch.

*1 k, 1 p alternating, so that the knit stitch is purled in the next row, and the purl knitted.
**same idea, only in blocks, say 2 sts x 3 rows, so that the texture resembles basketweave.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I have been knitting the wrong way for about 50 years. I take my hand off the right needle to pass the yarn round (instead of hooking it over using the little finger). But it does, I maintain, produce a very even tension.

Yes, I do that too! And until recently, I was yarnovering the wrong way when purling, so that when I turned to knit the next row, every single stitch was twisted.

Problem is, I quite liked the way my stockinette looked with the twisted stitches so now I try to create the same effect by knitting into the back loop.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
Yes, I do that too! And until recently, I was yarnovering the wrong way when purling, so that when I turned to knit the next row, every single stitch was twisted.
[/QB]

I did that too when I first started to knit. I got so frustrated with it that I took it into the knitting department at the House of Fraser where I used to live and showed it to the lovely lady who worked there and asked what I was doing wrong. She looked at it and told me it looked fine to her and she wished that she could get her tension that even. Whilst it was nice to be complimented, it wasn't helpful in terms of creating a knitted fabric that I liked so I kept looking through books until I found precise instructions about how to make a purl stitch and discovered what I had been doing wrong. Knowing the correct way was such a revelation to me - it was like someone suddenly turning a lightbulb on in my head.

Another knitting revelation I made was when I discovered knitting continental style rather than English. I had been doing the "throwing the yarn over" thing that Firenze described and to me it felt clumsy and un-natural, wheras continental knitting, when I tried it immediately felt "right". I find that continental knitting makes for smaller hand movements so feels neater and works faster, but then you will always tend to advocate what works for you!

As far as socks go, I always use DPN's because I like the way the different needles can mark out sections of the pattern and because I hate stitch markers. I like Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn, and Koigu KPPPM and Regia (particularly the India and Canada cotton stripes) I have some Fyberspates, some Lorna's Laces, some Fleece Artist and some Colinette Jitterbug as well, but since i've not used them yet, I can't make any assessment as to how nice they are to knit with.

I've got two pairs of socks on the go at the moment, as well as a pair of gloves and a large jumper for a friend of mine. I just finished another pair of gloves - my first finished object of 2007 - which I designed myself. I like them ok, and am mostly pleased with the way that they turned out, but am going to try making slight changes to the pattern for this second pair and see how that works.

LMM
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Another "wrong way" knitter here.

About twenty years ago I took a knitting class with a teacher who kept scolding me for the way I was holding the needles and yarn. I quit trying because, obviously, I was no good at it and so why waste time? A couple of years ago I got an Elizabeth Zimmerman video tape out of the library and she was holding her yarn and needles the same way I had been holding mine!

I can't believe I deprived myself of the pleasure of accomplishment and creativity that knitting gives for so many years because of what some silly woman said. (also, continental style turned out to be easier for me.)

So, Kentishmaid, in the wise words of Staphanie Pearl-McPhee:

"There are a lot of ways to do things. Think outside the box and be in charge of your knitting.With wool as my witness, and despite how that lady treated you in the yarn shop that one time, there are no knitting police. Do what you want."
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Yikes! It's Stephanie, of course, not Staphanie! [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Just to prove there is no right way to knit. The way I was taught involves I think hooking it over with my right fore finger. Hands never leave the hands, because the little finger of the right hand controls the tension of the wool, the same way as a string player changes the note of a string.

As I was taught by two separate people, mother and paternal grandmother, of families separated for at least one hundred years. I am not sure where the common tradition comes from.

It must be common hand tradition, for when crocheting I can use two different ways of holding the wool in the left hand, one from my gran and one from my mother. My mother's is easier for a beginner but a skilled one would not use anything but my gran's. as my mothers gives too little control of the tension.

Jengie
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Jengie, I have been on the hunt for non-woolen sock yarn for you. And to my delight I found that Grumperina had already compiled an extensive list! Grumperina is the designer of the Odessa hat mentioned on this thread. She has one of the hottest knitting blogs, and writes really interesting and useful articles.

Her criteria when compiling the list were:
1. Absolutely no wooly fiber content, not even 1% wool or mohair, etc. Many sock yarns blend wool and cotton, and while I think they are a good choice for many (including myself for really, really, really arctic days), they do not constitute non-wooly sock yarns.
- silk is fine with me, although vegan knitters prefer to exclude it, too.
- I'm extremely hesitant to include yarns which are 100% synthetic because in my experience they are very heat-trapping. So, I'm limiting this list to yarns which are at least 50% natural fiber.

2. Thinness - fingering weight or thinner, which is 7 spi or more per 4" in stockinette.

3. Color and texture - I want to be able to knit fancy, patterned socks, maybe even ones with stranded/Fair Isle motifs! Therefore, it's ideal if the yarn is smooth and comes in solid colors.

4. Memory - hold its shape exceptionally well. In my experience, cotton or silk must be blended with elastic/lycra (not just any ol' synthetic fiber) in order to satisfy this criterion.

Grumperina's list has 19 different sock yarns (or yarns that can be knitted into nice socks).
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant, [Overused] [Overused] [Yipee] [Yipee]

This summers handicraft project will be a non-wool pair socks. This is after the two scarves for God-daughters.

Jengie
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Pax Romana:
I recently knit a hat which was supposed to be done with a few rows of ribbing on the bottom, then stockinette all the way up.

I mis-read the pattern and ended up with a very cute hat with some nice looking "strips" where I had ended up reversing the stockinette. It worked, though, and it gives the hat character. So I just continued doing what I was doing.

The next time I make a hat using that pattern, I can either do it the "right" way or do it my way. It's nice to have a choice!

Pax Romana

The first jumper (sweater for you US-ians) I ever made myself had a repeating pattern in it. After doing two sleeves and half a back, I figured out why mine didn't look like the one in the picture - I'd been misunderstanding the instructions. So I figured what the heck, and carried on doing it 'wrong'. Then later I made myself another jumper doing the pattern correctly. One pattern, two garments!
 
Posted by Canute the Holy (# 9394) on :
 
And I'm finally off on my craftsproject!

I'm doing an alb (no, not knitted! Would just look silly...). Sewing it after a pattern I found in Linda C Hall's book Making Eucharistic Vestments on a Limited Budget.
Hopefully it will be quite nice, and of better cut than those you can buy (at a much greater cost)...

[ 25. January 2007, 20:12: Message edited by: Canute the Holy ]
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
Any suggestions? I'm knitting a coat (in one piece, on circular needles) and I've finished the main part, which involved binding off for the sleeves and then casting on again the next row. So now I have to pick up the stitches for the sleeves, but my binding off tension was tighter than my cast on, and I think it might look weird and uneven and bunched at the back. Would I be better just to bite the bullet and pick up the stitches evenly or try to undo the bound off row so it's all evenly loose? The coat is very unstructured, basically a diamond shape with arm holes and the sleeves are large, but I suspect the arm might look puckered if I go as it is. This is the pattern I used. Please help, knitting gurus!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Mertide,

I think I would probably undo the binding off and do it more loosely. Just my thoughts and I may change my mind if I saw your knitting in the flesh, so to speak.

It should be relatively easy to undo the cast off. More loosely?

You can just try hard to keep it loose.

You can do the cast off in needles a couple of sizes bigger than you were using.

You can try various other ways. Do a search on the terms you need. Here's an easy one. Knit 2. Lift back stitch on right hand needle over the first stitch. Just like common cast off.

Place that stitch back on left hand needle and knit 2. Lift stitch over and put remaining stitch back on left needle. And so on to end.

It's a bit time consuming but makes looser edge.

There are quite a few other ways of doing a loose cast off. Some are sewn, some knitted, some crocheted.

I'm sure others will be able to help.

[ 25. January 2007, 23:05: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
If it were me, I would re-do the bind off on slightly larger needles. And I would re-do it as many times as was needed to get it just right. I would rather not take the chance of puckering or too tight armholes. It won't take long to re-do the bind off, but it could make a big difference to the finished article.

Some things are worth taking the time to get them just right. Others can be skimmed over as they are not going to effect the line of the garment, how it is worn etc.

A useful technique is Short Rows Knitting. If you are binding off 15 st, and then casting on 15st in the next row (to put in a slit). Then instead of bind on and off, you could use a different yarn amd use the Short row technique.

The basic technique is to knit along the stitches that you are told to bind off. Then turn the work and purl along the 15st using a different yarn. Then turn and knit back along the 15 sts. After then you start knitting again with your original yarn. When you are ready to use the stitches that have been knit in the second yarn, take a small pair of scissors and snip out the extra yarn. Collect up the 15st on the top and bottom, and these now become 'live'.

I would give a word of caution, the technique above doesn't give a seams, and seams can be very useful in providing structure and stability to an item. In a coat for an adult I probably wouldn't use this method as the weight of the sleeves could easily distort the shoulders of the coat. However, I would use it for children's wear and also for things like buttonholes.
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
Thanks both of you. I suppose in a way I knew that was the only way, but I had hopes there was a simpler (lazier) way to make it right. It's actually been sitting reproachfully looking at me for months while I tried to convince myself I could just pick up the stitches, but it'll probably only take a little while to undo it and get it right. Next time I'll try the short row technique and save a lot of angst.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
The short row technique is really simple to do, but I can't stress enough that there is a very real danger of the sleeves of an adult's garment pulling down on the shoulders and distorting the garment. This could be as much as 5-7cm of extra sleeve length, and of course this would mean that the knitting across the shoulders would be very stressed and stretched.

I am a great fan of seamless garments (cos I prefer the knitting to the sewing up), but sometimes the seams are needed for strength and stability.
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
With this coat I don't think it will be a problem because it's quite a light mohair and the armholes are so dropped anyway that the sleeves are fairly short. Next time I try anything this large I'll bear that in mind though if it's weighty. I'm intrigued by the idea of knitting a jumper in the round, but the shoulder and sleeve fitting does worry me.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Talking of picking up...

I am knitting something I hope will be a sort of semi-sleeved weskit (or vest as they say in 'murica).

The back is a rectangle, the fronts are straight at the sides, and with quite a long decrease on the inner side.

If it were to have sleeves, it would be a loose-fit, box-shaped, drop-shouldered cardigan.

But I want, instead of sleeves, to pick up stitches on the side and do an inch or so of rib. I see this cuff as being quite long (matching the beginning of the long decrease on the front).

Any hints or tips for creating a good pick up from the side of a knitted piece? I usually reckon a proportion of 3 stitches to 4 rows to accommodate the difference in length/width in stocking stitch.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
I'd do a standard 'pick up and knit' - with the yarn in hand as if to knit normally, insert needle (perhaps a little finer than you'll use for the band itself) into the first stitch, bring yarn around needle knitwise, draw through. One stitch on needle. continue thusly, skipping every fourth stitch as you work your way around the armhole. If you're doing a rib band, the rib should draw it in neatly. If you were doing a garter stitch band, I'd suggest some systematic decreasing in the first row to make it sit better.

The other way to pick up stitches neatly and easily is using a crochet hook. Personally, I prefer the first option.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Firenze, if I wanted to pick up stitches from stocking stitch, and was going to knit the new piece in stocking stitch I would pick up 2 stitches for every 3 rows. This gives a nice smooth transition, with no puckering.

As you want to go into rib, I suggest that you pick up on stitch for every row. This should help reduce any pickering going from st st to rib, but will still produce a tighter fabric that if done in st st.

I suspect that the only way to tell for sure it to try it out and decide what looks best to you.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
[Yipee] Woohoo!

I've just made myself a hat and it fits and looks good! So chuffed. Can't wait to make something else, now.

And I couldn't have done it without the fabby lady in the wool shop in Cheam who helped me to find a substitute yarn. Yay for independent shops.

Sorry, getting bit over excited now.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
Congratulations on the hat, kentishmaid. Isn't it a wonderful feeling when you make something and it turns out well? I know lots of people say knitting is about the process, and I certainly find the process very relaxing, but it's also about the finished product. A good FO is a very good thing.

And I'll join you in saying yay for helpful wool shop staff. A good wool shop is a great asset, not just as a supplier of yarn but also of advice & encouragement.

I'm still knitting away on the same projects, but have been working on an embroidery project mostly - making a stole for a friends ordination. I've finished the quite elaborate freeform embroidery cross-shaped tree, grapevine & glove the bottom of one side, and am now couching gold Japan thread for a celtic cross on the breast of the other side.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
My blanket is going well - 21 squares knitted so far. I have joined 18 together (3 rows of 6) and while it looks a little bit messy (squares not all the same size [Hot and Hormonal] ) I'm hoping that a newspaper clad baby will still be glad of it!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
My blanket is going well - 21 squares knitted so far. I have joined 18 together (3 rows of 6) and while it looks a little bit messy (squares not all the same size [Hot and Hormonal] ) I'm hoping that a newspaper clad baby will still be glad of it!

A blanket is a blanket when you don't have one!

What you could do is give the blanket a wash and a gentle squeeze to get as much water out as possible. Lay some towels on a carpeted floor, and pin the blanket out on the towels. Gently tease the squares into a better shape. This is called blocking, and can drastically improve the look of knitted work.

Cranmer's baggage, I would love to see a photograph of the stole when it is finished. It sounds lovely.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I spent this afternoon with old Bogart films on the video and a wall hanging across my lap. I'm halfway round sewing a leaping stag to the backcloth as the first panel of a medieval hunting scene.
 
Posted by samara (# 9932) on :
 
Thank you Badfundie, Lothlorien, babybear, bloodbro, and everyone for the sock advice.

I'm tempted to start with a scarf, to learn the basics. Then onward.

Darn? Another thing I've assumed leaves lumps, but maybe just when applied to bought socks?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Please help.

This is a question for all handcrafters, not just knitters:

I have finished 48 inches of a 56 inch wrap that is a gift for someone I seldom see. As I was looking at it last night, I decided that it looked sloppy. it's a self-striping thin and thick yarn knitted in a k1 p1 ribbing. The fat places in the yarn make it look as if the rows aren't straight and even though I doubt that the recipient will care, it's making me a little crazy. I've done a swatch in seed stich and it looks about ten times better, but I would have to frog 7 skeins of yarn and redo the whole thing to fix this.

Is it worthwhile to redo so much work in order for me to be happy with the job I've done on this project (the neurotic way), or should I just finish it the way it has been started and try to forget it (the lazy way)? I don't want to send off something that I feel is not very good, but I don't want to be silly about it, either.

What would you do?
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
You're so close to finished! If you really don't want to give it as a gift, and you'd be frogging it anyway and starting again, buy some more yarn, knit another one in seed stitch, and finish the first wrap and keep it for yourself. It must get cold enough in Colorado to have a use for it. Put the knitting time into having two wraps made instead of one.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
The re-frogged yarn (I assume frogging means re-winding into a ball? or does it mean ripped back?) anyway, it will be kinky from having been knitted so will not give a regular result anyway if so much is reknitted. I would finish the remaining 8 inches.

Then decide if you can see the virtue in it (e.g. the optical illusion between the perfectly straight knitting and the thick/thin yarn, or the Navajo idea that there should always be a deliberate flaw put in so as not to exhibit hubris in attempting perfection, or that maybe someone else might enjoy the variations, or ...).

If you can see that well enough, give it to your friend. If instead it still really bothers you, donate it to a homeless shelter or Goodwill where someone will definitely appreciate the virtue in it (rest assured, aesthetically as well as practically), and knit a new one for your friend.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by samara:
Darn? Another thing I've assumed leaves lumps, but maybe just when applied to bought socks?

samara, I think the problem with bought socks is that it's very hard to get the wool for darning that is as fine as the wool used in the socks. Hence lumps. Also as bloodbro says, learning to do it properly so as to not create extra lumpiness at the edges where the darn meets the original.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
'Frogging' is what you do when you decide that a mistake has been made and you start pulling back the yarn, you 'rip it, rip it'. [Big Grin]

If the seed stitch version of the wrap is seriously going to be ten times better than the ribbed version then I would frog it. I would be unable to continue with the item if I could make it into something that was considerably better. If 'ten times better' is really 'a bit better', then I would leave it and get the item finished and sent.

When an item has bee frogged, the yarn will often be a tad kinky. If it has just newly been knitted up then it won't pose a problem simply to wind it up into a ball and re-knit it. If it has been washed then the kinks will probably need to be taken out before the yarn is re-knitted.

I can't think how I can explain de-kinking yarn at the moment. It is one of these things that is easy to do and show, but difficult for an ursine brain be-fuddled with a stinky cold to explain.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Grooooooooooooaaaaaaaaan, babyfrog!

Just one question for the befuddled stinky cold ursine brain: does de-kinking involve de-kinking each kink one-by-one, like unkinking a phone cord? Or is it a more global operation?

And here's the question I came in here about to start with (I can't believe I've missed this thread all this time!):

I've just finished a garter-stitch afghan. (Four garter-stitch strips, end-result about 48"x48"). Now that it's sewed together, I remember that garter stitch expands. And since I knit loosely, it's got quite a lot of potential for expansion already. So I'm considering putting a border around it. E.g. seed-stitch or crochet. (I'm inclined to crochet because (a) I would want to do the border in the round and don't know if I can handle 192" of stitches on one needle!, and (b) it would be a good chunk of crochet work all at once making it possible I would finally learn how to crochet properly.

So... do you think a border would help in anti-expansion? Or might it just expand out from the middle anyway, and come to resemble a laundry bag or something with the constrained edge?

And... knit or crochet?

And... if crochet, what stitches/pattern? (You can just name it in summary and I promise to go hunt up what that means [Biased] .)

And... if seed stitch -- (or any stitch) -- how does one turn a square corner? (Plain stockinette stitch instructions are fine, I can overlay the seed stitch pattern onto that I expect.)
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
does de-kinking involve de-kinking each kink one-by-one, like unkinking a phone cord? Or is it a more global operation?

Frog [Big Grin] the knitting and start making a skein. You can do this by wrapping the yarn around a large folder, the back of a chair, or between your hand and elbow. Try to keep the tension nice and even as you do this.

Take some spare yarn and tie the skein in 4 or 5 places. The idea is that the strand of yarn should be held in place and not allowed to go for a wander and get knotted. Take the skein and soak it in warm water, with a little detergent added. Soak for about 10-15 mins. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the yarn and set aside to dry. You can do this by hanging the skein out on the washing line to dry, or by putting on some towels and letting it dry flat.

When it is dry gently undo the ties and taking care not to get into a tangle, make balls from the skein.

This won't give you perfectly smooth yarn, but it will be smooth enough to re-knit and produce good results.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Thank you little ursine. (Here's hoping an improved situation soon for the cold ursine snout [Smile] .) This sounds like what Maggie Righetti describes in her books, but she makes it sound like a much bigger production and hence of course seeing it as a big production she thinks it's seldom worth the time. You make it sound much calmer and not a big deal.

My current similar dilemma is a purple sweater, which hasn't got its sleeves started yet, but turns out to be proportioned for a tall pencil with armpits about a foot below the shoulders. [Help] I've been happily ignoring it for several years now while I work on other things [Big Grin] .

Today I am going to look in my yarn stash and decide what to make fingerless gloves with. I have gone on revolt against being TOO FRIGGING COLD at work... yes, I work in an office... yes, it's ridiculous that we're all sitting around in coats and hats and gloves... no, the heat seems to be permanently beyond idiotic in the building, with no hope of solution in sight. If they try to take my space heater away from me though they will discover how fierce I can be.

I originally wanted to make them out of silk, but have decided that given a nice big yarn stash it would be frivolous to go out and buy silk. (I know, I know, how can I possibly call myself a True Knitter with attitudes like that [Biased] ?)
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
I originally wanted to make them out of silk, but have decided that given a nice big yarn stash it would be frivolous to go out and buy silk. (I know, I know, how can I possibly call myself a True Knitter with attitudes like that [Biased] ?)

Don't worry, this happens to all of us from time to time, but it's only temporary.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
[Devil] The knitting stash didn't have any blue wool. Don't want red, white or bright green mitts. Couldn't be sure there was enough of the teal. I'm saved from betraying the cause of True Knitterdom. Plus there's a new knitting store that's a long but not too long walk away, so it's a health imperative for me to go there, right? [Devil]
 
Posted by Liopleurodon (# 4836) on :
 
I take my eye off the ball for five minutes and there's a five page knitting thread. Such is life.

Currently working on a scrummy cardigan thing with some yarn which I got dirt cheap. I was in a charity shop and a sweater caught my eye because of the pretty colours. First thought was "ah, it's a hand knit" and then "Holy cow! It's made in Noro Silk Garden and it clearly hasn't been worn!" So I bought it for £3.50 and ripped the whole thing. Noro Silk Garden is around £6.50 a ball, and it was a big jumper, so I got around £90 worth of yarn for £3.50. This makes me smug. Can't imagine who would give the jumper away in the first place though.

If you want to get involved in a crazy worldwide knitting project for Cancer Research, check out the link in my sig [Smile]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
This sounds like what Maggie Righetti describes in her books, but she makes it sound like a much bigger production and hence of course seeing it as a big production she thinks it's seldom worth the time. You make it sound much calmer and not a big deal.

I enjoy de-kinking yarn. It fits very nicely withing "reduce, recycle, reuse". For a small bit of time and effort you can rescue yarn that might otherwise have been dumped. And as Liopleurodon has shown, you can take charity shop finds and get utter, utter bargains.

I am bored, bored, bored with my knitting just now. I have been going round in circles making the arms for my daughter's raglan sweater. Every single stitch is knit, and its just boring. I don't want to do it, but she will not be a happy little girl if I stop. And anyway, I have no idea what I would knit next.

bb
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
I'm thinking of knitting a Klein bottle.

(After my fingerless mitts of course. And weaving in and blocking my feather-and-fan cotton seaside shawl. And bordering (or not) my afghan. The purple pencil-tube can wait longer though [Big Grin] .)

I realized I can knit a border onto my afghan by knitting it sideways rather than round and round -- only 10 stitches on the needles at a time insted of 1100!

Or possibly a nice stiff crochet would be faster, if it could be narrower for the same stiffening effect? But harder on my wrist I think.

Shall consult with knitting store this afternoon.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
AR, I'm still working on my klein bottle started over 2 years ago. I need to get moving soon cos it's taking up a valuable set of dpns.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Just finished another hat, owing to a pattern from this fabby website. I think I'm on a roll!

Unfortunately lots of them are for circular needles and, frankly, circular needles scare me. Any clue how I can convert (particularly the hat ones) to two straights instead? I really don't mind seaming.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Often all you have to do is add two extra stitches. These will become the seam allowance. Then the tricky part is to remember that you haven't mucked up the pattern and you don't have too many stitches, it is simply that you have two extras. [Big Grin]

Another way to do it is to learn to use circs. I love them, and now have about um, 2 pairs of straight needles. Circs are far kinder to joints than straight needles. Go on, give it a wee go. [Big Grin]

I have decided to a touch of crochet. I have some lovely sock yarn that doesn't look much knitted up, but looks far, far better crocheted. When knitted it is a mish-mash of rainbow coloured stitches, but when crocheted there is a love progression. I am using a ball of undyed sock yarn and this pastel rainbow stuff to make a baby's blanket. It is made from Granny Squares, the centre being rainbow, then two rounds of undyed, one rainbow and two rows of undyed. These squares are joined, and a scalloped edge is applied in rainbow.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I've just started to knit this shwal (thank you Babybear for posting the link to it!) with this yarn (although the yarn that arrived is a lot darker than was shown on my screen).
It's a nice project and should keep me sitting in one place for longer than 5 minutes, which is just what I need at the moment to help me recover from a tedious chest infection (thankfully I don't cough too much now otherwise I'd be dropping stitches all over the place!)
(but I still hanker after socks!!)
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I thought that might be hte one i was lusting after a whil eback!!!

i love the wool youve chose, although I really love the one in the piccie too [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:



I have decided to a touch of crochet. I have some lovely sock yarn that doesn't look much knitted up, but looks far, far better crocheted. When knitted it is a mish-mash of rainbow coloured stitches, but when crocheted there is a love progression. I am using a ball of undyed sock yarn and this pastel rainbow stuff to make a baby's blanket. It is made from Granny Squares, the centre being rainbow, then two rounds of undyed, one rainbow and two rows of undyed. These squares are joined, and a scalloped edge is applied in rainbow.

That sounds beautiful! If I have a babe one day Id like to comission one! [Smile]
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
Does anyone happen to have any patterns for "Norwegian" knit mittens? These are the ones that have the very detailed pictures/patterns on them usually only done in two colours. I've looked on line for patterns and all I can come across are ones with directions in...Norwegian. That isn't helping so much. Recommendations for books with patterns in them?
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
kentishmaid, you can also avoid circulars by knitting a tube on straight needles instead -- regular needles, not even double points. And no seam at the end.

Imagine squashing the tube flat, and then interleaving the stitches from the front half and the back half onto one needle. The tricky bit is you have to remember to slip every other stitch on each row, and check frequently that you haven't forgotten and knitted both sides of the tube together.

Increasing and decreasing is amusing, for those like me who like puzzles. For everyone else, a technique to test how much you are willing to put up with to avoid using circulars!

This also turns out to be the basis for making a lovely soft edge for ribbing, or any other edge for that matter.

A quick Google hasn't turned anything up online describing the details of how to do this. I learned it from the book Hand-Knitting Techniques from Threads Magazine. It is an article by Bee Borssuck called "Knitting Round on Straight Needles," reprinted from the Aug/Sept 1987 (Issue # 12) Threads magazine.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
altarbird, have you tried searching with "color-stranded" or "Scandinavian"?

Here and here are a couple of patterns for sale online. (Scroll down to Norwegian mittens in the second.)

Here's a free pattern in English! I googled norwegian mitten knit pattern. Here's another freebie, knitted on two needles (with a seam, I think).

Here is an article explaining why the Norwegian patterns you found may be very terse, in addition to being in Norwegian. Plus another picture of mittens.

How are you at taking a basic pattern and overlaying the two-colored design? If so, all you need is an ordinary mitten pattern, plus an inspiration for the design. (The Elizabeth Zimmerman approach.)

No book recommendations; my book collection is surprisingly sparse on Norwegian mittens.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
A quick Google hasn't turned anything up online describing the details of how to do this.

What you have described is a technique known as a 'Double Knitting'. (This is not to be confused with the British yarn weight Double Knitting(DK)). It is used in this heirloom blanket and a scarf.

Abou half way down this page there is a section entitled 'Double Knitting', and a link to a video clip.

Norwegian/Scandinavian mitts are pretty popular just now. Eunny a lovely pattern, Amemoi. You could take her basic design and change the colourwork to include a different design, eg snowflakes or reindeer.

Another nice design of hers is Endpaper mitts; these are fingerless and thumbless. But of course, there is nothing to prevent you from adapting the pattern to make them into conventional mitts.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Double knitting! Thanks, babybear. What none of those links seem to show is how to make the caston and castoff so that the knitting can be opened up in a tube at the end, rather than remaining a flat two-layered object. Or have I missed it?
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
Here someone has detailed the art of knitting two socks, one inside the other, using double knitting.

You may not wish to go quite that far, but she goes over techniques (and admits to cheating on the cast on).
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Casting off (and on) in Double Knitting.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
People may wish to know (may indeed already know) that 'Simply Knitting Magazine' is running a sock knitting competition. They want people to design a pair of socks for someone famous. The closing date is the 1st March 2007 and the winning entries are going to be displayed at the Stitch & Craft Show apparently.

Sadly I'm nowhere near that standard (never knitted a sock, never designed a pattern etc), but I think it sounds like a fun thing to do, so I hope they run it again next year by which point I may be able to cobble together an entry.
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
Alternatively, you could knit a breast (entirely work-safe site)...
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Ferijen, that sounds bizarre, but what a great idea!

Huia
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Definitely looks like a good idea. Weird how people seem to be able to knit almost anything. I saw a picture of that knitted Ferrari in a mag last month, and the latest edition of Simply Knitting features a knitted cave!
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
I finished the dress! I finished the dress! It only took a year, and my daughter's now outgrown it*, but it's finished!

And a knitting miracle occurred: My gauge was so different from one side to the other that I thought the front was going to be two inches shorter than the back, but somehow in the process of stitching the sides together it all evened out! I was busily concocting fixes like crocheting back and forth along the front several rows to "fill in" before crocheting all the way around--and now I don't have to.

*I'd be a LOT more depressed about this, except that we recently discovered that foxcub #4, due in May, is a girl! [Yipee] So I can pretend I was making it for her all along....
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Foxy:
I thought the front was going to be two inches shorter than the back, but somehow in the process of stitching the sides together it all evened out!

One of the best things to do in a situation like that is to finish knitting the pieces, and then block them. Blocking can even out a huge deal of things. If you find that blocking hasn't done enough, then it is an idea to frog the section that has deviated from the stated tension.

Emma, I would be delighted to knit and crochet for any babies you may have in the future. I am currently contemplating knitting you a funky teacosy as part of your wedding gift. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
quote:
If you find that blocking hasn't done enough, then it is an idea to frog the section that has deviated from the stated tension.

By the time I noticed the disparity between the two pieces it would've meant frogging an entire side! It had taken me so long to knit I just couldn't face doing that--too demoralizing. Anyway, I'm glad I ploughed ahead, and now I shall give the whole thing a good block!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
I finished the dress! I finished the dress! It only took a year, and my daughter's now outgrown it*, but it's finished!
My mother, not by any means a sewer/knitter started a striped jumper for me when I was six. Never finished by her. Eventually one of my grandmothers finished it for my sister, then aged six, who is over six years younger than I am.

As Babybear said, block your knitting into submission. Blocking is wonderful and anything done in lace just has to be blocked to transform it into a beautiful article instead of a mass of holes.

And different tensions? I remember doing a sock while watching something tense on TV. It is considerably smaller than the first sock. However, it fits and who can see with socks. Either in a drawer or on my feet.

I've just finished several pairs of socks. Had done one and left it for ages. It's been very hot and humid (86% this morning) down here, so socks are good projects.

I'm currently making jumpers and hats for the AIDS African babies. Funny pattern, but quick and easy and feel good too as I use up bits of stash yarn and do something good for others.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Congratulations, Foxy!

My afghan is almost complete. I'm single-stitch crocheting a border around it, to firm up the loose garter stitch edges. Multicolor blue/white/pale-green thread, to knit (ha ha ha) the colours of the stripes together.
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
That sounds pretty. I'd like to get an afgan going myself, but I have a couple of projects backlogged to do first. First priority is a warm hat for myself. I've don't know what happened to mine since last winter, but I most definitely need a replacement. I've got some nice warm chunky yarn ready to go...shouldn't take too long....

I'm an even worse sewer than I am a knitter, so I'm proud out of all proportion that the Superman cape I made for my 2 year old is a huge hit. Granted, toddlers aren't the most discerning bunch in the world, but still...is there any more satisfying feeling in the world than a gift you made being really LOVED by the recipient? [Yipee]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Ive knitted square 3!!! I was getting a bit disappointed when i could see week 6 in the shops, but weeks 3-6 hadnt arrived, but having got them on saturday square 3 is complete and 4 is on its way.

It all seems to be a mixture of plain and purl so far but in such funky combos - I think Im hooked! I love doing the small squares as you see results so quickly. I think I will stick to small things as Id get bored with something bigger... although there is a mini-throw in one magazine knitted on big needles I fancy trying [Smile]

Im loving this knitting lark - the magazine series is a good one [Smile] Im all excited about.

btw - whats an afghan?
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
An Afghan is basically a throw, most often made up of lots of different squares (as with the one you're creating).

I've seen that Art of Knitting in WH Smiths, it looks quite good. £2.99 is really not bad, considering the free yarn. Only trouble is the yarn appears to be made in China [Frown] Having said that, I ignored my conscience and bought a issues 5 & 6. The patterns look lovely & contemporary.
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
*pops head in, sees scarily competant knitters, goes away and thinks about it, sneaks in...*

Um. Hi. Having mastered not a lot (knit, pearl, increase, decrease, eyelets) I have been making preemie baby stuff. Great fun, really easy and the hospitals love it because it's so hard to buy. There are a few guidelines - such as no yellow - but that's it.

However, I would really like to knit something I can actually use that will be interesting to knit but not ghastly and hard. I like to think I'm mathematically minded, and don't mind learning new stuff proving it's not too complicated. So...does anyone have any ideas?

ETA: my mum always says that the best work is made from yarn that's been knitted at least twice (as in knitted, unwound, re-knitted). Do you think this has any basis in truth?

[ 12. February 2007, 20:37: Message edited by: Ena ]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Hi Ena - I'm not competent at all, don't worry about that.

I've been finding that hats are relatively easy and they knit up quickly too. Even as a beginner I've been able to do them in a weekend.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Ena, it depends a bit on what you like about knitting. Is it having something completed fairly quickly? Is it stitches? Colours?

Knitting stands in for painting for me. (Have just finished the shrug I started further up the thread in blues/pinks with white and green). I am just casting on a loose-fit jumper in dark brown, dark blue, mid blue, torquoise, russet, malachite green and fawn. I usually knit very simple shapes - four rectangles will make a jumper. I don't want shaping or much beyond plain and purl, because the shape is just a canvas for the colours.

I would so recommend learning the technique - intarsia - for joining and interweaving colours. It is so simple, and means you can create the likes of these or these with no more than the stitches you already know. Come over to the brightly coloured side, Luke.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Hi Ena, knit, purl, inc, dec, eyelets -- that's about all there is! Well, maybe Cables. I've never done actual Cables -- I've gotten away with way cool No Cable Needle Required 2-stitch cables for all my cabling needs so far.

How come no yellow for the preemies?

I didn't know that about preemie garments being hard to buy.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
After absorbing Firenze's reply, as opposed to just sliding my eyeballs over it, I realize that, as Firenze observes, multi-colour knitting, whether stranded or intarsia, is a new frontier.

I've done extremely little multi-colour knitting myself, still being completely absorbed in pattern. Lace, lace, lace, I love lace!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ena:
*pops head in, sees scarily competant knitters, goes away and thinks about it, sneaks in...*

Ah, no, no, no. Most knitters are very happy to help and encourage those who are just starting or who want to try new things. They aren't scarey people at all. [Big Grin]

From a mathematical point, you might like to have a go at knitting mitred squares or other such things that involve knitting in two directions at the same. A lovely pattern to try is the multidirectional scarf.

I love some of the designs by Hanne Falkenberg. They are so geometric, and their style of manufacture is decidedly non-traditional.

Emma, you might like to try knitting a scarf in Colinette Point Five. It is a 'think and thin' yarn that knits up very quickly on 12mm needles. The difference in the thickness of the yarn gives the resultant fabric an interesting texture. If you wanted to knit a scarf in it I would suggest a very simple pattern such as:

first 4 fows knit
each odd row: knit
each even row: knit 3, purl to 3 stitches from the end, knit 3
last 4 rows: knit

How many stitches you cast on depends on how wide you want the scarf to be, and you also determine how long you want the scarf to be. If you wanted the scarf to be about 15cm wide, then cast on 12 stitches, for 20cm cast on 16. A good rough guide to scarf length is that they should be about the same length as your height, or a bit longer.

One problem with knitting stocking stitch scarves (knit one row, purl the next) is that they can curl. By having a little bit of garter stitch at the top, bottom and sides, it helps to prevent this.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Ena, since big people stuff is the same as preemie stuff, just bigger, that means you already are a competent knitter who can knit big stuff if you want to.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
My very first flickr photo! Artistic composition of office rug, travel mug, and hat.

The ribbons are for tying under my chin because it's otherwise too loose -- I'm not good at knitting elastic knits. IIRC it's from Homespun, Handknit. I knit it during the televised court hearings over G.W.Bush's first election.

Fuchsia lining which you can see slightly through the unblocked lace outside. Yes, those are two colors of blue. I was using up ballends.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I am still plodding away at the item I was just about to start when I began this thread. The reason it is taking so long is because I do not like the overall colour effect., so can work up little enthusiasm for it.

I ordered the kit for a capelet in mitred squares from a stall at Alexandra Palace in the autumn. I'm pretty sure that the one I tried on was 'jasmin', but within a dozen squares it became clear that I was making 'mirage', which has a preponderance of orange amd green in it, and looks, to my eye, rather 'muddier' than the illustration.

Anyway, enough moaning about it, I have a little problem:

Because of the arthrtitis in my hands I do not have very good grip, and knit rather loosely these days. I have to knit on smaller needles to get the tension correct. What I like about these mitred squares is that the most stitches I have on the pins at any time is 35, but now there are a good many squares, and quite a weight of knitting hanging from those 35 stitches, and it is going to get heavier (I'm on square 38 of 74).
I am finding that as the number of stitches on the needles gets less as the mitre reduces, the weight of the work pulls my loosely knitted 'squares' into a kite shape.
Picking up the stitches for the adjoining squares pulls them back into shape, but some of the squares 'pouch' a bit.

I just wonder what, if anything you all do to support the weight of a nearly completed garment so that it's not all hanging off the stitches left on the needles.

As a knitter only of small items in the past, this has not been a problem for me before.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Are you using straight needles? If so, switching to circulars should help. You use them as if they were straights, but the weight is divided between the two needles which is easier on the hands and on your work.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I'd second the advice about circulars but with a couple of provisos. I too have arthritis which shows in hands and multiple other places as well and use knitting as therapy. Circulars are good but before you buy, at the very least hold them as if you were knitting. In some brands, the actual needle part is quite short and this makes my hands worse, not better.

The other point to check is the join. Some brands are actually lumpy and the fabric catches over the join.

If knitting as if using straights, they should work well if you are comfortable. If you change to knitting a hat etc in the round, be careful. It's very easy just to keep knitting around and around and around and...You need to rest and stretch hands and fingers. That's why I prefer double pointed for socks etc. At least I change hand position at the end of every needle.

Finally...this won't help the weight but with smaller articles which aren't so heavy, consider using casein needles. These are made in Australia by Swallow and come in several brands. Casein is a milk protein and the needles are warm, slightly flexible and just wonderful for arthritic fingers. Google on something like Swallow + knitting + needles. I find regular glucosamine is a good help too. Doesn't solve everything but is a definite help. particularly in hips and ankle pain.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Here's the link for Swallow needles. Just bliss to use

Lots of reviews found with a Google search.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Anent my previous about colour - I have had this brilliant idea for my next knit.

I have been leafing through all my designer and pattern books, all my back numbers of Vogue and Knitters and nothing is calling to me.

Then it came to me.

I shall knit my own Tom Thompson.

I am very fond of the paintings of TT and the Group of Seven, and I have a great many postcards, prints, calendars and books, so I have plenty of references. I grant that Lawren Harris might be simpler, but I so love the oil sketches of pines or birches against lakes.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I am still plodding away at the item I was just about to start when I began this thread. The reason it is taking so long is because I do not like the overall colour effect., so can work up little enthusiasm for it.

I know what you mean - I am knitting a shawl in a yarn that looked so pretty on the net (the colour name included the word "summer") and that I could imagine myself wearing this summer - but it is actually more "winter" colours that I can only just imagine myself wearing at a push at any time of the year.
The things that keep me going are a) stubborn-ness and b) the thought of what I want to knit next (maybe the same shawl but in "summer" colours that I buy from a real shop!!! The only trouble is that it is so time consuming that I think my attention span might be rather challenged! Maybe first I shall do a quick-to-finish hat which is high on my to-knit-list)
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Are you using straight needles? If so, switching to circulars should help. You use them as if they were straights, but the weight is divided between the two needles which is easier on the hands and on your work.

Thanks Badfundie, and Lothlorien for suggesting the use of circular needles. I have never used these, so can't envisage how they can alleviate the weight problem. I will have to experiment.

The casein needles look interesting, Lothlorien. I have been recommended bamboo before now, and have one pair - but not in the correct size for the current project, so have not tried them. I have so many pairs of needles (mostly in very small sizes, dating back to the 1940s and donated by ex-knitters) that I am reluctant to buy more unless they are going to get a significant amount of use.
I think I would have to break my habit of sucking the end of the needle while checking the pattern instructions if I was using casein! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
Thanks all!

I love the Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf, that's just the sort of thing I'd like to try. Colours are good, but it's stitch patterns that really interest me. I like knowing exactly what I'm doing! I think I have a fair amount of patience - but not enough to knit a blanket! [Overused]

The thing about preemie stuff is it's so tiny you don't need to do much shaping, and there isn't space to mess up the pattern much! But thanks, AR, I think it's time to start the big girl stuff.

They don't like yellow for preemies because it make the skin look jaundiced and so detecting actual jaundice is harder. Very few places here (SE England) sell preemie stuff - my friend ended up using a stretched egg cosy! Of course, it's vital that the teenies are kept warm. I think pretty much all hospitals accept knits, providing they're fairly clean. This sort of thing is where I got the idea from.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
BB - the square I have just done is just like that!! st st in the middle but 3 knits either end [Smile]

I really like the art of knitting for "funky" and modern ideas - and in emma-friendly colour wool. Im not too good with imagining things in other colours, so it helps me if the pattern is in a colour I like in the first place!

I prefer the effects of the different stitches to different colours personally.

On the changing colours thing... Ive just done my first atttempt at this ( a diamond in a square) - although it looks fine on the fornt Im not sure Im doing it right. The magazine is usually really good at explaining things with pictures but Im not sure Ive sussed this at all!

When it says twist the yarns at the begining and end of the colour - that **does** end up twisting the woool doesnt it (so thatyou then need to unwrap the 2 balls of woolk drom each other after?) or is that somehow not like that?

When you change colour in purl - it shouldnt take forever to do each stitch should it?

Do you just let the other colour wool drop or do you try to hold both?

Hmmm. I think I might need to explain some of those queries irl but I thought Id see if anyone follows my problem!!!

The next square is garter and "fake" rib I think [Smile] [Smile]

Ill see if i can find a link to the ones Im doing or put a photo up - its muchly exciting!!!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
My first grandson was a premmie, so I knitted a few things for him, and some to donate to the SCBU. I bought my patterns from a market stall, which had a surprisingly good selection...some were dolls' clothes patterns, the largest sizes suitable for prem babies. I like the look of that Ray Of Hope site, and might use some of the baby wool from my store to knit some more for the hospital.

My grandson has an abnormally small head, so finding small enough hats when he was new was quite a problem. Bonnets were definitely not acceptable to his parents, so my proudest moment was when I 'downsized' a baby helmet with shaping like the linked pattern. Unfortunately I didn't keep a note of the alterations, so couldn't repeat it for other premmie boys.
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
OK, a question for all you lovely knitters: what does is

''slip next two stitches individually as if to knit, put tip of left needle into slipped stitches and knit them together''

What's the difference from: 'knit 2 together'?

ETA: the baby helmet is lovely, ROS - I hadn't seen one before!

[ 13. February 2007, 18:32: Message edited by: Ena ]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
As far as I can tell from my magazines, it's that you do the knitting of the two while the stitches are on the right needle instead of the left. However, I haven't actually attempted this yet, as all the patterns I've used have used K2tog or PSSO to decrease.
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
It says you can do:

slip one as if to knit, K1, pass slipped stitch over

instead - is that basically cast off 1? Is it easier? [Biased]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ena:
''slip next two stitches individually as if to knit, put tip of left needle into slipped stitches and knit them together''
What's the difference from: 'knit 2 together'?
[/QB]

I'm trying to visualise this, not having wool and needles handy. It sounds as though it makes the resulting stitch 'turn' to the right, instead of the left, do you do a normal K2tog at the opposite end of the row?

ETA: the alternative option, sl1 K1 psso is easier to do for the same effect

[ 13. February 2007, 18:54: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
The whole row is:

Inc, SSK (or SKP throughout, your choice), turn

(have increased by 1 st)

SSK = slip next two stitches individually as if to knit, put tip of left needle into slipped stitches and knit them together
SKP = slip one as if to knit, K1, pass slipped stitch over

Now inc I can do. The rest looks harder... thanks for the help!

[ 13. February 2007, 18:54: Message edited by: Ena ]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Ena, the one you describe is called Slip Slip Knit, abbreviated SSK.

SSK results in a left-leaning decrease, with the stitch on the right overlapping in front of the stitch on the left.

K2Tog results in a right-leaning decrease, with the stitch on the left overlapping in front of the stitch on the right.

(At least, they lean in different directions. I haven't got needles in my hands to double-check which way.)

kentishmaid mentions PSSO, which is like SSK in terms of which way it leans and which stitch overlaps.

Some people see a difference in how PSSO vs. SSK looks and prefer one or the other. I find SSK easier to do, so I use that, even if the pattern says PSSO.

Do you know about pairing K2Tog with Your Choice Of Other-Leaning Decrease, i.e. either PSSO or SSK, for symmetry and straightness?

[cross-posted with everyone since kentishmaid's post!]

[ 13. February 2007, 18:56: Message edited by: Autenrieth Road ]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ena:
Inc, SSK (or SKP throughout, your choice), turn

(have increased by 1 st)

Ena, I'm puzzled. Those instructions seem to give a row that is decreased by half the number of stitches on the row! You increase 1 at the beginning, but then spend the rest of the row decreasing. Are there Yarn Overs or something in there? Or YO's in the previous row that are now being decreased back out?

Separately: Given Roseofsharon's alternate diagnosis of which way K2Tog vs. SSK/PSSO lean, I hold even more to "I know K2Tog goes in a different directions from the others, but I don't know which is which!"
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ena:
SSK = slip next two stitches individually as if to knit, put tip of left needle into slipped stitches and knit them together

I came across SSK for the first time in the pattern that I'm knitting at the moment (Shoalwater shawl) and googled, getting the same instructions that you quote.
I found following these directions cumbersome, and realised that it is the same as K2tog through back of stiches that I am more familiar with - the effect is to make the stitches lean in the opposite direction to K2tog.

[ 13. February 2007, 19:26: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
Ah, I see. I think. I'll give it a go, anyhow!

AR, I think perhaps the increase 1 might have only applied to the start. At any rate, the picture looks like it should be decreasing there.

Thanks for all the help - I'm saving these pages!
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
So, ROS, I could: slip one, knit one, pass second stitch back over first? [Cool]

AR,
quote:
Do you know about pairing K2Tog with Your Choice Of Other-Leaning Decrease, i.e. either PSSO or SSK, for symmetry and straightness?

nope! [Hot and Hormonal] should I?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
It would probably help if we knew the shape you are hoping to achieve.

I am visualising something that is sloping from a wide base to a narrow apex:

If the slope is on the R hand side only (with the front of the finished fabric facing you) you would decrease near the beginning of the row using either of the methods you have mentioned (my preference is to Slip a stitch, Knit the next and then Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one). Do not do some rows SSK and some SKP.

If the slope is on the left-hand side of the finished piece, then the decrease is a simple knit 2 together at the end, or within a few stitches of the end of the row.

If there is an equal slope on either side, then you do what Autenreith Road referred to, pair your 'Knit 2 together' at the end of the row with whichever option you prefer to get your decrease to slope the other way at the beginning.

I hope you cn make sense of this, or that a better knitter than i am can explain it better. If not, i'll actually try it out on pins tomorrow, and put up a phpotograph on my Flickr site!!

This has taken so long to type out that I've probably Xposted with several others, so I'll apologise now [Hot and Hormonal]

[ 13. February 2007, 22:03: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
The reason for pairing decreases is because they slope in different directions.

If both sides of a V-neck knit from the top down are decreased with the same kind of decrease, the two sides will be asymmetrical. Because the two sides are mirror images, you want mirror image, a.k.a. paired, decreases.

For a heap of decreases in one row, if you use the same decrease stitch for all of them it will create a swirl pattern in a hat (design choice), or give the knitted fabric a twist in a straight item (usually less desirable).

I have noticed that lace patterns often do not bother to even out the decreases between one type or the other. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I sometimes adjust the lace pattern to use the two kinds of decrease equally. And sometimes I don't. For Eyelet I don't bother, but for Feather And Fan I do. It satisfies my mathematical drive for symmetry.

SSK is not exactly the same as K2Togtbl because the latter results in two twisted stitches overlapped into one; the former, in untwisted stitches.

Here are a whole heap of illustrated increases and decreases.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
SSK is not exactly the same as K2Togtbl because the latter results in two twisted stitches overlapped into one; the former, in untwisted stitches.

P.S. this may be a distinction that only a mathematician could love!

Roseofsharon, interesting that you find SKP easier than SSK. I'm exactly the opposite (hate fiddling with that passing-over bit).

Decreases, like cast-ons & cast-offs, are clearly highly personal!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
SSK is not exactly the same as K2Togtbl because the latter results in two twisted stitches overlapped into one; the former, in untwisted stitches.

P.S. this may be a distinction that only a mathematician could love!

I hope so [Big Grin]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
When knitting a piece that needs to be symmetrical, eg the back of a sweater, then it doesn't really matter which decreases are used as they all get rid of the same number of stitches. Any slight difference can be easily overcome by blocking. Also the decreases are normally tucked away in the seam of the garment and aren't on show.

If the decreases are going to be on show, then it is definitely worth taking the time and the effort to make them symmetrical. It can seriously improve the look of the garment.

---

I have just started knitting socks in 6 ply yarn. I have only made them in 4 ply before and this sock is motoring away! I am at a bit of an impasse just now as I need my husband's foot to check fit. He has been a tad selfish and has taken his foot (well both of them!) off to work with him.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
Has he not left some socks behind that you can match it up with?
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
YES! I think I get it [Yipee] For those interested, it's for the pattern BB posted previously - where it says 'short row section'. I'll have to see which decrease I find easier!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
Roseofsharon, interesting that you find SKP easier than SSK. I'm exactly the opposite (hate fiddling with that passing-over bit).

I suppose it's just a matter of what you are used to, I had never come across SSK before reading this thread. When I tried it I found putting the point of the L-hand needle through the two slipped stitches a bit fiddly, but no doubt that would improve with practice.

I'm glad you posted that link, as I have serious doubts about my ability to produce a sufficiently clear photograph myself! [Smile]

[Stitched up the code -- Mamacita, Heaven Host]

[ 14. February 2007, 14:38: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
Has he not left some socks behind that you can match it up with?

My first reaction to that was "Gosh, you're clever. Why didn't I think of that?! [Eek!] " I then realised that I am making a different style of sock to the ones that he has, and so I do need to see it on his leg/foot.

Ena, I have used that pattern twice and have used k2tog and SSK. I prefer the look of k2tog, but any method would be fine, as long as you are consistent with it.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ena:
Inc, SSK (or SKP throughout, your choice), turn

quote:
YES! I think I get it [Yipee] For those interested, it's for the pattern BB posted previously - where it says 'short row section'.
Ah, Short Rows! [Ultra confused] (* Runs screaming from the room and hides under large afghan *) [Ultra confused]

I see my confusion: I read it as Inc, *SSK*, repeat between *s to end, turn rather than Inc, SSK, turn. Short rows baffle me -- I can only do them by following directions rigorously, and their effect is entirely mysterious (as well as magical) to me.

Now I'm doubly mystified that short rows can both put lumps in things, as in sock heels, or also be used in flat things, as in the multidirectional scarf.

Is that the same technique as used in entrelac? (Have only read about entrelac, not done it.)

[ 14. February 2007, 12:28: Message edited by: Autenrieth Road ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
[Stitched up the code -- Mamacita, Heaven Host]

What was wrong with it?
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
quote:
Ena, I have used that pattern twice and have used k2tog and SSK. I prefer the look of k2tog
OK, BB, double triple quadruple check: though kK2tog is NOT the same, here it works just as well?

Sorry to have slightly hijacked the thread with my confusion!
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
ETA: should I be worried about short rows, AR? It's that ominous 'turn'...
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
LOL, IME the turn is the least ominous, apart from remembering to do it when there's still a whole bunch of row available to knit!

Not a hijack at all -- I adore this stuff, and judging from others' posts, they all adore it too!

The pattern doesn't seem to require any of the ominous potential short row techniques that always make me nervous such as slipping stitches, wrapping stitches, or bizarre increments of keeping count. It makes me think my short row fears are outdated and unnecessary!

You're inspiring me to want to try this out too.
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
So at the turn...you just...turn the needles round and knit the same x many stitches you've just done again?

Go on, do the scarf too - it looks really fun! Then you can help me when I get stuck! [Cool]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Yup.

At least, that's how I read it -- babybear who's actually knitted this would be the one to say for sure. Go ahead, give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? [Smile]

[ 14. February 2007, 18:13: Message edited by: Autenrieth Road ]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Does anyone know how to sew a lock stitch by hand? That is, similar to what a sewing machine does. I presume I'd be using two needles. This is to fix some leather glove seams.

The edges are sort of butted together and overcast sewn (using the term vaguely rather than technically), rather than overlapped and sewn with a straight stitch. Or maybe someone knows some other good method for hand-sewing leather (suede really, lined with fuzzy stuff) glove seams?
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Ah, ummm, triple posting because I'm a ninny and didn't Google first (on sewing leather).

Anyone who has experience I'd still be happy to hear from you!
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
Knitting novice signing in with a probably obvious "how do you do that" question?

I'm doing a very basic blanket for a baby - a basketweave pattern surrounded by a garter stitch (that is just knitted isn't it?) border. So I've got a repetitive pattern, 8 rows "long".

How do I keep track of which row I'm in? I mean, I can just about work out by looking at it where I'm up to, but is there an easy way of keeping tabs (I thought about marking my pattern with a pencil dot or something, but I'm sure that would get confusing). Do real knitters work it out, or do they have an abacus or something to say they're on row 8 or whatever (it was worse when I was trying out the 19 row double basket pattern).

//end of silly question. But I do recommend the book "Knitting for Dummies". Does what it says on the tin, as they say...
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Ena, don't worry. [Big Grin] It is a beautifully simple pattern, but one that gives delight to the mathematically inclined.

It doesn't matter which decrease you use, as long as you are consistent. Choose the one that you like best.

With one of the scarves I cast on 21 sts.
In row 1 I knitted into the front and back of the stitch (to make a new stitch), then k2tog. This gave 3 stitches on the right hand needle. Then I turned the work around, just as I would if I had come to the end of a row and knitted back across those 3 stitches.

In row 3, it was knit into the front and back, knit 1, k2tog, turn. Row 4 knit across 4 stitches.

On each odd row the number of stitches knitted is increase by 1. After a few rows you will not have to count at all, you will be able to see the gap when you knitted up to the last time, and you k2tog (or whatever) with one stitch from either side of the gap, thereby eliminating it.

By knitting into the front and back of the first stitch on each odd row a subtle, but rather nice decorative edge is formed.

It really is a good simple pattern after you have done a few rows. It gives a great deal of 'Wow!' for very little in the way of stitches and technique. It looks desperately impressive, especially if knitted in a self-striping yarn.

Ferijen, I am probably not the best person to ask about keeping track of which row it is. When I was knitting a mini-shawl all I had to do was decrease by one stitch every 4 rows. I discovered that I could not reliably count to four! One of the easy ways to do it is to get a notepad (or envelope) and a pen. When you complete a row, make a mark on the paper and then you can easily see just how far you have progressed. I didn't do that (because I am oh so clever and can count to 4 (yeah sure!)).
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
The blanket sounds great, Ferijen.

The pattern that I'm knitting right now has rows 29 to 75 repeated 4 times, then rows 29 to 50 once more. As it increases 4 stitches every other row (finishing up with 449 stitches) I will certainly forget which number row I'm on by the time I get to the end of it unless I make a note of where I am [Frown]

So this time I've been making a pencil mark on the pattern each time I finish a row. I shall rub all the marks out when I finish in case I use the pattern again or lend it.

But I've also got a row counter that looks a little bit like the number bit on a combination padlock - each time I finish a row I increment the counter - but I find I get so engrossed in my knitting that I forget to do it [Hot and Hormonal]

I'd be interested to know what others do.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Does anyone know how to sew a lock stitch by hand? That is, similar to what a sewing machine does. I presume I'd be using two needles. This is to fix some leather glove seams.

The edges are sort of butted together and overcast sewn (using the term vaguely rather than technically), rather than overlapped and sewn with a straight stitch. Or maybe someone knows some other good method for hand-sewing leather (suede really, lined with fuzzy stuff) glove seams?

I remember my dad used to make gloves in suede when I was small. I'm sure he used what was called "glove stitch" which seemed to be a straight stabbing stitch, possibly with two needles. Try a search on that term and you might find something. This was a long time ago, and the stitch may have been called a different name in northern hemisphere.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Thanks Lothlorien, voilà I found glove stitch -- and it requires only one needle! That site has an embroidery stitch glossary to die for as well.

Searching on glove stitch mending found me this vintage guide to all about sewing gloves. For anyone here who's had enough of knitting gloves [Smile] .

This sampler is very clever -- this is the kind of thing that appeals to my mathematical mind. (It happens to use glove stitch among others, though doesn't describe it).

And these embroidery projects have me salivating and thinking it's been too long since I did any embroidery.

I want to do an embroidery of the Morris dancing Ilmington hey pattern.

But first to mend these gloves! And try out the multidirectional scarf! And make a case for my crochet hooks! And, and, and...!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Ferijen, I would be lost without my row counter. Mine looks like a little barrel and it slips right onto the needle so it's not too easy to forget to change the number at the end of the row and it's always with the piece I'm working on, so I don't have to remember where I left it. The abacus sounds like a good idea, too.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
There are row counter bracelets available too, although I usually just count.

Learning to read your knitting is an invaluable skill to have. Once you start looking closely as you knit, you can see the pattern emerging, did you decrease last row or is it this one etc. Simplest reading shows whether it's purl or plain row in stocking stitch.

If you look at your knitting often, you may find that you can pick up errors quickly. Saves a lot of frogging later and sometimes frogging lots of knitting.

[ 14. February 2007, 23:34: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
I've put the knitting aside for a few days in favour of the sewing machine. A couple of days ago I finally faced up to a project I'd been procrastinating on for weeks - I'm being ordained in 10 days, and I need a cass-alb (aka cassock-alb or ecumenical alb) - the garment loathed by all in Eccles. Being a short plump person, I'm hard to fit off the rack, and those things are not cheap. I have a black cassock that was made to measure for me years ago, and I decided to cut a pattern from that and make my own.

When I came to it, I was frozen with fear over the pattern-cutting stage for ages. Don't know why - I've done it heaps of times before for basic skirts & tops. Ended up in tears of incomprehension and frustration over the pleats.

Anyway, I finally got the jolly thing cut out, then realised when I started sewing that I'd goofed the back. I've managed to salvage the situation by cutting a separate yoke and making a few other 'minor' adjustments. I'm not quite done, but I'm at the point where I think the thing is going to work. Feeling absurdly proud of myself.

Back to the machine...

[ 14. February 2007, 23:47: Message edited by: Cranmer's baggage ]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I'm trying to learn to "read" my knitting. Ive worked out what a purl stitch looks like a few stitches into a row so i now know if its a purl or knit row I shoudl be doing from the knitting.

I brought some extra chunky wool and some big needles to make "something" with. Its been great to play with and just to experiment with "what happens if I.." Like ferijen Ive kept some garter stitch either end, ofr this im just playing with rows of purl and knit producins say 7 rows of st st and then a few of garter and then "what happens if i keep purling" etc!! Problem is i dont really know names for it.

I meant to stop as squares to sew together later but seem to have produced about 1/3 of a scarf. I might need to buy another couple of balls to finish! Knitting on big needles with a chunky wool is addictive [Big Grin]

Although having an interest in things mathematical - I too appear to be unable to count. Ive done "tell partner thing sat next to me every time i change" but i find i just keep going so when i say "im on row 8 again arent I" he replies, "last time you said anything it was row 4".

Singing to myself "im starting row 4, Im starting row 4, im in row 4 im in row 4 im finishing row 4 im finishing row 4, im starting row 5 ..... etc" to made up tuns seems to work... but I began questioning my sanity so I have brought a row counter today. I havent tried using it yet - i think i may still get carried away and forget to count so will have to train myself to make it as automatic!!!

One of the weeks of "art of knitting" had a little crotchet flower in it, so I also brought a crotchet hook and have enjoyed making that [Smile] [Smile]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
I have my row counter strung on a small yarn loop, and have that attached to a split ring marker. I put this on my needle a stitch or two from the end. That way I'm forced to notice it as I slip the ring, which reminds me to change it. This way it counts how many rows I have finished. If you prefer to count which row you're working on, put it a stitch or two from the beginning of the row instead.

Another method is to make a safety-pin chain equal to the number of rows you need to count. Pin it to the bottom of the work. Every time you finish a row, put a saftey pin in the row near the end. When you use the last safety-pin off the chain, you have finished your rows.

Variations: Only mark the right-side rows. And/or use a chain for the number of rows in a repeat, and reassemble the chains when a repeat is done. If you do that, you could make a separate chain to count and mark each repeat as a whole... depending on how finicky the pattern is and how much you get sick of counting over from the beginning.

The advantage of the safety pins is that even if you forget for a few rows, the remaining safety pins on your chain tell you how much to do, you can catch up and mark the finished rows, and you can easily recount/check the number of safety pins already affixed to rows.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
I put this on my needle a stitch or two from the end. That way I'm forced to notice it as I slip the ring, which reminds me to change it.

Autenrieth, I do like this idea - I must give it a go - it'll help peserve my patterns if it works [Smile]
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
I like it too - I've been getting rather tired of counting rows, I think my short term memory is appaling!

BB - thanks for the help. Now to buy the wool! I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get going... [Biased]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
OMG, Ena you're like me: analyze a pattern to its smallest detail before touching fingers to needle or thread!

Case in point of mathematical mind run amok: I had been considering at one point learning to weave. But after reading several weaving books, I'm happy knowing the theory of how the patterns are achieved, and have no need to actually set warp to woof (or whatever weavers do).

The last few days the lights have suddenly gone on for me about crochet. (1000 crochet chains to border my afghan did the trick). So now I want to do a swatch exploring all the variants of "how many YOs before the insert/pullthrough, and how many stitches to work off at a time, etc. etc." Cause there's a lot more than just the ones my book lists to start with.

Part of my crochet lightbulb was realizing that a chain stitch is not the same as a single crochet. (Mathematical mind that sometimes misses the bleeding obvious for years at a time, [Roll Eyes] ).
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Odd how knitting can be totally different things to different people.

For my part, I have just invented a take which I think of as Controlled Randomized knitting. Having decided I wanted to do a jumper based on a painting, I also realised I could not be faffed doing all the squinny-eyed mapping out on to graph paper of the image. I had my yarns, I wanted to get going, so I did.

While keeping the architecture of the painting - that of a stand of birch in the foreground, with a lake, further shore and sky in the background - I made up balls of yarn of varying lengths of different colours. My green, brown, navy for the ground, fawn and white with touches of blue and brown for the birches, fawn tweed and russet for the rock, russet, brown and navy for the foliage, blue for the water, dark blue tweed for the distant woods, bright blue for the sky.

Obviously, the palette is much narrower than the painting's: these just happened to be what I have. Likewise, the shapes are simplified, and the representation approximate.

Nevertheless, it is fast and fun, and I do think it will be recognisably based on the original Tom Thompson when done.

I am already thinking ahead to how I could refine the technique.

I think I may have found my knitting nirvana.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Firenze, this sounds fascinating. You will post a photo when you've finished it, won't you?

This morning I was going through my Grandma's bag of Knitting Goodies looking for her stitch counter when I found her well used knitting booklet published by Patons & Baldwins, probably around the late 1920's/early 1930's - this date is based on when my Dad was born (1930) because I recognised some of the baby clothes that ended up dressing our larger-than-life china baby doll that we played with at my Grandma's.

I remember how fascinated I was as a child by the garments that my Grandma would possibly have knitted (the sock section is looking well used) and that we now take for granted that we can go to M&S to get (especially vests & knickers) and also items that I'd never heard outside of this booklet (Baby's Body Belt, Knee Caps, Lady's Sleeping Vest). There is a good selection of sock patterns in the booklet which I can see myself trying out - although I think I'll give the stockings a miss [Big Grin]

Looking at it now it makes me realise what a difference it makes to live in a warm centrally heated house [Smile] and be very grateful for it (oh, and global warming too, I guess).

I wonder what (if anything) our descendants will be fascinated by when they go through our bags of Knitting Goodies.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
items that I'd never heard outside of this booklet (Baby's Body Belt, Knee Caps, Lady's Sleeping Vest).

Did that include a 'pilch' by any chance? (Possibly item 'D' in that booklet)
That was one of the first items I knitted at school, as my Auntie was expecting a baby.
Back in the days when babies wore terry-towelling square nappies and baggy plastic pants, they wore these woolly knickers, called a pilch, over the top.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Item K is Pilch Knickers.

What do you think the Baby's Body Belt (Item I) is for?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
Item K is Pilch Knickers.

What do you think the Baby's Body Belt (Item I) is for?

I suspect that it is to cover the binding over the navel. Possibly intended to prevent an umbilical hernia. (A little before my time, I think)
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
[Stitched up the code -- Mamacita, Heaven Host]

What was wrong with it?
If I remember correctly, you omitted one of the slashes on the UBB code at the end of the quotation, and the incomplete code was left showing. At any rate, no criticism was implied; I was just tidying up.

Mamacita,
Heavenly Host

[ 16. February 2007, 22:34: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Possibly a silly question, but there you go...

I am reaching the end of my blanket made of squares, which I am sewing together. However, due to poor knitting, and inaccurate measuring of squares the outside edge is very wavy and messy. So I thought I would knit a border to go round the outside. Can I somehow cast on (say) 5 stitches, and knit the row and somehow join it onto the blanket (knit 2 stitches together?)as I go along, or will I have to knit the long strip of border and then sew it onto and around the blanket?

In your reply, please remember I am a novice knitter who struggles with technical terms.

Ta!

[ 17. February 2007, 09:13: Message edited by: Dormouse ]
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
I've started doing all my cables without the cable needle. YOu know, the whole "slip it to the other needle, knit/purl as needed, slip it back" thing. One friend thinks I'm a sadomasochist for doing this,. But it seems so much easier than using the needle. Does anyone else have experience with this?
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
Possibly a silly question, but there you go...

I am reaching the end of my blanket made of squares, which I am sewing together. However, due to poor knitting, and inaccurate measuring of squares the outside edge is very wavy and messy. So I thought I would knit a border to go round the outside. Can I somehow cast on (say) 5 stitches, and knit the row and somehow join it onto the blanket (knit 2 stitches together?)as I go along, or will I have to knit the long strip of border and then sew it onto and around the blanket?

In your reply, please remember I am a novice knitter who struggles with technical terms.

Ta!

I dont know if this helps (also novice knitter!!!( but in my magazine thign im following hteres a throw with a thick piece of ribbon sewn in around the edge... which i thought might be a good idea if iend up in the same situation as you!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
There are many many ways to tidy up wavy edges. I like Emma's suggestion about using ribbon to edge a blanket. It would be especially lovely for a baby.

You could put on a border with crochet.

Another edging is to pick up stitches along one side, this will probably be a huge number of stitches. Then knit a plain or decorative border.

You can knit a 5 st border and then sew it on. Or you could cast on 5 st, knit 4 stitches, slip 1, pick up a stitch from the blanket and pass the slip stitch over. This keeps the number of stitches the same across the border.

Some ideas for fancy borders can be found at Knitting Pattern Central.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
I'm just starting yet another hat (I find them very satisfying). It's using cables and this is the first time I've ever cabled.

Are you always supposed to start the cable pattern on the wrong side? It's just that my pattern didn't specify and now I'm finding that the cable pattern is forming on the wrong side. I'm not sure whether I can do anything to rectify it short of adding in another row before the decreases, as I'm now quite a few rows in and don't really want to rip it all out. Pattern here.
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
Hat: I've only ever done cable on a chart, so it is hard to tell whether or not your cables should come up on the wrong side. But if it all comes up backwards, since you have to sew it up at the end, just turn it inside out and you'd be fine, I think. The other alternative really is to rip those stitches out. It is better to drive yourself mental now and rip them out to re-do them again, than to finish the project and never wear it because you know where the flaws are and couldn't be bothered to fix them now.

Uneven ends:
When you reach the end of a finished project, things are often uneven or wavy. Frequently, good blocking is the answer. There is a much better explanation of blocking than I can possibly give here on knitty.com. But I will say this - once blocked, you could be surprised at how well your knitting project has turned out.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
It's many years since I did cable, so my opinion may not be reliable.

On a piece of knitwear, such as an arran-style sweater, the pieces of unadorned knitting on either side of the cable are in reverse stocking stitch. That is, the 'right' side of the garment looks like the wrong side of a stocking stitch one, and the smooth, stocking stitch side is on the inner surface. (This is so difficult to explain without a pice of knitting to show you)

The question is, when you say the 'wrong' side, do you mean the side that looks like the wrong side, or the side that actually is the wrong side [Confused]
 
Posted by MouseThief (# 953) on :
 
Can I post here? I got a bug in my ear for making bead jewelry, and have turned out my first two pairs of earrings. I wonder if anybody else here does this stuff, and if you have any tips or anything? I hope it's okay to post a link to a pic of my creations.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Kentishmaid: here's a great hat with cables too.

You knit the cabled band first and then join it and pick up the stitches on the wrong side so cabled band folds back against hat. Picking up stitches is not really difficult. I don't know if you've done that before. Divide the band into quarters and mark with pins and pick up a quarter of total number of stitches from each section.

The yarn they call for is heavier than 8 ply (DK) but not as thick as 12 ply wool. You could probably get away with DK on a smaller needle.

Another good hat is Grumperina's Odessa hat with or without beads.

Mousethief: I think beadwork is lovely but I'm not skilled that way. #2 DIL does beautiful stuff and has even started actually making her own glass beads.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Mousethief, well done. They look good. My Mam made earrings a few years back and sold them. She raised quite a bit of money for charity doing that.

If you have any friends or family who enjoy knitting you could adapt the method of making earring slightly and instead of using the hook that goes in the ear, finish the dangly bit off with a circle. These could then be used as stitch markers.

I didn't mean to channel this back into knitting, but wanted to give an idea of something else you could do.

I have made an adaptation to the hat that Lothlorien linked to. I used Twilleys Freedom Wool and 10mm needles. But the construction of the hat is so simple that you could use any yarn weight you fancy, and choose any Aran pattern that you want. Something that comes out at 10cm of knitting works well.

Measure around the person's head and then subtract 2-3cm from that and knit the Aran pattern to that length. Join at the back, (3 needle bind off, graft, or sew a seam). Have the band inside out and pick up 2 stitches out of 3 and start making the crown.

I also took the adapted pattern and made two repeats side by side and used that to make a matching scarf. This has resulted in a very warm winter set.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Nice earrings MT - I wonder how soon it is before you start hunting around junk shops for broken necklaces that contain intertesting beads for earrings.

[edited for spelling]

[ 18. February 2007, 08:05: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Wow MT - therye fabby. Is it a hard hobby to do? They look fantastic. I particularly like the ones on the right (and would wear those!)
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Roseofsharon, I mean it actually is on the wrong side, because the tail from my casting on is at the right hand side of the knitting.

I think I'm just going to sew it up inside out and hope for the best!
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Thanks for the advice - I may go for the ribbon option - although my handsewing leaves much to be desired as well, & I don't have a sewing machine. I asked Mr D if , if he was a baby, would he prefer a piece of newspaper or my not very tidy blanket. "The blanket" he said. And then added "Probably." How encouraging!

Love the earings MT. If you do Pashal Penguin and you get me, I'd be thrilled to receive some handmade earings.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I've just finished knitting this shawl but the result is nowhere near as effective as the photo on the pattern [Frown] which is a shame since I've spent so many hours on it. I think the problem with my shawl is that I used sock (4 ply) yarn which had colour changes too close together (not long enough in one colour).

I like the effect of the pattern (you can see it in this closeup), the way that the pattern flows and waves, and the edging is very pretty. So after I finish my next project (knitting binary into a couple of items [Smile] ) I shall look in a shop for some DK that has longer lengths of each colour before changing to the next.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
That hat looks lovely, Lothlorien. Although, it does have the scary dpns/circular needles so will have to work up to it.

Love the earrings MT! May have to persuade my (very arty) sister to take up that hobby.

Thanks all for the advice, too. I adore this thread!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
What are blocking wires? The pattern for the shawl I've knitted says that I need to wash it and then use blocking wires along the top edge (which is certainly not as straight as it could be)
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
The earrings are very cool! I've made earrings of that sort before Emma and it's pretty much as easy or complicated as you want it to be. You can usually get the wires, beads and fittings in craft shops or sometimes the haberdashery in department stores. I gave away most of my bits and bobs when we moved house though.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by kentishmaid:
Roseofsharon, I mean it actually is on the wrong side, because the tail from my casting on is at the right hand side of the knitting.

From the picture and the pattern, they seem to intend the background to be in reverse stockinette, i.e. the purl will be on the outside, and the cables to be in stockinette, i.e. the knit on the outside. Normally I'd expect such a cable pattern to have the cable parts on the outside, and I'd expect the pattern part to start with a cabled row.

This pattern seems to have four stitches together that aren't cabled, followed by 8 that are cabled. The stitches that aren't cabled are purled on the cable row, which makes sense from normal cabled patterns - the parts that aren't cabled are in reverse stockinette. However the pattern starts with a row where the stitches that aren't going to be cabled (the 4 stitches) are knit and the stitches that are going to be cabled (the 8 stitches) are purled. So the problem is not that they have told you to cable while you are on the wrong side, but that for some bizarre reason they have started the pattern with a WS row, but haven't told you this.

When you have finished you should have plain reverse stockinette (no cables, looks like purl) on the right side alternating with the knitted cable sections. You'll want it that side out or it will look odd.

I'd never knit a hat on 2 needles... far too much bother, and the ridge would be itchy...

ETA they say to use a double-pointed needle for the cable. Unless they don't know the difference between a DPN and a cable needle, I'm not sure why - it is much easier to use a short cable needle than a long, clumsy DPN to do cables.

[ 21. February 2007, 12:50: Message edited by: chukovsky ]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Ah, ok, so it's not just me being dim, then!

The other two hats I've made have been two-needlers and I've had no ridge induced itching! Perhaps I'm thick skinned or something!

I've been using a little kinked cable needle. I've seen straight cable needles, but I'm absolutely paranoid that the stitches would fall off, so I prefer the kinked one.

Thank you!
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
What are blocking wires? The pattern for the shawl I've knitted says that I need to wash it and then use blocking wires along the top edge (which is certainly not as straight as it could be)

Wires (scroll to the bottom) that can be used instead of pins to hold an edge straight, while blocking the piece.

This blog entry on blocking is fun, illustrated, and mentions blocking wires, with a link to a source for them in the comments.
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
For the record, I'd like to state the case for circular needles. They're exactly the same as straight needles, except that they're better if want to knit something circular, such as a sock, sleeve, hat or I don't know, a circle. Or you can use them just like straight needles if you want to.

The only thing you need to fear is that if you are knitting something in a circle, when you join up the stitches just make sure that nothing is twisted (easy to do, but also easy to prevent), otherwise you wind up with a wild mobius loop of insanity.

double points are the same effect, just better suited for very small circles (baby socks, other things.) You can do very big things on them if you like. I personally find them a bit of a pain, but that's just because I really enjoy the whole whee nothing's going to stop me now effect of circulars. DPs do a great job, but you have to take that wee bit longer.

Go for it. If you can knit, you can use either circular or DPs. They're not scary at all!
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by altarbird:
The only thing you need to fear is that if you are knitting something in a circle, when you join up the stitches just make sure that nothing is twisted (easy to do, but also easy to prevent), otherwise you wind up with a wild mobius loop of insanity.

Awesome, it's that easy to knit a Möbius strip? Klein bottle, here I come!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
What are blocking wires? The pattern for the shawl I've knitted says that I need to wash it and then use blocking wires along the top edge (which is certainly not as straight as it could be)

Wires (scroll to the bottom) that can be used instead of pins to hold an edge straight, while blocking the piece.

This blog entry on blocking is fun, illustrated, and mentions blocking wires, with a link to a source for them in the comments.

Thanks AR - I've now found a UK source for blocking wires and they come in lengths of 12 inches (4 of these), 22 inches (x 4) and 34 inches (x 8). As the edge of the shawl should be 72 inches would I join 2 of the longer blocking wires together to get this length?
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Someone else will have to answer; I only know what I've learned from Google, and haven't found very much that describes using them.

This, from Knitter's Review forums, says a tiny bit.

This, from knitty.com, doesn't mention blocking wires, but is of interest to me because I am about to, for the very first time in 15 years of on-and-off knitting, ta-da -- block something!

[ 21. February 2007, 15:05: Message edited by: Autenrieth Road ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
In case novices are reading this thread, but don't read all of the linked item on 'blocking' in AR's post.

Do not put a hot iron anywhere near anything knitted with man-made yarns. You'll kill it stone dead. Flat, lifeless, squished.

Wet/wash pieces, squeeze excess water out with towels, pin the pieces into shape on a flat surface, dry away from direct heat.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
Awesome, it's that easy to knit a Möbius strip?

Not quite. If you aren't into mathematical knitting please skip.

If your knitting is twisted through 360 degrees then you will get a two sided, two edge loop with a twist. It seems that some people who name knitting patterns don't know that a Möbius strip has one side and one edge.

To make a Möbius strip need to need to twist the stitches by 180 degrees and knit into the bottom of the stitches. A while back I made about 10 Möbius scarves.

Möbius scarf for an adult

Using DK yarn on circular 4mm needles, cast on 200st.
Get all the stitches nice and straight, with no twists. Then knit into the bottom of the first stitch you cast on, this will put a half twist in the knitting. This may well be rather tight to start with, but it will loosen off.

After you have knitted into the bottom of the 200 sts start knitting into the top stitches. At this stage you will have 400sts. The cast on 'edge' is in the middle now and you will have just the one side. Now, just keep knitting, and knitting, and knitting.

You can add in other colours as you like. I made my Möbius scarves in rainbow colours starting with red in the middle.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Thanks, babybear! As a mathematician-by-training, I would never make the 360° mistake [Big Grin] .

The Möbius band is overtaking the multidirectional scarf in my "what do I knit next?" planning -- because I can't decide if what I was thinking about how to do it matches up with your description, and if not, if my naive idea would work anyway also -- so now I want to knit two!

Plus try out two different ways of approaching a self-designed knit Klein bottle.

Ooops, is it showing that I'm into mathematical knitting [Ultra confused] [Biased] .
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Blocking wires are now ordered - I'll let you know how I get on with them [Smile]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
AR

Knitting Klein bottles is a very old tradition they were doing it back in the 1980s and here is a pattern from 1994.

Prof suggested that the fourth dimension could be represented by colour.

Jengie
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
I'm a very novice knitter - I can only knit in straight lines (have now finished the basketweave pattern and I'm now onto a diamond pattern - both baby blankets) but I've just started using circular needles in a "straight needle" sort of way. Its so much easier, I found, after the initial half an hour of "but I don't need to put it under my arm".

What I don't quite get is how knitting on circular needles will produce much "useful" pieces than knitting - surely there's a limit in the circumference, and it will be far too big for socks? And if its all in a circle, won't it be a bit shapeless for a jumper or something?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
While you can use circular needles to knit in a circle, I tend to use them for very wide pieces - eg knitting a side-to-side cardigan or jumper (where you start at one cuff, knit the arm, increase for the body, decrease again for the opposite arm).

They are also useful for putting a rib or border on a straight-knit piece - again, because you can get 4 or 5 hundred stitches on a single row.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:
What I don't quite get is how knitting on circular needles will produce much "useful" pieces than knitting - surely there's a limit in the circumference, and it will be far too big for socks? And if its all in a circle, won't it be a bit shapeless for a jumper or something?

The first time I knitted on circular needles was for an Icelandic jumper a little bit like this one. It took me a little while to get the hang of it, but now I use the circular needles whenever I have a wide bit of knitting, because it means there is less weight on one needle.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
The shape or shapelessness of a jumper (sweater) doesn't have anything to do with if it's knit circular or flat, and everything to do with the shaping knit into it, and if needed the blocking.

However, yes, there is a minimum circumference below which circular needles are not useful for knitting in the round.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:
What I don't quite get is how knitting on circular needles will produce much "useful" pieces than knitting - surely there's a limit in the circumference, and it will be far too big for socks? And if its all in a circle, won't it be a bit shapeless for a jumper or something?

Good questions.

Normally when knitting with a circular needle the minimum circumference of the knitting will be about 3-5cm more than the length of the circ needle. If you don't do that then your will be constantly struggling to knit and the stitches will becomes distorted.

However, apart from dpns, there are two techniques, magic loop and two circs that solve that problem. Or you can buy mini-circs that are designed for socks. I love the two circs method, but made a mistake when ordering 3.5mm circs for some new DK socks. I bought tiny circs, 30cm in length, and am enjoying using those.

For large circumference knitting you can buy longer circular needles, or you buy a set like Denise Interchangeable Needles. They work on a twist and click system. You select a cord that is the right length for your work (or connect cords together) and then add the needle tips. I use these needles a great, great deal.

When making sweaters on circs you can introduce any shaping you fancy. As long as the smallest circumference of your knitting is more than the length of the circ you will be fine. An example might be that you want to make a very fitted t-shirt style top. The measurement for the hips and bust is say 100cm/40", but the waist is 75cm/30". You would select your circ length based on the smaller number, 75cm/30". One of the standard sizes for circs is 60cm/24", so that would be the best choice for this particular garment. You would not have any problems fitting an extra 25cm/10" worth of stitches onto a 60cm/24" circ.

The long circs are fantastic for lace knitting on the flat. The length of the circ is far better suited to the huge numbers of stitches that knitted lace can have than a pair of straight needles.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I have a pair of earrings that are rather old. The silver coating on the fixings has long rubbed off and then are looking decidedly ropey. I have all the bits needed to make new earrings using the old beads, but I don't have the tools.

Is there anyone who might be able to assemble the earrings for me?

Many thanks.
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
I could do that for you babybear, if you can send the bits in the post. PM me for the address.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
That would be great. Many thanks.
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
All things crafty? -- how about papier-mache? It's great drying weather here now, and it's a craft which (if you use old newspaper) is as cheap as chips, and can be as sophisticated as the crafter wants to make it. I'm particularly proud of a little table I've made, but not decorated yet. (Knitting will happen in the winter...)
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by bush baptist:
I'm particularly proud of a little table I've made, but not decorated yet.

I didn't realise papier mache could be strong enough for furniture. How do you do that, Bush Baby?

[ 25. February 2007, 09:48: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Papier-mache can definitely be strong enough for furniture, and in the nineteenth century there was a vogue for furniture made of papier-mache alone, and even a papier-mache church, I think, in the Netherlands somewhere. There's an inspirational website at www.papiermache.co.uk which tells all about it.
But mine is cheating, a bit, because I used an internal armature of corrugated cardboard (beer cartons). I used two identical cartons set longways up, to cut two three-sided open pieces, then wrenched them open to 120 degrees and taped them together to make a six-sided object. Then I cut tall arches in each side, to make legs, as columns to the arches. The arch shape makes it stronger, more load-bearing. Then I covered the whole thing with the usual strips of newspaper and paste, and plan to paint it in vaguely Moorish fashion, to go with the tall arches. It's now stable and sturdy for a little table.
Even so, I wouldn't want anyone adult to sit on it, but it's well up to a couple of cups of tea and plate or two of scones. I feel very chuffed with myself, as if I designed it myself, but I can see it's such a simple idea that probably primary schools everywhere are doing it already.
I'd love to post a photo of it, if you'd like to see it and if I can figure out how.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Your table sounds brilliant! I'd love to see a photo - both before & after painting if possible.

(If you're looking for somewhere to post photos you might be interested in this - after you sign up, you upload your photo, then click on it to get the image and use the URL to put into the URL code in your posting here.)
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Oh, terrific! That someone wants to seee it! I'll explore more about how in the next week -- but right now, I'm about to crash. (It's gone ten-thirty, and it's been a long day.) Thank you so much for the guidance re: photos.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by bush baptist:
All things crafty? -- how about papier-mache? It's great drying weather here now, and it's a craft which (if you use old newspaper) is as cheap as chips, and can be as sophisticated as the crafter wants to make it. I'm particularly proud of a little table I've made, but not decorated yet. (Knitting will happen in the winter...)

This sounds great. [Cool] I have been trying to get the Little Fundie interested in this art in a sort of lackadaisical way. Maybe when we see the picture of your table we will be inspired and LF will want to make some doll furniture.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
That table sounds really cool! I did some papier mache at primary school, but nothing since. I seem to remember enjoying it a lot.

I completed my cable hat this weekend. It fits and looks ok, so I'm quite chuffed. (Sewing it up inside out appears to have done the trick, but I'm going to mark my pattern for future reference). Thank you everyone for all your help.

Just started a jacket for my new niece (who will probably be here a good deal earlier than expected owing to my sister getting pre-eclampsia again). It's from the fabby 'Knitting without tears' by Elizabeth Zimmermann. I'm finding it a very empowering book and would definitely recommend it to my fellow novice knitters. The only slightly intimidating things are the fact that I will have to pick up and knit stitches for the sleeves (which I've never done before) and put a zip in - an equally novel experience.

I've found lots of people recommending the Barbara Walker Treaasury of Knitting Pattern series. Do people here generally second those recommendations? I've been looking on Amazon, but the cheapest I can get them is £30 so I need to know that it's worth it (or will probably just continue my weekly charity shop trawl).

[ 26. February 2007, 12:09: Message edited by: kentishmaid ]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Oooh the papier mache thing sounda fab.....

I used to love that at school ( it hink all we did was decorate balloons for some reason though...!)

Id love to make a little side table, and often make "thigns" out of cardboard (my shelves in school that are in the cupboard are reused boxes etc) but usually where they are not on display and not load bearing.

Id be really interested in a side table - were tea drinkers with nowhere to put tea currently... and it would be so fab to say id made it.

Id love to see the picture? Does it end up all bubbly? HAve you literally "just" made a frame from cardboard and put paper and walpaper paste mixture on it repeatedly... or is there a more finer art.....? And and and!!! HAve you done lots of papier mache? Do you have other pictures....
.

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
How do you get papier mache smooth? I have never managed to get a crinkle-free surface and it bugs me.
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Well, after some angst, and with help, here's some table photos, and also a dog, which was the first papier-mache I ever did, last summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bush_baptist/
I had already painted it with the undercoat, so I can't show it in the raw newspaper stage, but I've put in two pictures of the framework after it was taped together. Also, I later added a shelf, putting in supports in the angles of the legs. The next plan is to paint it dark blue, and decorate it with silver stars and Moorish scrollwork, but this won't happen speedily, because I haven't even got the paint yet.
About getting the papier-mache-smooth -- Are you using the strips of paper, or pulp? With pulp, I've gone with enjoying the texture it is, and made a fruitbowl I like, but the website I gave earlier (www.papiermache.co.uk) suggests sandpaper, and talks about skilled people making things with porcelain-like finishes. With paper strips, I've just smoothed it as I've pasted it -- very tactile! -- and in extremes, ripped off offending bits after it's dried and repasted over the top.
I hope the link works. I'd love to hear about any papier-mache you-all get into.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Nice work, bush baptist!
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Thank you, Mamacita!
And for Emma -- I didn't use wallpaper paste, I used boiled flour-and-water, five cups water, quarter-cup flour, blended lumplessly in another cup of cold water, and then stirred into the boiling five cups for a couple of minutes.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Youve inspired me bushbaptist.... Im nowhere near as creative as you, but I love the tactile sensation and want a small coffe (hmm tea...) table so will see what I can come up with !! [Smile]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Love it, Bush Baby! And I'm glad to see you are allowing for more scones [Smile]
The bull terrier puppy is fun, too.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
A very impressive piece of work, Bush Baptist. The only papier maché I've done has been puppet heads...and not very convincing ones at that!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Oops [Hot and Hormonal] Bush Baptist [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Thank you all for your kind words, and not to worry, daisydaisy. [Smile]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
OOh, ooh. Bush Baptist's table has got me excited. I started doing some papier maché last year, plates and bowls, but didn't really like what I did. However, having found the site I may well go back to it and think again.

Thanks BB [Smile]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Has anyone seen the latest Simply Knitting magazine?

There's a booklet that's been given away with it free this month with all sorts of nice things to make for the home.

One project in particular has taken my fancy - an absolutely gorgeous Entrelac cushion. Looks incredibly complicated, but I've printed some tutorials from the web, and I can't wait to have a go. It'll have to wait until I've finished my niece's jacket, but I think that should be done in the next fortnight or so.

Has anyone else tried Entrelac? Is it as tricky as it looks?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
There's a booklet that's been given away with it free this month with all sorts of nice things to make for the home.
We get Simply Knitting down here too, unfortunately much behind the UK. The latest down here which I bought yesterday had stitch markers as a gift and the next is a needle case. It's much better than the Australian Creative Knitting which is a big letdown with lots of errors and proofing mistakes. If you should see YARN on sale, grab a copy. Newish Aussie magazine with lots of good articles. Published quarterly.

I've not tried entrelac but have bookmarked a couple of tutorials recently. Some of the time I think I want to try it, other times it just looks weird to me and I can't think of anything to use it for. I've even seen entrelac socks!
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by bush baptist:
Well, after some angst, and with help, here's some table photos, and also a dog, which was the first papier-mache I ever did, last summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bush_baptist/

bush baptist your table is wonderful. I am both impressed and wildly jealous. If it's not too much trouble I'd love to see a photo when you have painted it.

Huia
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Thanks Huia! I'm not used to thinking of myself as competent with my hands, and I'm quite sure that anyone with more exactness and patience than I have could make a better table. (I'm generally so impatient to get to the result that I skimp on the precision.)
I'll post a picture, but it might be a while. I haven't bought the paint yet, and have only a hazy notion of the decor. But I have a most beautiful book on Persian gardens which should be an inspiration.

[ 04. March 2007, 23:44: Message edited by: bush baptist ]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I sent off my first box of preemie hats, booties, and blankets to the charity I'm knitting for. I've started a new project that was in their newsletter: an incredibly easy baby blanket, (incredibly easy being the top criteria for this rookie) made of variegated color yarn in garter stitch; the nifty thing is, you alternate 7 rows done in size 13 needles with 7 rows with size 4 needles. There's a ribbony effect that's shaping up to be very cute. So great to do while vegging and watching TV.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
A couple of weeks ago a Local Preacher commented that he didn't know anyone who could turn a heel of a sock, and how he would love 'proper' woolen socks. Afterwards, I said to him that I would be happy to knit him a pair.

On Sunday, I was preaching in his church and took along a sock for him to try on. It has coloured rings, in bright primaries (and a bit of dark green and aqua). He was delighted, but slightly worried that only one sock had appeared. [Big Grin] But that was only because I needed him to make sure I had the right length in the foot.

Last week, I had been knitting one of these socks and an elderly lady from my church saw them and commented on it. We got to talking and she said how she would love 'one of these fluffy scarves'. She used to be a great knitter, but is now unable to due to arthritis. I have just finished a honey-beige coloured scarf for her, and there is enough yarn left over to make a brim for a hat, and a pair of gloves. I have some soft beige in merino that goes beautifully with the fluffy yarn. I may well make those up for her too.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
BabyBear, I have found that knitting on trains etc is a great way to have conversations because many people would like to have something handmade..

I had one quite old German lady cry when she saw me knitting socks. She used to make them for her sons but has now told them they must buy them as she can't do it any more. One of her sons was in his mid-50s. She cried at the memories it brought back and because she was glad to see that sock knitting isn't a lost art.

I can understand someone who used to knit wanting something handmade.

I'm busy still with AIDS babies jumpers, more than 50,000 have been sent from Australia, and have also got almost halfway through a hat for DIL's birthday. She loves unusual hats and wears them often. It's a pattern from Knitty I'm using Noro Iro which wa the best match for wool I could find down here. Somewhat expensive but it is a present. AUS$35 for 120 metres. Ouch!
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Sounds like a cool hat, Lothlorien. I've got a skein of Noro something or other squirreled away for another hat atm. I'm a bit too scared to start on it, to be honest, because it is such costly yarn, but I'm hoping I get over the fear because it's such beautiful yarn!

Jacket going okay (apart from one slightly scar moment when I was transferring the stitches for the back onto the stitch holder. The connecting bit of yarn came out and I had to rethread it through the stitches with a yarn needle. I did this badly and there's now and ugly line through it which I'm hoping won't notice too much). I'm now rapidly approaching the hood.

I've decided (possibly foolishly) that I'm going to try and make everyone a present this year for Christmas, starting from now. They may not all be knitted (I've just picked up a fabby looking book on sewing called 'Yeah! I made it myself' which has some interesting looking projects in it), but hopefully they'll all be acceptable.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Has anyone knitted with bamboo?
A lady at our Stitch and Bitch group has just got a ball to try, and it sounds really strange - but she says it should hang like silk when it's made up.
 
Posted by RainbowKate (# 9331) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
Has anyone knitted with bamboo?
A lady at our Stitch and Bitch group has just got a ball to try, and it sounds really strange - but she says it should hang like silk when it's made up.

I've never knitted with bamboo yarn, but I do have a shawl made of bamboo that is the softest thing I've ever felt. Very silk like really.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I've just put down a floor of bamboo, so knitting with it would be fun!
The yarn I am knitting with at the moment contains "30% soybean protein free" - it felt a little strange at first but I've got used to it now.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
Has anyone knitted with bamboo?

Yes, and it's very slippery to work with, but worth the trouble. Just be sure to use grippy needles. Don't use anything really pointy or metal because bamboo splits easily.

I'm on an unusual fiber streak right now and have recently tried corn, banana, yak and soy fibers. I'm also trying to think of some way of justifying the purchase of some qiviut, but that may take a while.

What other strange things have you knitted with?
 
Posted by RainbowKate (# 9331) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
Has anyone knitted with bamboo?

Yes, and it's very slippery to work with, but worth the trouble. Just be sure to use grippy needles. Don't use anything really pointy or metal because bamboo splits easily.

I'm on an unusual fiber streak right now and have recently tried corn, banana, yak and soy fibers. I'm also trying to think of some way of justifying the purchase of some qiviut, but that may take a while.

What other strange things have you knitted with?

What is qiviut?

I haven't progressed to interesting fibers quite yet, but my friend is going to spin my cats fur into yarn the next time I get him groomed. He's a himalayan and gets shorn every 4 months. Not sure how much yarn she'll get out of him, so it could be quite a while before there is enough to knit anything.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Sorry, I can't figure out how to do this the right way, but hopefully this will work:


http://www.qiviut.com/store/index.cfm?target=Fiber%20/%20Yarn
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I haven't tried bamboo, but do fancy it. I have tried to knit with soysilk. This is a yarn that is made from the by products of tofu manufacture. I could not get a nice tension on it at all, but it has been great to crochet with.
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
My GP suggested I do some knitting in the evenings. It's a long time since I did any knitting and I don't know anyone who wants anything I might be able to make. Does anyone know of any charities (preferably in UK) which would like, for example, baby clothes? I think I'd be best starting small and doing things I can finish quickly.

Also, someone (can't find who sorry) asked about entrelac and whether it is easy to do. I made several entrelac items in my knitting days and yes, it is extremely easy - surprisingly so, as I recall.

Retsoc
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
What other strange things have you knitted with?

supermarket carrier bags [Big Grin]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Retsoc:
I don't know anyone who wants anything I might be able to make.

Do you know anyone/church that takes part in Operation Christmas Child? Child-sized hats, gloves and scarves would be welcomed in the shoeboxes.

You could contact your local homeless shelter/women's refuge and ask if they have any need for hats & scarves. Some baby units in hospitals need little things, and even blankets.

If your knitting is rather wobbly to begin with, you could knit some squares/strips to be made into blankets for your local animal shelter.

A cautionary tale for people just beginning to knit or crochet, or for those returning after a time away... A certain young bear went totally overboard when she returned to knitting and crochet and managed to strain the muscles in her neck, shoulders and back! It was most uncomfortable, and not to be recommended. It might be an idea to take things easy to start with and build up.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by RainbowKate:

I haven't progressed to interesting fibers quite yet, but my friend is going to spin my cats fur into yarn the next time I get him groomed. He's a himalayan and gets shorn every 4 months. Not sure how much yarn she'll get out of him, so it could be quite a while before there is enough to knit anything.

Do you plan to mix your cat's fur with something else, or just use it by itself?

daisydaisy; Your shopping bag bags are great.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
supermarket carrier bags [Big Grin]

Do you search out new shops to find carrier bags in different colours? [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
Thank you babybear. I didn't think of Operation Christmas Child - and we do three boxes every year, so that is a great solution. I went out and bought myself a rather nice pattern book today and some wool and needles, so I am ready to go.

Retsoc
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Retsoc:
[qb]
A cautionary tale for people just beginning to knit or crochet, or for those returning after a time away... A certain young bear went totally overboard when she returned to knitting and crochet and managed to strain the muscles in her neck, shoulders and back! It was most uncomfortable, and not to be recommended. It might be an idea to take things easy to start with and build up.

Ahem. I would add to this. Its been two weeks and still my shoulder doesn't feel entirely back to normal. Knitting like crazy and making it my "this is the week to swim forty lengths a night" doesn't seem to have done me much good!!!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Retsoc:
Thank you babybear. I didn't think of Operation Christmas Child

OCC has some patterns that are suitable for their shoeboxes. They have hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and some toys in their patterns.

Last year I made a scarf from Sirdar Foxy Fur and a strand of black acrylic DK (held the two together and knitted on huge needles). I then used the remains for the Foxy to make a brim for a hat and a pair of mittens. The crown of the hat and the mittens were made from the black DK. They looked a pretty stylish set.

Ferijen, it sounds like you have as much sense as a bear at times.
[Biased]
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:
I would add to this. Its been two weeks and still my shoulder doesn't feel entirely back to normal. Knitting like crazy and making it my "this is the week to swim forty lengths a night" doesn't seem to have done me much good!!!

Malin has posted some helpful shoulder exercises in the "fitness freaks" thread in All Saints.

They might help.

Huia
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
supermarket carrier bags [Big Grin]

Do you search out new shops to find carrier bags in different colours? [Big Grin]
Oh yes [Hot and Hormonal] and I also spot carrier bags colleagues bring their lunch into work in and ask them for them.... they now offer me bags and bring in fancy ones [Hot and Hormonal] [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by Ena (# 11545) on :
 
They are fantastic, daisydaisy! The decorations are [Cool] What started you off on them?
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I have finished my first Baby blanket for S. African babies. The back of it looked SO nasty that I bought an off-cut of soft fleecy material (unmatching, but hey...) and sewed that to the knitting. That had the advantage of hiding the crappy knotty edges as well.
I ended up pinning a little note on it as well, saying that while it looked "unpretty" it was knitted with love!

The next blanket looks as though it's going to need a fleecy back to it as well. I don't think I'm capable of knitting neatly!

And a question: does other people's knit a row plain, knit a row purl go curly at the edges? I've been knitting wide (50 stitches) bands to sew together, and these have all been plain knitting. For a change I did some 1 row plain, 1 row purl and the band has curled in on both sides. It now looks as though it'll be difficult to sew onto its neighbouring band.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Dormouse,

Stocking stitch will always curl at the edges. It's just its nature. A good blocking helps or sometimes an edging if it's a blanket or scarf. Four or five garter stitches at the beginning and end of every row wll make a column which doesn't curl.

If making a hat, you can use this curl as a feature.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I don't think I'm capable of knitting neatly!

Give it time. Knitting is a skill that needs to be practised. You will get it.

quote:
does other people's knit a row plain, knit a row purl go curly at the edges?
Yup, that is a very common thing. Actually, that is the default state of stocking stitch (knit one row, purl the next). This can be used as a decorative feature, as on the Devan cardi. It is often used on beanie hats too.

If you are joining strips together, or pieces of a sweater, then having the seam will help prevent the curling. Blocking and pressing will help with some of the curl, but it will not eliminate it.

For blankets and scarves, and other pieces of knitting where you want them to be flat, not curled, you can use an edging stitch to help prevent the curl. For a scarf, you could knit 8 rows of garter st (knit each row). Then switch over to stocking stitch (knit one row, purl the next), but with a garter stitch border.

For a scarf 30 sts wide:
Cast on 30 sts.
Row 1 - 8: Knit
Row 9: Knit
Row 10: K4, P22, K4

Repeat rows 9 & 10 until the scarf is the length you want. Then repeat rows 1-8, and cast off.

This will make a scarf that will be curl resistant.

If you want to knit a blanket in strips, you could do the garter stitch border across the tops and bottoms of the strips, and then on the outside strips make a border on the outside edge only.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Thanks to all. I'll remember to knit a border first next time. I prefer the look of stocking stitch, but it does seem to take longer.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
I like seed stitch for a border. Knit 1, Purl 1, for as wide as you want the border. On the return row, knit the purls as they face you and purl the knits.

For example over an even number of stiches:
Row 1. *K1 P1* repeat between *s.
Row 2. *P1 K1* repeat between *s.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2.

I've started doing this on the edges of my pattern swatches (including the bottom and top edges), and it is soooooo much nicer to have a swatch that naturally lies flat.
 
Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Retsoc. I know you've got one idea 'bout your knitting.
But if you would like a change, then googling 'knitting for charity' brings up a HUGE assortment of charities who could benefit from your clicking needles.
 
Posted by Retsoc (# 12027) on :
 
Thank you Ethne.

I'll do that when I finish my current list of items - thank you. It's always nice to be doing a range of different things.

Retsoc
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I fancy trying a hooded wrap for babies that was on one of the sites that came up when I googled Knitting for Charity.

But I don't understand some of the instructions.
For example what does "wool forward" mean in this instruction:"1st row: k1, wool forward , k3"
And what ON EARTH does this instruction mean:
"Next row; k1, wool forward, sl 1, k2 tog. psso, k to end."

Oh Lord, I'm struggling to learn to speak French. I can't learn to speak Knitting too!!

[ 13. March 2007, 12:47: Message edited by: Dormouse ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
The instructions seem to be about creating a stitch to replace one you are decreasing.

What I would understand is that, though knitting plain, you bring the yarn to the front as though about to purl. The result is, that when you pick it up to do the next knit stitch, it passes over the needle and forms a new 'stitch'. Obviously, not a perfect one, but the strand is there on top of the needle for when you work the next row, at which point you treat it as a stitch and work it and it integrates into the row.


So "k1, wool forward, sl 1, k2 tog. psso, k to end." parses as - Knit one, do the thing I have described, slip a stitch without working it, knit the next two stitches together and pass the slipped stitch over, knit to the end.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Yes... I think I get it. I'll have to save these instructions & try it out when I'm actually knitting it.
Thanks!

[Duplicate post deleted]

[ 14. March 2007, 12:20: Message edited by: Stoo ]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
What I would understand is that, though knitting plain, you bring the yarn to the front as though about to purl. The result is, that when you pick it up to do the next knit stitch, it passes over the needle and forms a new 'stitch'.

Ah, so "wool forward" is what I know as "yarn over."

quote:
So "k1, wool forward, sl 1, k2 tog. psso, k to end." parses as - Knit one, do the thing I have described, slip a stitch without working it, knit the next two stitches together and pass the slipped stitch over, knit to the end.
Curiously, I was just practicing Sl 1, K2tog, PSSO today! It reduces by two stitches; that is, it turns three stiches into one.

Does anyone know how to do the equivalent of SSK when purling? I know P2tog similar to K2tog. (Hmmm, maybe the purl equivalent I want is Sl 1, P1, PSSO... similar to the Sl 1, K1, PSSO version of SSK that I don't do.)

What about Make 1? What's your favourite? I know three:
All of these seem to be tighter to knit than I'd like -- the first is simultaneously tight to knit, and leaves a rather loose row?!?!?! So I'm looking for new ones, or ways to make the current ones more pleasant.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
.Ah, so "wool forward" is what I know as "yarn over."

I would call it that too. I really can't think what else 'wool forward' could be.
 
Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 
There are videos of various techniques of increasing and decreasing here - this page is increases - the next is decreases. There's an explanation of the differences in results as well.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Ummm, I think wool forward means the same thing as yarn forward. This is when you bring the yarn to the front of the work between the needles and then knit your stich as usual. It will not result in adding a stitch like a yarn over would. Yarn front is used to make eyelets or other lacy-type stitches.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
I take it back! I found the pattern (assuming it is the Baby Pack Project) and yes, you do need to do a yarn over and create a new stitch for this pattern. Next time, I will look for the pattern first [Hot and Hormonal]

Although using "yarn front" to make lace is still very pretty. [Smile]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
items that I'd never heard outside of this booklet (Baby's Body Belt, Knee Caps, Lady's Sleeping Vest).

Did that include a 'pilch' by any chance? (Possibly item 'D' in that booklet)
That was one of the first items I knitted at school, as my Auntie was expecting a baby.
Back in the days when babies wore terry-towelling square nappies and baggy plastic pants, they wore these woolly knickers, called a pilch, over the top.

Yesterday I discovered what the Tudors used a pilch for [Smile] It goes back to before terry-towelling nappies to when cloths were used, and these weren't very absobant. And of course plastic pants weren't around. So the knitted pilch when over the cloth nappy to absorb leakages and keep them away from the baby's skin.

One day I might need that information for a quiz [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ann:
There are videos of various techniques of increasing and decreasing here - this page is increases - the next is decreases. There's an explanation of the differences in results as well.

Spectacular, Ann, thank you! I want to knit a swatch like that now. I'd make mine with the increases and decreases a few stitches more in from the edge, so it's easier to see the effect independent of any edge effects. Ah, so many permutations, so little time :-).
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
! have just picked up a leaflet advertising various craft courses, including a one day Introduction to Knitting course.
Note carefully, the price and the course content! They don't even get as far as increasing and decreasing!

I"m thinking of a career change!!
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
As long as the instructor isn't required to provide the home-made soups and salads as well!

quote:
From the leaflet:
A look at patterns: what they mean, how to choose one for your skill level

Ah, since they haven't got to increasing and decreasing, that'll be a choice between scarves and baby blankets. Skill level being, are you skilled enough to not collapse in grief when baby spits up all over your handiwork? If not, have a scarf.

(Serious mode: I think a course like this would be better split into two halves a week apart. Then they could practice knits and purls during the week, and have some hand/finger skill built up for learning incs/decs the following week.)
 
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on :
 
Gosh. Having only just been taught how to knit, all this is rather overwhelming. I mean, I'm still working on my first scarf. And nobody's taught me how to cast off yet. [blushes madly]

It's good fun, though, and I do find it relaxing. I've always done craft stuff-mostly beading and greetings cards for friends-and I do like learning new things.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
(Serious mode: I think a course like this would be better split into two halves a week apart. Then they could practice knits and purls during the week, and have some hand/finger skill built up for learning incs/decs the following week.)

And pay out another £40?
A course of half a dozen 2 hour classes would make some sense, but this is a one-off session. The programme I have for the centre runs up until November, with no other knitting courses. You could have a very long scarf in that time [Eek!]
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
If you can do the four basics, you can do increases and decreases, etc. Certainly when I took a class we didn't learn about those. I just got to one pattern that said "knit two together" which seemed logical (who knows? Maybe I do it incorrectly, but it seems to work) and so on and on we went. Casting on other stitches was easy, and even with the basics, it only takes a second to learn yarn overs, etc. If they listed out every single possible thing that would get covered in a one day course I think it would be offputting and seem like too much for people.

As for the cast off, Persephone, you will learn, and it isn't that difficult. Just one tale for you: when I learned to knit I had to go back to the internet for video on how to cast off for my first four knitted items. The problem is that any scarf or item will get you lots of practice on stitches, but by design you don't actually cast off that much! So don't panic.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by Autenrieth Road:
(Serious mode: I think a course like this would be better split into two halves a week apart. Then they could practice knits and purls during the week, and have some hand/finger skill built up for learning incs/decs the following week.)

And pay out another £40?
You have to think big to be a wildly rich knitting instructor [Snigger] .

I was thinking of two 3-hour classes for the one £40 fee. Of course travel then becomes a problem. Probably a one-day class is better in terms of giving people a big concentrated bang for their buck. Then multi-classes, or focussed intermediate skills sessions, once people have the bug.

I wonder if
quote:
From the leaflet:
Finishing activities: crochet or try different stitches or chance to try different yarns/needles for different effects

includes illustrations of inc/dec -- and more importantly, info about "how do you learn to do all the things you haven't learned yet". Ditto perhaps in the pattern-choosing part -- maybe part of evaluating a pattern for your skill level includes how to see "ah, just one or two new techniques, worth a go."

quote:
A course of half a dozen 2 hour classes would make some sense, but this is a one-off session. The programme I have for the centre runs up until November, with no other knitting courses. You could have a very long scarf in that time [Eek!]
Or a very short scarf, given the rate I sometimes knit at! (Ssssh, don't tell anyone [Ultra confused] [Biased] ).

Here's another way of doing a 6-hour learn-to-knit class, that covers more knitting techniques at the expense of knitting history:
quote:
From Halcyon Yarn:
Beginning Knitting
Instructor: Gwynn Erickson
Date: Sun, March 11 ... Time: 10 am- 4pm
Learn the art of hand knitting! In this class everyone will learn, practice and perfect the basic stitches and techniques: knit, purl, increase, decrease, cast-on, cast-off and more. Class discussions will include yarn weights, swatching, and how to plan a project.
Class requirements: pen and paper for notes
Item Number: BEK0307C ... $75.00

Now I'm curious about what the "and more" is.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
Note carefully, the price and the course content!

£40 for 5 hours of tuition and a lunch seems like a pretty reasonable cost to me.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Having thought about it for a bit, I suppose that once you can cast on, create a 'knit' stitch and a 'purl' stitch, and cast off, you can do pretty well anything by just combining those elements in various ways, and some of that 'combining' is included the course

As I learned the basics before I was seven, it seemed a lot of money to be taught something so easy...Now she would earn her £40 if she could teach me to crochet [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by altarbird (# 11983) on :
 
I don't even want to think about the number of times Mum and Gran tried to teach me to knit. Or crochet. Those women should be bald from pulling their hair out. Wanted to learn when I was young. Couldn't get it somehow. And I don't think the teaching gene is very strong in our family. But it was also a case that while both Mum and Gran knew how to knit, I never actually saw them do it. It wasn't really a hobby for them.

Then I took the course (multi week for me). Once I got it, I went crazy and now I knit all the time. Started designing my own things, etc.

Mum and Gran are now pulling their hair out because all I ever want to talk about is yarn. And patterns. And things.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
Note carefully, the price and the course content!

£40 for 5 hours of tuition and a lunch seems like a pretty reasonable cost to me.
The local craft centre place near me that I hjave just discovered is doing "jewlerey making" workshops at £10 for 2 hours which I though was quite reasonable. HOwever Im *so* sure by the end of it you will want to buy tons of beads from them and so it will soon be more!

I do think the knitting (or insert any other skill here) tuition is a rather good racket though for the teacher. A class of say just 5 earns you 100 pounds for a days tuition and no real work. I know I can teach, I think I need to find a "skill" that I can teach (ok I better get good at that first.... [Biased] ) as its a far easier way to earn money than teaching 150 kids a day and expecting them all to get through their exams..


Hmmm I need a skill [Biased] Therin lies the problem.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Emma.:
A class of say just 5 earns you 100 pounds for a days tuition and no real work.

Um, yeah. [Disappointed] Let's ignore the idea that craft tuition is not real work. It is not at all like presiding over a homework class. It is teaching a new, physical skill.

The tutor will have to pay rent, heat, light, publicity, travel, tax. They may well be providing course materials, and will be providing display materials. There will be research done and samples made, all taking time and effort.

You aren't going to get rich quick being a tutor at craft classes.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
You also have to bear in mind that craft tutors aren't going to be teaching all day, every day, and you don't get paid for holidays.

Most people want classes evenings and weekends, so even if you taught every evening of the week (counting for 1/3 of a day) and all day Saturday and took all of that home, you'd make £233 per week for the weeks you worked and £0 for the weeks you didn't.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
tangent

I do realise both of those, but wasnt going to go into a deep long post! (of course youd expect more than 5 etc etc, need to market yourself ra ra, but there is adult education as well as craft centres and you'd probably have a sideline in selling craft materials - its obviously quite possible or people wouldnt be doing it!)

I think its because I **am** moving more towards being a self-emplyed trainer that **does** do things on a more freelance basis that I genuinely do think it is a "better deal".

Of course its not easy, it involves work and planing and business skills - but if you have a skill that you are good at I think it would be far preferable to run a business teaching others your skill - much more enjoyable and possible financially!

end of random tangent. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
! have just picked up a leaflet advertising various craft courses, including a one day Introduction to Knitting course.
Note carefully, the price and the course content! They don't even get as far as increasing and decreasing!

I"m thinking of a career change!!

Seriously that is a bargain. A class of five brings in £200, that may pay for the hire of the room. My guess is you'd need around twenty people there before you'd make any real money.

Jengie
 
Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
Gosh. Having only just been taught how to knit, all this is rather overwhelming. I mean, I'm still working on my first scarf. And nobody's taught me how to cast off yet. [blushes madly]


A tip for when you do teach yourself to cast off: cast off loosely! This may not be of great significance when you are knitting a scarf, but you might run into problems later if, for example, you are casting off at the top of the neck of a polo neck sweater and realise too late that your casting off is too tight to get your head through the hole!

So, when casting off, swap your right hand needle (assuming you are right handed) for one a couple of sizes larger, to give you larger loops, and knit loosely!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sparrow:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
Gosh. Having only just been taught how to knit, all this is rather overwhelming. I mean, I'm still working on my first scarf. And nobody's taught me how to cast off yet. [blushes madly]


A tip for when you do teach yourself to cast off: cast off loosely! This may not be of great significance when you are knitting a scarf, but you might run into problems later if, for example, you are casting off at the top of the neck of a polo neck sweater and realise too late that your casting off is too tight to get your head through the hole!

So, when casting off, swap your right hand needle (assuming you are right handed) for one a couple of sizes larger, to give you larger loops, and knit loosely!

Great suggestion! I shall try it.

Looseness is also a consideration for casting on for socks (when knitting from the cuff down to the toe).
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Apologies for replying to a tangent but...

quote:
Originally posted by Emma.:
tangent

I do realise both of those, but wasnt going to go into a deep long post! (of course youd expect more than 5 etc etc, need to market yourself ra ra, but there is adult education as well as craft centres and you'd probably have a sideline in selling craft materials - its obviously quite possible or people wouldnt be doing it!)

I think its because I **am** moving more towards being a self-emplyed trainer that **does** do things on a more freelance basis that I genuinely do think it is a "better deal".

Of course its not easy, it involves work and planing and business skills - but if you have a skill that you are good at I think it would be far preferable to run a business teaching others your skill - much more enjoyable and possible financially!

end of random tangent. [Big Grin]

A couple of years ago I seriously looked at alternative ways of making a living, and this was one of them, as well as selling items that I had made. I came to realise that this just isn't possible if you are the main (or, as I am, only) earner. Everyone who I came across who does this has someone earning enough to fall back on when demand drops.

My theory is that many people don't see craftwork (and anything related to it) as worthy of appropriate payment.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
My theory is that many people don't see craftwork (and anything related to it) as worthy of appropriate payment.
That is just so true. When the market is undercut by cheap, mass produced, hats, scarves etc. who wants to pay for good wool originals? At some major fairs there may be a chance of recouping time spent as well as materials, but not just generally. I had a beautiful display of scarves and hats at the college where I work last winter. Many people commented and tried on but would rather buy from Target or the local chemist. Good wool, original designs, one of a kind, very cheap actually. But not bought.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
.... At some major fairs there may be a chance of recouping time spent as well as materials...

which reminds me.... a stall at a fair, major or otherwise, is not cheap. At a local middle-sized one one I'd have had to sell about 100 silk scarves to break even. I was very fortunate that the gift shop at a local botanical garden was interested in the scarves that I dyed using plant material from that garden. They bought them from me to sell in the shop, but it only covered materials, not time and electricity.

I am so glad that some very gifted people persevere because their products are a delight to look at and an inspiration (even if I can't afford to buy them very often).

[ 15. March 2007, 22:02: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
[double posting for a very good reason.... back on track]
Yesterday I bought the most scrumptious purple 4 ply cotton to knit the next pair of socks - I've almost finished the shawl and am looking forward to getting going with this yarn.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I've been making a few bags that I will hopefully end up selling - because I made a bunch of the same thing, and I can't possibly keep them all - and despite having recycled raw materials (though I bought them from charity shops) I very much doubt I'll make more than minimum wage on them. And I couldn't do the actual making things full-time as I'd need to do the buying materials, and resting my hands too. Even if I got really good at making bags I'd never be able to sell them for much more, either, as that's the going rate.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I just got a new spindle this week. I had to send to the States for it - it seems to be very difficult to get pretty spindles in the UK. This one is made of soapstone, and can be used from either end (top or bottom whorl).
I was given a little bag of alpaca fleece last year, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. The spindle spins like a dream, and the alpaca is so soft it's like spinning clouds - it's wonderful.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Ooooh, lovely, Eigon.

I tried briefly to learn to spindle-spin after being mesmerized by people at a sheep & wool fair. Conclusion -- it's a lot harder than it looks! Decided I haven't got the patience to learn how to do it -- anyway, if we all span our own, who would buy all that pretty handspun yarn [Biased] ?

Any tips or techniques that helped you along as you were learning? (I may have given up, but I'm always curious.)
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
At an alpaca show in our area last month, I saw a woman spinnining on a top whorl spindle by spinning and then letting the twist into the yarn in two separate steps. I was excited to see that, because I cannot do both things at once. Using her technique, I have even been able to make some lace weight yarn, which was not possible for me before.

Does anyone have any suggestions for good wheels for beginners? The shop where I'm taking lessons only has Ashfords and I can't tell if I'm just really bad or if a different wheel would help me improve faster.
 
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
Badfundie, I've had good luck with my Lendrum folding wheel, and I much prefer it to my Ashford, thought it doesn't look as fairy-tale-ish (using it seems to lessen the flood of annoying "Rumplestiltskin" jokes, though!)

The Lendrum is made in Ontario, and you can get single or double treadle models; mine has interchangeable heads and bobbins (plying, silk) and I really don't need another wheel. Because it folds, it's easy to travel with,which came in handy in my demonstration days.

You can check it out at www.woolery.com.
 
Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
chukovsky, can you modify the bags in such a way that they become unique and clearly NOT the mass-marketed items, thus commanding a higher price?

I'm with daisydaisy on this; I strongly believe "a workman is worth his hire" and simply because people in India or China (prisoners, even) can sell their time for pennies on the hour does NOT mean that your time can be similarly valued. When I had a little money I was thrilled to be able to support artisans and I hope I will be able to again. *sigh*
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I don't know that I've got any tips except practice!

My first ever yarn was hugely thick and lumpy. I've kept it for when I'm demonstrating, to show just how bad I was - but as I went on, I managed to get an even yarn. It really was just a case of perseverance and not minding too much when the whole lot fell on the floor! Which it has, once or twice, with the alpaca, too - it's slightly different from wool to spin, having a longer staple, and no grease. I usually spin the Jacob's fleece after just one rinse, so the lanolin is still there. This is also so that school kids can touch it and go "Euggh!" before we start.

I've never used a wheel - I mainly learned to spin so I could do something interesting in the Living History encampment, and spinning wheels were huge in the 13thC, and non-existant in Viking times, so a drop spindle was really the only option. I am looking around for a wheel now, though, not for re-enactment, but for my own pleasure.
 
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
I don't know that I've got any tips except practice!

Absolutely right! I recently came across some yarn I had spun when I was in high school (mumblemumble years ago), and I had taken "thick & thin" to new heights, or possibly depths.

When I first learned to spin, my aunt, who was my teacher, had me do great quantities of plying, which helped me get used to regulating tension and spin. It also helped her finish some of her orders for yarn, so both of us benefited.

Eigon, I envy you; I miss hearing "Eughh!" (which is of course, usually followed by "Whoaa - Cool!". [Smile]

[ 29. March 2007, 16:52: Message edited by: Meg the Red ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
My first ever yarn was hugely thick and lumpy. I've kept it for when I'm demonstrating, to show just how bad I was

While thick and thin yarns aren't appealing to spinners, they are to many knitters. Your thick and lumpy yarn could make a very interestingly textured hat.

At Christmas I was knitting with a yarn that was so underspun it was almost a roving, but it was interesting to knit with and very soft to wear.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm trying to keep my alpaca fairly thick but even, and I've borrowed a knatty knitter (like French knitting but with a lot more pegs) to make a hat out of it.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Meg the Red, our spinning teacher brought her Lendrum to class on Saturday and I love it! As soon as I can afford to, I will have one. It is going to take me a long time to spin the 25 lbs of fleece I already have, and it's time to have the sheep sheared again this month.


Eigon, where did you get your new spindle? When I Googled "soapstone spindle" I got a lot of historical spinning sites, but no one selling spindles [Frown] (I'm just going to look, really.)
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
Because, obviously, I have too much time on my hands and nothing to do with it all, I'm about to start knitting a moebius scarf out of rowan kidsilk haze.

Anyone done one of these? Any hints, tips etc? I'm going to use the "proper" moebius knitting method, rather than knitting it in a long strip, casting off, giving it a half twist and grafting the ends together.

I know that the stitch has to be reversible - I was thinking a K2 P2 rib on 3.5mm needles.

[ 03. April 2007, 12:36: Message edited by: rosamundi ]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
I've just started on the child's waistcoat from Knit Today (Issue 8), p80 and now I'm confused. I was good and read ahead, but then decided that it would make sense if I just trusted and knit. But now it's time and it doesn't make sense.

Perhaps I'm being dim, but would you interpret the following:

"Cast off 4 sts, purl to end.
Knit.
Cast off remaining 4 sts.
Re-join yarn at armhole.
Cast off 7 sts, knit until there are 42 sts on right hand needle."

to mean that I ought to knit until there are four stitches left, cast those off, break off the yarn and then proceed with the remaining instructions? Because that's the only thing which seems to make a modicum of sense so far and otherwise I'm stumped. Suggestions would be welcomed!
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
kentishmaid, which piece is this? Half of the front? How many stitches are on the needles before you start the segment you cite? Is the Purl a wrongside row, starting (I theorize) from the center of the waistcoat, with the waistcoat in stockingette stitch?
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
It's all knitted in one piece. There are 77 stitches on the needle at the beginning of the extract. The purl is sort of a wrong side row in that the waistcoat is meant to be reversible. I'm thinking that I will probably make the stocking stitch side the right side, however, so yes that would be correct.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Thanks for the extra detail. Alas, I'm not coming up with a clear picture yet.

I'm not able to picture where in the waistcoat this part is coming, and so what might make sense for the shape it's trying to achieve. Are these 15 castoffs meant to be the bottom of an armhole, I wonder?

I can't get the 42 stitches to make sense as part of wherever it's trying to go.

If you want to put more of the pattern (both preceding and following), I would think about it more, but maybe someone else will actually have the magazine in hand and be able to look at it and then you wouldn't have to type more.

It's cute (I presume you mean "Sundown Stripes", near the bottom, as long as #8 is the current issue.)

[ 03. April 2007, 23:59: Message edited by: Autenrieth Road ]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Yes, that's the right pattern. Prior to the excerpt I typed I had cast on 64 stitches, knit a row, cast on a total of 26 stitches over 12 rows, worked a couple of rows, cast on another stitch at the beginning of the next two rows, worked 18 rows and then began the casting off bit of the pattern with a few straight rows in between and then I got to the bit I typed. If that makes any sense.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
<new project alert>
Now that I've completed all known sock requirements, I shall begin on sweaters (I'm knitting them from a pattern book, not crocheting as in this link which has cute pictures giving an idea) for my dog friends and matching gloves for their owners, as Christmas pressies (oh yes, like many of you I start early [Smile] )
</new project alert>
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Life has been hectic here with some unpleasant surprises, so I've been knitting. Great stress relief.

It's years since I made anything else except socks for myself but I rather liked the Tahoe jacket from the spring edition of Knitty. It's only three weeks since I started and I've just bought buttons today and started sewing together.

It's quite different to anything I've done before for me, with a deep neck V and much shorter than usual. However, I want it for work where I'm usually fairly warm and outright hot on summer days.

Very deep purple with contrast in a soft, dusky pink. My tension is spot on but the sleeves are way too flared at the wrist. I'll sew it all up and leave it a few days and then reconsider treatment. I might have to steek the lower part of sleeve and re-seam it somewhat narrower. I'm not even contemplating ripping and doing it again and the jacket body is fine.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
The Tahoe looks like a possible basis for my next project.

I am just on the last rows of a cotton jumper, which is knit in randomised blocks (I would roll a six-sided before each installment to determine where the colours went). It is an - um - cheerful assemblage of blue, navy, cream, brown, orange copper and red.

I shall have small quantities of those colour left to add to a basket full of other cotton ends - mostly greys and blues - and mostly quite short pieces.

I am looking for a simple shape (as ever) and some kind of pattern that will accommodate all these scraps. At the moment I am thinking of an edge to edge (ie knitting from the sides across), but it's more difficult to get shapings done that way.

Anyone got a good pattern for a loose-fit jumper or cardigan knit sideways?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
My soapstone spindle, in reply to badfundie, came from www.cauldronfarm.com/ (I think that's right). The lady makes the spindles to order. They have a smallholding in Massachusetts where they keep goats, host pagan gatherings and have a small pagan press.
The spindle is wonderful - I wish they were more easily available in this country.
And I've nearly finished the hat, with lots more alpaca still to spin. (Do I need another scarf?)
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Firenze - with your cotton yarn left-overs would you consider making a hat ? I was really struck by the hats that I saw worn by men in Egypt, and found this pattern that might work with adapting - I suspect that other people will know more appropriate patterns though, and I do wonder if crochet might be better than knitting.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
kentishmaid, this is from the bottom up? Are there 15 other stitches being cast off shortly before or after, on the other side of the pattern, to be the start of the other armhole (as I'm guessing this is)? That would make sense to me, except that I still can't make sense for myself of the 96 to 77 to 42 stitches.

Alas, without the whole pattern I'm unsure of what they might mean. I'd be interested to know what you decide and how it turns out.

I'm sorry I'm not able to be of help! [Frown]
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
I wonder if any of you can help me.

I am a novice knitter. I have made a few fluffy scarves and then a bag on circular needles which I felted and now I am attempting socks.

I have a pattern which came with the wool (Regia - makes stripy socks). I am using 4 needles. I have done a ribbed section and a cuff so far.

So my problem is I don't understand the next bit of the pattern. It says:
Heel Flap: K13 and turn (what does the turn mean?)

Row 1: sL1P, P25, turn - 26 sts on this needle I have no idea what this means and my mind tends to think "Oh no too complicated shut down".

Can any of you give me a step by step guide to what this means I need to do? Or guide me to a website to help me?

Thanks very much - I tend to look at patterns and panic.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
This 'turn' business is the main problem that people have when knitting socks for the first time. So very many people ask this very same question. I wish that the pattern writers would give a sentence to explain it. [Disappointed]

With socks the general pattern is to knit the ribbing band, then a stocking stitch section, and then the heel is formed. You knit 13 stitches*, and then turn your work, as if you had just finished knitting a row on straight needles. You then purl across those 13 sts you have just knitted, and a further 13 sts. This will give you 26 on one needles. Now you use stocking stitch to work back and forth across these 26 stitches. This forms a square.

In your case you are working 13 sts, turning and working back 26 sts. The generic patter is to knit 1/4 of the stitches, and then purl back so that half of the original number of stitches is on the working needle.

I couldn't get my head around the sock pattern when I read it for the first time. But once you have made one sock it is very easy to make more.

Give a shout if you get stuck again.
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Thank you that is very helpful Babybear, very clear.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Might you be bringing your socks to the Wightmeet? We could compare socks [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Mrs Holy Moley (# 8938) on :
 
I'm not a nifty knitter but I just realised how much fun crafts can be when I made my own Christmas wreaths and decorations from hedgerow bits and bobs. I am going to try flower arranging and that sort of thing and hopefully grow my own flowers.
Have any of you crafty types got suggestions as to how I can get started? Maybe a book or a course or flowers that are easy to grow and look funky?
 
Posted by narnie83 (# 11009) on :
 
I'm glad this thread is here!

I don't think I've posted here before, despite being a mad knitter, see my website for proof. And for more pics my deviantArt gallery has lots of silly knittedness - http://narnie83.deviantart.com/

Do note the dalek - http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/50579035/ - and the woolly picture of Whitstable wind farm - http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/52753941/
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I'll also be bringing my sock knitting to the Wightmeet.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
I'll also be bringing my sock knitting to the Wightmeet.

I have no idea what I'll be bringing. I do have a ball of sock wool and the requisite number of DPNs, but I also have 3 balls of bamboo yarn winging its way to me from some lovely people, a Möebius cowl for the making of.

And I finished these!

But today, I am planting chilli seeds.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Nice gloves Rosumundi! Hopefully it won't be so cold at the Wightmeet that you'll need to wear them. I suspect I'll be bringing the jumper that I'm knitting - boring but necessary ready for next winter. Hopefully a pair of socks that I knitted will be coming too [Smile]
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Nice gloves Rosumundi! Hopefully it won't be so cold at the Wightmeet that you'll need to wear them. I suspect I'll be bringing the jumper that I'm knitting - boring but necessary ready for next winter. Hopefully a pair of socks that I knitted will be coming too [Smile]

I will bring them, thus providing a cast-iron guarantee of gorgeous weather all weekend (kind of like if you leave your umbrella behind, it's guaranteed to rain).
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Might you be bringing your socks to the Wightmeet? We could compare socks [Big Grin]

I will indeed bring them, especially if there are experienced sock knitters who may be able to keep an eye on me.

I'm very keen to see what other people are doing, I'm very new to this knitting business.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Cute dalek, narnie!

I finished my first hat this morning. I've spun the alpaca (which is just wonderful, like spinning clouds, it's so soft), and then I used a knatty knitter to make the hat. It was the first time I'd used one, and I was impressed at how easy it was. It's a bit like the old cotton reel with nails in, except this one was about the diameter of my head, with about 20 knobs to wrap the yarn around.
It's very soft, and very warm, and I am very pleased with myself.
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I love reading about others' projects, and this thread has been really inspiring, though till now I've only lurked.

Thursday night I finally finished a sweater crocheted with a chunky, fuzzy variegated yarn (basically green, with some tan and brick). I started it last year, then stopped when the weather turned warm, then took it up a few weeks ago. Ended up completely redoing the back to make it smaller, as I've lost weight since last year, and it came out pretty well -- very cozy. I'm gratified that the weather is cool this weekend; I'll get to wear it at least a little bit before the summer.

As I'm on a roll, I promptly went out Friday evening and bought and started my next project: a lightweight cotton sleeveless top in a golden yellow. This is a knitting project, and I'm really more of a crochet person, but it's pretty simple and I'm hoping to improve my knitting skills. And also hoping to finish this thing before the weather turns cool in the fall. [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
My niece has sleepovers at Grandma's house every so often. And each time she brings her doll, and tells Grandma how cold her poor doll is because she doesn't have any clothes.

When I was over visiting just before Easter my lovely little niece tried the routine on me too. I am a sucker for a smile and a prettily phrased request. Whilst I was there I made a little beany hat for the doll. But apparently the doll is still cold and could do with some socks. [Paranoid]

This weekend I made a poncho-like cape for the doll. It is in cream, with pink fluffy trims at the neck and the bottom of the cape. I shall make some pink fluffy topped socks to do with the cape.

This 'doll' has very decided views when it comes to colours. The 'doll' loves pinks and purples. Cream and white are okay, as long as there is some pink. Hearts are good too. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Your niece must be related to my daughter [Smile] . I just finished putting fringe on a doll poncho that started out as a corner-to-corner dishcloth. When DD saw the color, and that it was "just right" for her doll, the project changed. Now I am working on booties for a baby shower that would be "perfect in a smaller size" for another doll. Also, the other dolls saw the poncho and now they each want one in a different color and stitch pattern. [Help]

Fortunately, a poncho is a perfect beginner project for a little girl who is learning to knit her own doll clothes.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
This 'doll' has very decided views when it comes to colours. The 'doll' loves pinks and purples. Cream and white are okay, as long as there is some pink. Hearts are good too. [Big Grin]

Sensible doll. How is she with sparkly?

I, on the other hand, have just done the cuff and four rounds of the calf of my first ever sock. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Rosamundi,

Handknit socks are wonderful. I've now made lots but remember the first one. A word of advice...Don't try reading ahead and wondering what the pattern means. It's not good for the head. [Razz]

when you get to the heel, follow the instructions and it should all fall into place. If not, ask here. Quite a few of us have done socks.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
Sensible doll. How is she with sparkly?

I don't know. [Ultra confused] I didn't ask. However, my niece is 4 years old. I presume that sparkly will be quite fine.

I have now run out of projects that I actually want to knit. I don't know what to do next? Are we into the time of year when their is enough light to make a midnight blue gansey? Should I procrastinate by knitting some more socks?

Suggestions very welcome.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I don't know. [Ultra confused] I didn't ask. However, my niece is 4 years old. I presume that sparkly will be quite fine.

If she's four, I don't think you can go wrong with pink'n'sparkly.

Sock is coming on apace, but I haven't got to the heel yet, it could all come to a grinding halt...
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Heels are pure wierd magic. You follow the bizarre directions exactly as written, wondering all the time, "What the--?!", and lo and behold, a sock heel emerges.

babybear, I'm in that same "between projects stage." Come to think of it, there's 1 1/2 socks in my knitting bag (from at least 2 years ago [Eek!] ) that could stand to be finished [Snore] .

Does anyone else get this nothing-to-do between-projects phase? Where does it come from?
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I love doing heels! They look as if they should be far more complicated than they are, but if you follow the instructions then they are great.

As my poor left thumb is complaining I'm trying Continental (or left handed) knitting for the first time. I've changed to this from English (or right handed) knitting towards the top of the back of the jumper that I am knitting, so I hope the tension is not too different - so far it seems fine.... but I've only done 10 stitches so I hope I'm not speaking too soon!!
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I dug out my half finished patchwork quilt today. I was feeling inspired so I sat doing it in from of Dr Who tonight. I ended up getting cramp in my left thumb really quickly! I used to be able to sew for hours without having any problems!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Continental K [Smile]
Continental P [Waterworks]
Continental choc [Cool]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Here's a handy link for those who knit socks. Turning the heels for lots of different sizes and a range of heels too. I've found it a useful reference.

heels by number

As I and others have said; just follow the pattern as it says for the heels, without wondering about it. Suddenly, you'll have a neat little cup for the heel. [Yipee]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I've changed to this from English (or right handed) knitting towards the top of the back of the jumper that I am knitting, so I hope the tension is not too different

I think the chances of you achieving the same tension using two different methods of knitting to be very small. I would suggest that you finish the back in your usual knitting style. Then if you want to have a go with continental knitting, do it on the sleeves. You would be advised to knit a tension swatch, and ensure that your tension was consistent across the whole garment.

I tried continental knitting, and my tension was considerably tighter than in my normal style. I am worried that you will have a line across the back of the garment, and that the neckline will be rather odd. If you decide not to swatch the sleeves (or any part unknitted) then you may well have pieces that are a very bad fit.

Knitting takes quite a bit of time, and it is awful to see a lovely item ruined because it doesn't fit.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thanks babybear - I had noticed that the COntnental was tight. I've been knitting "English" style for about 40 years now & feel it will take quite a while to get used to Continental - but need to do something because my thumb really is causing quite a lot of discomfort. Still, even if I go back to English & only do 2 or 4 rows a night, I'll probably finish in time for next winter which is when it's for!
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
As I and others have said; just follow the pattern as it says for the heels, without wondering about it. Suddenly, you'll have a neat little cup for the heel. [Yipee]

It looks like a sock! It looks like an actual recognisable sock! [Yipee] Well, except it hasn't got any toes yet. Meh. Details.

Daisydaisy, would the videos here be any help for you getting the hang of continental purling?

[ 22. April 2007, 19:34: Message edited by: rosamundi ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
As I and others have said; just follow the pattern as it says for the heels, without wondering about it. Suddenly, you'll have a neat little cup for the heel. [Yipee]

It looks like a sock! It looks like an actual recognisable sock! [Yipee] Well, except it hasn't got any toes yet. Meh. Details.

Daisydaisy, would the videos here be any help for you getting the hang of continental purling?

Well done! [Yipee] Isn't it a great feeling of accomplishment. What's more, handmade socks are just wonderful to wear. My feet protest if I put on commercial socks now.

Watch out, though. Knitting socks can become addictive. Small, portable, great result, a good way of trying out yarns or using yarn too expensive for a bigger project etc. If Ii knit socks on the train, I almost always get into a conversation with someone about them. One old lady cried because she was pleased to see that skills like this were ongoing, not dead as she thought.

[ 22. April 2007, 19:53: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
but need to do something because my thumb really is causing quite a lot of discomfort.

I wonder what would happen if you were to rest from knitting for a week, and perhaps take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. It might be that the rest would allow your thumb the chance to heal and that you would be able to resume knitting at a normal rate again.

If you go for that idea, you could try making a patchwork cushion cover, cross stitching a couple of cards or trying out a couple of new recipes.

This week I have a couple of Lloyd Loom stools to recover for a friend from church.

And I am on the lookout for a shawl pattern in a lace weight mohair.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Watch out, though. Knitting socks can become addictive. Small, portable, great result, a good way of trying out yarns or using yarn too expensive for a bigger project etc.

Ahem. I've already ordered the yarn for my mum's Christmas present - one pair of cashmere and silk socks in a semi-solid raspberry colour. I'm doomed, I tell you, doomed.

I confess to looking at the instructions for the heel and thinking "this is never going to work in a million years," but I remembered the advice of someone in my knitting group, who said "well, it helps if you're a couple of glasses of wine to the good, the first time," so I took another mouthful of wine, stepped out in faith, and suddenly I had a heel. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Continental K [Smile]
Continental P [Waterworks]
Continental choc [Cool]

I knit Continental style. Is there a particular problem you're having with purling, or do you just need more practice?
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
Daisydaisy, would the videos here be any help for you getting the hang of continental purling?

Yes - thanks, I think this could be very helpful - I'll try it out.
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
but need to do something because my thumb really is causing quite a lot of discomfort.

I wonder what would happen if you were to rest from knitting for a week, and perhaps take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. It might be that the rest would allow your thumb the chance to heal and that you would be able to resume knitting at a normal rate again.

If you go for that idea, you could try making a patchwork cushion cover, cross stitching a couple of cards or trying out a couple of new recipes.

Yes, I really need to give the knitting a break - but is's soooo addictive and rather handy while I watch television:)
I've many sewing projects that I've had to put away because of my eyesight - it's not too bad, but I do need to be careful and I found this wasn't helping.
But I do need to get back into cooking again - so looks like now is the time [Smile]
quote:
Originally posted by RuthW:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Continental K [Smile]
Continental P [Waterworks]
Continental choc [Cool]

I knit Continental style. Is there a particular problem you're having with purling, or do you just need more practice?
I think I just need the practice, Ruth. I'm dreadful at needing to know how to do things now
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Yes, I really need to give the knitting a break - but is's soooo addictive and rather handy while I watch television:)
I've many sewing projects that I've had to put away because of my eyesight - it's not too bad, but I do need to be careful and I found this wasn't helping.
But I do need to get back into cooking again - so looks like now is the time [Smile]

I envy you a little bit -- I'm doing needlework in order to help myself stay out of the kitchen in the evenings. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
I envy you a little bit -- I'm doing needlework in order to help myself stay out of the kitchen in the evenings
I can't do needlework at night unless I use a very strong light. I really need daylight for it. Also need daylight to knit dark colours unless it's just plain old stocking stitch which i don't need to watch. The joys of older eyes, although new script for glasses will also help.

Kitchen? While I need to lose some weight, I don't find eating at night a temptation, although I know others do. Someone I know brushes her teeth just before she sits down to watch TV. Then she is less likely to eat chocoltae, potato chips etc.

Another person made a fancy sign which said "Kitchen closed" and puts it up after cleaning sink à la Flylady. She found that helped.

As for me, it's just past 7:00 am and I've already been up four hours with an aching hip. I need to have a shower and go and do some grocery shopping. I was planning on walking to help exercise and weight loss, but it's actually raining. I thought it had forgotten how to. We desperately need it with the worst drought here in a century.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
My sock is looking resolutely sock-like. [Big Grin]

Just about to start decreasing for the toe.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
My sock is looking resolutely sock-like. [Big Grin]

Just about to start decreasing for the toe.

Certainly does look like a sock. I really like the colours too.

Are you going to graft the toe? If you need help, search on "graft + kitchener" and you'll find videos to help if you haven't done it before.

Sometimes I graft toes and sometimes I do a round toe, a bit like the spirals at the top of a knitted hat.

I'm sure your feet will appreciate the handknitting.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Well done. You have made a very neat start, and your gusset is looking good. It certainly doesn't look like your first sock!
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
My sock is looking resolutely sock-like. [Big Grin]

Just about to start decreasing for the toe.

I am only at that stage, and I was knitting mine when the Wightmeet was on. You are definitely far faster than me. [Overused]

I was delighted that my heel looked like a heel (thanks Babybear). I will post here when I finally finish it. I did take a bit of a break until I found a friend who could show me how to pick up stitches along the heel flap.


I don't think I'll be able to wait to wear it until I've made the other one, I think I'll be like my children and wear odd socks. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
I am only at that stage, and I was knitting mine when the Wightmeet was on. You are definitely far faster than me. [Overused]

Yes, but I don't have 3 children and a husband to distract me! [Biased]

My sock is finished! [Yipee] [Yipee] [Yipee]

Just need to do the next one. [Biased]
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:


My sock is finished! [Yipee] [Yipee] [Yipee]

Just need to do the next one. [Biased]

They look great, I hope mine turn out looking as good.

<Rushing off to watch Morse and get more of my sock done>
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I went round the Antique Centre here today, and there were two great wheels for sale. Sadly, both of them had essential bits missing, that would need pieces to be made to measure before they could be used. At £275 and £245 respectively, I couldn't remotely justify getting one on the off chance I could get it repaired, when new ones cost less.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
Why can't everything be so easy to sort out?

I ordered some cashmere & silk yarn from Hipknits a few days ago, and the parcel arrived today. Unfortunately, the owner had mixed up two parcels, and sent me two skeins of recycled sari silk instead. One e-mail to the owner later, she's tracked down my cashmere & silk, which is being posted on to me tomorrow, and said I can keep the sari silk.

Contrast with PC World, who should have sent me a computer desk on 12th April and still haven't yet, and are being a complete obstructive nightmare over sorting it all out.

Now, what shall I do with this?
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Send it to me so I can make beautiful cards!!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
Send it to me so I can make beautiful cards!!

Auntie Doris x

Let me think about that.
.
.
.
No. Shan't. Mine. [Razz]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
OK then. Save me the leftover bits... I can use them on cards. [Biased]

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
Now, what shall I do with this?

I have an idea [Big Grin]

I have a hankering for a triangular shawl, much like this one. If I don't have enough of the sari silk to do a full shawl, I can get a plain (but equally madly luxurious) yarn to do a border, maybe with cables?

What do people think?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
It will be gorgeous-do it! [Cool]
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I just downloaded some origami instructions to make polyhedra. I'll give them to my kids tomorrow to make. Hopefully they'll be ok and I can decore the classroom with them.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
That Sari Silk is beautiful.

I want!

I have just brought about 700grams of Mohair Chunky from the Yarn Mill in Bradford, it's all oddments but I reckon I've got enough for a stripy jumper/cardigan and a pair of socks. I've also got some mega chunky purple, pink and white wool which I will knit on 10mm needles

I don't know what to do first...well, I have half a sleeve of my first ever jumper to decide...
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
If any of you want to participate in this project, your efforts would be welcome.

Here is some more information.

Moo
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
Been a while since I last posted here, but I just finished a jumper that i've been making for ages so I thought i'd post a link to show you.

It has taken me a while to do, but I am really pleased with it and my friend who I made it for likes it too.

Now to make something for me, and to carry on with all the differet socks i've put on hold so I could get this done!

LMM
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
Ooh I should post here. I've finally finished a quilt for my niece. She is 1 (and it has taken me 4 years - because I started out thinking I'd make one for myself, and there was a two year gap in the middle in my defence).
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
How to avoid "Second Sock Syndrome":

Get your handbag stolen, with your first sock and the not-quite-finished second sock (I was all the way down to the heel! Swine!) in it.

Poor socks [Frown] I mourns them.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I like both the jumper and the quilt. Enjoy the sense of achievement! [Smile]
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
So, I need to buy new sock yarn. I like purple and am amused by the thought of stripy purple socks, and would prefer to buy in the UK if possible (and not too expensive, please - the phrase "£100 excess on your insurance policy" is currently looming large in my thoughts). Oh, and whilst I'm asking - I'd like the moon on a stick, please! [Biased]

Any suggestions for particular brands and stockists?

[ 08. May 2007, 21:07: Message edited by: rosamundi ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Rosamundi, I knitted some purple cotton socks using Paton's 100% cotton 4 ply colour 1718, which I got from a high street store. It was a yummy rich purple, a pleasure to knit with and apparently (they were an Easter present) very comfortable to wear. But not striped.

[edited to include link]

[ 08. May 2007, 21:17: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Rosamundi,

I drool over the ads in the English Simply Knitting magazine. Although we have some good online places here, I enjoy looking at the ads. It's not an expensive magazine, so may be worth a look. I pay Australian $12.95 for it.
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
Expert circular knitters, I need your advice please!

The lady next to me in the waiting room the other day was knitting a sock on four needles, and I noticed something that got me thinking. I do loads of two-needle knitting, but have never got on with four needles, and even less with circulars. She was purling the inside with the rest of the work towards her, whereas I had always tried knitting the outside with the work away from me. Somehow her way looked natural.

Am I just stoopid? Have I been doing it wrong, or is it just a choice thing? How does it work out with a pattern? I can't imagine cabling from the inside for example.

And regardless of which way around, how difficult is it to read every other line in reverse on a pattern like Knitty's BabyNorgi?

cheers
A
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
My daughter's looking for a hat, warm for winter, something between a tam, rasta cap and snood. It needs to cover longish but not too thick hair neatly. Most of the snood patterns seem lacey, and the rastas are way too big and too sloppy. Any suggestions? I'd prefer to knit, but I can crochet. I'd rather not sew it.
I'm happy to pay for the right pattern. Thanks, guys. [Smile]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATThexed.html
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
Not exactly, badfundie. We're not looking for funky or interesting, we're looking for simple and warm and able to cover hair so as not to need to have it up in a bun with not a strand out of place. Think military, think cold. [Smile]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATThexed.html

ooooo I love that... if anyone clever out there who has time to spare who wants to make me one that would be great!!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
There are three different things called 'snood'. One type of snood is a lacy hair covering from medieval times. Another is the ballerina snood, and that is really just a little bun cover. The third is a tubular scarf that is a cross between a scarf and a hood. Which style is it that you are looking for? Perhaps the medieval one?
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
More like the medieval thing, in that it would sit lower at the back to hold the hair inside, but covering the top of the head. Not lacey, more solid. Like a rasta cap, but smaller. Maybe I just need to make a small rasta cap. From what I can see, we're talking something like a crocheted doily type thing with a ribbed band. Perhaps I can't find it because it doesn't exist. I've seen similar in fabric, a "jewish style" snood.

Like this only less size in the "bag" I think. I just want something she can drag over her head and keep her hair out of sight, that's warm. The lace ones are sweet, but not warm, and look like the hair issue would take some care if it wasn't to poke out.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by mertide:
Not exactly, badfundie. We're not looking for funky or interesting, we're looking for simple and warm and able to cover hair so as not to need to have it up in a bun with not a strand out of place. Think military, think cold. [Smile]

What about something like this cowl?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Calorimetry may well be a good starting point. It will provide a good band to hold the snood in place. I would suggest that you start off with the pattern as stated. Then instead of casting off work the following:

1. Knit
2. Purl (and all even rows)
3. (K8, K2tog) to end (108 sts)
5. (K7, K2tog) to end (96 sts)
7. (K6, K2tog) to end (84 sts)
9. (K5, K2tog) to end (72 sts)
11. (K4, K2tog) to end (60 sts)
13. (K3, K2tog) to end (48 sts)
15. (K2, K2tog) to end (36 sts)
17. (K1, K2tog) to end (24 sts)
19. (K2tog) to end (12 sts)
21. (K2tog) to end (6 sts)

Break off yarn, and thread end through the remaining 6 sts. Use end to sew up seam of snood.

This extra bit will add an extra 10cm/4" to the length of the head band.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATThexed.html

I am making this for DIL for her birthday. It's very easy and will look good. Am using Noro which cost a packet, but the colours, grey, green and moss, were just right for her. I've done it all, just have to put it together and do the band.

Magknits has some good hats in the archives too.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Here are another couple both of which I have knitted. They look lacy, but still seem to insulate. Then again, it's Sydney, not Canberra. I sold a couple to girls at college last year, and hair doesn't seem to be a problem with them.


Muse hat, very easy. Shazza is from Tasmania, so would want something warm.

Lacy cantata hat. you will need to scroll down to hats and pattern is a Word document.

Don't forget the coronet hat, with horizontal cable band and then pick up stitches and knit. Google for pattern.

A girl at college has a striped hat, which you probably don't want, but principle is the same. It seems to be knit sideways with shortrow shapings. Garter stitch and it looks good.

One more suggestion. Panta. Google again, wide shaped headband.
 
Posted by mertide (# 4500) on :
 
I'll show these to Chris, there's sure to be one she likes. Thanks so much, knew I could count on you all. [Overused]
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Adrienne:
The lady next to me in the waiting room the other day was knitting a sock on four needles, and I noticed something that got me thinking. I do loads of two-needle knitting, but have never got on with four needles, and even less with circulars. She was purling the inside with the rest of the work towards her, whereas I had always tried knitting the outside with the work away from me. Somehow her way looked natural.

Am I just stoopid? Have I been doing it wrong, or is it just a choice thing? How does it work out with a pattern? I can't imagine cabling from the inside for example.

And regardless of which way around, how difficult is it to read every other line in reverse on a pattern like Knitty's BabyNorgi?

I may be misunderstanding, but this sounds harder, not easier. I knit in the round so as to avoid purling - the knitting is the right way round, i.e. the knit side is out, the purl side is on the inside, and the knitting is in my lap, so to speak, with the bit I'm working on at the top.

I have seen someone knit inside out - the whole piece was inside out, though, and she was working (knitting) on the inside.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Adrienne, I have been trying to visualise your description, but failing.

The norm for knitting on circs, or double pointed needles (dpns) is to use the needles closest to you. If you don't do that, but instead use the ones furthest from you then the tube of knitting will be made inside out.

You can choose to do that, if that is what takes your fancy, but it is worth remembering that the patterns are written assuming that you are knitting outside out.

Also, you can of course choose to only use purl stitches when knitting in the round. It will result in the same effect as only using knit stitch. However, it is going to make cabling more difficult.
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
She was purling on the needles away from her - it looked quite natural, and she was going FAST!

I too would rather knit than purl, but I can't see any real disadvantage in the tube being inside out. I'm wondering if the angle of the two needles further away is closer to the angle I use when I knit on two, although I think the angle of the nearer pair would be closer to the way I purl!

I'm going to fish out a set of four and some old wool and do some experimenting.

Thanks for the comments [Cool]

A
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
If you are knitting inside out when making socks then you need to take a bit more care when picking up the stitches around the heel flap. This is simply to make sure you don't get a ridge on the right side. Some people find it very hard to graft toes from the inside.

I think it is in Peru that the knitters rarely use knit stitches, preferring to purl in the round. They make fantastically intricate sweaters too.

Like so many knitting things, once you know the rules, or the norms, then you can break them and adapt them at will.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Adrienne:
She was purling on the needles away from her - it looked quite natural, and she was going FAST!

I do this. Only I knit, so the tube of knitting comes out inside out. It's because I'm lefthanded, and more natural for me to go anticlockwise, or at least that's what we decided at knitting group last week.

Cabling is possible, so long as you remember which side is the front and which is the back.
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
I have finally finished my sock , only one you understand, and actually it was last week but I have only now got a photo up. I am quite a way down the second one now and my smallest daughter wants a pair next, while the biggest daughter wants a pair of gloves like rosamundi's but in black.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
Does anyone know any tried and tested simple pattens, or stitches that I should learn to do...

I'm half considering just doing a series of 10x10 squares, just practicing stitches, and possibly even seeing if I'm brave enough to cable and sewing them together into a quilt...Any suggestions for a very beginning knitter...
 
Posted by crunchywithketchup (# 12546) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
I am quite a way down the second one now and my smallest daughter wants a pair next, while the biggest daughter wants a pair of gloves like rosamundi's but in black.

and DH would like a guitar cosy please.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sophs:
I'm half considering just doing a series of 10x10 squares, just practicing stitches, and possibly even seeing if I'm brave enough to cable and sewing them together into a quilt...Any suggestions for a very beginning knitter...

Cabling Is Not Hard. Trust me on this. Well, ok, some of it might be, but you start with nice easy ones and work up. Like running a marathon.

This page has instructions for a sampler afghan which will teach you a lot of techniques. It also links to this afghan.

This is Knitting Pattern Central's stitch pattern library, and this is the directory of afghan patterns.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
I have finally finished my sock

That is a very cool sock [Big Grin]
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
A picture of 'Chimp', made for a friend's baby, and a scarf made out of crocheted shapes I was making to get rid of some test swatches are now on my blog

'frin
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
Frin that is one cute monkey - and the scarf is amazing! [Overused]
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
I just picked up my Bruges cross-stitch picture from the framers and I'm really pleased with myself cos it was fiddly to do but looks really good. [Big Grin] Now I've got to find some wall space! I'll post a pic when I get a chance.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Keren-Happuch:
Now I've got to find some wall space!

Not a problem. I have oodles of wall space, and Gremlin and I went to Bruges on honeymoon. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm gathering up the courage - and the wool - to try a jumper. I've found a really simple pattern in the Ashford Book of Spinning, based on squares such as I am knitting at the moment for knee blankets (only rather bigger). Then I found some rather gorgeous blue mohair at the local Red Cross shop, and I went round the Hereford charity shops yesterday to match something to the blue. I came back with some grey mohair and some ordinary wool which was blue fading to white, to make the stripe that separates the blue and grey, and for the edgings. It should look stunning!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
I'm gathering up the courage - and the wool - to try a jumper. ....... It should look stunning!

I look forward to seeing a photo of it!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
[metallic computerised voice]

It is imperative you visit this website. There you will find cloning directions on how to make new daleks.

You will obey! You WILL OBEY!

[/metallic computerised voice]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Cute Dalek!

And you may have to wait some time for a picture of the jumper, daisydaisy. I'm not the world's fastest knitter!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I can wait, Eigon [Smile]
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
Here is a photo of my cross-stitch. We found some wall space, I'm afraid babybear! I hope the link works...
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Keren-Happuch:
Here is a photo of my cross-stitch. We found some wall space, I'm afraid babybear! I hope the link works...

That looks great Keren-Happuch, much bigger than any of my attempts. I've been doing the Isle of Wight for about 3 years now and it looks about 1/4 of that size!
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
Thanks! It's roughly 10cm x 30cm (4" x 12") - it's hard to tell the scale in the photo.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
It is beautiful, and brought back happy memories of a honeymoon canal trip.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Gorgeous picture!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Finally!!! I finished a knee-length skirt for my 8-y.o. that is a lavender tube of suri merino knitted on size 3 needles. That's more than 22,000 stitches! And she's actually going to wear it since it doesn't itch. [Yipee]

Super easy and super boring and it's done.
 
Posted by Gladly The Cross-eyed Bear (# 9641) on :
 
Hello.

My name is Gladly, and I am addicted to knitting.

It all started when the Glorious Queen Mousie went back to school, and was needing help with her math homework. I would sit down, and snack while holding her hand through the introduction to algebra.

So I got the great idea that Knitting was something I could do that would keep me busy, be easily interrupted for math questions, and keep me from pigging out on snack foods.

I went to our local Yarn Shop (Needle in a Haystack, in Montrose) and asked about how to learn. I got some blue wool, some (US) number nine needles, and a book of instructions. I converted the wool into a series of squares in stockinette, garter stitch, rib stitch, increases, decreases ...

Drunk with power, I went back to the shop with my sweetie (the aforementioned GQM) and asked what she would like me to make. We found this pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple, and I got the three sets of circular needles and the set of double ended needles that the pattern called for, as well as enough variegated tan yarn to make the project.

That was a month ago. I have now finished the first shirt and have started on a second. I am developing callouses on my fingertips, and I feel nervous when I am not wiggling my fingers. I have even been neglecting my Shiply reading. [Help]

I am glad there is a support group for cases like mine. This is lots of fun, focuses my mind tremendously, and I end up with neat stuff to give to other people.

Gladly
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Having just finished a very functional jumper ready for next winter (yes - I do like to be ready - aand I've already worn it during last week's colder weather!) I am now starting on a pretty cardigan for the summer - the pattern is by Jaeger, pictured on the front cover of the JB41 pattern book - but without the pompoms! I decided against using the Jaeger silk (I was rather put off by needing 10 balls at about £10) and found that Rowan Damask is more in my league [Smile]

I am using bamboo needles for the first time - I haven't noticed any difference yet, but suspect I will if I go back to my regular metal needles.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Having just finished a very functional jumper ready for next winter (yes - I do like to be ready - aand I've already worn it during last week's colder weather!) I am now starting on a pretty cardigan for the summer - the pattern is by Jaeger, pictured on the front cover of the JB41 pattern book - but without the pompoms! I decided against using the Jaeger silk (I was rather put off by needing 10 balls at about £10) and found that Rowan Damask is more in my league [Smile]

I am using bamboo needles for the first time - I haven't noticed any difference yet, but suspect I will if I go back to my regular metal needles.

That's very pretty and I also love the colour. Not one I could wear, but I love it. Enjoy knitting and wearing it.

I've just finished the Hexed hat from Knitty for birthday of one DIL next Saturday. No photos yet. I used Noro Silk Garden in mossy colours. She loves hats, anything unusual and loves green.

Rowan and Jaegar are both expensive down her, but so was the Noro. AUS$35/50 gm ball.

Bamboo? I don't like the circulars from bamboo but love my 5" bmboo sock needles. Also tiny Brittany birch sock dpns and my rosewood needles too. Arthritic fingers appreciate the bit of give in the wooden needles.

ETA: Those pompoms make her look as if she is first prize at the local flower show or something similar. [Big Grin]

[ 03. June 2007, 10:19: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I'm another one who has just finished a winter jumper and got to wear it last week as it was so cold. It is in this rather striking shade of pink which I don't normally wear but it was so pretty that just knitting in it cheered me up no end.

As a knit-a-holic I'm now without wool and hope that I can find some in a sale somewhere as I'm getting withdrawl symptons......
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
I may be ever so slightly knitting addicted.

I learnt to knit literally at my mother's knee, but never really took to it. I made some baby things, and at one time, my early teens maybe? I did knit myself a huge Aran jumper (I love cables!) that got progressively huger under its own weight every time I wore it. But I never connected to it, never felt I understood it at a fundamental level as I did the other crafts I did like tatting and crochet. I was following instructions, but I wasn't creating. And because of this, I'd usually get bored before I'd finished something, and then have unfinished objects hanging around in my craft drawers guilting me because I knew they were going to remain that way for ever, but I couldn't quite bring myself to throw them out with the time that had already gone into them.

Towards the end of last year, for reasons I don't remember, I decided to knit the Fetching gloves from Knitty. This was my first outing on dpns, and I could certainly relate to the "wrestling with a porcupine" description at first, and there were some very frustrating times when one of the needles would just slide out of its own accord and there I was with a whole needle's worth of stitches to pick back up, grrr! Still, once I got going, I was hooked.

The next revelation was in moving from eight-inch metal to six-inch bamboo needles, as they were the only ones I could find in the size I wanted. My mum had always used metal needles, so that was what I was used to using, and she hated bamboo, so I kind of assumed there was something inherently inferior about it and never considered it. I now discovered how wrong I was. Bamboo stays where you put it without trying to escape into your lap! My biggest piece of advice to anyone starting to knit on dpns is, even if you think you'll prefer metal needles in the long run, start with bamboo, and while you may still have a porcupine in your hands, at least it won't be alive.

Now thoroughly addicted, I knit about five pairs of Fetching one after the other. The obvious next step was socks. this very clear article was a tremendous help, especially the pattern for the "training sock", the perfect place to start! There was no stopping me after that, and most importantly it's finally all clicked so that I'm designing what I'm making and feeling full ownership of it in a way I don't if I'm only following a pattern. I love that the construction is so basic and all about simple maths, yet the formula is infinitely adaptable for creative designs.

Right now I'm knitting just a plain stocking stitch pair, but with the most perfect fit, I'm so pleased! I finished the first last night - while reading through this whole thread! - and have just finished the ribbing on the second. I tend not to get second sock syndrome, as by the time I've tried the first one on I'm even more excited to get the second done so I can wear them! I'm using this wool on 2mm needles, Clover bamboo 16cm. I prefer five-inch needles, but the only ones I've got at that length are Brittany Birch and I don't like either the bendiness or the blunt tips of those. I *love* the Clover needles, the whole feel of them but especially the points, so I can live with the extra length. I've knitted socks mainly on 2.5mm with the occasional 2.25 until now, the 2mms are rather less comfortable to use and it seems to go so much slower, but I'm loving the fabric I get. This is also the first time I've knitted with merino, I'm finding this yarn a bit splitty but it's so soft and springy that it makes up for it, it's gorgeous stuff. I couldn't resist the colours of this one, but generally I prefer to knit in a solid colour and add interest with stitch patterns. I'd like to try out some semi-solids, but all the ones I have my eye on are so expensive...

Another thing I'm working on at the moment is this, which is now about 40cm long (and it's about 9cm wide), and I still have no clue what it's going to be. It could be a narrow scarf, but I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of it. Any other ideas?

I'm also using up odds and ends of yarn on charity stuff for premature babies.

Although the knitting is the main obsession at the moment, I do loads of other crafts when I get the chance. Right now on one table there is painting underway on eggs (I've always loved decorating eggs), little FIMO figures (mostly birds) and dolly pegs. Jewellery is another long-term love, I made a couple of pairs of earrings the other day that I'd been planning for ages, but the supplies are just too expensive to go in for in a big way as I'd like to. (This is a great thing about knitting socks, with my small feet I can get a pair out of less than £4 worth of decent yarn, and it keeps me occupied for ages.) What I'd really like is to learn silversmithing and enamelling and that kind of thing rather than just the rather limiting stringing of beads, anyway, but that's just a dream at the moment.

Sorry for writing so much, I always get a bit carried away when talking about crafts!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Welcome to the ship, Jodi, from another sock addicted knitter. That wool looks beautiful.
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
Finished the socks! I love the effect the slip-stitch pattern has on the colours on the heel. Of course it's far too warm to wear them at the moment, but there we go.

Now I'm working on a pair of vaguely lacy fingerless-mitt-type things for a friend in a gorgeous dark raspberry cotton DK, which shouldn't take long. Assuming nothing goes horribly wrong, which it might, as I'm making the pattern up as I go along.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Oooohh, pretty! [Cool] I'm working on some preemie-sized blankets for the local knitting for babies charity at the moment, but when I'm done, socks are definitely next.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I've ben knitting with bamboo needles for the first time and discovered that my thumb doesn't hurt the way it does with metal needles - I was having to stop every 2 rows or so, but I can knit all evening with the bamboo needles. I'm a very happy knitter [Smile]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
You know, daisydaisy, this really belongs on the praise thread [Biased]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I am way ahead of myself just now, but I am looking for ideas for Christmas tree decorations. Something handmade, something folk-art...

Any ideas?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Are you interested in knitting only, or in all kinds of crafty things?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I might make some tiny knitted socks to decorate the tree. I was hoping for non-knitting ideas, especially traditional ones. I love the look of traditional German Christmas trees.

This year, because we have a new house, with a big bay window and high ceilings I shall have a huge tree to play with. I want it to be beautiful.
 
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on :
 
Papier-mache shapes, especially, stars, moulded and painted? Make them now in the summer (your summer, not mine) then they'll have the sun to dry in, and paint them later.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
For nearer the time, how about making Gingerbread ornaments?

I have also in the past made pompom robins as Christmas decorations.

Spray fir cones silver or gold

Jengie

[ 05. July 2007, 14:53: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
I haven't done them for the Christmas tree but for keyrings, but I've bought wooden blanks, hearts and stars in my case, drilled a hole through the top for hanging, and then painted them. I paint them with acrylic paint, add detail with gold or silver pen, and varnish them - unfortunately I find it has to be spray varnish, which I hate because it's so wasteful, otherwise the pen bleeds. But it's amazing how a simple geometric pattern in two colours, not very tidily painted, suddenly looks so beautiful and intricate with a bit of gold pen outlining and a nice shiny finish. They do look rather folk art. In fact I've been thinking of doing some Scandinavian-style ones for Christmas, with a cream base and then simple pictures in red and green.

I'm working on some cable socks, but with 80 stitches on 2mm needles they're taking forEVER! I cast on at least a couple of weeks ago and I'm still only two and a half inches into the first one. It's so tedious that I was tempted to just rip it and start again with something quicker, but it's so beautiful that I can't bring myself to do it. I don't like long legs on my socks anyway so I think I'm just going to do another half an inch, and carry the pattern on just as a fancy rib rather than with the cables for the instep. But it's annoying to have these needles tied up for so long because I only have one set of 2mm and I want them for other things!

I'm still trying to decide what to do with my utterly gorgeous 100g/1500m of laceweight merino. I wanted it to make a little capelet thing, just to go round my shoulders and fasten with a single button at the front, but it's *so* fine and it seems a waste to use it for something that is going to be fairly simple as I'll be making the pattern up myself. I'm thinking I should just get some nice 4ply and save this for a really special shawl, but I want to get started and I can't go buying more yarn at the moment! OTOH, I have four projects on the go already, let alone all the non-knitting stuff, so maybe it's for the best...
 
Posted by Jenn R (# 5239) on :
 
I'm looking for something crafty to do to occupy myself during the day, and I'm thinking about card making, as it won't hurt my hands too much. Knitting was painful, and I don't think cross stitch will be too much better. Does anyone have any ideas how I should get started? Which starter kits are good? I made my own wedding invites, which was fun, but I need a project. If anyone has any project ideas/kits I'd be grateful.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
This website is really good - gives you lots of ideas for projects etc.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I have several zillion knitting patterns in the house - despite which, I can never find one that appeals to me. And even if I do, it is never remotely in the yarn that I actually have to hand - which is always a motley heap of leftovers, odd balls from charity shops, sales etc.

So I thought, what would I like - and decided something between a cadigan and a circus tent would be nice. So I've started at a front edge, knitting sideways, a sort of kite shape, with broad diagonal stripes in two colourways - cream/pale green/lime green/torquoise/blue/pale blue/aqua and white/pale pink/fuschia pink/purple/mauve/lilac.

Anyone else created their own designs? How did they turn out?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Are you going to post a picture when you finish? It sounds beautiful.

Last spring my DD needed a shrug to go with a sleeveless dress. The only childrens patterns we could find were for sweaters or ponchos so I had to come up with my own design. I started with two inches of ribbing at the cuff on one side and increased to the first shoulder, knitted accross the back and decreased back down to the ribbed cuff on the other side. It was all done in garter stitch in a brown, blue, pink and white mottled boucle. It looks like she's wearing a caterpillar when she has it on and she loves it.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I can never find one that appeals to me. And even if I do, it is never remotely in the yarn that I actually have to hand

Let me recommend a book for you, Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges. It is a 'recipe book' rather than a pattern book. She provides basic recipes for garments, and these are in a range of sizes in a range of different guages. She also provides information on how to adapt the patterns to change the necklines, the sleeve types etc.

If you never find a pattern that is exactly right, then this book is the starting point for you to design your own. A most excellent book.

Something that I saw recently that is absolutely beautiful is the Great American Aran Afghan. It is stunning.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
You may remember that a while back I told you about the rather ugly baby blanket I made - I had a lovely letter from the woman who organises the blanket/clothes distribution. I hope you don't mind me sharing it:
My dear lady, I really want to express my grateful thanks for the lovely blanket that you knitted for the project. The colours are delightful and I must say that you have not chosen the most easiest of patterns. Well done dear!
Now keep in mind that new born babies do not worry a bit about stitches and colourd, but they really enjoy any kind of warm garment, especially as it has been made with lots of love as is the case here."
[Smile] [Smile] [Smile]
Maybe I'd better finish the other blanket that I started but abandoned some while back.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
My cousin has just married. She and her partner lived together for many years, and he had always said "We are fine as we are, so why change?"

They had planned a holiday in the US, and he arranged for a surprise wedding in Las Vaga. He attended to everything, including renting a kilt from Kentucky! It was only as they were going to the court house did he reveal where they were going.

I would like to make a wedding cross stitch sampler for them, and am looking for some ideas as to how to incorporate the Las Vega part into the sampler. It is going to be in shades of blue, with a Celtic knotwork border. Is there something about LV that will fit into this theme?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Outline of Nevada (it's mostly straight lines) with a star/splodge for Las Vegas?
 
Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Firenze, are you acquainted with Elisabeth Zimmerman's knitting books and patterns? It sounds as if you and she would be on the same wavelength.

Does anyone here know where in the UK one can get Manos of Uruguay knitting wool?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
Firenze, are you acquainted with Elisabeth Zimmerman's knitting books and patterns?

I haven't actually come across her. But besides books on conventional design/resizing, I have some on freeform knitting and modular and multi-directional knitting.

This, I think, has what has stirred the desire to stand on the wilder shores of woolitude.

I want ways to incorporate as many colours as possible, a la Kaffe Fassett, but without too much intarsia. At the same time, I want different shapes, rather than just rectangle-for-the-back-ditto-front+two sleeves. And integral edging, since I hate doing separate ribs; and as few seams as possible.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
Does anyone here know where in the UK one can get Manos of Uruguay knitting wool?

You can buy it in the UK from Loop.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
I'm going to a wedding, and need to knit a shrug/bolero/thing to wear in church (my dress has shoulder straps rather than sleeves, and I don't like having bare arms in church).

I've not found a pattern I really like on the internet - ideally it would be knit in one piece, with the sleeves done in the round (hand sewing is not one of my giftings), with 3/4 length sleeves, cotton DK weight (about 20st to the inch) yarn.

Does anyone know of a pattern for something like that? Or would it be easy enough to design my own?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
- ideally it would be knit in one piece, with the sleeves done in the round (hand sewing is not one of my giftings), with 3/4 length sleeves, cotton DK weight (about 20st to the inch) yarn.

Does anyone know of a pattern for something like that? Or would it be easy enough to design my own?

I would think it would be easy to design.

Get your circular needle (4 mm by the sound of it) - you know your tension, so it should be easy to work out the number of stitches to be cast on. Just knit round and round, until you have as much sleeve as you want, then start knitting backwards and forwards, when you want to divide for the body.

I am very into integral edgings, so I would tend to do a cuff/rib to begin with in moss stitch, then keep a strip going when I change to stocking stitch, then split for the body in middle of this, so that there is a continuous edging.

Or you could knit the whole thing in garter stitch, which would be simpler still, and can give a very nice effect with the right yarn. It sounds like a good case for one of those fancy, variegated, multi-texture ones.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I am very into integral edgings, so I would tend to do a cuff/rib to begin with in moss stitch, then keep a strip going when I change to stocking stitch, then split for the body in middle of this, so that there is a continuous edging.

Oooh, I can see it in my head now - I couldn't before, so I was a bit stumped...

Thank you [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
I'm going to a wedding, and need to knit a shrug/bolero/thing to wear in church (my dress has shoulder straps rather than sleeves, and I don't like having bare arms in church).

The ideas Firenze has given you make me want to try another shrug for someone. But just in case you are still open to other ideas: Did you see this one by any chance?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTconvertible.html

It is a long, lace rectangle that uses buttons to close the sleeves.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Did you see this one by any chance?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTconvertible.html

It is a long, lace rectangle that uses buttons to close the sleeves.

I looked at that, thought "argh, lace, scary bears!" You have actually prompted me to look at it properly, and it's not scary bears after all...
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
If I do knit something of my own design, I would need to

1. knit a cuff type thing - double moss stitch is pretty. Carry the moss st. up the sleeve.

2. do most of my increases in the sleeve in the round, so when it flattens out it's about as deep as I need it to be across the body.

3. Making sure the moss st is at the edge, flatten out, knitting body with few or no increases.

4. knit across the body until it's as wide as it needs to be

5. Join into the round again, making sure the moss st edgings join up.

6. knit until the other sleeve is as long as the first, finish with double moss st cuff.

Sounds quite easy - what have I missed?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by rosamundi:
5. Join into the round again, making sure the moss st edgings join up.

That is going to be the trickiest part of it. [Big Grin] But don't worry about it as it will be tucked under your arm.

Shrugs are basically long rectangles with the two ends sewn into tubes (or knitted). You can do all sorts of funky stuff with them, as long as you remember the basic structure.

You could take a simple lace pattern and go with that, or choose stocking stitch or garter stitch. I think it is wise to have a border stitch around the opening, especially if you are going to use stocking stitch. St st curls at the edges, and I don't think that is the look you are after.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Update on the tenty-kitey thing. I think it is going to work.

I started with about 60 stitches, then increased at one end quite steeply (to form the neck edge) and at the other more gently (to form a sloping bottom edge). When I judged the neck edge long enough, I stopped increasing and knitted straight to form the shoulder. I have done enough for a front, so have now cast off about a quarter of the stitches at the bottom edge. I am continuing to knit straight at the top, but tapering (at the same rate, but decreasing now instead of increasing) at the bottom. All the time, maintaining the diagonal striping of the colours.

With me so far?

I should end up with a knitted heptagon. Knit a matching one for the other side, and a nonagon (since I see me continuing the bottom slope to form a point at the middle back) for the third piece.

It will however involve a seam along the top of the shoulders and the top of the sleeves (as well as sides and underarm).

So any good ideas for rending the seam either invisible or, better still, decorative in some way?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Update on the tenty-kitey thing.

Any chance of some pics of the work-in-progress?
I'm not very good at visualising [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
Any chance of some pics of the work-in-progress?
I'm not very good at visualising [Hot and Hormonal]

There you go. I quite like the way the colours are forming a kind of harlequin pattern.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
There you go. I quite like the way the colours are forming a kind of harlequin pattern.

It's looking good!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Update on the tenty-kitey thing. I think it is going to work.

<snip>
It will however involve a seam along the top of the shoulders and the top of the sleeves (as well as sides and underarm).

So any good ideas for rending the seam either invisible or, better still, decorative in some way?

Nicky Epstein has a couple of books that might give you some ideas for this. Knitting Over the Edge might be the best one for your purpose.

After looking at your pictures, I would suggest a single color I-cord along the seams to accentuate them. But if you have something fancier in mind the Epstein books are the way to go.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
While on holiday I got some rocks [Smile]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Has anyone ever found a published pattern to be incorrect? I started knitting a sweater for a baby gift and have run into a variety of problems. Here's the first one: The pattern was basically stockinette stitch that reversed itself every so many stitches and rows so that you ended up with "boxes" where some of the purl rows were on the outside. At least that's what the photograph on the front of the pattern had. What I've ended up with is something more resembling thick ribbing. Long "stripes" of stockinette stitch. After two attempts, I gave up on what was printed and made up my own. It looks more like the photograph on the pattern. Has anyone ever run into such a thing? I'm a rookie knitter, but I thought I could read a pattern!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
The first thing I do with any printed pattern is Google it for an errata page. I think most if not all of the major publishers have them. Sometimes the errors are not too difficult to correct yourself, but many times they are already done for you.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Badfundie, I had no idea these existed! Sure enough, the yarn company's website had corrections available to download for several patterns, including mine. (Now if I could get the pdf file to download in a readable format... but that's a different problem.) I can't wait to see what's different! Thank you so much, Badfundie. This will be something I'll check faithfully!

Now, on to the next big problem. Speaking of things one should do as a first step: I've knit a few baby sweaters before but never made a swatch to check my gauge. And boy, did that present a problem this time. I'm making this baby sweater in a 6-12 month size on size 6 needles. Well, I finished the back and it's huuuuge. I held it up to my 2-year-old nephew and it's big on him. So, I made a swatch and the number of stitches that were supposed to be 4 inches wide came out to over 6 inches! So here's my dilemma: Should I just finish up the sweater as I've started it? Will it come out proportionally OK but just a larger size? Or am I better off ripping the back apart and starting over on smaller needles? (After making sure the gauge is OK, of course.) Talk about learning something the hard way! Suggestions?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Mama, PM me the URL of the .pdf and I'll put it into plain text or Word for you.

Swatching is very important if you want the knitted items to fit. I would rip out the back that you have knitted already and swatch.

The width of the front, back & sleeves will be in the right proportion. However, often patterns say "continue in this way until the item is X inches long". This will mean that the garment will be wide and squat and not fir a normal 2 year old.

The texture of the fabric will be rather different from the intended one; it will be much less dense and possibly even holey. It will be liable to distortion during wearing and washing.

I would rip back and swatch. With an item for a baby you can often swatch by knitting a sleeve or a front. Just start knitting then measure, but you have to be prepared to rip back and make changes if it doesn't work.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Wide and squat is exactly how it looks, babybear. I will commence ripping. And I've PM'd you the url -- thank you so much.

If I ever finish this thing, I'll post a picture of it! Thanks to all!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
My jumper - my first ever attempt - is coming out too small, so I knitted a stripe to join on to the front and back. It now looks nothing like the pattern, but I'm going to wear it no matter what!

Meanwhile, I am waiting eagerly for my new spinning wheel to arrive! I've just bought it on ebay from a lady who got it a year ago (also on ebay) but who never managed to learn to spin on it - so I'm hoping I'll have better luck!
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Eigon - have you considered Modular knitting?

It's a technique where you knit in a piece (square, triangle, strip, semi-circle) with first/last stitches which are very easy to pick up, so that you can then extend the knit in whatever direction you wish, until it is the size/shape you want.

Here is an example in progress.

Here is a finished piece.

Both are based on the simplest of shapes.
 
Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
Babybear, I thought I'd posted my favourite Christmas craft here but I must have imagined it!

Last Christmas I made hundreds of these out of brown parcel wrapping paper, and threaded them onto gold thread, with two tiny red beads between each of them, to put on the tree instead of tinsel.

They looked absolutely brilliant, although I don't have a photo (sorry). Making the stars is dead easy once you get into a rhythm, if you see what I mean. Good mindless-in-front-of-the-tv-when-exhausted craft. I think the proportions of my paper strips was different to those given in the link - maybe a little narrower, but you can experiment.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Firenze - I've never heard of modular knitting before. It looks just the sort of thing that would suit me! Thanks!
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Nae problem.

I would recommend Vivian Hoxbro's 'Domino Knitting' as a simple introduction to the technique.

Ginger Luters book is also very easy to follow.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
I've just started doing a bit of patchwork. My grandmother gave me a bag that one of her friends gave her, and it inspired me to do something a bit more complicated than the stripy quilt I would be sewing if I hadn't broken my friends sewing machine. So I've made 4 smallish squares with stars on them and am sewing them together to make a cushion cover for a friend. I was for a christmas present, but I suspect she'll get it before then.

I'm enjoying it, and can tell I'm getting better as I'm having to unpick less.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Does anyone here know a rough guide to the percentage of yarn in the sleeves & body of a knitted sweater? For example, is it about 60% in the body and 40% in the sleeves? Is there a "sweater-ulator" like this sockulator that helps calculate yarn requirements for socks?
Or is this something that varies too much to be even vaguely estimated? I realise it will depend on the length of the body part - I'm hoping to knit one that ends on the hips from the unpickings of a jumper that I began rather a long time ago, and as it will be a larger size than is included in the original pattern I wonder how much extra yarn I'll neet to get. As the original yarn is no longer produced I'd rather like to merge the new yarn into the body of the sweater, rather than have a band of it across the shoulders, although maybe that is what I'll end up doing.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Does anyone here know a rough guide to the percentage of yarn in the sleeves & body of a knitted sweater? For example, is it about 60% in the body and 40% in the sleeves?

For a fairly normal sweater, the sleeves take up about 3/4 of the back. If a sleeve takes 3 balls, the back will take 4, giving a total of 14 balls. 6/14th of the yarn will go into the sleeves, which is about 43% - extremely close to the 40% you suggested.

If you are knitting a raglan then a bit more will be used on the sleeves, but that will be 'reclaimed' from the front and back'.

If you have a yarn shop that does 'lay by', it is a good idea to knit a front or a sleeve. Weigh the sleeve and use it to work out how much yarn you need. Then you make sure that you have that much, plus one extra set aside for you.

---
This applies to adult sweaters. Babies don't have the same proportions as adults and so the ratio doesn't work as well with them. Children are between the two.

[ 20. August 2007, 08:30: Message edited by: babybear ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Many thanks babybear - I suspected you might know [Smile]
The "lay by" system works well, except this time I began knitting about 20 years ago [Hot and Hormonal] and I can't even remember where I bought the yarn (if I used lay-by I suspect/hope they'll have sold it by now). So now I aim to divide the unravelled wool following these proportions then get a similar type of wool (it is by Rowan and I've emailed them to ask what they suggest using) to blend in (or maybe contrast?) with the other 3 shades, hopefully putting some aside on "lay by".
I am also considering modular knitting - thank you all for showing me this technique. Do you think it is suitable for wool that is slightly thicker than DK?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I am also considering modular knitting - thank you all for showing me this technique. Do you think it is suitable for wool that is slightly thicker than DK?

The item I refer to in the OP is knit in 'modules'. The yarn supplied in the kit is of different types and thicknesses, so I would say that the answer is 'yes'.
I found this method of constructing a piece of knitting very enjoyable, although the mix of colours in the kit is a little disappointing so it didn't get finished before the spring and the garden called me away.
If I ever finish it, I'll post a photograph [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I am also considering modular knitting - thank you all for showing me this technique. Do you think it is suitable for wool that is slightly thicker than DK?

I think it would be very suitable. The simplest shape (the mitred square) works best in garter stitch, so it is lends itself to tweedy effects and subtle variations - ideal for knitting together different dye lots.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thank you - I'll post a photo when it is finished, hopefully in less than 20 yrs though [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate day, I would like to post the following link:

Knit Like a Pirate
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
I've been browsing quite a few knitting websites lately looking for funky patterns (I particularly like knitty.com) and most of them seem to be American. Which isn't a problem in the sense that I've found me a translation guide to interpret needle sizes, and I know that 'worsted' is 'aran' etc. But I do have one question: what's with all the circular needles?! Everything I fancy knitting seems to be on circular needles! And I have access to a big box of straight needles but no circular ones.

Is it possible for a fairly inexperienced knitter to knit a circular pattern on straight needles? If not, how hard will I find the transition to The Bendy Ones™?
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hazey*Jane:
Is it possible for a fairly inexperienced knitter to knit a circular pattern on straight needles? If not, how hard will I find the transition to The Bendy Ones™?

It depends (ducking!). First, double-check if the patterns are having you knit in the round, or if they're just using circulars because they kinda center the weight of the work, or the work is really large. If they're using circs because that's what the author likes and you actually are knitting back-and-forth, the only question becomes "are my straights long enough to hold all the stitches."

There are ways to work convert from circular to flat knitting. I've converted a very simple pattern from flat to circular, IIRC it was vest (er, sleeveless sweater/jumper thingy - I know there's a pond difference in knitwear terminology!), and that wasn't particularly difficult, but I haven't gone the other route.

How you attack a conversion partially depends on what you're making - shape, type of knitting, etc. In general, you may want to add a stitch or two at each end for seam allowance. You also have to remember that you'll be working back on the back-side rows. So, if you want to produce stockinette, instead of just doing umpteen rounds of knit stitch, you'll be doing knit rows on the front and purl rows on the back. No biggie for one-color stockinette. For fair-isle or other colorwork, you have to remember to keep your floats on the proper side (I hate hate hate doing colorwork flat, but that's a personal hangup based on how I hold the yarn, other people have no problem). For lace or textured work, you need to at least mentally reverse your knits and purls, etc.

I learned to knit on straights, then quickly (like after one scarf) moved on to double-points for hats and mittens. After some jog issues with hats on DPs I picked up a couple circulars, and didn't find getting used to them much of an issue. I have more issue with differences in various brands of circulars than differences between them and straights - some have really lumpy spots where the cable sticks on, abrupt transitions, etc. So if you can, try a couple different brands/styles before deciding if you like them or not.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hazey*Jane:
Everything I fancy knitting seems to be on circular needles! And I have access to a big box of straight needles but no circular ones.

Is it possible for a fairly inexperienced knitter to knit a circular pattern on straight needles?

Post a link to what you fancy knitting and I (and i'm sure others will too) will take a quick look at it and see how easy it would be to convert to flat knitting.

I convert everything to knitting in the round if I possibly can (unless the seams are needed for stability and shaping) because I hate to purl - cardiganised Rogue knit in the round and steeked for the zip anyone? Oh, just me then...

You might find it easier to knit in the round - I had no difficulties converting to circular needles and now use them almost exclusively for knitting anything other than socks, which I knit on DPN's (I know, I know, magic loop, but I really really like DPN's).

Anyway, link to a couple of possible patterns, and i'll have a look.

LMM
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
I hate to purl - cardiganised Rogue knit in the round and steeked for the zip anyone? Oh, just me then...

I don't know understand why people are in such fear of steeking. It is such a tried and tested technique.

quote:
I had no difficulties converting to circular needles and now use them almost exclusively for knitting anything other than socks, which I knit on DPN's (I know, I know, magic loop, but I really really like DPN's).
I use my circs for absolutely everything. I have given away all of my straight needles. Circs are much more comfortable in my hands and don't cause problems for my wrists. I knit socks on either mini-circs (30cm long) or on two circs. I find these so much better than magic loop.
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
quote:
Originally posted by Hazey*Jane:
Everything I fancy knitting seems to be on circular needles! And I have access to a big box of straight needles but no circular ones.

Is it possible for a fairly inexperienced knitter to knit a circular pattern on straight needles?

Post a link to what you fancy knitting and I (and i'm sure others will too) will take a quick look at it and see how easy it would be to convert to flat knitting.

Well, thinking about it, I'm willing to give circular needles a go. But I'd appreciate it if somebody could have a quick look to see if these patterns are feasible for a circular newbie:
Cardi
Shawl
Jumper

No hurry though. I'm only a fifth of the way through my current project. As you can see, I like subtle, pastel shades. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
All of those patterns would be suitable for a circ newbie.

The shawl uses an extra long circ and just works back and forth across the the knitting. The shawl starts with a huge number of stitches on the needle, but loses 4 each alternate row. Later you go back to those stitches and pick them up and then increase like crazy, giving over 3000 stitches on the needle! You will definitely need to have a very long needle for that! Just be prepared for the frill to take for ever to do.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I'm another circular needle lover. I got a whole set of bamboo ones, all sizes, for about £20 on ebay. In fact a couple of them broke but they are still very good value. I now also have a set of Denises and a few metal thinner ones (Denises only go down to 3.75mm and I knit very loosely) but the bamboo set was great as a starter and I still use most of them. Other places will sell one circular needle for £5 or so.
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
Later you go back to those stitches and pick them up and then increase like crazy, giving over 3000 stitches on the needle!

Yikes! I hadn't read that far into the pattern.

I think maybe I'll just enjoy looking at the picture and knit the cardigan instead!
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
I've just started knitting a blanket that's worked in five vertical sections and then sewn up.

Hah. Who are they kidding? Hand-sewing is not one of my giftings. So I'm knitting it in one go, as five vertical stripes. Anyone any suggestions for stopping my knitting bag resembling the aftermath of a nasty fight in a string factory? I can see it all getting awfully tangled...
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Put each individual ball of yarn in its own ziplock bag (or whatever plastic sandwich bag you prefer). Close up the bag so that you can just feed out the yarn as you need it. It's not pretty, but it works.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hazey*Jane:
Well, thinking about it, I'm willing to give circular needles a go. But I'd appreciate it if somebody could have a quick look to see if these patterns are feasible for a circular newbie:
Cardi
Shawl
Jumper

No hurry though. I'm only a fifth of the way through my current project. As you can see, I like subtle, pastel shades. [Big Grin]

I agree with the others who have said you should have no trouble with any of these patterns. The cardigan and the shawl are both knitted back and forth (at least, most of the shawl is).

The vest, however, involves knitting in the round. Nothing hard about that, but I'd strongly recommend that you do a tension "square" (aka guage swatch) both knitting in the round and knitting back and forth. My tension varies dramatically between to two, and if I don't change needles when I make the transition at the armhole shaping, the difference is clearly visible to the naked eye. (Maybe not from a trotting pony;), but very definitely visible to me.) [Disappointed]

To establish your knitting-in-the-round tension, you basically make an oversized I-cord - cast on 40 or so stitches on a circular needle, knit to the end of the row. Don't turn your work, but slide the stitches along so you're set to knit them again. Carry the yarn loosely across the back of your work, and knit again. Repeat as many times as you need to measure both stitch and row tension. Compare with stitch and row guage knitting back and forth.
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
Thanks. I'll give it a try [Smile]
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Put each individual ball of yarn in its own ziplock bag (or whatever plastic sandwich bag you prefer). Close up the bag so that you can just feed out the yarn as you need it. It's not pretty, but it works.

I was drinking a coffee from a Big Evil Chain when I had a great idea for this - I put my balls of wool in plastic cups, covered them with clingfilm stuck down with sellotape, and made a hole in the top for the wool to come through. Then I lined them up in a row (there were 13 - eek!) and moved them around like chess pieces when I needed to change to the next one. I looked and felt like a maypole, but it worked.

I guess you could use the actual cups, but I don't like frappocinos that much!
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I have been busy making Christmas cards. Here are some of my recent offerings.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by pooka (# 11425) on :
 
I don't know why I haven't joined this thread earlier. I am a big knitting fan. It's really great to see so many knitters around and the craft of knitting is alive and kicking even though so many wool shops are now closed. I am currently knitting an Aran jumper for a friend. I am hoping it will be finished in time for Christmas, although where he is will be boiling hot. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
My knitting has been rather sidelined for the moment by:

a) work
b) writing a novel (doing NaNoWriMo this year)
c) creating costume for masked ball (yards and yards of black satin and miles of silver lace)

but when I get back to it, I have yummy new knitting pattern book: knits all based on the kimono - many of them ankle-length.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
My Real Life has been put on hold for Christmas knitting. I just finished one of these in light blue:

cowl

Next I have to finish three hats, a scarf and a sweater. And there's a baby coat that needs to be done by Saturday to bring to a baby shower.

Firenze, will you be posting a photo of the masked ball costume? It sounds great.

[Repaired code. Mamacita, Heavenly Host]

[ 12. November 2007, 02:46: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That cowl looks great, BadFundie. I've done a couple of moebius scarves and the technique seems to intrigue people.

BTW, there is a duplicate of http// in your link. I had to delete one so I could see it.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Firenze, will you be posting a photo of the masked ball costume? It sounds great.

I am going to build a camera pocket into the overskirt. I think the whole occasion promises to be Something Else. I shall be going as the Queen of the Night, partnered by Gentleman, 1760. The hostess will be the Snow Queen, with her consort, the Fire Elemental.

[ 11. November 2007, 21:20: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:

BTW, there is a duplicate of http// in your link. I had to delete one so I could see it.

Ooops [Hot and Hormonal] Thanks for the repair, Mamacita.

That must be my sign from above that I shouldn't post and knit at the same time.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
That must be my sign from above that I shouldn't post and knit at the same time.
Dang, you're good. My mother-in-law could read the newspaper and knit at the same time. Were the dear departed lady here, she would give you a [Overused]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just been given a carrier bag full of Afghan hound fur to spin. It's so soft, and such a lovely caramel colour.
Now I just need a few clear hours to really get the hang of my new spinning wheel!
 
Posted by Sparkle. (# 11520) on :
 
Just as long as it doesn't smell like those Afghan coats people used to wear [Biased] (pass the patchouli oil!)
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sparkle.:
Just as long as it doesn't smell like those Afghan coats people used to wear [Biased] (pass the patchouli oil!)

I think they were made of goat (which would account for the smell).
 
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Sparkle.:
Just as long as it doesn't smell like those Afghan coats people used to wear [Biased] (pass the patchouli oil!)

I think they were made of goat (which would account for the smell).
I could never tell whether the smell was from the coats or the people wearing them. Either could have been "goaty".
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I need to boast that I've made 32 Christmas cards out of red card, gold ribbon and gold sticky stars + a bit of calligraphy. If I had a digital camera I'd post a piccie, but I don't.
I'm very proud though.

I think this year's design is easier to make in bulk than last years, which was a painted snow scene, with silvery highlights. But it looked good, (though I say it myself!)
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well, I can't smell anything much from the bag of fur - but I do have a dog of my own, which might be blunting my senses!
(Maybe this is my mild super-weakness?)
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
does anyone have any sock or glove patterns for 7 or 7.5 mm dpns? I've started knitting socks and have mcgyvered a pattern but whilst the heel is turned it doens't look right and I'm being fussy.

My efforts at gloves have been more hap hazard...I seem to be consistantly increasing at the wrong place, and no matter where the increase/decrease is it's in the wrong place...

I think patterns would be helpful...
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
This pattern uses size 9 US needles, but maybe you could tweak it to work. gloves

There is a glove pattern with a cabled cuff that actually uses size 7 in the book, Oneskein by Leigh Radford. It's also good because it works for men or women and the shaping is designed so that either glove will fit either hand.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sophs:
does anyone have any sock or glove patterns for 7 or 7.5 mm dpns? I've started knitting socks and have mcgyvered a pattern but whilst the heel is turned it doens't look right and I'm being fussy.

I take it you are happy with the start of the sock. If so, then let me know how many stitches you have and I can make a pattern for turning the heel.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Heels by number

All you ever needed to know about numbers for heels. Lots of styles.

Save as bookmark beccause it's not always easy to find in a search.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Seeming double post but on two separate days. That link above which I gave for heels by number is very useful for a variety of heels, although I often do shortrow heels on 60% of total number of stitches.

Here's my latest pair of socks. It's warming up down here and socks are ideal summer knitting as they are not big and bulky and hot. The legs on these are much longer than they appear in the photo. Camera has foreshortened them and the colour is not tremendous either. It's really a café au lait colour.

There's lots more knitting and especially socks on the rest of the knitting blog.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I have a question about yarn substitution. I want to make this but the recommended yarn is silk and rather pricey.

So what would people recommend? I was thinking something in cotton or cotton/linen as it's obviously a summer garment.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
I have a question about yarn substitution. I want to make this but the recommended yarn is silk and rather pricey.

So what would people recommend? I was thinking something in cotton or cotton/linen as it's obviously a summer garment.

A benefit of silk is that it is light, and you might find this pretty garment becomes heavy if you make it in cotton. How about bamboo which I found to be lighter than cotton?
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
What about soy yarn?
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
What about soy yarn?

That is very cool. It looks pretty and the fact that it's made from manufacturing waste is amazing.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I have knitted and crocheted with soy yarn, specifically the South West Trading Company's soy yarn. I couldn't get a decent tension with the knitting, but it crocheted absolutely beautifully.

Soy yarn is so much better for the environment than cotton. I have seen estimates that say that 24-35% of pesticides used in the world are used on American cotton plants. Add into this the amount of chemical contaminants that are used in the processing of cotton and it becomes easy to see that cotton is not quite the wholesome fibre that people assume.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
A lady in our local Stitch n Bitch group has just come back from Katmandu with some of the most gorgeous silk yarn. It's made from recycled saris, and the colours are wonderful and rich.
We were all deeply envious when she showed it to us, and she has already knitted up a sturdy little shoulder bag as a Christmas present with some of the yarn.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Recycled sari yarn is available in the UK from Angel Yarns, and they are happy to post to anywhere in the world.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by sophs:
does anyone have any sock or glove patterns for 7 or 7.5 mm dpns? I've started knitting socks and have mcgyvered a pattern but whilst the heel is turned it doens't look right and I'm being fussy.

I take it you are happy with the start of the sock. If so, then let me know how many stitches you have and I can make a pattern for turning the heel.
It's 30 stitches. I like big thick wool!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I have knitted and crocheted with soy yarn, specifically the South West Trading Company's soy yarn. I couldn't get a decent tension with the knitting, but it crocheted absolutely beautifully.

Soy yarn is so much better for the environment than cotton. I have seen estimates that say that 24-35% of pesticides used in the world are used on American cotton plants. Add into this the amount of chemical contaminants that are used in the processing of cotton and it becomes easy to see that cotton is not quite the wholesome fibre that people assume.

SWTC also sells a yarn made from corn that IME is a little easier to work with than soy. You might even want to try banana silk which is similar in texture to sari silk.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I'm looking for input on little-itty-bitty diameter double-point knitting needles, as in 2mm diameter (US 0) or smaller.

Normally, I use wooden and bamboo needles, mostly Clover bamboo in the smaller sizes. I've got them down to either 2.25 or 2.5 mm (US 1), and I get a little nervous at times about breaking them. I think I saw some Crystal Palace 2 mm bamboo once, but I didn't grab them. I've got some Boye aluminum needles in the 2.0 - 3.5 mm range, but I'm just not as happy with them as with the wood.

Not sure if it's the flexibility thing (my small wood/bamboo needles develop a curve after a while, which I don't worry about), but I'm not convinced as my larger ones stay straight. I don't think it's a weight question. Maybe slipperiness? Maybe point pointeness? Maybe all of the above, in an act of consumerism-karma for going to Hobby Lobby (craft mega-store) instead of a Real Yarn Store?

Anyway, I'm willing to replace the Boye needles with something else if I think I might like them better, and I'm also considering purchasing some even smaller needles - down to 1.25 mm (us 0000) for some fancy Latvian mittens. I prefer sets of 5, but I don't have a problem with buying 2 sets of 4 (or three sets, that way I can work both halves of a pair at once).

What's your favorite brand for very small needles? Your least favorite? Whyfor?

I originally posted this to my blog, feel free to respond there if you'd prefer.
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
Otter - my newest set of dpn are 2.75 mm and made of rosewood. I love them to bits, and the woman at the LYS had them in smaller sizes too.

http://www.lanternmoon.com/soxStix.asp
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
The smallest size here www.knittingonthego.com is 0, but they don't slip and they are flexible and I haven't broken one yet. The rosewood ones mentioned above are really nicer, but I am more concerned about breaking or losing them for that reason.
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
2mm dpns are my favourite for knitting socks. I mostly use Clover ones which I'm very happy with, but I recently tried out Crystal Palace ones after hearing everyone gush about them for so long. To be honest I really can't tell much difference, except that the CP are maybe a bit bendier, which for me is not a good thing. They're similar enough that if I bought another set I wouldn't particularly choose one over the other, I'd just go for whichever is easiest for me to buy at the time.

I have the same problem, though, that I would like to knit on some smaller sizes but much prefer bamboo/wood to metal. The metal needles I'm planning to try in smaller sizes (when I eventually get round to it) are HiyaHiyas, I've heard many good things about them. I want to get some 1.25s in the 4" length just to show off to people! (5" is my favourite, but I mostly have to use 6"ish as it's the closest I can get.)

I've been totally coveting the Knitpicks Harmony needles since they came out, and I'm so happy to see that they will soon be available in Britain, yippee!
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Thanks to everyone for the input! The Comfort Zone needles Badfundie pointed out look especially nifty.

Friday afternoon I ran down to one of my semi-local yarn stores, and picked up some itty-bitty Addi needles, and some very nice fingering-ish weight silk/wool blend, in purple, a green that's almost teal, and red. I started a mitten for my MIL last night with the purple and green on my brand-shiny new size 00/1.75 mm needles, and quickly realized that although the skeins look great next to each other, the colors are too close, so at that size stitches the patterning was going to be subtle to the point of invisibility. I've got some nice white sock yarn, so today I'll try that with the red.

I didn't get far enough with the new needles to really be able to make a decision, but I think the length (20 cm) may actually be more comfortable than my other metal DPs, which are a bit shorter (don't have any handy to check the length).

Friday I also hit the local fabric store to pick up some fabric I'd ordered, and found flannel at 99 cents/yard. We came home with a lot of it. [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
This seems like a very knitty thread! Which is lovely.

I'm a crocheter (among other things) and am wondering if there is a crochet thread, or if there are other crochet enthusiasts here as well?

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
EB, this is a knitty, crochety, cross-stitchy, sewingy crafts-of-all-kinds thread - post away! [Biased]

A
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I am also considering modular knitting - thank you all for showing me this technique. Do you think it is suitable for wool that is slightly thicker than DK?

I think it would be very suitable. The simplest shape (the mitred square) works best in garter stitch, so it is lends itself to tweedy effects and subtle variations - ideal for knitting together different dye lots.
This evening I finished my modular / domino knit jumper just in time to take to much colder climes than southern England! On Friday I'm off to northern Norway (hopefully for some Northern Lights spotting) and I suspect I might be glad to have it.
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Thank you Adrienne, I am nearing completion on my 2nd (crocheted) baby afghan for the year. This one is in Bernat pink yarn, with a bit of a pearlized thread in it. Don't have it with me presently, but it's very soft, lovely, gentle pink yarn. The afghan is in a v-stitch and is coming out quite well. I'm a bit late, as the sweet little baby is newly here (!) but I'm sure the baby will still be able to use it.

Then in a few days, I'll be on to crocheted Christmas ornaments. I enjoy making crocheted lace covers for Christmas balls, among other things. Am also working on some cross-stitched ornaments, as they are easier to carry on public transportation.

Those are some current projects - would be so very happy to be in contact with other crocheters here!!!! It is a well-loved hobby of mine. I have others too....calligraphy...origami...etc.

Peace,
ErinBear

[ 27. November 2007, 00:37: Message edited by: ErinBear ]
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Dear Daisy,

I just saw your photo of your domino jumper - it is a beautiful thing! What gorgeous knitting! Well done!

: - )

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
ErinBear,
This thread encompasses all the needle arts as well as other handicrafts. If you have a question about crochet, or want to share something of your accomplishments, have at it! You'll find fellow crocheters here.

Mamacita, Heavenly Host
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I do cross stitch and a little knitting. I've just finished a cross stitch for my cousin's baby son. It's a rocking-horse surrounded by old-fashioned toys - train, teddy bear, toy fort etc. It's currently being framed and I can't wait to see it.

Meanwhile I've been trying to use up stuff that's been in my craft drawers forever. I have a load of space-dyed threads (ie the colours vary) and couldn't decide what to do with them. I also had some plastic canvas. So I ended up making coasters and keyrings which I've given away to friends.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
This evening I finished my modular / domino knit jumper just in time to take to much colder climes than southern England! On Friday I'm off to northern Norway (hopefully for some Northern Lights spotting) and I suspect I might be glad to have it.

Oh well done! Were you working to a pattern or your own design? The colours are lovely too. I am using something the same combo - deep reds + notes of dark blue/green - for the log-cabin modular I am currently working on. Which I must tell myself to finish for Christmas.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thank you - I am pleased (relieved!) with the result. I didn't have a pattern but based the shape on a favourite jumper. The sleeves are tighter than I'd like, but I can live with that.
The reds were from a jumper I started knitting over 20 years ago to a Kaffe Fasset pattern, but as I almost finished the 2nd sleeve I realised I'd run out of one of the colours. So instead of going out & buying another hank I panicked and stopped knitting it!! In the summer I discovered the unfinished jumper and decided to start again - and to make sure I had enough yarn I got the blue (trying to match another red would be tricky) and I am so glad that I did because I think that this contrasting colour gives it an added dimension. But to my amusement I find that I have a complete hank of the darker red left over, along with a hank of the blue!!
So I feel a hat coming on! However, I have 2 other hats to knit first as Christmas presents.

[spelling]

[ 27. November 2007, 08:47: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Ah, the joy of stash! I started the current work because I saw this beautiful variegated red yarn in Jn Lewis and thought it would go with some other reds/colours I already had. I find that now, of course, they are out of it, so the I have had to get another red (of which I will doubtless have a residue).

But that's the great thing about either modular or intarsia - every leftover is just a springboard to a yet more gorgeous combo.
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
Ah yes, the joys of the stash. I'm working on stash reduction with my Christmas knitting. I've been rummaging through and picking two different yarns and using them together.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Just what is it about the stash? I have been trying to not buy wool and use stash wool for months now. Mostly I've succeeded but I did get a pile online the other day on special from Bendigo Woollen Mills, affectionately known down here as Bendi wool.* Always a good price, on special even better, good wool, 200 gm balls. The alpaca which is a new line is beautiful too. I could sit an contemplate and pet it for hours.

But, back to stash wool. I truly think this is a first cousin to wire coathangers which breed in the back of the wardrobe. [Big Grin] I've made enough socks for a centipede, some baby jumpers, loads of scarves, hats by the dozen, and the stash doesn't seem any smaller. [Eek!]

*Bendigo (short "i" as in "sit") is a town in country Victoria, Australia. The mill has not long started its webpage. It used to rely on phone or mail orders.

[ 27. November 2007, 19:53: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I think the knitter's "stash" must be the equivalent of the reader's TBR* pile /mountain. I have both [Hot and Hormonal]

*TBR= To Be Read
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
The trouble is, there's always The Sale.

With wool shops few and far between, at least in the UK, if you pass one (actually, I have never passed one: I've always gone in) with a sale on, you have to buy stuff.

Or even if it hasn't a sale, because they are so f.a.f.b. you have to buy stuff.

And if you are in a foreign land, where they are actually quite frequent, clearly you need to seize the opportunity and buy stuff.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I have a Finished Object [Yipee] [Yipee] [Yipee] [Yipee]

Photos will be forthcoming. But I had to post now.

My first ever Finished Object!!!
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Here they are:

a knitted Gir
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Congratulations on the FO and the great new wheel. [Big Grin]

ETA: Today was my birthday and my DH got me an Ashford Kiwi! I plan to put it together tomorrow. [Yipee]

[ 30. November 2007, 06:06: Message edited by: Badfundie ]
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Wheeee!

Presented the Gir and Piggy to my personal trainer this morning. There was much delight and squealing.

I'm not actually a spinner (yet) - at work on day I expressed interest in a wheel that was advertised in the for sales in the newspaper and a colleague mentioned she had one just sitting around in her house if I wanted to buy it. Of course, I said yet but never quite got around to paying her. Then one day she arrive at work with it in her car. I think she had grown tired of dusting the thing, as she never intended to spin, but had it as a decorator item.
 
Posted by Gay Organ Grinder (# 11833) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:


*Bendigo (short "i" as in "sit") is a town in country Victoria, Australia. The mill has not long started its webpage. It used to rely on phone or mail orders.

They need all the help they can get to sell thier products if others have a similar experience to us.

I visted the mills in Bendigo last August whilst on holidays and would never purchase from them again. The woman behind the counter was so disinterested in any of her customers or of being of help, stopping just short of total rudeness.

I thought at first it was because we were two blokes and what would we know about knitting??

Little did she know we both had been knitting for longer than she had been on this earth and the jumpers we were wearing that day had indeed been knitted by us.

We were there about half an hour checking out all their wonderful products and this same woman treated every other customer with the same contempt.

I would have sought another staff member but she was working alone.

The friends we were staying with urged us to let the tourist office in Bedigo know but I declined and elected to vote with my wallet. I will never purchase their wool again. As good as it is to knit with, I will use another brand/source.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Sorry to hear about the service you had. [Frown]

When I used to phone, the service was wonderful and goods were on my doorstep in a couple of days. Person on other end of line was always polite, even to the "hint, hint" question about sock wool which theoretically they don't carry.

I think the website has vastly increased their business, because the last order was over a week.

Same with shops here in the city. I won't use the one at Hornsby because assistants are too busy with personal conversations to help and are very snooty if you can get their attention. I was told the needles I asked about didn't exist, despite showing her a new set I had with me, bought in Australia.

Just for my own information, is there a decent wool shop in Newcastle, NSW? I visit sometimes. I know most of them in Sydney and suburbs, Penrith and South Coast and Southern Tablelands but nothing about further north. Also Nundle Mill where the wool is nice but I often have to pick out straw etc.
 
Posted by Gay Organ Grinder (# 11833) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Just for my own information, is there a decent wool shop in Newcastle, NSW? I visit sometimes. I know most of them in Sydney and suburbs, Penrith and South Coast and Southern Tablelands but nothing about further north. Also Nundle Mill where the wool is nice but I often have to pick out straw etc.

Lothlorien: Apart from Spotlight who have a very limited range, I have yet to find a wool shop here. There is a listing in the yellow pages for one in the outer 'burbs but have yet to check it out. I don't do much knitting since moving back here two years. I find it too warm/humid to handle wool for too long and besides we need very few jumpers here. I do, however, do charity knitting with acrylic yarn (ugh!!) to keep my skills up.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gay Organ Grinder:
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Just for my own information, is there a decent wool shop in Newcastle, NSW? I visit sometimes. I know most of them in Sydney and suburbs, Penrith and South Coast and Southern Tablelands but nothing about further north. Also Nundle Mill where the wool is nice but I often have to pick out straw etc.

Lothlorien: Apart from Spotlight who have a very limited range, I have yet to find a wool shop here. There is a listing in the yellow pages for one in the outer 'burbs but have yet to check it out. I don't do much knitting since moving back here two years. I find it too warm/humid to handle wool for too long and besides we need very few jumpers here. I do, however, do charity knitting with acrylic yarn (ugh!!) to keep my skills up.
Thanks. Just thought I'd ask in case I had some time when visiting.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Are there many shipmates on Ravelry? I joined up last week and spent a lot of time at work putting up photos of my FOs.

I described it to my colleagues as "like myspace, but for knitters".
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I'm on Ravelry as Shalom, but haven't looked for a couple of months. I was exploring and then Real Life took over and I haven't been back. Joined the Aussie sockknitters group and one other, but have forgotten which. Hopefully when life has sorted itself out without interruptions from others, I'll get back. I was one of the reasonably early joiners.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Should we start a SoF group do you think?
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I'm back for help again. In August, I posted about a disastrous attempt at a baby sweater, where the back of the sweater -- intended for size 6-12 mo -- was too wide even for my 2-year-old great-nephew. So, I've taken the project up again and started with making a swatch using needles two sizes smaller than the pattern calls for (using US 4 instead of US 6).

Here's the dilemma. The instructions say to make a swatch 22 st wide and 30 rows long, which should measure 4 inches (10 cm). I assume they mean a 4-inch square. Well, it's about 4 inches wide, give or take a stitch. But it's only 2 inches long. Am I doing something wrong? Is it OK to continue making the sweater on the smaller needles but measuring the length carefully as I go? I'm so confused!
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
You'll have trouble shaping it, if your gauge is off that much.

What yarn are you using? Is it the one recommended for the pattern?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
Are there many shipmates on Ravelry? I joined up last week and spent a lot of time at work putting up photos of my FOs.

I described it to my colleagues as "like myspace, but for knitters".

They won't let me in [Waterworks] I had to sign up to be invited later.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Marmacita - I think in that situation I would forget about matching their swatch dimensions. Instead, I would start from the result my actual yarn and needles give me.

So, if I want a piece say 12" wide, I look at my sample swatch and see how many stitches to the inch (or multiple inches - more accurate because it evens out half stitches). Anyway, say it's 7 to the inch - then obviously I need 84 sts for my 12" piece.

The length I can take from the pattern, I needn't count rows.

The other tricky bit is shapings.

If you have a markedly different number of stitches to the pattern, then you need to resize the various increases/decreases proportionally.

For example, on something I'm knitting at the moment, I have had to size up considerably, since I both want a larger garment, and I am using a finer yarn. I have cast on one-fifth more stitches. So when it comes to casting off for the armholes, I need to increase the amount I cast off by a fifth.
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
Are there many shipmates on Ravelry?

I'm on Ravelry, have been for a few months now. I've not been about on the ship much lately and Ravelry is one of the major causes of that.

I'm Mithranstar over there.

LMM
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I don't usually do Christmas decorations, not because I am lazy, but because I always go to my parents. This year however I am having a little soiree on Saturday evening and I have been told by one of my friends that I *have* to put some decorations up.

I don't want to go the whole sparkly sparkly route, but I want to use natural products and things such as dried oranges etc. I saw some fab dried whole orange garlands, and some with slices, dried chillies etc. at a craft fayre I went to recently. They smelt absolutely divine!

Does anyone have any advice on how to dry these properly?

Any other ideas for natural Christmas decorations?

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Marmacita - I think in that situation I would forget about matching their swatch dimensions. Instead, I would start from the result my actual yarn and needles give me.
<snip>

Thanks, Firenze. That's the route I was going to try, so we'll see what happens. The horizontal gauge seems to be holding OK with the needles taken down two sizes. The size doesn't have to be exact (the baby can always grow into it) but I hope I won't have to get too inventive getting the shape right! So far, the pattern is coming out very pretty [now that I have the corrections from the company's website; I swear, this project is cursed!]. And beachlass, the yarn is a cotton blend -- the kind recommended for the pattern -- so perhaps it's "giving" a little.

[ETA: No "r" in name! [Razz] ]

[ 10. December 2007, 22:44: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
[ETA: No "r" in name! [Razz] ]

I think it's because I read you as my favourite breakfast food - 'Marmite-cita'

While we're on obscurities in patterns - any opinions on the following:

The pattern I'm working has a bit of lacey, produced by doing yarn over/knit two together. Except for two rows, which are yarn over, slip one, knit one, pull slip stitch over. Abbreviation for this is SKP. But the pattern says 'SK2P'. Does this mean slip, knit, psso twice? or slip, knit two, psso? But in that case, why not knit the two together? No variant seems to result in anything that actually looks like the pattern.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I've made a "Ship of Fools" group on Ravelry!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I took a look at the Ravelry site, and have seen a Baby Surprise Jacket for the first time.
I've rather fallen for it, even though it sounds as though the instructions are difficult to follow. Sadly, I can't find a UK supplier for the pattern - unless I want to pay £25-£30+ for one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books.
I'm certainly going to keep my eye open for it in second hand bookshops, and try requesting it at the library
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I ... have seen a Baby Surprise Jacket for the first time.

You can get the pattern for $5 from Loop Yarns.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
You can get the pattern for $5 from Loop Yarns.

plus $11.95 shipping
[Frown]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
[ETA: No "r" in name! [Razz] ]

I think it's because I read you as my favourite breakfast food - 'Marmite-cita'
Not a problem. It's a mistake that a number of UK shipmates make and it always makes me chuckle. And raises my curiosity about marmite, but that's a story for another thread.
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Dear Auntie Doris,

I saw your post about natural Christmas decorations. I know that one can dry tomatoes, for instance, in the oven - set on the lowest heat. In the case of the orange slices, I imagine you'd want to cut them in good slices (1/4 inch?) and a draining rack plus baking sheet combo, so the slices will have the oven air surrounding them, but any juices won't hit the bottom of the oven. Alternatively, you could just use a plain baking sheet, but I'd be inclined to line it with something (parchment? foil?) because I think the orange slices would be inclined to stick. Other citrus slices can be sliced and dried as well. I've seen lemon and grapefruit slices in the past too, and apple slices used decoratively as well (although I think they need to be treated with lemon to avoid browning). As far as the garlands you've mentioned, I've seen ones like it, with cinnamon sticks blended in, which smell good as well as being attractive. Sometimes you can buy these things in bulk for the purpose of decorating and they are cheaper.

Other natural decorations I've seen at Christmas are pine cones, sea shells, dried flowers (roses especially), wreaths made of natural elements, baskets filled with fruit (apples, pears, oranges, pomegranates, nuts, and so forth)....poinsettias of course....sometimes forced bulbs, like amaryllis, paperwhites, hyacinths, or others....

Hope this helps.

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I was just emailed this link to free patterns in English from Garn studios. It's set up like an Advent calendar with a different pattern each day. Previous patterns are still accessible. British English knitting terms. If you need American equivalents, click on flag. Lots of small projects, many suitable as presents. Perhaps a bit late to do too much this year, but save them for next Christmas or when a gift is needed.

OOOPS, my fingers forgot that British English requires upper case for proper nouns.

[ 13. December 2007, 08:00: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
I'm not much of a knitter, but I just had to post a reply. The knitting advent calendar is spectacular! How wonderful! I only wish they had a crochet version.....but still, very nifty...... That gave me a big smile. Thanks for posting it!

Peace be with you,
ErinBear
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
EB, you did notice that patterns 99-13, 104-11 and 104-46 were all crochet projects, didn't you?

I'm more a crochet-er than a knitter (although I did make my dad an amazing Dr Who scarf about 10 years ago - when people comment on it he always beams and says with pride 'my daughter knitted it for me') and I have a bundle of lovely soft, pink wool (probably synthetic [Roll Eyes] ) that I picked up in a sale last year. I've been looking for something just like that red shawl to try it out on. That's a really fun link, Lothlorien, thank you.

TTP
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Dear To The Pain -

Thank you for your message here. No, I had not noticed that some of the patterns on the knitting Advent Calendar site were crochet patterns! Hooray! How exciting! I've gone to investigate and will keep my eyes on the site. This is brilliant. Many thanks. : - )

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Is anyone else out there having a slight case of nerves at the thought of all there is left to accomplish before Christmas?

I have a scarf and two hats to finish and three pairs of pajamas to sew in the next 6 days. I know I can do it, but it's going to be close! Please, someone tell me I'm not alone in this [Eek!]
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
My deadline is noon tomorrow when I want this wrapped and out of sight. I've done the neck band and most of one arm band of this fair isle vest, but it's 12:30am, and I leave to collect the recipient at 12 noon tomorrow!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I thought that you might like The Knitter's Night before Christmas.

quote:
Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished knitting not under the tree,
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep---he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6" too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter...


 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
My deadline is noon tomorrow when I want this wrapped and out of sight. I've done the neck band and most of one arm band of this fair isle vest, but it's 12:30am, and I leave to collect the recipient at 12 noon tomorrow!

That's a really pretty vest - the recipient has a lovely gift.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I thought that you might like The Knitter's Night before Christmas.

I love it!

[ 19. December 2007, 11:21: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
Badfundie, you're not alone! I have a scarf I was hoping to finish, that I have my doubts about (multidirectional short row thing), and a pair of socks that are languishing and can wait until after Christmas.

[ 19. December 2007, 12:31: Message edited by: beachlass ]
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Oh yes, I have far too much to do before Christmas. The one knitting project is done, though, except for blocking. I really should get things shipped off Real Soon Now. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I thought that you might like The Knitter's Night before Christmas.

I love it!
That's very cute. On the same topic, I had my knitting bag with me at the doctor's office today and someone asked (casting a sideways look at the 6 inches of sweater on my needles) "Are you knitting something for Christmas?" "Oh, no," I replied. The person seemed genuinely relieved. "I was about to say..." she said, sort of shaking her head.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
You can get the pattern for $5 from Loop Yarns.

plus $11.95 shipping
[Frown]

You should be able to get it cheaper than that directly from School House Press which is run by EZ's daughter, Meg Swansen. You'd be best advise to email them to ask about shipping, but it should be available at letter rate.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I have decided to make an EZ surprise jacket in the new year. I shall be making the pattern up (reverse engineering) rather than shelling out loads of cash.

If you want a copy of my approximation then let me know.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Cranmer's baggage:
You should be able to get it cheaper than that directly from School House Press

Thanks Cb. I'll look into that once Christmas is out of the way.
I'd also be interested in your version, babybear - at least you are on hand to explain the tricky bits [Biased] I understand that EZ is not always easy to follow. [Confused]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Here is a version of the surprise jacket that is free. It isn't quite the same, but very close.

baby coat

Our library has the book by EZ with the original pattern, but I can't think of a legal way to get it too you. [Frown]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I came across another similar jacket. I like it far more than the EZ one.

I have joined Ravelry, but sadly the name babybear was already taken. I am going by the Welsh version on myself, arthbach.

I am using it as a pattern/design blog, and it is ohh so very useful having so many good links provided by the software. The project templates are excellent too. At some stage I shall get the patterns put into the 'Designer' section. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I just finished putting together a sweater I made without a pattern. It turned out pretty well, and I'm very pleased with myself!
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
So, RuthW, any pictures? I'm not ready to do a patternless sweater yet, but my LYS is offering a class in Feb. to teach that skill, so maybe soon...

Ravelry finally let me in and so now I have yet another way to avoid doing the things I really should be doing.

Now that all the Christmas knitting is done, what are people working on?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
I am making a scarf for myself. It is worked in two yarns, one a nice sensible black merino Aran and the other a wonderfully crazy, bright rainbow yarn (Colinette One Zero Jamboree).

The scarf is in stocking stitch, with a little garter stitch boarder. The yarns change every two rows, and there is a central double decrease. This makes straight rows into Vs. There is a plump tassel at the point of the Vs.

I am working both ends of the scarf at the same time, from the ends towards the middle. When I get to the middle I shall make a square to join the two pieces together.

It is a fun bit of design, and I am rather happy with it.
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
So, RuthW, any pictures?

Sorry, I don't own a camera. I suppose I'll have to do something about that sometime.

quote:
I'm not ready to do a patternless sweater yet, but my LYS is offering a class in Feb. to teach that skill, so maybe soon...
I found a method in a book and found it really easy. You knit a sample to get the gauge, take your measurements, then plan accordingly -- so you're not working without a pattern, just creating your own.

quote:
Now that all the Christmas knitting is done, what are people working on?
Same sweater, different color!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Now that all the Christmas knitting is done, what are people working on?

I'm still plodding on, intermittantly, with the 'capelet' I was about to begin when I first started this thread, and I am still as unenthusiastic about it as I was when I posted in February about the 'muddy' colours, and the mis-shaped mitres.
I will finish it eventually, but it's unlikely to be this winter. If I knitted only a square a day it could be done by the end of February, but it just depresses me to work with such dull yarns so I do a square, or maybe just a couple of rows and pack it away again for a week or so, until conscience next pricks. [Disappointed]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Um, if you don't like the colours, and don't like the way the pattern is turning out then why are you knitting it? Will you wear it when it is finished?

It sounds rather like knitting masochism. [Eek!]

Is it possible to knit it up into something else, or swap the yarn with someone else and knit an item that you will love knitting and delight in wearing?
 
Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I'm a novice knitter but have managed this year to knit a scarf for my mother in law, which delighted her and to knit a wrap to go with my evening dress for my work night out, which gave my workmates the giggles!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by cattyish:
I'm a novice knitter but have managed this year to knit a scarf ...

Quick work cattyish [Razz]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Provided I don't do a lot else tomorrow, I should finish the knit I started at the beginning of the holiday.

It is from a book of patterns based on the various forms of the kimono - this is a short one with a simple crossover fastening using a chopstick or hatpin or similar. I used up a lot of chunky-ish weight yarn, Rowan summer tweed and a japanese made variegated one, with a colourway running from black/brown up through crimsons, to blues, to russet/orange to yellow and so on to pale blues and pinks. Sort of cross-section of the earth.

If all goes well - and it looks good so far - I will photograph and post.

Roseofsharon - seriously - if you don't like knitting it, you won't like wearing it. Abandon it. Now. Life it too short.

Most of the yarn in the looking-good kimono I've described above have been tried out in other knits and not worked. Everything has to find its time and place, and a lot has to go down to experience.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
Um, if you don't like the colours, and don't like the way the pattern is turning out then why are you knitting it?

Because it's a kit that cost (for me) a vast amount of money
quote:
Will you wear it when it is finished?
Yes, I have a cold and draughty house, and the capelet will be warm and cosy when it's done.

quote:
Is it possible to knit it up into something else,
The prospect of unpicking 51 'modules' each knitted in 4 yarns of various textures is worse than knitting on to the end [Eek!]

There are only 30 more to do [Roll Eyes]

[ 01. January 2008, 21:49: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Good luck, roseofsharon!

I've just finished a wall hanging of a leaping stag, which I'm quite pleased with. The next step will be a second wall hanging with a pack of hounds, rounded off with a third wall hanging depicting a medieval huntsman blowing his horn. I'm making them to use if our re-enactment group ever get round to buying a banqueting tent - but even if they don't, they'll see some use, and they are fun to do.

Meanwhile I'm knitting a tabard - about half way through the first half of it - and I have a rug on my peg loom that needs finishing off. I'm making loose lucetted cord (with a medieval tool that looks like a pair of horns on a stick), plaiting the cords together and then weaving them on the peg loom for a chunky, thick wool rug.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
My after-Christmas project is a pair of mittens in fingering-weight yarn on ridiculously tiny needles (1.5 mm - US size 000). And the Latvian color pattern isn't one I'm picking up quickly, so these are going to take a while. Actually, hey're kind of Christmas knitting - Mr. Otter got me the yarn for Christmas.

Over the weekend I re-organized and put away most of the yarn stash. The bins are full, I really shouldn't buy any more until I knit some of it up.

On the not-quite-for-fun front, I ended the holiday hiatus and dug the leatherworking back out (although I did make a portfolio clipboard/cover for my father for Christmas). I was having a stoopid day yesterday, I was looking at the list of what I have made, what we sold at the last event, and the pile of stuff in progress and didn't know what to do. [Roll Eyes] I finally kicked myself in the tuchis and started putting markings on Yet Still More little soft leather belt pouches. Couldn't quite bring myself to dig out the stinky black leather dye, I'll probably do that tonight.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
I'm big on the summer knitting at the moment (being in Oz), so it's all about cotton & lightweight, small woolen items. There are an awful lot of babies expected in my circle of friends and relations over the next few months, so I'm working on two baby blankets (one monochrome tumbling blocks, one bicolour curves of pursuit) and am about to start on a heap of little jackets, booties, etc. There's also a cotton shell top for myself and a cotton pullover for TOF on the needles. I find that if I just keep doing a few rows here and there, they all get finished eventually.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
CB, Do you have a favourite good cotton available down here? Most cotton hurts my arthritic fingers, where wool doesn't. However, I'd like to do something. Last year I used Heirloom Breeze(??) and made shrugs for small granddaughters. However, that is a mix of wool, cotton and a small amount of lycra. I'm looking for more cotton content.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
Lothlorien,

I agree that cotton is much harder on the hands. I'm not sure that I can give you very helpful advice. At present I'm knitting some Patons Cotton Perle from stash, which was discontinued years ago, and some Elle Denim yarn I picked up cheap at Lincraft a couple of years pack. The only currently available cotton in the mix is Bendigo Knitting Mills 4 ply cotton. Speaking of which, did you know that Heirloom Breeze bears a remarkably strong resemblance to Bendigo Harmony?

I find that avoiding metal needles makes a difference, as does using a circular for anything with much weight in it. The other thing you might want to think about is trying some of the Bamboo/viscose/rayon yarns. They feel yummy.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Have you tried knitting with bamboo yarn? It is softer, more absorbent and kinder to the environment? I have crocheted with some, and it looks like cotton and feels like a very soft cotton.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Haven't tried bamboo yet. I've heard good things about it.

Actually, thinking about things, it's the non-stretchiness of cotton as opposed to the elasticity of wool which makes my fingers ache and swell.

[ 03. January 2008, 09:22: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I'm about to go buy some bamboo tomorrow. Will report back in a week or so.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I went into our local Merciers today - I'm teaching her English - and got very tempted by some delicious wool. She showed me a very nice pattern for beginners, and I would really like to try it. However, a couple of things are putting me off:
1. I have, in the past, started two pullovers and finished neither, due to getting bored.
2. I've been knitting baby garments for poor South African babies. They've been OK because they're small, so I've not got too bored. But I feel slightly guilty that I'm considering abandoning the Babies for a selfish pullover.

So what do you think I should do...?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Dormouse,

Years ago I was only ever allowed one project at a time in knitting. I too was bored, so was lucky to finish one a year. I put things away and aside for years. A few years ago, I started knitting again. I now have several projects on the go at once. A bit her, a bit there, and things get finished and put together.

Just a thought.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I've been knitting baby garments for poor South African babies. They've been OK because they're small, so I've not got too bored. But I feel slightly guilty that I'm considering abandoning the Babies for a selfish pullover.

You don't have to abandon them completely. You might like to do make something for yourself and then something for charity, and swap around like that.

I have three ways of not getting bored. I watch a DVD when I knit (one that I have seen before). I can watch as much or as little as I want, and can of course pause and go back if I miss anything.

I found that using variegated yarn made the whole thing more interesting as I was always wanting to see how the next little bit would turn out. Another way is to have a pattern that take a bit more concentration, eg an Aran or a lace pattern.

A tip that I picked up from FlyLady is to do a little bit of a project each day. Even if it is one row of knitting; it means that progress has been made.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I'm using all three of your methods to speed my 'capelet' along, babybear.

I have a few TV programmes I recorded over Christmas, so am knitting while catching up on them.
If I have been using the 'muddy' colours for too long, I slip in a few rows of one of the brighter colours to cheer myself up,
and I am making a determined effort to finish each day working on a different square to the one I left it on the day before, even if I only pick-up the stitches for the next one.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Haven't tried bamboo yet. I've heard good things about it.

Actually, thinking about things, it's the non-stretchiness of cotton as opposed to the elasticity of wool which makes my fingers ache and swell.

last summer I knitted a cardigan in bamboo and it was a pleasure to knit with.
 
Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I found that using variegated yarn made the whole thing more interesting as I was always wanting to see how the next little bit would turn out.

I love using variegated yarn in crochet. Makes simple stitches look fancy! [Smile] Also, sometimes I'll use a couple of different yarns at the same time.
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
The bamboo I've used was quite nice to knit with, and made very soft and drapy FOs. It does seem to shed fluff everywhere, but I'm hoping a bit of wear and time will fix that all on it's own.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Here is not terribly good photo of the short kimono-style jacket I knitted over Christmas.

You get the general idea about the colours, though.

Without letting the needles so much as cool, I have started another, from the same pattern book (Kimono Knits).

This is more the classic shape of rectangles for fronts and back and for the sleeves - but the body is bias knit. This is very good for creating diagonal striping. For front 1, which I have almost finished, I made up a ball of yarn running from dark navy through mid blue to pale greens/blues to white (enlivened en route with a little intarsia design of simple curving shapes like twigs). Front 2 will have a colour way running from black/dark brown up through a spectrum of oranges to neutral.

Not only with this use up the two predominant colourways in my stash, but will produce what I think of as Cosmic Kimono, representing earth, sea and sky.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Lovely kimono knit, Firenze. I wish my "stash" is as coordinated as yours - every time I look at it I wonder what I can do with such a wide mix of weights and shades. One day I will get inspiration!

Meanwhile, I am using this yarn to knit this jumper but adapting it to have a round neck (why do warm sweaters have such low necks - if I am wearing something this warm it is when I need a higher neck!) and rather than have the purl side as the right side I am having the knit side, because the boucle yarn gives as much texture as I want.

So probably another weight / texture / shade to add to the stash!
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
That's gorgeous Firenze!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I went to the library today to look for a copy of The Opinionated Knitter - they hadn't got it, of course, in fact there doesn't seem to be a copy in any of the Essex libraries at all.

They are trying to get a copy from some other library service, but it will take time, and will cost the same as buying the BSJ instructions from Loop Yarns - only without the shipping charges.

Hey Ho! Baby's not due until August, anyway, and I've still got the current project to finish [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I wish my "stash" is as coordinated as yours

Let it get large enough and eventually some proportion will be coordinated.

I found a couple of balls of Noro Kureyon very useful. I chopped them up and used them to tie in a lot of other colours.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Could the more experienced knitters here kindly advice me on the feasibility of altering a pattern? I'm currently working on this baby sweater. I don't care for the collar (actually, I don't think the baby's mom and dad will like the collar), so I wondered whether it would be possible to just do a regular neckline on the sweater. The bottom rows of the sweater are just 7 rows of garter stitch. Is it possible to -- at that point where one would begin the collar, which is 1.5 inches of gs -- to simply to 7 rows of gs and be done with it? Are there other adjustments I should make? Or should I forget the whole idea? Many thanks for your comments.

(I'm not making the dorky hat either. But the yarn is gorgeous and the pattern on the sweater itself is knitting up nicely -- now that I have the gauge correct [as I moaned about several pages earlier!]).
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Hello, may I join you?
Not a knitter but a seamstress. I make clothing for myself and the kids. Alas, I have a major addiction to fabric buying though.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Welcome, Heavenly Anarchist. Pull up a chair and join the circle.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
... I wondered whether it would be possible to just do a regular neckline on the sweater. The bottom rows of the sweater are just 7 rows of garter stitch. Is it possible to -- at that point where one would begin the collar, which is 1.5 inches of gs -- to simply to 7 rows of gs and be done with it?

Yes, it would be very possible and most likely a lot cuter.

Heavenly Anarchist, Welcome! My yarn and fabric stashes are about equal. I make most of DD's pajamas and nightgowns and some of my own clothes as well. What are you working on now?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Is it possible to -- at that point where one would begin the collar, which is 1.5 inches of gs -- to simply to 7 rows of gs and be done with it?

That should work fine - if it looks a little baggy, knit two together here or there (say at the shoulders) to give it a tiny bit of shaping.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
An alternative is to knit in rib for 3 or 4 cm and then fold over to make a double thickness collar.

bb
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
Heavenly Anarchist, Welcome! My yarn and fabric stashes are about equal. I make most of DD's pajamas and nightgowns and some of my own clothes as well. What are you working on now?

thank you. I've been unwell for a month or so and have had little concentration to sew (this'll be sorted soon though) but I'm currently designing some children's clothes to make up when I'm better. I'll link some pics when I finally manage to sew something.
I managed to make some Christmas presents though - a kimono top for my nephew, a hippy tunic shirt for dh and vintage fabric headbands and wrist cuffs for some friends. I tend to use recycled and vintage fabrics (I'm an obsessive greenie).
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Badfundie:
My yarn and fabric stashes are about equal.

Add a 'To Be Read' bookpile to that, and that describes my state, too. [Hot and Hormonal]

I don't do as much knitting or sewing (or reading) these days as I did when I had small children, but can't bring myself to part with the makings.
I even have a huge bag of tiny fabric scraps (left from the days when my eyesight was good enough to do appliqué) which I can't bear just to throw away, and hundreds of buttons that I used to cut off unsold garments at village Jumble Sales. [Roll Eyes]

I hope you will let us see some of your designs for children's clothes in due course, HA - especially if they include boys clothes.
As a mother and grandmother of boys I have always felt that they are badly served by the makers of children's clothes. [Disappointed]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
and hundreds of buttons that I used to cut off unsold garments at village Jumble Sales.

I saw a clever use of buttons in a craft shop recently. The craftsperson had taken as a base a scrap of soft leather and sewn it really densely with buttons so that it looked like a piece of encrusted mosaic. And then put a brooch catch on the back. It was very effective.

[ 08. January 2008, 15:06: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:

Add a 'To Be Read' bookpile to that, and that describes my state, too. [Hot and Hormonal]

Oh, don't even mention The Bookpile [Eek!]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I love buttons.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
I actually reduced The Stash and The Bookpile in December. A number of people in our gifting circles received giftbags with a stash-knit scarf, a book and a little goodie of some sort. And after all that small project knitting, I feel just about ready to tackle a sweater project again.
 
Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I'm wondering if anyone knows if you can get knitting patterns for veggie tales jumpers for children? Tried an internet search but didn't find anything, but people here seem to know loads oabout knitting etc!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I found the perfect label for my To Be Read shelf:
"mons liborum legendorum" - "the mountain of books that must be read".

And I've almost finished the front of my mohair tabard. It was supposed to be K2, P2 for two rows and then P2, K2 - but I'm easily distracted, so it's been rather more random than that, with lots of short lengths of ribbing that sort of peter out. Which actually looks quite nice, and as if I meant it.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Having a wonderful time putting together my new loom! It's a 32", rigid heddle model---a Kromski Harp---and just looking at it is sheer pleasure. (Now if my selvages would only turn out even...)
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I love buttons.

Auntie Doris x

me too - I was delighted when I fond that I had inherited not only my grannie's button tin but my great-aunt's too. I have problems letting them go, though - they have to go on exactly the right garment although I am beginning to experiment with making jewelry using them.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
My Grandma had the most amazing button box. One Christmas I came back home with loads of gorgeous things when I raided it. I use them on cards and they look fab. So, if anyone has any spare buttons, you know where to send them!!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I went to the library today to look for a copy of The Opinionated Knitter - they hadn't got it, of course, in fact there doesn't seem to be a copy in any of the Essex libraries at all.

Indeed, it appears that there isn't a copy in any library in the UK [Disappointed]

Guess it's direct from School Press, or nothing
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I'm still plodding on, intermittantly, with the 'capelet' I was about to begin when I first started this thread,

I have watched an horrendous amount of daytime TV over the last couple of weeks, but it has been worth it - the knitted nightmare is finished [Yipee]

Actually, now I'm not actually having to work on it, I quite like it [Hot and Hormonal] . The colours are much brighter in the daylight than they were under the 'energy-saving' lightbulbs in my sitting room, and the heavy handling of the work-in-progress transforms into cosy warmth on my shoulders.

It's the first thing I've knitted for myself (other than hat & gloves) since I was 15, and I think it will be the last [Biased]

New grandbaby hoped for in August, so it's back to tiny garments for me!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Roseofsharon, I'm impressed -- what an effort! It's lovely and I know you'll get tons of compliments wherever you wear it.

Congrats on the grandbaby too.
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
wow! that does look good!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I'm still plodding on, intermittantly, with the 'capelet' I was about to begin when I first started this thread,

I have watched an horrendous amount of daytime TV over the last couple of weeks, but it has been worth it - the knitted nightmare is finished [Yipee]

Actually, now I'm not actually having to work on it, I quite like it [Hot and Hormonal] . The colours are much brighter in the daylight than they were under the 'energy-saving' lightbulbs in my sitting room, and the heavy handling of the work-in-progress transforms into cosy warmth on my shoulders.

It's the first thing I've knitted for myself (other than hat & gloves) since I was 15, and I think it will be the last [Biased]

New grandbaby hoped for in August, so it's back to tiny garments for me!

Looks great and I love the colours. well done. [Yipee]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Roseofsharon, that is gorgeous! You should have many years of warmth and pleasure wearing it.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
I'm currently working on a cross stitch of this t-shirt design.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
A shipmate has lent me a copy of the BSJ pattern.

It arrived today - as did a copy of the 12week scan picture of expected new grandbaby. [Yipee] Can now get on with the knitting.

First step is to figure out what yarn/needlesize combination will give me 6sts to the inch.
After that it should be fairly straightforward, in spite of the unconventional way the pattern is written, as it is shaped using the techniques I've been practicing for the past 15months on that 'capelet' thing.

All things work together for good... [Big Grin]
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
If this works, it should be a link to a photo of the quilt I made my little sister for Christmas. I've done a green/yellow/orange one, and am working on a dusky flowered one now...it's great fun, and I'm really enjoying it!

[ 22. January 2008, 19:00: Message edited by: sophs ]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
It's very pretty, sophs. What a special gift for your sister.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Sophs, that is a gorgeous quilt - I look forward to seeing a poicture of the opther one when you've finished it.

Last Saturday I had a lovely surprise because not only did I have an unplanned visit to this exhibition of quilts, knitting and mosaics but as a bonus Kaffe Fassett was giving a talk on his pieces in the show - I've long admired his designes and began knitting one a long time ago (it was what I unknitted to reknit into a modular knit) and realise that I can experiment a bit if I make some cushion covers - they are small enough to get a feel for a design and not so large for me to want to be moving on to the next piece too soon (baby items often serve this purpose so maybe I'll try to incorporate some designs into little jackets?). I bought his "Pattern Library" (and of course got it signed by the man himself!) and some of his fabric to back one or two cushions.

If you are in Bath between now & the end of March I can recommend the show - it was inspiring!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
How interesting, daisydaisy and thank you for the link to the photograph of his cushions.
I heard Kaffe Fassett talking about The Blue And White Show on 'Midweek' (Radio4) this morning. He said he thought the limited colour palette would be difficult to work within, in view of his usual range, but was hooked once he had seen some photographs of a collection of antique Blue & White ceramics.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Sophs, that is a great quilt.

I am knitting my first pair of socks on two circular needles and I may never go back to dpns. I can just stick the sock in my purse and go without worrying about stitches falling off the needle and, well, it's just so much easier. I might even try the kilt hose on knitty.com!
 
Posted by vascopyjama (# 1953) on :
 
Hello Crafty shippies

I'm venturing into the unknown waters of dress making. Taking a breather. My quick unpick may melt if I attempt any more!! My mother assures me that dress making is relaxing and satisfying... Well I was well pleased when I made my first dart ( after looking it up on the internet...) but now I have two side seams which sounds good but there is a gawd almighty lump which projects quite alarmingly.... So I am having a rest. I may convert it into a pocket...
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
Roseofsharon - what a beautiful wrap! Sophs, that is a lovely quilt - what a lucky sister you have.

I've made a few quilts, but have just bought myself an all-singing, all-dancing, quilting sewing machine (to be honest, I think it could work just as well without me to operate it), and I'm planning a really special one. Sort of shabby chic, but well-made (I hope!). Pinks, creams, greens, log cabin-ish with appliqued centres to the squares.

Scary!
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I finished something!

Not that I want you to get the impression that I never manage to do such things, but it is a bit unusual. And I didn't have a deadline or anything, either. Started about December 20th and finished January 23rd, I'm quite pleased with that. Probably went so fast because I was using a much bigger crochet hook than they suggest - mine is 4.5 squares on the short edge where the pattern says 9!

It was from Lothlorien's advent calendar link and with it I managed to use up the lovely soft pink stuff I bought in last year's January sales. Whereby I have justified buying more cool stuff in this year's January sales. And thanks again to the advent calendar I've got a project to use it on - switched back to knitting for the longest time in ages and doing a little bag with lots of straightforward cables.

And I'm sewing a cloak out of a pair of curtains from a charity shop too - it's about 5" too long at the moment and I have to figure out how to scrounge enough fabric out of the trimmings to make a hood. Being cream curtains, my sister thinks it makes me look like a bishop!

Am, of course, suitably impressed with everyone else's efforts.

TTP
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by vascopyjama:
My mother assures me that dress making is relaxing and satisfying...

She is right, but not when it's going wrong!
I made my own clothes for years (even my wedding dress), and it is extremely satisfying when you produce a wearable garment, but it is important to learn to walk before you run. Do choose projects suitable for your experience, and follow the instructions carefully.

Good luck in sorting out the strange projecting lump - I was never an unpicker, I'm more of a screw-it-into-a-ball-and-throw-it-acros-the-room type of person [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Sewing is enjoyable but yes, it can be frustrating. I have a small sewing business and when one thing goes wrong, all goes wrong. I find the best thing is to put it down and go and make a cup of tea, then come back to it later when I inevitably find that my machine is feeling more relaxed about life.
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
She is right, but not when it's going wrong!
I made my own clothes for years (even my wedding dress), and it is extremely satisfying when you produce a wearable garment, but it is important to learn to walk before you run. Do choose projects suitable for your experience, and follow the instructions carefully.

Does this mean that my first ever solo sewing project should maybe not have been a full-length, fully lined, full-circle skirted, white satin dress for which I didn't have a pattern?

I think it came out quite well (I'm the one in the middle) and I wear it at the drop of a hat. But yes, the moment when I realised I had sewn the lining onto the outside of the dress did nearly make me cry. Especially since I had thought the process through from first principles three times so I'd get it right.

I'm just a bit gung-ho about these sorts of things, but I'm assisted by a good understanding of how different constructions change shapes and reasonable confidence (I knew I wasn't going to be able to manage to make a waistband perfectly horizontal so that dress doesn't have one - it's actually a very simple pattern made up of lots of straight-ish lines). Actually we did mock up the top part twice to get an idea of how it would work. I also don't know what stuff I don't know, so I wasn't fazed by putting in the zip or anything like that.

Keep on keeping on vasco - the sense of achievement when it all comes together is something else!

TTP
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
That's incredible for a first attempt TTP! I can't imagine what you've been doing since then! The fit looks fantastic. That, of course, is one of the delights of making your own clothes - making them to fit you and not some generalised person of a vaguely similar size.

I think Heavenly Anarchist is absolutely right. If your machine (!) is having an off day, you have to go away and give it a bit of space before you carry on. I'm of the screw it up and throw it across the room school, too - get teh sewing away from the machine if the machine has fallen out with it ...
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Surfing Madness:
I'm wondering if anyone knows if you can get knitting patterns for veggie tales jumpers for children? Tried an internet search but didn't find anything, but people here seem to know loads oabout knitting etc!

I've never seen any commercial patterns, but you could make your own with a little work. You need a clear, simple picture to work from (or just pull the character out of a more elaborate picture). Enlarge the picture to the size you want to fit the garment (I use a photocopier for this).

Then work a tension square with the yarn & needles you plan to use. Create an excel spreadsheet or similar piece of paper with grid squares the same size as your stitches. This will require a bit of basic arithmetic. If, for example, you have 22 stitches and 30 rows in a 10 cm tension square, then each stitch is 4.5 mm wide and 3.3 mm high.

Once you have the picture the size you want it, and the page of stitch-sized squares, just trace the picture onto you customized knitters graph paper, and use it as you would any other knitting chart. I usually take the time to colour in at least the outline of each block of colour for the finished item, so I can keep track easily, but that's optional.
 
Posted by vascopyjama (# 1953) on :
 
omg!!! [Ultra confused] TTP I will quietly move to the back of the room in awe of your first effort. Wow

Not sure what I am going to do with my effort. I can hear my poor long suffering high school sewing teacher say, "unpick it and start again" but that just breaks my heart.

Hmm the machine is having an off day. Better make coffee!!
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by To The Pain:
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
She is right, but not when it's going wrong!
I made my own clothes for years (even my wedding dress), and it is extremely satisfying when you produce a wearable garment, but it is important to learn to walk before you run. Do choose projects suitable for your experience, and follow the instructions carefully.

Does this mean that my first ever solo sewing project should maybe not have been a full-length, fully lined, full-circle skirted, white satin dress for which I didn't have a pattern?
[snip]
I'm just a bit gung-ho about these sorts of things, but I'm assisted by a good understanding of how different constructions change shapes and reasonable confidence (I knew I wasn't going to be able to manage to make a waistband perfectly horizontal so that dress doesn't have one - it's actually a very simple pattern made up of lots of straight-ish lines).

I have a similar habit. The quilt I made for my sister was without a patten, but wasn't a first attempt (it was my third), and the first and only jumber I made was without a patten, as were the socks and gloves I knit..I just seem to be able to do it ok just by the feel of it, and lots of trying on!

At some point I'll post pictures of my otoher quilts, one is on my bed and another was made for a friends baby - and I'm in the middle of one for a little girls birthday present, and then one that doesn't yet have a home.

I'm also making lots of small knitting things to sell at a craft fair - one scarf, socks and gloves so far...The main reason for this productivity is that I have a dissertation to write, and knitting/sewing is much more fun.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Have now finished a 'practice' BSJ and am looking out for some yarn to start a 'proper' one. The tryout version came out a bit small (16"), so I'll use larger needles next time.

I also made one mistake - for those that know the pattern, there is a section where you work on the middle 90 sts only. I took Elizabeth Zimmermann at her word, broke off the yarn, and rejoined it at the start of the middle 90 sts. Some considerable time later (at the buttonholes [Roll Eyes] ) I noticed what seemed like a purl row going part way down the front. After thinking about it for a bit I have decided that if I had knit the 30+ stitches before working the first row of the middle section this would not have happened. - another benefit of trying the pattern out first.

It is surprisingly easy to make, once you have recovered from the fear engendered by the pattern, which is quite unlike the stitch-by-stitch, row-by-row patterns we are used to in the UK. You just have to trust yourself - and EZ, of course!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I have been looking at a pattern I like on Knitty.com, but am being a bit dim at understanding their abbreviations/instructions.

In particular, I cannot visualise this:

SSK = slip 2 stitches as if to knit, then knit those 2 stitches together
If the stitches have been 'slipped', then they are on the right-hand needle, yes? So how do you then knit them - or do you turn the work round?
If not, how does it differ from K2tog?

I know that some of you have used Knitty patterns before, so please can someone advise?
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sophs:
.... The quilt I made for my sister was without a patten...

The great thing about quilts is that you don't really need a pattern - you just find a quilt block (like the main repeated star piece - a web search comes up with a cornucopia of designs) or style that you like, and keep on going. As well as some that I made using one repeated pattern I also made a few with different blocks but with the same colour theme. Sadly I didn't take photos of any of them.

sophs - did you draw the seamline on your pieces and then use a running stitch to join the pieces face to face, or tack in some papers and an "over the top" stitch (I don't know how to describe it - other than perhaps "traditional English")?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
SSK = slip 2 stitches as if to knit, then knit those 2 stitches together

so please can someone advise?

Yus! I can advise...

SSK is not the same as K2tog, although both are ways of decreasing a stitch. SSK is really the opposite of K2tog, the slant is in the opposite direction.

I love a fantastic webpage with oodles of video clips of decreases.

If you don't get on with SSK, then you could try S1, K1, PSSO (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over). Although this doesn't give quite as neat a finish as SSK.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
sophs - did you draw the seamline on your pieces and then use a running stitch to join the pieces face to face, or tack in some papers and an "over the top" stitch (I don't know how to describe it - other than perhaps "traditional English")?

Good description... the latter is described as 'hand sewn' patchwork rather than machine stitched.

I do a bit of both... I have made several very large quilts using the machine but my preference is to hand-stitch. This is the one that I am making at the moment... it has been on the go for ages, but I hope to get it done so I can have it on my bed in the summer [Smile]

Auntie Doris x

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
sophs - did you draw the seamline on your pieces and then use a running stitch to join the pieces face to face, or tack in some papers and an "over the top" stitch (I don't know how to describe it - other than perhaps "traditional English")?

Good description... the latter is described as 'hand sewn' patchwork rather than machine stitched.

I do a bit of both... I have made several very large quilts using the machine but my preference is to hand-stitch. This is the one that I am making at the moment... it has been on the go for ages, but I hope to get it done so I can have it on my bed in the summer [Smile]

Auntie Doris x

Auntie Doris x

Even though I never machine sew any of my patchworks (makes a project far more portable!) I've always used the running stitch method since discovering it. It is so much quicker than tacking in a paper and then sewing the pieces together, and gets such a precise corners.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I love a fantastic webpage with oodles of video clips of decreases.

That was very helpful. A nice clear description, I didn't even need to look at the video. I had been visualising slipping the two stitches together, not one at a time. [Roll Eyes]
Many thanks!
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
babybear: thankyou! That page is wonderful.
 
Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
AD--

The quilt in your link is gorgeous! I love the way the colors work together.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Golden Key:
AD--

The quilt in your link is gorgeous! I love the way the colors work together.

Thank you. Put it this way it should go with any colour scheme. The nice thing is quite a lot of the fabric is bits of old clothes, I have only pyjamas in there, dresses my Mum worse and some of my gran's ols aprons. I love the memories that are sewn together in the quilt.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by RuthW:
babybear: thankyou! That page is wonderful.

It is a fantastic page, so incredibly helpful. The descriptions are clear, and the little video snippets make it incredibly easy to pick up a new technique.

I am greatly impressed by the quilts. I love the way that a simple repeating motif can be built up into something quite beautiful. I would never have thought of having blocks of 16 little squares forming the basis of a block.

Wonderful.
 
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
sophs - did you draw the seamline on your pieces and then use a running stitch to join the pieces face to face, or tack in some papers and an "over the top" stitch (I don't know how to describe it - other than perhaps "traditional English")?

I didn't paper piece (i think that's what it's called) because I can only just get my head round how it *should* work. And I can't just follow instructions, I need to know how it works first. I just kindof cut out blocks, and then sewed them together, I didn't really bother marking seam lines, and because some are done by hand they aren't that even.

It seemed to work for me though. I know that I *should* iron them, draw in a seam line, spend hours preparing, but I tend to just ignore than and get on with it.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Paper piecing is easy once you know the technique. You just have to make sure that you cut all the paper pieces the same size and you need to be accurate.

When I made the quilt with little squares I spent ages cutting up old Christmas cards (sometimes you can reuse the pieces again). Then you cut fabric that is about an inch or so bigger than the paper piece, and tack the cardboard inside so that it is taut against the cardboard. To piece together you get two bits, right sides together and overstitch the edges, paying particular attention to the corners to make sure they are neat (it's much easier then to fit together the next pieces).

When you have put everything together you undo the tacking stitch and take out the cardboard. Once I have done the hand piecingI throw it all in the washing machine and iron it flat before doing the edging, wadding and backing.

Et voila! Simple really [Biased]

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sophs:
I just kind of cut out blocks, and then sewed them together, I didn't really bother marking seam lines, and because some are done by hand they aren't that even.

It seemed to work for me though. I know that I *should* iron them, draw in a seam line, spend hours preparing, but I tend to just ignore than and get on with it.

It worked so well for you! Your quilt looks lovely and I didn't notice the seams were uneven.

All on your own you have discovered the patchwork technique that I believe is used most across the pond where you have a card (or sometimes metal or plastic) template and draw a pencil line around it onto the back of the fabric, leaving enough room between drawn shapes for a seam allowance after you've cut it out. When you sew a piece together you simply use a running stitch to follow the pencil lines, making sure your first stitch begins on one end of the line, and the last stitch ends at the other end, which helps to give really neat corners. Purists will pin the finishing end of the line and in the middle, but I have to admit to taking a short cut here.
When you have finished, don't open the seam out but instead give more strength to the seam by pressing it over to one side - if you make sure the seam goes the same way each time then you won't get any clumps of fabric at corners. Purists will use an iron to press each seam, but I usually put a neat crease in it with my thumbnail.

So you reduce both the amount of cutting (you only have to cut the material, not a paper or card) and the amount of sewing or pinning (you don't have the paper or card to sew or pin into the fabric).
You also give extra strength to the seams.
And I found that the running stitch to be much quicker than the one I was using before I began using this technique.
 
Posted by Iole Nui (# 3373) on :
 
Just thought I'd check in to say that I took delivery of my Knitting For Dummies book this morning [Smile]

Inspired by some lovely patterns I saw in John Lewis the other day*, I thought learning to knit might be a better use of my spare time than playing Masters Of Olympus!

I'll let you know how I get on - I've only read the intro so far. There are Projects, apparently.


* Like, proper clothes, from nowadays. Honestly, the main reason I've never thought to learn knitting is that I thought you could only get patterns for really old fashioned stuff and anything more modern you'd have to make up yourself, which is quite beyond my aspiration. All the knitters I know IRL seem to be still using patterns they bought 30 years ago. Mr Nui's mum, espeically, keeps producing dinky little jackets and things for Little Nui that I swear she must have first knitted for Mr Nui himself in 1963. Beautifully done, of course, but not going to bring him much credibility down at the nursery...
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:
All the knitters I know IRL seem to be still using patterns they bought 30 years ago. Mr Nui's mum, espeically, keeps producing dinky little jackets and things for Little Nui that I swear she must have first knitted for Mr Nui himself in 1963.

I'm still knitting lovely baby cardigans that I first made in about 1962, and the pattern for the wonderful feat of engineering that is The Baby Surprise Jacket was first published in 1968.
Style don't date! [Biased]

Good luck with your 'projects' let us know how you get on. [Smile]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:
Honestly, the main reason I've never thought to learn knitting is that I thought you could only get patterns for really old fashioned stuff

Go on to Amazon books and put in 'knitting' as a search term. Or visit the Knitters Magazine, or Vogue Knitting sites.

At the moment, I'm knitting kimonos.
 
Posted by Iole Nui (# 3373) on :
 
You can knit kimonos? That's wonderful!

There was also a gorgeous pair of long fingerless gloves on the page RoseOfSharon linked to, though I couldn't see the Baby Surprise Jacket.

RoS - I didn't mean to be rude, I'm sure the patterns you reuse are lovely and timeless. In fact, Mr Nui's mum knitted us some cot\pram sets that were truly stunning. But some of the other things... not so much. Honestly, a little knitted sailor-suit would get a child stoned round where I live.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:


* Like, proper clothes, from nowadays. Honestly, the main reason I've never thought to learn knitting is that I thought you could only get patterns for really old fashioned stuff and anything more modern you'd have to make up yourself, which is quite beyond my aspiration. All the knitters I know IRL seem to be still using patterns they bought 30 years ago. Mr Nui's mum, espeically, keeps producing dinky little jackets and things for Little Nui that I swear she must have first knitted for Mr Nui himself in 1963. Beautifully done, of course, but not going to bring him much credibility down at the nursery...

Maybe you will find something here he would like:

Harry potter

or here:

Pretty in Punk

[Repaired link. Mamacita, Heavenly Host]

[ 30. January 2008, 22:24: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Iole Nui (# 3373) on :
 
The Pretty In Punk link didn't work for me, but I searched for it on Amazon and found it and lots of other great looking books! Excellent stuff.

I am getting really excited now, I want to stop working and start learning to knit immediately!
 
Posted by sheba (# 10654) on :
 
Any machine knitters here? I have a Knitmaster 580 with SRP 50 ribber, and a Brother 860 with a garter carriage. I love them both, and use them nearly every day.

I have done hand knitting (lots) but my tensions are not very good.

Anyone want to talk about MK? [Smile]
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
I have a knitmaster but I'm afraid I've never used it! But my husband occasionally whizzes it along.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:

There was also a gorgeous pair of long fingerless gloves on the page RoseOfSharon linked to, though I couldn't see the Baby Surprise Jacket.

I don't know where it took you, as I still get the BSJ - I guess it recognizes me as a member and lets me look at other members' projects . Sorry!
quote:
Honestly, a little knitted sailor-suit would get a child stoned round where I live.
Ought to get the cruel parent stoned, too!
Babies don't care for fashion, though, as long as they are comfy and warm.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by sheba:

Anyone want to talk about MK? [Smile]

I've done some machine knitting - it's the only time I've enjoyed knitting jumpers for myself, as it is possible to make quite big pieces of fabric in fairly quick time. Unfortunately, since we moved house (1983) I haven't had a convenient place to keep the machine set up, and it has never been out since. [Hot and Hormonal]

My yarn stash still includes several cones left over from those days.

My jumpers are now worn only for gardening, and are in shreds
[Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:
You can knit kimonos? That's wonderful!

Given world enough and time, you can knit ANYTHING. I understand your urge to give up all other worldly concerns and devote your time to knitting; I have it continually.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Heeeelp! Calling all crocheters!

Are UK and US crochet stitches called different things? I've got 2 books (one UK, one US) that describe them differently. For example, the UK book describes a triple crochet stitch as yarn over hook, into the chain (three loops on the hook), yarn over and hook through 2 loops, yarn over and through the 2 remaining loops. However, my US book describes that as a double crochet stitch.

I'm confused! Has anyone else come across this sort of discrepancy? Am I just being dippy (quite possible)?
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
Yes, they're called different things -- it's not you!

A quick Google turned up this chart of US/UK terms comparisons -- I'm sure there are many more.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Ah, many thanks Ruth! Sanity restored, and that explains why my squares were looking so odd...
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Iole Nui:
The Pretty In Punk link didn't work for me, but I searched for it on Amazon and found it and lots of other great looking books! Excellent stuff.

I am getting really excited now, I want to stop working and start learning to knit immediately!

Surely better still, buy the books give them to mother-in-law with the statement, we noticed how you liked knitting for little Nui and thought you might like to try some more recent patterns, doing the old ones again must be so boring.

Jengie
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
Huzzah! I finished the jumper I was knitting for myself. Still can't link photos (no digital camera) but I'm reasonably pleased. I had to do extra sewing with the seams because I did the arms wrong. The hole left in the main part was too big for the sleeves to fit in! But generally it's OK.

I may knit similar for my mum's birthday - but I'll have to find cheaper wool. This was really embarrassingly expensive for what it is.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I'm currently knitting up a job lot of cotton yarns, partly from stash, but also some I got pretty cheaply on e-bay.

Dormouse, a way to avoid non-fitting sleeve misery is to go for drop shoulders - ie, the sides of the main garment are completely straight. The sleeve can be created either by sewing together front and back at the shoulders, and then picking up as many stitches as you need, knit on these, decreasing as you go, until reach the cuff. Or do the reverse, start with the cuff and increase until sufficent, cast off straight across, sew to body.

This works best, obviously, with loose-fit, casual style garments - but since I regard knitting as a canvas for working with colour, the simpler the shaping the better AFAIAC.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Ok can people reverse the problem for me. My mum is knitting herself a cardigan. Its to a pattern she has knitted before and likes except it has drop sleeves and she finds the join bulky. So now she needs to convert the drop sleeve to a fitted.

How?

Jengie
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Tricky.

I would find another pattern, of the same weight wool, and same tension, but with a fitted sleeve and transpose it. Actually, I would find a completely different pattern and just knit that.

Drop sleeve normally goes with a whole style of garment, which may not be sympathetic to a fitted sleeve.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Great advice if she had not already knitted to the start of the shaping of the back before asking me what to do.

Jengie
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Having discovered that I'm not the only person around here to have a lot of unfinished proejcts on the go, I've invited friends (& their friends!) to an "unfinished projects" evening at my home next week. Hopefully it will get me more focussed on finishing a few more things before beginning something new.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
That is a great idea [Cool] I think I will get some wine and chocolate and have a finishing party of my own. There are a couple of new projects I want to start, but with four projects still on the needles I need to complete some things first.
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
I've been offline for a couple of days due to medical issues. Earwig, I just now saw your post. Eek! I'm so sorry. I see that it's been answered, but I'm so sorry for the difficulty you encountered. Yes, the two countries have different names for our crochet stitches. I'm in the USA and have encountered this difficulty before. I've never figured out why we have to have different names for our stitches. That's a mystery to me. But it certainly does exist!

Today I'm crocheting, too. I'm doing thread crochet. I'm working on a cross bookmark for a friend's birthday. It's a pattern I memorized long ago, and it's a handy thing. They fit perfectly in an envelope for mailing! I'll get it done this afternoon, starch it, and (hopefully) off in the mail tomorrow. I love thread crochet. Not as many people do it these days, and I feel as if I get to help continue a tradition when I make a thread project. I love making doilies, bookmarks, and other things. It's a nice feeling.

Blessings to all,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
Many moons ago I finished knitting a dress for my 5-year-old daughter...and it was adorable, if I do say so myself. And I was so proud of myself--it took forever, but it was worth it. She wore it All The Time, much to my delight, and proudly received compliments on it by exclaiming "my mommy MADE it!" It suited her perfectly. And now it's stuffed in the trash with dirty diapers.

My darling, creative, artistic daughter was deep into a project (making a superhero paperdoll for her three year old brother), and somehow she didn't pay quite enough attention to what the scissors were doing, and she managed to cut three great holes right across the front of her dress without even noticing until she was taking it off and it started to tear even more.

I know she didn't mean to, and it's just a thing, after all...dust to dust and all that...but still. [Frown]

I just need some sympathy.
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Oh, Foxy [Waterworks]

My heart goes out to you, and to your little girl who must feel awful!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Foxy, I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you and to your little girl. I'm just glad for you that she loved the dress and wore it so proudly. I hope that you'll both remember that part of it.
 
Posted by MaryFL (# 7482) on :
 
You and me both, ErinBear! [Big Grin] I love thread crochet. Always have a doily on my hook. I'm into Japanese patterns these days. There are so many beautiful designs out there!

This month I've been working with yarn though. I'm making a baby afghan for a friend who's due next month, and a shawl for another friend whose birthday is coming up.

After that, it's back to thread. [Yipee]
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
MaryFL, that's so great to meet another thread crocheter! Thank you for writing. There aren't a lot of us around, I think. Every time I carry my thread crochet projects with me, people stare in amazement and ask so many questions! Sometimes people ask questions if I'm crocheting with yarn, but never to the extent that they do when I'm carrying the thread crochet with me. It's something else. Even when I'm on public transit, when people generally don't speak to each other very much.

Good luck with your knitting projects. I bet the recipients will treasure the baby blankets!

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Iole Nui (# 3373) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Surely better still, buy the books give them to mother-in-law with the statement, we noticed how you liked knitting for little Nui and thought you might like to try some more recent patterns, doing the old ones again must be so boring.

Good idea [Big Grin] Except I'm feeling a bit rotten about my earlier comment as since then she has presented Little Nui with an absolutely lovely little hooded cardigan - not only beautifully knitted, but pretty and modern too. I do hope she doesn't read the Ship!

My adventures in knitting have been progressing slowly. The house is full of little knitted swatches, they turn up in the most unexpected places! At length, I seem to have grasped rows of knit and purl, and can now fairly reliably produce various combinations of horizontal bars without either collecting extra stitches (where do they come from!!) or having big holes appear. Mr Nui's mum says my tension is good, which sounds promising.

However, last night I tried to graduate to alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row, an experiment which was not at all successful. The rampant extra stitches and random holes reappeared with a vengeance, I wound up unravelling the whole thing then got so annoyed that I totally lost the ability to even cast on a new swatch, and at length threw the whole thing across the room, announced to the world in general that knitting was a stupid hobby anyway, and went to bed in a huff. (Patience has never been my strong point.)

Irritatingly, Mr Nui seemed to find this whole performance inordinately amusing. Men!

Oh well, I'll have another go tonight, I'm sure it will come together in time, and with practice.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Since I am not a big fan of the Joy of Ribbing, something I do quite a lot is start in garter stitch, then switch to stocking ss. If it's something with a front opening, I retain the garter stitch for the first 7 to 10 stitches, to create an integral band.
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Foxy:
she managed to cut three great holes right across the front of her dress without even noticing until she was taking it off and it started to tear even more.

I know she didn't mean to, and it's just a thing, after all...dust to dust and all that...but still. [Frown]

I just need some sympathy.

aaaawwww, that's sad.
I still cut holes in my skirts......
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Oh Foxy, what a shame!
But I'm sure that the dress will remain in your daughter's memory for many years.

My mother used to hand-sew my dresses when I was small, and I still remember her bringing one she had just finished upstairs for me to try on after I had gone to bed.
Looking back it wasn't particularly gorgeous; straight, sleeveless (I think),buttoned all down the front, with a row of broderie anglais lace down the length of the front edge and similarly trimmed pockets. It was a dusky pink (the colour of calamine lotion, I used to think). I loved that dress!

I still have another of her creations, a bit moth-eaten in places after nearly sixty years. It's peach coloured rayon (or similar), all hand sewn, with multicoloured smocking from waist to shoulder, front and back.

It gave me a love of smocking that I have never really been able to give expression to. My sons both wore hand- smocked rompers, but only for their first year, and I was forbidden from making something so 'girly' for my grandsons.

There is a new grandbaby due in the summer. Perhaps it is a girl, and perhaps then I will be allowed to smock little dresses?
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Iole Nui

I know what you should knit next a dish cloth or rather several dish cloths. You just need un-dyed cotton thread, any size needles.

The nice thing are:
  1. they are useful
  2. looks don't matter
  3. you can knit them in any stitch, so you can try out moss stitch* if you want
  4. they can be any shape that is vaguely rectangular

Brilliant as things to practise knitting or to trial new techniques on. If you make too many they can even be given as gifts.

Jengie

*Moss stitch is 1p, 1k repeat but when you turn around you do what every stitch you have just done into the first stitch on the next row. It lies flat unlike ribs.

[ 27. February 2008, 12:49: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by MaryFL (# 7482) on :
 
I don't knit, the blanket is crocheted. [Biased]

I've had the same stares when I'm crocheting with thread. People usually end up saying "oh, my grandmother used to do that"...

I've been thinking of teaching a thread crochet class for a while. Right now, I only teach regular/yarn crochet (beginning to advanced). Not sure how I would go about teaching thread though, or if anybody would sign up (but they might if I make a nice enough flyer with neat patterns on it). I think I'll have to try it. Some crocheters don't want to venture into thread work on their own. [Smile]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:

I still have another of her creations, a bit moth-eaten in places after nearly sixty years. It's peach coloured rayon (or similar), all hand sewn, with multicoloured smocking from waist to shoulder, front and back.

Ah, the smocked frock of the fifties! Accessorised with Clerks' sandals, ankle socks, a button-through cardigan, and all your hair on one side yanked into a bunch and tied with a ribbon. I have one in a drawer too. Pink rayon.

[ 28. February 2008, 09:34: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
I used to do a bit of crochet (mainly doilies with my nan!) I'm a bit confused by terminology though. What is "thread crochet"? Is that American for what we just call "crochet" or something all together different (I've tried googling but not got anywhere!)
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
Thread crochet is the finer stuff - making doilies etc from fine cotton, sometimes even as fine as sewing thread if you're brave (and skilled).

Yarn crochet is the crochet equivalent of knitting, ie with what we would generally (and often inaccurately) call wool in the UK.
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
Thanks for the empathetic tut-tuts, everyone...it sounds dumb, but it helps!

My daughter and I have a new batch of colors picked out for a new dress: daffodil yellow, with thin stripes of lavender, turquoise and pale green.

Here's to fresh starts!
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Mary - your idea of having a thread crochet class sounds like a good one. Some of the techniques are indeed different. I find I need to hold my hook differently, and tension is more critical. If you decide to offer a thread-crochet class, are you going to suggest that it's for established crocheters? My experience so far is that it's easier to attempt it after you've done yarn crochet for awhile.

There's also the added measures that go along with thread crochet like starching and blocking, which I never encountered when I was doing yarn crochet. I had to try to figure them out on my own (with various problems along the way, trust me), but if you were having a class, your students would have help! That would be so great!

[Smile]

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Ok can people reverse the problem for me. My mum is knitting herself a cardigan. Its to a pattern she has knitted before and likes except it has drop sleeves and she finds the join bulky. So now she needs to convert the drop sleeve to a fitted.

How?

Jengie

The technical purist answer:
.

The cheats way of doing it - find another pattern that knits at the same tension and has a set in sleeve, and hybridize.

The down and dirty way of doing it - shape armscye by casting off about 3 cm worth of stitches in each of the first two rows, then decrease once each end of every knit row 5 times. Continue straight to shoulders. For sleeves, decrease same number of stitches in first two rows, each end of every knit row 5 times, then every 4th row for a bit, fitting the sleeve into the armscye as you go. When the number of stitches left on the needle looks about the same as the length left unaccounted for around the top of the armscye (at the shoulder), cast off. Pin to fit. Be prepared to undo cast off and add or subtract a few rows as required.
 
Posted by Emma. (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Drifting Star:
Thread crochet is the finer stuff - making doilies etc from fine cotton, sometimes even as fine as sewing thread if you're brave (and skilled).

Yarn crochet is the crochet equivalent of knitting, ie with what we would generally (and often inaccurately) call wool in the UK.

Ah that makes sense!! (D'oh) I've done both, but didn't realise they were called different things. (The cotton wasn't as thin as sewing thread though....)
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
A friend of mine recently went to Morocco on holiday, and I asked her to look out for any items to do with spinning or weaving for me. Yesterday she presented me with a wooden spindle whorl.
She went into a shop to buy some souvenirs, and asked about spinning equipment. The man called his wife, and together they rummaged around in a chest of drawers - and came up with the spindle whorl, which they gave to Anna. She thinks it's made of argan wood - and all it needs is a piece of dowling for me to use it.
I think it's brilliant.
 
Posted by beachlass (# 4979) on :
 
Ooohhhh... spindle spinning. Have you done it before?
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Foxy:
My daughter and I have a new batch of colors picked out for a new dress: daffodil yellow, with thin stripes of lavender, turquoise and pale green.


This sounds so beautiful that now I want to make a dress from those colors. [Smile] Yay for fresh starts!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
beachlass, I demonstrate spinning and weaving to children, while dressed as a Viking, and I do living history at medieval re-enactments where I spin and weave.
I'm not actually very good, but I can make a fairly consistant thread in wool or dog fur, and hairy string in flax/linen, so it's enough to give the children the basic idea of how clothes used to be made.
So far, apart from the basic wooden spindles I use with the children, I have a little replica of a Viking spindle from the Orkneys, done in a green stone, and a larger Viking spindle made of soapstone, as well as a Bosworth high whorl spindle, and a Turkish spindle, which is great for keeping a kid who can't do weaving occupied, as they try to fit the three pieces of it together! (Turkish spindles are made so that you spin the wool, and can then take the spindle apart, leaving a centre pull ball behind).
I've also got a spinning wheel (isn't ebay wonderful?) waiting for me to have time to practice on it. No idea what type it is - just that it came to me from a Swedish lady called Ingrid, living in Scotland.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
- the knitted nightmare is finished [Yipee]

Having finished it at long last, I have regained my enthusiasm for knitting. Since then I have completed 11 (admittedly small) items - and not just baby things, I've even made a hat and a scarf for myself. [Smile]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Glad to hear that! I especially like the baby helmet (I was looking through the other pictures on your list). Is that pattern easy to find? I would love to make one of those. My next difficult project is going to be making a tank top for 9-y.o. DD using a womens size pattern from the latest Interweave Knits. The knitting won't be a problem, just the figuring.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Badfundie,
The baby helmet (shown in my Ravelry notebook) is from my collection of old patterns. You don't see many in that shape nowadays, although I think it looks sweet on a baby boy. It stays on better than a beanie type hat as it fastens under the chin, but doesn't look like a bonnet.

I did spot one similar somewhere online recently, so I'll have a look to see if I can find it again. Otherwise, it's probably old enough to be out of copyright, so I could send you a copy.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
I did spot one similar somewhere online recently

Here's the one I was thinking of, it has similar shaping, but is knitted on circular needles. Mine is done on straights.

[ 22. March 2008, 22:33: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
Thank you! The Norwegian one is perfect. I can just change a few details to make it more like yours if I like, I suppose. There are six or seven babies due among the ladies at our church between now and October, so there's a lot of knitting to be done.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Been busy thsi week but few photos because I gave things away.

Have a rotten cold and a head stuffed full of cotton wool, so have spent this holiday Monday knitting. Did the second sock of the second pair of socks for a shipmate's granddaughter and this afternoon I made a headband for DIL with whom I live now. If you search on Panta, you will find many references. Try the one from Garn studios. (sorry, don't have link handy.)

The wool is from bendigo wools and is 70% wool, 25% mohair and 5% alpaca. Lovely to knit, it looks good on her and is just the sort of thing she wears often. When camera battery is recharged I'll send a link to photo.
 
Posted by Foxy (# 2409) on :
 
Yay! The daffodil-yellow dress for my 5 year old was finished in time for Easter! She looked like spring flowers...even with 6 inches of snow on the ground....
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Foxy:
Yay! The daffodil-yellow dress for my 5 year old was finished in time for Easter! She looked like spring flowers...even with 6 inches of snow on the ground....

Oh, very well done, Foxy, that's less than 4 weeks (which seems very fast to me!). I'm sure she was delighted, and I guess she won't be wearing that when doing future craft projects [Biased]
 
Posted by Badfundie (# 9422) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by Foxy:
Yay! The daffodil-yellow dress for my 5 year old was finished in time for Easter! She looked like spring flowers...even with 6 inches of snow on the ground....

Oh, very well done, Foxy, that's less than 4 weeks (which seems very fast to me!). I'm sure she was delighted, and I guess she won't be wearing that when doing future craft projects [Biased]
That was fast! It sounds beautiful. Is there any chance we'll get to see a picture?
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Calling cross-stitchers!

I want to order some plastic coasters from Framecraft, but their website doesn't seem to have been updated in a long time (it mentions 'a new site coming in Feb 2007'). I tried emailing their webmaster and it bounced.

Does anyone know if Framecraft are still going? And if not, what's a good site to order their products from? I need the presentation box with four plastic coasters - it's a wedding present.
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
Any needlepointers here? I'm going to take on needlepointing a kneeler for our Cathedral, including designing it, and am looking to soak up knowledge from as many places as possible.

This is a lengthy project -- I don't think I'll be able to start it for real till next fall (committed to knitting something else in the meantime), so in the meantime I'll be figuring out design, doing some samplers, visiting the needelpoint group at the Cathedral to find out what tips they have, etc. like that...
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I want to say "thanks" again to the person who posted the knittinghelp.com website a while ago -- babybear, maybe? -- sorry, I don't recall. I did my first three-needle bind-off yesterday after watching the video there; it came out looking great, and I think I'll be using this technique a lot in the future. So: thanks!
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I came across this recently - Oxfam in Leeds are creating a giant baby blanket with 250,000 knitted or crocheted squares, with each square representing a mother who did not survive pregnancy or childbirth, because of a lack of medical care.

They are asking knitters and crocheters to make 9 inch squares for the giant blanket, which will given to the UK Government as a sort of petition to demand a world where everyone has access to free basic healthcare.

Get knitting and crocheting! They're looking for 250,000 squares before September.

[Aaargh! Can't do a linky for some reason! will do so as soon as I get home... Serve me right for posting at work...]

[ 11. April 2008, 16:28: Message edited by: Earwig ]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Earwig

Is this the link you wanted ?

Jengie
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
That's it! Thank you!!

Jengie Jon - kind, clever and mistress of the linky. [Overused]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
My youngest god-daughter has asked me to knit her a fairy doll. No problem there, who needs patterns when they have a basic idea of human anatomy and a fair ability to do fancy things in knitting like cast on and off, increase and decrease etc.

What is problematic is that she has an elder sister who is also my God-daughter. I need to find a good alternative for this older girl, who will certainly not be into fairies and probably will not think too highly of a doll.

I was wondering if one of these cats might do, but I want to give her a choice so any other suggestions?

Jengie
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I made my sister a cool apron for her 30th birthday. There are a couple of pictures here and here. I also made her a special birthday card.

Auntie Doris x

[ 19. April 2008, 17:44: Message edited by: Auntie Doris ]
 
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
They are rather fab [Big Grin]
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
What is problematic is that she has an elder sister who is also my God-daughter. I need to find a good alternative for this older girl, who will certainly not be into fairies and probably will not think too highly of a doll.

Is she a Doctor Who fan? You could always knit her a dalek or an adipose - neither are at all girly!
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
[QUOTE]Is she a Doctor Who fan? You could always knit her a dalek or an adipose - neither are at all girly!

Or an Ood !!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
They are fun!
During yesterday's Doctor Who I was speculating on how I might knit an Ood!

I recently knitted a couple of Daleks from the linked pattern, which I found on Ravelry (there is a SoF group there).

I'd quite like to make the 'Face of Boe' from Mazzmatazz, but the grandsons would like one each - can there be two faces of Boe?
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I made my first crocheted amigurumi thingie last night! I was poking around in the Dr Who links above, followed a few links, and came across the idea of amigurumi - never heard of them before.

So I made this thing!

Hope the link works - first attempt at using Flickr.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I'm still working on the baby sweater from hell.

In the meantime, I got a newsletter today that had these interesting links which might be helpful to some of you knitters:

The Yarn Directory

Knitting Fool (pattern generator)

Sock Knitters

[ooops -- forgot one!]

[ 22. April 2008, 02:16: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I've knitted many squares for baby blankets but don't know the best way to stitch them together. I usually do a wrong way together over and over stitch in a yarn that won't show, but I saw a blanket stitched in a contrasting stitch that seemed to be very neat and attractive. But I don't know what it would be.

Can anyone help?
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Those amigurumi are so cute!
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
I've finally finished a top for Imogen which I originally started for her cousin a year ago (mea culpa). You can see it here. Not amazingly neat, but I have at last completed something!

Just started on this which seems rather fun.
 
Posted by MrsChurchwarden (# 13626) on :
 
Hello, am new here after lurking for far too long but delighted to see that there is knitting in Heaven!
Am also on Ravelry (very bad at that too [Roll Eyes] ) so will check out the SoF group there as well.
Will link to some pictures of my handiwork when I am properly up to speed with how this board works
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Didn't realise there was a SoF ravelry group. I don't knit but I'm on ravelry as I use wool a lot and I've got friends on there (not that I remember to visit!).
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
I made my first crocheted amigurumi thingie last night! I was poking around in the Dr Who links above, followed a few links, and came across the idea of amigurumi - never heard of them before.

So I made this thing!

*dies of the cute* [Big Grin]

Having made little toys/dolls out of both knitting and amigurumi, I prefer the crocheting. Less sewing up and messing about with pairs of circulars and poking myself with dpns.
 
Posted by Boadicea Trott (# 9621) on :
 
Has anyone used the very nice Magi-Knit wool in the UK which knits up like Fair Isle pattern ?
If so, what size needles did you use to get the most effective patterning ? I have started a shawl on 7mm needles, and it comes up as nice banding of colours but not really a pattern.
I have tried another ball of wool and 4mm needles and this shows a bit more of a pattern as well as the banding but not substantially more.

If I go to 3mm needles, I think Hell might have frozen over before I manage to finish a whole shawl........
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I haven't tried that yarn at all but a) are you on Ravelry? You might get some answers there and b) Needle size may not be relevant if people don't knit to the same tension as you - I knit really loosely and would no doubt find your yarn with 3mm needles just about right!

I looked it up and it's a baby DK so wouldn't 3 or 4mm be about right? This picture shows what it is supposed to be like and recommends 3.25mm needles.
 
Posted by Boadicea Trott (# 9621) on :
 
Chukovsky, thank you !

I am using the James Brett Magi-Knit DK with wool yarn, shade YW2 on the site you showed.

I think I might stick with my big needles, as the patterning with this yarn isn't really as detailed as with the Magi-knit baby DK wool, despite the difference in needle sizes.

I'm not yet on Ravelry, but hope to be so soon.....
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
This picture shows what it is supposed to be like and recommends 3.25mm needles.

Oh, I don't like that at all!
It looks as though the (banded) cardigan has been sewn together from odd pieces left over from some mammoth knitting bee when all the matching bits have been used up!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
quote:
Originally posted by chukovsky:
This picture shows what it is supposed to be like and recommends 3.25mm needles.

Oh, I don't like that at all!
It looks as though the (banded) cardigan has been sewn together from odd pieces left over from some mammoth knitting bee when all the matching bits have been used up!

I agree with you Roseofsharon, but probably it would look great knitted up as a jumper so the same thread is used across the whole row rather than in 2 pieces. I recently used Opal sock yarn to knit a babies jumper and it looks nice.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
It occurred to me yesterday, while I was leafing through my vintage patterns, that I might quite like to make a hot water bottle cover (despite the fact that it isn't the appropriate weather). Years ago my Mum made one where the top flap was in the shape of an owls head (it's somewhere in the flat, but I'm not sure where so I can't link to a photo). Unfortunately she's dead so I can't ask her, but does this sound familiar to anyone? If so, do you know what the pattern is so that I can search for it on eBay. I've got loads of brown yarn, so I quite fancy having a go.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
probably it would look great knitted up as a jumper so the same thread is used across the whole row rather than in 2 pieces.

I quite agree, I just wonder whatever possessed the pattern/leaflet designers to illustrate the jumper in plain white and the cardigan in the self-patterning yarn?
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
I've found the SoF group on Ravelry, but how do I join it?
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
Just figured it out!
 
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I've knitted many squares for baby blankets but don't know the best way to stitch them together. I usually do a wrong way together over and over stitch in a yarn that won't show, but I saw a blanket stitched in a contrasting stitch that seemed to be very neat and attractive. But I don't know what it would be.

Can anyone help?

Dormouse, I'm looking for the same thing: a more attractive way to stitch together knitted bits for a blanket.

I wonder what it would be like to overlap the squares (wrong-side over right-side) and top-stitch them, either straight or with a decorative stitch.

Another idea might be to fasten them together by whatever method crocheted granny squares are attached together for afghans. (Hmmmm, this may be the idea that finally gets me to learn how to crochet.)
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
This thread is a possibility AR, but I'm not sure I fully understand instructions. I'm more a visual kind of person, needing to be shown what to do, rather than following pictures.Still I'll give it a go.

ETA How did Afghans get their name? When I read American novels as a child I didn't know how to picture an afghan. I was rather dissappointed to discover it was simply a knitted blanket...

[ 26. April 2008, 08:39: Message edited by: Dormouse ]
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I've always wondered that too. Wikipedia says they were probably originally patterned after Middle Eastern textiles.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
One of our Stitch and Bitch members brought a gorgeous blanket in recently. Over a period of time, she had knitted or crocheted lots of squares and rectangles, in different sizes, to test out patterns. They were all in a range of creams, beiges and browns, so she decided to crochet them all together to make the blanket.
It looks fantastic, and has encouraged me to get some crochet needles - Stitch and Bitch are having a demonstration session for crochet next month.

Meanwhile, I've just come back from Wonderwool at the Royal Welsh Showground. Fantastic fun, and I got everything that I was looking for - fresh fleece to use with the school children when I'm a Viking ("this is Hettie the Hebridean's wool, and she had twin lambs this spring"), as well as a niddy-noddy, some shuttles, and lucets, and a hook for the orifice of my spinning wheel. I learned to make socks on a Knatty Knitter, too (a circular frame that comes in various sizes). There was lots of gorgeous alpaca stuff around too (which I can't use in schools, because the Vikings were inconsiderate enough not to have got as far as South America), and yarn made out of sari silk, and lots of interesting finished garments.
My friend was launching her knitting patterns there (they're also on Ravelry) - Patterns on a Postcard. So far she's got four hat patterns, and will shortly be doing mittens and fingerless gloves.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
A question for all you yarn geniuses (genii?) out there. If you're knitting something in the round, I presume you're supposed to use the dpns or circs when you do the tension square, too? I know it's an obvious question, and I think I know the answer, but it's bugging me. I still haven't plucked up the courage to try knitting in the round, but there are a few hat patterns I want to try. I fancy trying socks at some point, too, but they terrify me. Is it worth seeing if my local college does classes?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Socks? Fun and ever so comfortable.

Just don't read ahead in the pattern and spend time worrying that you don't uderstand it. Follow each step as it says and concentrate on that one step. When you've finished, pick up your sock and admire it. [Smile] [Smile]

yes, your swatch should be the same way as you intend knitting.

Don't forget there are other ways than double pointed needles. Two circulars is one way and magic loop is another. Personally I prefer my four little pointy sticks. I don't lose stitches, not pull them out.

Have a look at the Socknitters site. Lots of patterns and some helpful tutorials available.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I'm struggling with a sweater for my elder grandson. He chose one with a dinosaur on the front, and I've had problems with the colour work.
I have knitted from a chart before, but many years ago, small simple motifs, from nice clear colourful charts.
The dinosaur chart is to a rather small scale, and is in b&w, with symbols for the different colours. I have double vision. [Eek!] <-me trying to focus on the chart
The result is that I have misread the chart numerous times, unpicked it, sometimes got muddled as to which row a group of stitches belonged to, and ended up 3/4 done with 3 stitches too many for the design.
Finally, in desperation, having unpicked half of the sweater front, I sat in a good light with a magnifying glass, a ruler and a pen and have written out instructions row by row, counting every group of stitches, and making sure each row had the correct total [Roll Eyes]

It was time consuming, but not as much as peering at the pattern while I work, re-counting the groups of stitches and unpicking two rows out of three.

Younger grandson also wants a dinosaur sweater [Help]
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Would it be any easier to put the dinosaur in with duplicate stitch, after knitting a solid-color sweater? Or maybe knit the dinosaur as only one or two colors, and putting in little fiddly bits of color with duplicate stitch?
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Roseofsharon

Take the chart along to a shop that does A3 copies and get them to give you an enlarged copy of it! Once you have done that, buy some felt tips and colour in the symbols with approximately the right colours but make sure you have good contrasts between different colours on the chart. A good set of felt tip pens will do.It should make it much easier.


If that fails here is a fairly simple dinosaur cross stitch pattern, four clear distinct colours! Its funny how similar knitting patterns are to cross stitch. If you have a standard jumper pattern just work out the space it takes and decide where to put it.

Jengie
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Otter and Jengie Jon, thanks for the suggestions.

I think duplicate stitch would make the area of the motif too thick, although doing the outline, and the fiddly bits that way is worth considering if I find myself bamboozled into doing picture knitting again.

I had considered getting the chart enlarged, and colouring it in, but it was actually quicker to write out the instructions from the chart than to catch a bus into town to find a copy shop.

It seems to be coming along nicely now, and fortunately the dinosaur on the smaller size (for younger grandson) is exactly the same dimensions, just with 3 stitches less of the main colour each end of the rows, so I can use my written-out version for that too.
 
Posted by Ps118 (# 13655) on :
 
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lothlorien:
[QB] Socks? Fun and ever so comfortable. Just don't read ahead in the pattern and spend time worrying that you don't uderstand it. Follow each step as it says and concentrate on that one step. When you've finished, pick up your sock and admire it. [end quote]

Sorry. I'm new at this. I haven't formatted the quote properly.

Socks are great fun! At first, they are an exercise in knitting in the present. I knit them starting at the toe, so that bit of stressful shaping is out of the way. Fortunately, I had a great teacher, who got me started and then sent me away to knit until I had to start the heel, so I had no idea what was coming. I didn't look ahead in the pattern, and I'm glad I didn't. I doubt I would have continued. I'm glad that I had someone to teach me and didn't try to tackle socks on my own from a pattern. Once you get the hang of it, turning the heel is kind of magical. I don't think I'll ever tire of knitting socks.

Kentishmaid, don't fear the circular needles. In some ways, I think they're easier than staight, single-pointed needles. For one thing, you don't have to purl as much, if at all. Casting on to circulars can be tricky, but I cast on to a straight needle and knit the first row onto the circular. For socks, however, I, like Lothlorien, want my four sticks.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Yay! Just got my invite to Ravelry. It looks great fun. Really looking forward to getting going. I've added some project and joined some groups. Nearly finished my baby sweater but been thwarted by an unexpected visit from my Mother in Law this weekend. How's everyone else's projects going? (PS Who else is on Ravelry so that I can make some friends there? I'm on as kentishmaid.)
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
OMG [brick wall]

I have only just worked out the "slip the first stitch" thing for doing stocking stitch. Now, miraculously, the edges of my ss aren't all bumpy and weird.

(How many years have I been knitting now?)

My old solution to this problem was to knit everything in the round!
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I used to do that and it wasn't bumpy, but it didn't quite look right. Now I work the first stitch as in the pattern, put the needle in the second stitch and pull the yarn tight, then work the second stitch. Works a charm!
 
Posted by Ps118 (# 13655) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
OMG [brick wall]

I have only just worked out the "slip the first stitch" thing for doing stocking stitch. Now, miraculously, the edges of my ss aren't all bumpy and weird.

(How many years have I been knitting now?)

My old solution to this problem was to knit everything in the round!

My response exactly when I finally figured out the "slip the first stitch" thing! It's so much easier when you have to pick up from that edge. I felt like such an idiot for taking years to figure it out. Still, I nearly always prefer to knit in the round. My hands just like it better.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
My trusty sewing machine (a fairly basic Brother that I began using in 1981) has just begun to suffer from lower-thread break [Waterworks]

I've tried all the suggestions in the manual and some I found on the web, and have come to a dead end. I wonder if anyone can suggest something else (other than get it serviced which right now is out of the question) beyond the following:


Before I break open the piggy bank for a service/repair can anyone suggest something missing from that checklist?
 
Posted by Linguo (# 7220) on :
 
I'm sure you've tried it, but if not, perhaps consider changing the needle? My nearly-new Singer took to breaking thread (top or bottom apparently at random) a few months ago and it turned out to be the needle that was mangled in some way.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Linguo:
I'm sure you've tried it, but if not, perhaps consider changing the needle? My nearly-new Singer took to breaking thread (top or bottom apparently at random) a few months ago and it turned out to be the needle that was mangled in some way.

Thanks for the suggestion Linguo - I tried after replacing the needle again (just in case the replacement was also a dud) but it's still breaking [Confused]
 
Posted by Mrs. Candle (# 9422) on :
 
This is going to sound crazy, but it has worked for me on more than one occasion: Put your thread in Time Out. Remove the thread from the machine. Take bobbin out of the bobbin case. Put the thread and bobbin aside for a while and after they have had time to think about what they've done, completely rethread the machine.

This also works on knitting projects that are going wrong.

If this does not work; I don't know what to tell you.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thanks Mrs Candle - I'll give that a go before I book a service.
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
I am so loving my Knitpicks Harmony needles. I hate knitting with metal needles, so what a joy to have wooden ones with sharp enough points for lace knitting!

[ 25. May 2008, 23:43: Message edited by: Jodi ]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mrs. Candle:
This is going to sound crazy, but it has worked for me on more than one occasion: Put your thread in Time Out. Remove the thread from the machine. Take bobbin out of the bobbin case. Put the thread and bobbin aside for a while and after they have had time to think about what they've done, completely rethread the machine.

This is very true - my machine has a tendancy to mangle up the bobbin thread every now and then, and I take the thread out and Ignore it. After I have pointedly Ignored it for a while, we can start again. And the bobbin thread doesn't want to be Ignored again, so it behaves.

I suppose someone without a sewing machine that was alive might think it was due to overheating, but I know better.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
You covered the dusting-out, but do you give your machine a drop of oil in the bobbin mechanism every so often (I do it every time I wind a new bobbin, or change colors if the previous bobbin is getting low)? If not, things may be getting sticky.

Other things to try:

Some machines are sensitive to which direction the bobbin is unwinding. Mine all want it unwinding counter-clockwise (when looking at the bobbin in the bobbin case), so it pulls into the slot on the bobbin case. Check to make sure yours is unwinding the preferred direction. If your machine hasn't made it clear it has a preference, take the bobbin out, flip it over, and try it the other way around.

You could also buy a new spool of thread, and try winding a new bobbin from it. Thread will start to get weak after time, some are worse than others.

My Pfaff is somewhat sensitive to thread quality. Its much happier with the more expensive threads - I usually stick with Gutermann.

Check the bobbin itself for rough spots, especially if its one of the plastic ones. I have never run into a problem with this myself, but I've heard of it.

Have you bought new bobbins lately? Some of the types are very very similar, but not interchangeable.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thank you Otter - I've
I'll have one more try after giving the machine and thread a rest and then I'm going to give in and get it serviced - as long as that doesn't cost more than a replacement machine !
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Did you clean it before oiling it?
The instructions for my elderly Jones specify cleaning the oiling points with petrol [Eek!] before oiling.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
I'll have one more try after giving the machine and thread a rest and then I'm going to give in and get it serviced - as long as that doesn't cost more than a replacement machine !

The place I've used has a basic "tune-up and inspect" charge, IIRC something like US$60-75 (about half what I paid for my very basic Kenmore), then they call with information about any further work needed, with an estimate.

At one point last year I thought I'd lost one of my sewing machines. It was the one that had been in for service, and I started to wonder if I'd forgotten to pick it up, would they still have it, why didn't they call, etc.

Then I found it. On one of the work tables. In plain sight. [Hot and Hormonal]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roseofsharon:
Did you clean it before oiling it?
The instructions for my elderly Jones specify cleaning the oiling points with petrol [Eek!] before oiling.

Oo - no I didn't clean it before oiling it. That wasn't mentioned in the manual but makes a lot of sense. Yesterday I phoned the shop where I bought it (27 years ago!) and found that the service charge isn't too bad (£58) and it doesn't take too long (a couple of weeks as the engineer is on holiday) and so I'll be taking it in at the weekend. The lady on the other end of the phone asked if I'd considered upgrading, but I said I quite like my trusty (until now) basic machine, and the only change I'd consider is to a hand cranked one - the shop still sells those (reconditioned I guess). Hopefully they can sort this one out so change won't need to be an option.

Meanwhile, lack of sewing machine means I can leave the re-use bags I've been making for the village fete and get on with some knitting (gloves, hat, scarf - not particularly seasonal!).
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm just about to send off a knitted baby hat to Save the Children, for distribution to mothers with very young babies in some of the poorest parts of the world. Some have already gone off to Nepal.
I couldn't download their knitkit for some reason, but as the saying goes, this is "one I prepared earlier".
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Okay, so I am doing my first project ever on the Kromski Harp rigid-heddle loom I got for Christmas. I'm having fun, but... can anyone tell me why my selvedges might be so horribly uneven?
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Anna B, the most likely cause is that your weft tension is uneven (and here you thought you were in the clear once you got the warp all tensioned evenly...). Make sure you lay the weft in at the same angle or with the same size arch every time. The more you weave the better you'll get.

The reasoning behind this is that there needs to be enough weft in each shot to make all the little curves over and under the warp threads, so you don't want to put your weft in paralell to the edge of the weaving (the fell) before beating; you put it in at an angle, or make an arch, or a series of arches. If you don't allow pretty close to the same amount of weft each time, the selvedges will scrooch in and out.

Very few weavers achieve perfect selveges, and a first project on a new loom is always a learning experience.

How uneven your selveges are will also depend on what you're using for warp - wool is nice and stretchy and forgiving, so it's easier to get even selveges out of it. Linen, which I've never used myself, is about the least stretchy, and hardest to be consistent with. Cotton is somewhere in-between. I think silk is also more forgiving.

If you're using more than one weight yarn in the weft, even if they are the same fiber type, you may also experience differing draw-in with each yarn.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Hey, thanks, Otter! I finished the project, a table runner, this morning. I used a variety of materials for the weft, plus cotton rug warp. I did know about beating the weft in an arch but will be far more conscientious about it now that you've enlightened me! Now, what tricks are there for an even warp tension?
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Let's see if I can remember how I warp my rigid heddle loom (been a while).
*Put pairs of warp threads through the slots, hook on back beam.
*Drape warp over front beam, untangled. Roll onto back beam, with paper, slats, whatever, with Mr. Otter trying to keep the warp untangled.
*Thread eyes
*Tie onto front beam, first pass - working out from the center, going back and forth from side to side. Usually in 1" wide groups. So the order would be something like this: 9 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8. Only tie the first half of the knot, most yarns will hold that fine.
*Go back through again, checking tension, tightening as necessary, again working out from the center. Lightly pat the warp with your open hand to help check.
*Pass #3, finish tying bow knots, so that when you finish and find a loose or tight one, you can fix it.
*Weave a header, with something soft like toilet paper, rags, etc. - this will help take out the last variations. After you get a row or two of header in, you can see the tight or loose warp groups, as the fell will go toward or away from you there - away from you means they're loose, tighten up the knot. Dip toward you means that warp group is tighter, loosen it up. Weave some more header. Fuss with it until things look and feel good.

"Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving" from Interweave Press is a very good introduction.

I've got a new inkle loom ordered, big enough to hold something like 10 yards, can't wait to get it!
 
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on :
 
London-based crocheters might be interested in this.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Just finished a fabulous crocheted judge's wig from Hookarama by Rachael Matthews. There's a pic of it here
on the far right. I shall be wearing it around town this winter to keep my ears warm!

[ 09. July 2008, 21:29: Message edited by: Earwig ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
Just finished a fabulous crocheted judge's wig from Hookarama by Rachael Matthews. There's a pic of it here
on the far right. I shall be wearing it around town this winter to keep my ears warm!

That looks wonderful, and should certainly keep yor ears warm - but isn't it a bit heavy?
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Yes, it is rather heavy! But quite wonderful, so I'll put up with the weight. Also totally impractical if it rains. [Biased]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Knitters, meet busstop_girl, whose first post on the Ship was:
quote:
I've got a lot of time on my hands at the mo', and I'm looking for good causes to knit for. I'm knitting baby hats for Save The Children's 'Knit One, Save One' campaign, and working on a blanket for Feed The Children:
Save the Children UK
Feed the Children
Does anyone know of any other charities asking for knitted items? (My family can only take so many loo roll covers...)


I thought this would be the right place to direct her question. Enjoy.

Mamacita, Heavenly Host
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Chiming in now with a reply, I also knit preemie hats for a similar organization in the US, Stitches from the Heart. It's great because I am not a good knitter and yet I can finish a hat in an evening sitting with the family and chatting or watching TV.
The other charity I have knitted for is the "Christmas at Sea" program for the Seaman's Church Institute. This is a ministry of The Episcopal Church, for merchant sailors. These men work in treacherous conditions, often have nothing at all, and frequently come from climates where they don't own heavy clothing. The Christmas at Sea program collects handknit hats and scarves (there are specific patterns they want you to use, downloadable from the link above). I was impressed with the work of the Seaman's Church and was glad to help out with a couple of hats and scarves. (Not nearly as fast as knitting a preemie hat!)
 
Posted by Belle Ringer (# 13379) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Chiming in now with a reply, I also knit preemie hats for a similar organization in the US, Stitches from the Heart.
The other charity I have knitted for is the "Christmas at Sea" program for the Seaman's Church Institute. The Christmas at Sea program collects handknit hats and scarves (there are specific patterns they want you to use, downloadable from the link above).

Showing my total ignorance of knitting economics today - I gave up knitting many decades ago when buying clothes made in Thailand or Sri Lanka became a whale of a lot cheaper than buying the yarn to make something. Can you knit these things for less than you can buy and donate ready-made, or is the idea that hand made is somehow better even though it costs a lot more (even before counting the value of the time)?
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Random question: apparently last Saturday's Guardian had a 'Rebel Knitter's Guide' in it, which looked interesting.

I missed it, and I can't find it online. Is it worth searching out?
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
Can you knit these things for less than you can buy and donate ready-made, or is the idea that hand made is somehow better even though it costs a lot more (even before counting the value of the time)?

The answer is a huge big 'It depends.' With some yarns it is possible to knit or crochet thing cheaper than you can buy. I am knitting my daughter a long-line cardigan with a cabled design, in a beautiful yarn that feels like a blend of cotton and silk. This will cost £15 in materials. This is about half the price that an item of similar quality would be sold for in the shops. My time in knitting and design hasn't been accounted for, but I tend to knit in the 'odd moments' of the day, eg sitting on a bus, watching a DVD. I multi-task and get knitting done, others simply read, watch the DVD or stare into space.

In the past people knitted and crocheted to provide clothing and bedding for their families. You couldn't just pop to the shops and buy school cardigans etc. The situation is so different now. People knit and crochet because they want to do so. It is a hobby with a practical end product. It is a hobby that requires little initial cash outlay, and you can add to your tools and supplies as and when you see fit.

Hand-made isn't necessarily better than factory-made, a lot depends on the skill of the person doing the hand-making! But when I sit down to make, I can make things that are truly unique and things that meet my needs and desires exactly. Shop-bought cardigans are always too long in the arm for me. Me-made stuff fits.

Knitting and crochet are artistic, creative outlets. People do it because they enjoy the process and the finished products.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
Random question: apparently last Saturday's Guardian had a 'Rebel Knitter's Guide' in it, which looked interesting.

I missed it, and I can't find it online. Is it worth searching out?

According to this site it is due to be published this coming Saturday.
 
Posted by Lola (# 627) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Knitters, meet busstop_girl, whose first post on the Ship was:
quote:
I've got a lot of time on my hands at the mo', and I'm looking for good causes to knit for. I'm knitting baby hats for Save The Children's 'Knit One, Save One' campaign, and working on a blanket for Feed The Children:
Save the Children UK
Feed the Children
Does anyone know of any other charities asking for knitted items? (My family can only take so many loo roll covers...)


I thought this would be the right place to direct her question. Enjoy.

Mamacita, Heavenly Host

Dear busstop_girl


Samaritan's Purse have knitting patterns for toys and hats as part of Operation Christmas Child which is a shoebox gift programme. Part of the programme objective is to show God's love to needy children at Christmas and make them feel special and valued.

The clothes and toys that someone has gone to the trouble of making for them are apparently very popular with the kids but alas I can't knit [Frown]


Lola
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
My local University chaplaincy has a sign saying something along the lines of "join us knitting babywear for the baby ward at [local hospital]"

Sadly I can't join them as my shoulder/arm hurts when I knit for anything more than a few minutes. But that might be worth a shot?
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Bonnie Babies takes knits for premature babies or you could knit some wooly breasts. Then Earwig has this Oxfam link in her sig.

Jengie
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
Thanks for the information about knitting for Operation Christmas Child.
At work we are a collection point for shoe boxes - it's always really exciting to see the van being filled up with brightly coloured boxes when they come to collect.
I didn't know they had knitting patterns as well, so I will do some knitting myself, and encourage others to do the same.
[Smile]
Lilly Rose
 
Posted by busstop_girl (# 13952) on :
 
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Mamacita!

So many great suggestions, thanks everyone! Am really looking forward to exploring all these sites. Quite fancy knitting a breast, actually! (PDF: http://www.lcgb.org/knittedbreastpattern.pdf)

Have lots of 'caucasian' flesh coloured wool left over from knitting a Captain Jack Sparrow for my sister's 30th: http://flickr.com/photos/bus_stop/2620886613/in/pool-jeangreenhowe/
Yarrrr!!!
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I like charity knitting because I can forge merrily along and not worry about pesky details like gauge and size of the finished product. [Big Grin] There'll be somebody on the other end of the Afghans for Afghans pipeline that can wear my socks, mittens, or hats. With hats I can also use up odds and ends of various yarns. Sometimes the leftovers are enough for making socks or mittens, too, but I haven't quite convinced myself that fraternal-twins are just as nice as identical. They do ask knitters to try to avoid too much use of white or light colors (harder to keep looking clean), but it did allow me to cheerfully prune out the mostly-synthetic yarn I had in my stash. And the yarn I got rid of went to a LYS for a charity they support, so that was a win-win situation, too.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
Random question: apparently last Saturday's Guardian had a 'Rebel Knitter's Guide' in it, which looked interesting.

I missed it, and I can't find it online. Is it worth searching out?

According to this site it is due to be published this coming Saturday.
Doctor Who fans should be sure to get it, as it features the UK woman who wrote the knitting pattern for the Adiposes and the ensuing copyright fuss that resulted.
 
Posted by Belle Ringer (# 13379) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
quote:
Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
Can you knit these things for less than you can buy and donate ready-made

In the past people knitted and crocheted to provide clothing and bedding for their families. You couldn't just pop to the shops and buy school cardigans etc. The situation is so different now. It is a hobby with a practical end product. People do it because they enjoy the process and the finished products.
Thanks for the explanation. I was taught knitting as a way to get a decent sweater, but I never liked knitting, too heavy. And when I moved out of snow country I didn't need woolens anymore.

Switched to crochet, but it's usually to holey to have any practical function like keeping the air conditioning off or dust protecting the blankets. So I made doilies which was fun until (a) the family and friends told me they didn't want any more doilies and (b) I realized what cost me 24 hours of hands-on time sold at Walmart (made in China) for $3.99, which meant people thought it a minor token gift not a real gift.

I rarely watch TV but I kinda miss having something to do when waiting in airports or sitting through meetings. I might try quilting, I never liked geometric granny squares, but I accidentally wandered into a quilt show once, wow! Amazing art. Immediately wondered if I can do that. I'm not much of a sewer, just things like 4-gore skirts *with pockets*. But my new sewing machine supposedly does quilting. Must be a web page or two will teach me the hows. [Smile]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by busstop_girl:
Have lots of 'caucasian' flesh coloured wool left over from knitting a Captain Jack Sparrow for my sister's 30th: http://flickr.com/photos/bus_stop/2620886613/in/pool-jeangreenhowe/
Yarrrr!!!

Heavenly Host Stoo would love that link!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
Can you knit these things for less than you can buy and donate ready-made, or is the idea that hand made is somehow better even though it costs a lot more (even before counting the value of the time)?

Well, I must admit that I purchase my yarn for these projects at one of the large craft chain stores and can find some cute but inexpensive yarns there. These have worked just fine for the two charities I knit for; they carry a lot of cute baby yarns, and also large skeins of acrylic in plain colors, which is what is requested for the mariner's caps. I think the other part of the equation is that there's an almost pastoral component to it, in that the recipient knows that a real-life person made this for him or her, and since the recipients are in need, there's a sense of having something special done for them.

[Deleted my own double post. [Hot and Hormonal] ]

[ 25. July 2008, 14:46: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
I never liked knitting, too heavy.

That totally depends on the yarn you use and the pattern. Last Christmas I made a 2m (7') long lace scarf that weighed 25g (1oz). It felt totally insubstantial, but yet was beautifully warm.

quote:
Switched to crochet, but it's usually too holey to have any practical function like keeping the air conditioning off or dust protecting the blankets.
Again, it is down to the yarn and the style is used. It is perfectly possible to make a close crocheted fabric that will prevent dust from settling on blankets. Mind you, if you are going to do that, why not just crochet the blanket instead. [Big Grin]

There are many, many practical things that can be made from knitting & crochet and can be made & used in hot climates. I have an aversion to non-practical knits & crochet. I don't like toilet roll holders shaped like dollies. I don't like doilies. Both seem like 'fru-fru' to me and rather pointless. I would far rather make a dolly for a child, or incorporate the doily pattern into a jacket.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Belle Ringer:
I was taught knitting as a way to get a decent sweater, but I never liked knitting, too heavy.

You are missing a World of Fun. Try googling 'modular' + 'knitting' or 'domino' + 'knitting' or 'freeform' + 'knitting'. There is a style of knitting which can be done in small shapes, and used to create - well, anything really. Things to wear, accessories, throws, jewellery - art, in fact.

And there are so many gorgeous yarns - cotton and silk mixes are my favourite. And the colours! How can you look at Noro Yarns for example, and not want to start knitting immediately?

So there you have it. Creative technique with endless scope for own design, sensuous materials and sumptuous palette - what's not to like?
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
Hi babybear,
Your lacy scarf sounds gorgeous - what colour was it?
Lilly Rose

[Yipee]
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
Hi Firenze,
Thanks for the tips you gave Belle Ringer.
I've googled modular knitting and found some stunning work that is very inspiring!
Thanks
Lilly Rose

[Yipee]
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I multi-task and get knitting done, others simply read, watch the DVD or stare into space.

Or play on an e-Ship [Biased]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just got a lovely letter from Save the Children, because I knitted a baby hat for them. It's a form letter, simply because they had such a huge response to their baby hat knitting campaign, but it's nice to feel appreciated even so. They say they're getting 2,500 baby hats delivered to their head office every day! They're being sent to places like Tibet to keep new born babies' heads warm so that they don't die.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
True story: Earlier this year my daughter happened to mention my knitting preemie hats during a conversation with other girls in her dorm. One of them was very moved and said that she had been a preemie and had received a handknit cap as an infant. It really does touch people's lives. Good on all of you charity knitters!
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
Hello busstop_girl,
If you google oxfam knitting patterns, you'll find quite a few ideas for knitting for them.
Best wishes,
Lilly Rose

[Smile]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
Random question: apparently last Saturday's Guardian had a 'Rebel Knitter's Guide' in it, which looked interesting.

I missed it, and I can't find it online. Is it worth searching out?

The Rebel Knitter's Guide was published today. IT can be bought in all moderate-to-good newsagents. [Big Grin]

It can also be examined on-line.
 
Posted by Avalon (# 8094) on :
 
I'm about to stitch up another jumper. I thought I'd mention it because I've knitted it in alpaca which I think is quite a light yarn. And it seems to drape rather more softly than wool too. Where I live it's currently not making double figures (celsius) during the day and reaching about -7 overnight so I'm not averse to a good heavy knit and zealously turn leftovers into hats and gloves. I've never tried socks though. There's always a first time.

I took to knitting originally as a teenager because I was sick of buying neutral coloured knits of one allover colour so that it went with the maximum number of items of my clothing as possible. If I did it myself I could fair isle in a band of all the colours I normally wore. About 30 years later it still exists... It's just that it's on a daughter not me because I sort of got a bit bigger. It's probably that reactiveness to colour that keeps me knitting. Plus living in a cool climate (although my other knit at the moment is a cotton top for summer). Plus the fact that you don't need to be plugged in and can do it anywhere.

Ah.. And that other knit - cotton top for summer - does mean reading a graph. I use any flat edged object lying around (often the multitude of bobbins that happen when winding bits of thread whilst knitting the average graphed pattern) to alleviate going cross eyed.
 
Posted by busstop_girl (# 13952) on :
 
I would really like to be able to knit motifs/letters/shapes into my knitting. I believe this is officially called 'intarsia'.

Is it simple to learn? I have good basic knitting skills but M.E. has left me easily confused!

Thanks for any advice! God bless, Kx
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Start simple, with just a few colours in largish blocks.

I just finished two of these and was driven mad by the outline around the dinosaur's spikes. It meant trying to carry the brown yarn over, or weaving it through too many stitches, or having separate lengths of yarn in use for each spike. I wouldn't recommend something like that as a first intarsia project.

I do recommend having a long length of loose yarn at each colour section of your design, rather than winding the yarn into small balls, or around a bobbin, as they are easier to pull through the tangles you will get at the back.

I found this website helpful, but there are lots of other you could look at online with good diagrams or photographs of how to join in the new colours
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by busstop_girl:
I would really like to be able to knit motifs/letters/shapes into my knitting. I believe this is officially called 'intarsia'.

I would recommend Kaffe Fassett knitting books - not only the technique but v droolworthy patterns (simple shapes! more colours!)

I think the most colours I have intarsia'ed on a single row was in the region of 30 or so.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by busstop_girl:
I would really like to be able to knit motifs/letters/shapes into my knitting. I believe this is officially called 'intarsia'.

I would recommend Kaffe Fassett knitting books - not only the technique but v droolworthy patterns (simple shapes! more colours!)

I think the most colours I have intarsia'ed on a single row was in the region of 30 or so.

I would recommend Kaffe Fassett's books too - and add that when I heard him talk back in January I asked how he kept the back of his work tidy - he said why bother - he showed the back of his work and it was a mess!! He said life is too short and there are far too many projects to be getting on with to be keeping the back of his work tidy. This was a revelation and I found it liberating as I had neatness drummed into me as a child. I still try to keep things tidy though, out of choice rather than feeling I have to.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lilly Rose in the Styx:
Earwig, I was intrigued by your knitting tiny hats link. I saw the little hats on the smoothies last year in my local supermarket,
and wondered what it was all about, so it was interesting to find out.
I'll have a closer look at it and think about doing some knitting. Are you knitting them?

Hello! I've not knitted any, actually, I just saw the idea and thought I'd put it in my sig, in case anyone else was interested. I can't actually knit!

But, I crochet. Boy, do I crochet. I've just finished a baby blanket for a friend's sister, it's made of baby blue with turquoise and orange star-shaped flowers in the middle of the squares.

What have you been knitting? What projects have other people here been working on?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
But, I crochet.

So do I, but only on holiday. It's more portable, more easily stopped and started. I took some cotton yarn to Crete and started a multi-directional crochet: work a square in a combination of single and dbl crochet, then start working off one side of that, then work a third piece across the width of both previous bits and so on.

I won't say the tension's immaculate, and the neckline is a bit wobbly (but the great thing is, you can always go round it and fill it in).
 
Posted by Sister Mary Precious (# 8755) on :
 
I do not knit, but I want to give a gift to someone who does. Do any of you who post on this thread who do knit have any suggestions?
 
Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
I would go for a gift certificate from a really luscious yarn shop, either a local one or one she can buy from over the web.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
But, I crochet.

So do I, but only on holiday. It's more portable, more easily stopped and started. ...
is crochet something you can take on a plane? I miss taking my knitting, if only to while away the hours waiting before boarding, but of course knitting needles are now on the list of banned items in hand luggage.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Daisy what about bamboo knitting needles? Would they be allowed?

Huia
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I'm not sure I'd be happy to risk trying - last time I flew the checkin (i.e. the last opportunity to put something in the hold luggage) told my friend that she could take her (expensive) suncream on board, but when we went through security to get into the departure lounge she was told she couldn't, so it was an expensive experience, as would losing my bamboo needles.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Quick heads-up for any London-based scrapbookers/stampers:

Hugal and I were supposed to be taking his mum to the Stamping & Scrapbooking Fair at Alexandra Palace on Saturday. However, we now can't go due to a family bereavement.

If anyone would like 3 tickets, PM me and I'll try to get them to you.
 
Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
But, I crochet.

So do I, but only on holiday. It's more portable, more easily stopped and started. ...
is crochet something you can take on a plane? I miss taking my knitting, if only to while away the hours waiting before boarding, but of course knitting needles are now on the list of banned items in hand luggage.
Delurking to say that I've taken crochet onto a plane; the last long-haul flight I took resulted in a hat. And a slightly confused look from the person sitting beside me when I started. I was using a plastic hook though, not sure how a lace-work steel hook would fare going through security....
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Thank you Coffee Cup - I'll brush up on my crochet skills before my next long-haul flight. Requests, anyone ? [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
This is a bit of showing off but I have finished a Fairy doll for my Goddaughter. As the pattern was from my head and I did not write it down I am afraid this is a one off.

Jengie
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
I would go for a gift certificate from a really luscious yarn shop, either a local one or one she can buy from over the web.

I love the sound of that. It is something that I would definitely appreciate. Mind you, I would also appreciate a gentle blue merino yarn. [Big Grin]

Sister Mary Precious, if you decide get a gift certificate and you need any suggestions of where to get one just give a shout. We will be able to recommend somewhere.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
I've taken my knitting on every flight but about 1 in the last few years and never had a problem. I knit with circular needles, mainly, and I always transfer my knitting to stitch holders before the first check-in and put the needles in my little knitting gadget case. I had my scissors confiscated once (folding scissors - forgot I had them) and they saw the knitting needles, and a couple of times I've told the security guy I have needles - never any problem. I put the knitting back on the needles after security but I don't re-transfer it if we have multiple security checks.

I don't think there are many airlines or airports left that specifically ban them. I always print out the airline/airport regulations and take them with me, and I do think that it is partly that the security people don't recognise circulars as knitting needles. But every time I have specifically asked, it's been OK.

With liquids and creams/gels there are very specific rules and if you follow them, you should be fine. If you try to bend them you are likely to lose your expensive hand cream. I have no idea why Boots etc. - and drug stores over here - sell these empty travel bottles for example, as they are clearly not allowed in the regulations.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
quote:
chukovsky said:
With liquids and creams/gels there are very specific rules and if you follow them, you should be fine. If you try to bend them you are likely to lose your expensive hand cream. I have no idea why Boots etc. - and drug stores over here - sell these empty travel bottles for example, as they are clearly not allowed in the regulations.

Uhm not all of us travel by plane on holiday. As someone whose regular mode of holiday transport is train, I can tell you that I appreciate just being able to carry about the right amount in a small container when possible. When not car travelling your ability to carry something limits what you can carry. That means limited number of bags and a limited weight. If you have to take full sized containers it nearly always means leaving something else behind even if its only a couple of extra pairs of knickers.

Jengie
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I usually have a small bag in my hand luggage with my meds, a small soap, toothbrush, kohl pencil, emery board, a few moist wipes - I drop my crochet hook in that, and so far it's passed unremarked. I think it sort of blends.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I have a new loom! A Norwood 4-harness, 6-treadle jack loom, about 5' wide overall, I think a 50" weaving width, in cherry. My MiL mentioned she was going to sell it, and Mr. Otter decided we would make room for it! [Axe murder] I also got the bench, a vertical warping mill, and some other associated paraphanalia.

We got it into the house and in place, but I still need to finish cleaning up in the vicinity and rearranging several other rooms (cascade effect). But I'm guessing that we'll have it warped and start weaving by the end of this coming weekend.
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
quote:
chukovsky said:
With liquids and creams/gels there are very specific rules and if you follow them, you should be fine. If you try to bend them you are likely to lose your expensive hand cream. I have no idea why Boots etc. - and drug stores over here - sell these empty travel bottles for example, as they are clearly not allowed in the regulations.

Uhm not all of us travel by plane on holiday. As someone whose regular mode of holiday transport is train, I can tell you that I appreciate just being able to carry about the right amount in a small container when possible. When not car travelling your ability to carry something limits what you can carry. That means limited number of bags and a limited weight. If you have to take full sized containers it nearly always means leaving something else behind even if its only a couple of extra pairs of knickers.

I appreciate that but these are labelled "Ideal for flying"! Perhaps they are ideal for putting in your checked luggage if you are flying as they would similarly be smaller but they are NOT ideal for carry-on as they are not allowed.

(I usually buy travel sized items to try stuff out and if it's something I like, I sometimes buy a big bottle and decant it for travelling).
 
Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
Okay, here's a question from a novice knitter. (So novice I don't even own needles yet.) My craft of choice is generally sewing, either patchwork or making bags/purses, but lately I need something a bit more portable and pick-up and put-downable, and I am thinking that knitting fits the bill.

So I got a few books from the library, and have selected what to me looks like a good pattern to start with. Like most people I learnt to knit in a small way as a child, and I'm fairly sure that I understand the pattern and will be able to do it.

It is at this point that I discover how much yarn costs and go a bit pale. The pattern recommends using Rowan Big Wool, which as far as I can see works out at about £7 per 100g ball. Given that I usually buy fabric for sewing projects cheap from charity shops in the form of old sheets or curtains, this is a bit of a shock. Is that a reasonable price? I know from adventures in patchwork that Rowan fabrics are often more expensive than others because they have a designer name attached to them, although the fabric itself is of no higher quality. Is it the same with yarns or would every yarn of that type be about the same price?

If it's possible to use a cheaper alternative, how do I work out what is appropriate?

Thanks for your help.
Clueless of South Wales.
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
birdie,
if you want to build up a selection of different sized knitting needles at a reasonable price, Charity shops often sell them. They're usually not on display - you have to ask for them. You can help a Charity and save money at the same time.

[Smile]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Birdie, you can often pick up bargains at op shops, as has been suggested.

Rowan is expensive, even more so down here. However, you could go to a yarn shop and explain you are just starting out. Take your pattern and they may be able to suggest a substitute which will knit to the same tension as the Rowan.

I would not suggest going for super cheap or many acrylics. Something that feels good in your hands and against your skin would be good, even if it's not the cheapest. That way you will be able to be proud of your finished garment. Many cheap acrylics do not hold their shape and are unpleasant to knit with.

The other important thing to do is to knit a test swatch first. This will show you how you knit and if you need to adjust your needle size to get the right tension and therefore size. In small garments, many knitters use the sleeve for this and have a useful part of the knitting done at the same time.

Enjoy yourself. Knitting is meditative and calming. Look often at your knitting. Then it's easy to pick up mistakes and fix fairly quickly rather than a long way down the track.

Any problems, ask here. There are a lot of knitters here.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I tend to collect yarn when and where I see it - in sales, online, when travelling. I now have a small roomful.

Look on the ballband for the recommended needles size (it will have a teensy graphic of needles and something like '4mm-4.5mm'). Trust your eye - does one yarn look the same weight and thickness as another? Are the constituent materials similar? eg cotton/mostly cotton wool/wool & silk.

As advised, knit a swatch - I do a 20 st x 10 or 20 rows in stocking stitch - usually enough to give an idea of how it will turn out.

My last piece of advice, which you may not wish to take just yet - you don't necessarily need patterns. If, like me, you are in it for the colours, and prefer simple shapes and a loose fit, then, frankly, it's all rectangles (and maybe the odd bit of tapering).
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Can I have a gripe here. I am fed up with the fact that if I want wool for making a toy, I have to buy expensive natural fibre stuff which is often rough at least to my hands. What I really want is the oh so cheap, manufactured wool, normally nylon-acrylic mix, which used to be the standard stock in the wool shops of my youth. Now there are no wool shops on the high street and I have to buy from John Lewis' who only sell this stuff in babies coloured double knitting!

Why do I want this wool. I want soft wool, I want wool that is hard wearing and I want permanent strong colours. All properties of the old fashioned cheap wool that we used to buy.

Jengie
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Can I have a gripe here. I am fed up with the fact that if I want wool for making a toy, I have to buy expensive natural fibre stuff which is often rough at least to my hands. What I really want is the oh so cheap, manufactured wool, normally nylon-acrylic mix, which used to be the standard stock in the wool shops of my youth. Now there are no wool shops on the high street and I have to buy from John Lewis' who only sell this stuff in babies coloured double knitting!

Why do I want this wool. I want soft wool, I want wool that is hard wearing and I want permanent strong colours. All properties of the old fashioned cheap wool that we used to buy.

Jengie

You would be surprised where you can find cheap acylic knitting yarns nowadays, if you are just wanting a plain coloured DK.

In a nearby town that doesn't have a 'wool' shop I asked in a haberdasher's and was directed to one of the charity shops, where they have started stocking a small range of DK and Aran acrylic yarn in both bright colours and pastels.
Odd balls of yarn left over from other people's projects can often be picked up at charity shops and fund-raising coffee mornings.

Wilkinsons keeps a few colours of DK, and so do some pound shops. Presumably other 'homewares' stores may keep yarn too.
Woolworth's used to, but it's a long time since I've been in one, so that may no longer be the case.

Or you can buy online. I have been happy with acrylic DK bought from eBid on a couple of occasions this year. Try googling 'acrylic knitting yarn'.

I suggest that, instead of finding the project and then looking for the yarn, you 'keep your eyes open', and build up a little 'stash' of suitable yarn as and when you find it. Then you will have yarn at hand when you are wanting to start something.
I picked up ten balls of 'flesh' coloured DK acrylic in a sale a couple of years ago. It was one of my best finds, and I still have a couple of balls left for when i want to knit dollies for my new grand daughter. [Smile]
 
Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
Oh you brilliant people. Thanks.

I trundled off to my nearest yarn shop this morning, before reading your replies, and had a rummage just to explore what different yarns look/feel like and cost. I came to some comclusions, all of which have been confirmed by your comments!

So
a) I am quite smug with myself for having worked out the answers to some of my questions
and
b) I feel a bit more confident about what I'm doing now.

Thanks! The 'buy here and there and build up a stash' method is the one I use with fabric (as shown by the innumerable bulging carrier bags under my bed) but as this is the very beginning with knitting, I don't really have that option. If i take to it I will no doubt be building up a bit of a store. Where I'll put it I have no idea.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I tried knitting last year... and I was totally rubbish at it! I like lots of craft stuff and hope you get on well with it birdie because I am sure there are a few things I would like you to make for me [Biased]

Auntie Doris x

[ 28. September 2008, 08:37: Message edited by: Auntie Doris ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Have fun, birdie [Smile]

If you fancy un-knitting a hand-knit you might find some charity shops keep hand-knits in the back room because they find they don't sell that well. It's certainly the case in my local Oxfam shop; the Red Cross shop passes any they get to the local Help the Aged centre for them to un-knit & reknit.

Last time I was in a "99p Shop" I noticed they had large balls of dk yarn, and also there was a basket of inexpensive large balls of all sorts of colours in the local department store. In their sale they had "fun" yarn at less than half price so several friends are getting shrugs in this for Christmas!

I tend not to have a proper stash as I find it tricky guessing the correct amount of yarn for future projects when I see anything I like, so tend to browse the pattens to get an idea. I guess if I was more organised I'd keep a note of the requirements of my favourite patterns and add some contingency. My stash is made up from the bits left over from previous projects, and are so mixed that I haven't been able to use them us yet, but one day.....

[ 28. September 2008, 18:04: Message edited by: daisydaisy ]
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
I'm still knitting socks. I love them, but I need to venture out into the world of fingerless gloves, it looks so scary though. I find patterns really scary it's only because I have made 5 socks now (and some help that I had from here on turning the heel) that I feel confident, so expect more requests for help when I go out of my sock knitting comfort zone. Thank you.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Jengie, I have never heard about someone complaining that they can't find acrylic yarn, but only wools! People regularly have troubles finding good flesh tones for toys.

For most knitters and crocheters, the struggle is to find yarns that are beautifully soft and you would choose to wear. Most of the 'toy acrylics' I have seen don't fit into that category; although there are some beautifully lush acrylics and man-made yarns available now.

quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
I need to venture out into the world of fingerless gloves, it looks so scary though.

I suggest that you go half the way there; fingerless mittens. You make a tube (like the start of a sock, and then you make a thumb gusset, and a little bit of ribbing for the thumb. Then you come back and do a little bit of ribbing for the bit where the fingers join the palm.

From there, fingerless gloves are an easy hop. You use the same technique that you used on the thumb to make the finger 'stumps', plus a little bit of picking up stitches.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
I'm still knitting socks. I love them, but I need to venture out into the world of fingerless gloves, it looks so scary though. I find patterns really scary it's only because I have made 5 socks now (and some help that I had from here on turning the heel) that I feel confident, so expect more requests for help when I go out of my sock knitting comfort zone. Thank you.

Wow - if socks were your first knitting venture then you'll cope with gloves, fingerless or not! The thumb part is a bit odd the first time you do it, a bit like the heel of a sock, but once you get your head around that you'll be fine.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
I suggest that you go half the way there; fingerless mittens. You make a tube (like the start of a sock, and then you make a thumb gusset, and a little bit of ribbing for the thumb. Then you come back and do a little bit of ribbing for the bit where the fingers join the palm.

I wanted a quick pair of gloves for my dad, so I made fingerless, thumbless wristwarmers. Knit a garter stitch rectangle (width of rectangle=length of wristwarmers) then when it's long enough to wrap around your hand, cast off and seam up, leaving a hole for the thumb. This pattern has a nice and easy edging. In retrospect, it's probably a bit girly for my dad, but he has to wear them 'cos I made them especially for him. (Payback for when I was in primary school and my parents never, ever said anything nice about my art projects. Granted, they were all rubbish, but ftlog I was only a little kid.)
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Mr. Otter got his first project off of the big loom, so now it's my turn. I'm doing a scarf in purples, the colors are close enough it's fairly subtle. Mr. Otter has a couple-few more projects planned, I have two. I think the weaving bug has bitten him hard. [Razz]
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Wow - if socks were your first knitting venture then you'll cope with gloves, fingerless or not! The thumb part is a bit odd the first time you do it, a bit like the heel of a sock, but once you get your head around that you'll be fine.

I did a scarf, then a bag on circular needles that I felted, and then it was onto socks. Nearly finished the 6th sock so I'll be trying out fingerless mittens very soon! Do you think I can use sock wool for them or do I need something else? I have some lovely purple sock wool that I got for my birthday.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I've used sock yarn for mittens several times, it should work just fine. The tight spin and/or addition of polyamide for wear resistance won't be a minus in mittens or gloves.
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
excellent, I'm going to try the pattern ecumaniac posted, it looks like I can follow it although I don't know what "YO" means.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I would interpret "YO" as "yarn over needle" so that it is on the other side of the needle to where it was, and when you knit the next stitch you create a stitch - it is what helps get you the pretty lace on Ecumanic's pattern.
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Thanks daisydaisy I think that makes sense.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Calling Otter and all other weavers! I've bought this month's issue of Craft Magazine, and followed instructions on how to make a lap loom. I think it's a fixed heddle loom - it seems to have two heddles that each loop to alternating warp threads, and pull them upward. I've warped it according to the instructions, and I don't know where to go from here! Surely one of the heddles should pull the threads downwards?!

I have no idea what makes sense anymore... [Eek!]
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
Calling Otter and all other weavers! I've bought this month's issue of Craft Magazine, and followed instructions on how to make a lap loom. I think it's a fixed heddle loom - it seems to have two heddles that each loop to alternating warp threads, and pull them upward. I've warped it according to the instructions, and I don't know where to go from here! Surely one of the heddles should pull the threads downwards?!

I don't see it on their website, but I think I can visualize what's going on. Something like this tapestry loom uses two heddle bars, with string heddles, is what I'm thinking. (details of size, warp wrapped around the frame or pegs, etc. are minor - the main thing is how the sheds are made).

If so, no, you don't need a set to pull half your warp threads down - the at-rest position is "down". Referring to the picture of the tapestry loom I linked to above, let's say the string heddles connect the even-numbered warp threads to the upper bar, and the odd-numbered warp threads are connected to the lower bar.

When you pull up on the upper heddle bar, that's going you create a shed - the space between the two sets of warp threads. You run your weft yarn through the shed, so that the weft is going under the even-numbered threads that you lifted, and over the odd-numbered ones that were left at rest.

(Then you lower the bar to close the shed, and beat or pack your weft into place.)

Now you lift the lower heddle bar, lifting the odd-numbered warp threads to create the other shed. When you run your weft yarn through that shed, you're now going over the even-numbered threads that are now at rest and under the odd-numbered ones that you've got lifted.

Does this make sense? It's a lot easier to show someone on a loom than to try to explain.


If you wanted to pull the even-numbered warps up, and the odd-numbered warps down at the same time, you'd need two hands to do it, and would have to have a way of holding them in that position while you put in the weft. You would have a bigger shed, though. Now, time to reverse things, and pull the odd-numbered warps up and the even-numbered ones down. You can't pass the sticks through the warps, and you don't want to re-string your heddles every time, so you need two sticks on each side of the loom, and heddles that are long enough to allow the full range of motion.

There are looms that work that way, and some good reasons to do it, but they're typically floor looms, with treadles to work with your feet, and semi-complicated systems of pulleys and whatnot so the treadles pull some things up and some things down simultaneously. I find the thought of tying up the foot treadles on one of them intimidating. [Smile] (my floor loom works like your lap loom - the "down" threads stay in the at-rest position).
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Dude - you're a genius! That's exactly the sort of loom I've created. Except that looks beautiful and mine is a Frankenstein's monster. But mama loves her loomy baby.

My problem is - when I lift up the top heddle, it doesn't create a shed - the bottom heddle gets in the way. Have I warped it wrongly?

(I'm at w*rk atm, so I'll have a proper look when I get home).
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
My problem is - when I lift up the top heddle, it doesn't create a shed - the bottom heddle gets in the way. Have I warped it wrongly?

(I'm at w*rk atm, so I'll have a proper look when I get home).

Not sure, my first guess is that your heddles (the string loops part) aren't quite long enough.

Oh, cool, here's the instructions for the Schacht loom, with good pictures.

If I were warping a loom like this, I'd make reusable heddles, around pegs about six inches apart, and use them as shown in diagram 6. I've tried the continuous string thing, as shown in diagram 5, and had trouble with it. Hmm. If you put a pick-up stick in prior to as part of stringing the heddles, as shown in the Schacht instructions, you do take it out once you have both sets of heddles connected.

Other sources of problem could be that you have one of the heddle sticks going through a heddle that belongs to the other bar - go ahead and slide them far enough apart that you can check that there's no crossing, and that each warp is with only one set or the other.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
[Overused] Otter saves the day! [Overused]

Thank you - I'm 99% sure that's it - they're too tight. I'll re-do at the weekend and let y'all know how I get on.

Thank you for your time and patience! Very much appreciated. [Yipee]
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
[Hot and Hormonal]

You're welcome, glad I could help!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
At Stitch and Bitch last night, someone mentioned a website called www.woollythoughts.com. I had a look at it this afternoon, and some of the ideas are wonderful - and many of them are based on mathematical ideas like the Fibonacci sequence. You can also crochet your own labyrinth from Chartres, should you feel so inclined (not at the full size, I hasten to add).

[corrected URL. Mamacita, Heavenly Host]

[ 14. October 2008, 16:38: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Sorry about that - the website should be http://woollythoughts.com/
 
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Can any of you knitting folks point me in the direction of an imperial/metric converter for knitting needle size?

Virtually all mine are imperial, and the sock patterns I just acquired in a moment of weakness are in metric. Which is OK for the ones I'm doing at the moment 'cos I bought the double ended pins to do it, but I'd like to be able to use the circular ones I already have in the future, if I can!
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
This should help
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
At Stitch and Bitch last night, someone mentioned a website called www.woollythoughts.com. I had a look at it this afternoon, and some of the ideas are wonderful - and many of them are based on mathematical ideas like the Fibonacci sequence. You can also crochet your own labyrinth from Chartres, should you feel so inclined (not at the full size, I hasten to add).

I recently bought the Woolly Thoughts book, and the instructions look much simpler than other modular knitting books I've seen, so I am going to have a go at a cardigan/jacket for myself.
I have made a pattern, roughly calculated how much yarn I need, and yesterday I treated myself to some NZ merino from The Knitting And Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace.
It will take me some time to pluck up the courage to start it, and I have some Christmas presents to make first. It will also take me a long time to complete it - the last thing I made for me (a modular shawl) took 18months - but I will report progress once it is underway.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I have just been going through my fabric stash as I have decided to make a few things for presents for Christmas this year. I have realised I am a terrible hoarder... I have so many bits and pieces of fabric. Some are only tiny bits which I have obviously kept for patchwork etc but I have managed to find enough big bits to make some fab things for Christmas. Very exciting. Also, my Mum has told me that there is a big box of fabric that I have left at their house... that will be a real surprise as I have absolutely no idea what is in it!

I have just bought this bag pattern and I am going to make my Mum and my sister one each for Christmas.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by sabine (# 3861) on :
 
I also have a fabric stash--a habit left over from the days when I was a professional seamstress to earn money during graduate school.

When I travel to a new place I would rather bring back a piece of fabric than any other memento.

But so often now, small fabric stores are run out of business by the big chains.

Anyway, nice bag. Good gift idea.

sabine
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I do like that bag, Auntie Doris, and I've been thinking about making this bag from material that I bought to cover a chair with at an upholstery evening class but decided I don't like it for that purpose, even though I like it - if you see what I mean. I have absolutely no idea when I'll get around to making it though, as the evening class is the only way I could get around to getting that chair done (it's been waiting to be covered for over 20 years [Hot and Hormonal] )
 
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Thanks for that Kitten.

Guess that means my 2.5mm sock pins are size 12.5... [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I could not resist posting photos of this, a knitted knitting yarn shop. DIL found it in an op shop. everything is knitted, the dresser and shop counter, right down to the balls of yarn and the book has tiny pictures of knitted toys.

Look at the booties and mittens in the layette!

There's another picture before this in the Flickr set. Click arrow on right of page.

[ 14. October 2008, 06:24: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
At Stitch and Bitch last night, someone mentioned a website called www.woollythoughts.com. I had a look at it this afternoon, and some of the ideas are wonderful - and many of them are based on mathematical ideas like the Fibonacci sequence. You can also crochet your own labyrinth from Chartres, should you feel so inclined (not at the full size, I hasten to add).

I love woolythoughts, and have made two iterations of their Curves of Pursuit blanket as baby blankets - pictures here and here.

I plan to venture into some more of their designs, but there are sooooo many things to knit, and so little time (even though I can knit while I browse the Ship).
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
My 'woollly thoughts' sweater may take even longer to make than I suggested. The wool is in skeins, and judging by my progress so far I think it will take at least 18 months to wind it into balls. Thank goodness for modular knitting - it won't matter if the wool is wound into in small balls.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Veering back to fabric scraps - I am about to mount an attack on my wardrobe, and purge it of the (large) number of items I don't wear - linen bias-cut skirts will feature strongly, and cotton tops. (Anything silky/eveningy I can pass on to my friend who does costumes).

I have just about saturated the local charity shops with previous clearouts - so, question, any ideas for projects I could do with recycled clothing?
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
If you find lots of ties at charity shops I've heard they can be undone and made into interesting (stripey) items.

I've just begun knitting a pair of Snowflake Fingerless Gloves that I found on Ravelry. They will be a Christmas present for a friend, and so far I'm enjoying working the lacey pattern using alpaca in a crushed pink colour.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
If you find lots of ties at charity shops I've heard they can be undone and made into interesting (stripey) items.

I think the last thing I want to do is import more stuff into the house.

Ideally, I would like to recycle into something I could wear (since I can't think of any household uses). Anyone got any patterns for patchwork jackets/coats?
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
On the tangent of charity shop ties, I've got an on-going project making a dress out of ties woven together on the bias which I was inspired to try after visiting the World of Wearable Art in Nelson, NZ. It's an excruciatingly slow process as I'm refusing to pay more than £1 or so per tie and only want 100% silk ties and have colour preferences. Fortunately that has given me the chance to realise that my chosen construction might not be the best way to go about this.

I've previously seen some very cute knee-length skirts made from ties - maybe I should try one of those in polyester ties while I wait for my silk tie stash to mount up.

All of which is no help at all to poor Firenze. Perhaps if you found a pattern based on panels or princess seams you could make each panel out of a different fabric (they'd have to be compatible in terms of stretch though, or something dreadful would happen). Or if your cotton tops are jersey-type stuff then try a modular knitting-type pattern? As long as you're using equivalent fabrics, surely you ought to be able to use the flat bits to custom-patchwork the shape needed for very nearly any pattern? But these are all slightly strange ideas from someone whose usual approach to sewing is to guess, do some maths, take a pattern off something else (without deconstructing that original), and tweak as you go - they may not be that helpful.

I'm off to get on with a couple of projects inspired by Lothlorien's advent calendar from last year. The first one seems to be going OK so far.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
IIRC, you don't really need a special pattern for patchwork clothing, you can put the patchwork together then use it with a "regular" jacket (or whatever) pattern. But I think the recommendation is usually to use a simpler pattern with minimal darts, etc, and try to eliminate seams (like center back seams) where possible.

This pattern, and others on this web site, appear to be designed with that kind of use in mind.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Otter:
This pattern, and others on this web site, appear to be designed with that kind of use in mind.

Those look like just the kind of patterns I would like. However, I don't see too much indication that they sell mail order to individuals outside of North America. This is a problem I have in general. The market for fabric craft supplies in the UK is tiny. I live in a capital city, and I would say I know of only 3 places to buy fabric and patterns. And for the latter, the choice is limited to Simplicity, New Look, Burda and Vogue.

I would love to buy the goodies I see on the web - and if anyone knows any outlets who are prepared to sell to individual overseas customers, let me know. (I can see why they don't; it's a lot of hassle for little return).

[ 15. October 2008, 14:41: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I would love to buy the goodies I see on the web - and if anyone knows any outlets who are prepared to sell to individual overseas customers, let me know. (I can see why they don't; it's a lot of hassle for little return).

Try ebay... there are loads of patterns on there and I have recently bought a pattern from a US seller. Hopefully it will arrive soon!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by Otter:
This pattern, and others on this web site, appear to be designed with that kind of use in mind.

Those look like just the kind of patterns I would like. However, I don't see too much indication that they sell mail order to individuals outside of North America. This is a problem I have in general. The market for fabric craft supplies in the UK is tiny. I live in a capital city, and I would say I know of only 3 places to buy fabric and patterns. And for the latter, the choice is limited to Simplicity, New Look, Burda and Vogue.
[Hot and Hormonal] I forgot to check where you are vs. the vendor. I really should know better, let's see what invoking my Google-Fu turns up...looks like Dana Marie Designs Co. has been sold under the names PawPrints and Purrfection in the recent past, and here's a US vendor that says they will ship outside the US. And another one. And a third.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I don't see too much indication that they sell mail order to individuals outside of North America.

If you click on the 'company policies' on the Dana Marie site you'll see they say that they ship to 'anywhere on the planet' (at a price, of course)
 
Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I have just bought this bag pattern and I am going to make my Mum and my sister one each for Christmas.

In my experience Amy Butler has a habit of making things far more complicated than they need to be in her bag patterns. I bought one last year and found I spent half the time reading it, muttering 'but that is just doing X the hard way' and then doing it my way. It's worth reading, re-reading, then re-reading the pattern a few times before starting, so as to decide whether you actually want to do it her way or not.

(This was at the point I was churning out bags by the busload, mainly to my own designs, so I was fairly confident about what would work and what wouldn't.)


The knitting is going okay - thanks for the earlier advice. I am knitting what the pattern describes as a wrap but I think is more likely to end up being a throw over the end of the bed/back of the settee. Mysteriously, there are considerably more stitches on my needles than when I cast on, but I'm living with that. I am determined to master knitting as it's been so nice to have something portable to do - several days over the last week or so have been spent sitting with the youngest birdie chick in hospital and it's been wonderful to have something to do with my hands. I do think though that the chances of me ever successfully knitting something which fits on a human body are quite small.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Otter:
I forgot to check where you are vs. the vendor. I really should know better, let's see what invoking my Google-Fu turns up...looks like Dana Marie Designs Co. has been sold under the names PawPrints and Purrfection in the recent past, and here's a US vendor that says they will ship outside the US. And another one. And a third.

Thanks, Otter. The third outlet looks particularly inviting.

I am beginning to see my discarded linen skirts morphing into a patchwork/applique kimono style jacket, and the tops into a dress.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I'm definitely beginning to see...

If find I have potential jacket-fodder in a rather appealing colourway of navy, apple green and acid yellow, with perhaps a touch of torquoise/green/white floral.

Has anyone any tips to offer on making patchwork/applique clothing?
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Have you ever been disappointed in how a beautiful yarn worked up? I love to use variegated yarns for some of the preemie hats that I make for charity, and the skeins of Bernat baby jaquard in "berries and cream" were just gorgeous sitting there in the bin at the store. Well, I started a hat-and-booties project during a long car ride this past weekend, and the results are hilarious. The strands of color on this yarn are particularly long, while the width of the piece being knitted is small -- a cap for a preemie measures maybe 4 or 5 inches wide. So, instead of cute little stripes or waves, I've ended up with these big blocks of color. The baby hat worked up into a mottled yellow-and-white, no shades of pink at all ... until I got to the last couple of rows when the pink appeared, leaving the crown of the hat in a deep shade of rose. The poor babe who wears this hat is going to look scalped. Then I switched to the booties. One bootie worked up entirely in pink-and-white. Fine. The second bootie came out pink and white... on the bottom. Then it switches to yellow for the top half. I tell you, this is going to be one interesting ensemble. With the yarn I have left, I'm definitely switching to something wider, like a baby blanket.
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Have you ever been disappointed in how a beautiful yarn worked up?

Not usually, but I've probably just been lucky. I did start a pair of socks in a rainbow yarn that I decided to frog, asthe texture or lace pattern (I forget which), was getting lost in the color. I'd only got an inch or so in, though.

The other problem I encounter more often is that my color choices (I do a lot of color work) are too subtle when I actually start knitting. And I get a bit grumbly sometimes because the hand-dyed yarns have too many colors in them, so I can't pick a contrasting yarn and use them in color work. Luckily, a friend of mine has started dyeing and selling yarn, and she takes requests. [Yipee]

And just to meander around the yarn topic some more, I got a weaving catalog over the weekend that showed a scarf made with self-patterning sock yarn as the weft. Very cool effect, and another project for my growing backlog! (Yeah, sharing the loom with Mr. Otter does indeed have drawbacks...).
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Otter:

The other problem I encounter more often is that my color choices (I do a lot of color work) are too subtle when I actually start knitting.

I usually have the opposite problem. In my current heroic effort to reduce my stash, I am doing a large intarsia piece with pinks, blues, navy, torquoise (light and dark) dark blue-green, variegated red and purples. I think I am getting away with it. Just.

The other (totally self-inflicted) problem is the width/number of simultaneous colours. I thought, as I was motoring up the back with about 160 stitches and 12 colours, that, instead of sleeves, I would increase a stitch either end of each row (in line with the intarsia, which is all vertical blocks, interspersed with diagonals) making a kind of batwinged kimono shape. So now I have about 200 sts and 15 colours. It may be a rather stubby-winged bat.
 
Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
[Axe murder] little knitted Day of the Dead figures [Axe murder]

(sent to us by a very kind Shipmate)
 
Posted by beachpsalms (# 4979) on :
 
Re: disappointing yarn.

It's taken me years to understand that some of the variegated yarn I lovelovelovelovelove on the skein, I don't like at all knitted up. Most variegated yarn, actually. If it's monochromatic, I'm more content, or some kind of self striping (Noro!), but I find it really hard to keep my hands off it in the yarn store.
 
Posted by TraineeChristian (# 12972) on :
 
My sister wants me to knit two Christmas stockings...does anyone have any suggestions for a simple pattern please? I'm not a very experienced knitter!

Thanks [Big Grin]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by beachpsalms:
It's taken me years to understand that some of the variegated yarn I lovelovelovelovelove on the skein, I don't like at all knitted up.

I have posted about this before, but I have recently started work on it again...

Back in May last year I started knitting with some beautiful 'sock yarn' in soft pastel rainbow colours. It was a disaster; it looked like a clown had thrown up.

I switched to crochet, making Granny Squares. I used undyed yarn to keep the multi-coloured rounds apart, and this is the effect that I got.

A certain shipmate said it was beautiful, and if she was ever expecting a baby she would love a blanked made from those squares. That shipmate is now indeed pregnant, and I have only about 12 more squares to crochet. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
That's really pretty, bb. You must have been pleased how it all turned out!

BTW, I switched to a different baby hat pattern (basically, K2P2 in ribbing for 4 inches, then taper down over a few rows and bind off) and this one is coming out in mottled yellow and then raspberry stripes like it should be.

[ 01. November 2008, 21:21: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
That's really pretty, bb. You must have been pleased how it all turned out!

Oh yes. There is no contest between 'clown barf' and beautiful little squares. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
I made a beanie hat yesterday, in a multicoloured red to orange wool, to go with an autumnal orange coat. I hope I can follow up with a photo soon. A friend liked my hat and wondered if I could make a beret. I was googling hat patterns and found a flying spaghetti monster hat. If only I were ever bored enough to make such a thing...

'frin
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Wow! I am about to knit a hat to replace the one that I lost last weekend, and wish I could carry that one off [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Omigosh omigosh!

That is amazing. I think I've fallen in love... [Axe murder]
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I would love to turn up to Mass wearing that!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I'm looking for some help finding a free pattern for a Faroese shawl for my mum 88 years old, who's now in nursing home after a stroke and other problems. She can use left arm and right hand can move up to elbow but right shoulder movement is almost nil.

I've spent ages looking on net and Ravelry have heaps, almost all to be purchased.

I want to use what down here we call 10 (Aran) or 12 ply. Probably what is known in USA as worsted or bulky.

I suppose I could try to make pattern myself but have little experience with the shoulder shaping. Now if it were socks, I could knit a new design in my sleep.

Staff get her out of bed to sit in a chair most days. Even though summer is coming in, she feels the cold and such a shawl would stay on her shoulders without help.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Left it far too late to edit. If not a Faroese pattern, then perhaps something with short row shaping might work. I want it to stay on her shoulders and not slip.

Thanks.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Would this one help as a basis? I found it on the "traditional knitting" yahoo group which is a mine of information.
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Following ecumaniac's suggestion I am making these arm warmers:

quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
This pattern

I have knitted the first one but am unsure how the best way to sew them up is. Is there a particular way to sew up two edges of knitting? When they are still attached to the needles at the toes of my socks I use Kitchener stitch (I think that's what it's called) but I don't know how to stitch it up with something that's cast off.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Would this one help as a basis? I found it on the "traditional knitting" yahoo group which is a mine of information.

Indeed it would. [Smile] Thank you very much.

I could put something lacy around the edge too from one of my stitch dictionaries. Gothic arches perhaps or flowers or interlocking diamonds.
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Suzywoozy:
Following ecumaniac's suggestion I am making these arm warmers:

quote:
Originally posted by ecumaniac:
This pattern

I have knitted the first one but am unsure how the best way to sew them up is. Is there a particular way to sew up two edges of knitting? When they are still attached to the needles at the toes of my socks I use Kitchener stitch (I think that's what it's called) but I don't know how to stitch it up with something that's cast off.
You can use backstitch or whipstitch for seaming, but most people find that mattress stitch gives the neatest finish. This article provides a good introduction. If you prefer to learn from a video, then this may be helpful.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I found this amazing place near me. You pay £15 a year for membership and then you can take whatever you want for free (within readon I think!). So, I collected quite a bit of fabric, some buttons etc. They also have lots of stuff for card-making and craft work. It truly was an Aladdin's Cave for someone like me!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Thanks Cranmer's Baggage that's really useful, I wouldn't have even know what to search for.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Have you seen this short film?
 
Posted by climbgirl (# 5855) on :
 
is there a 'all things crafty' thread for those of us who do paper crafts as opposed to knitting, etc?
 
Posted by Suzywoozy (# 6259) on :
 
Climbgirl, I'm sure that card making etc. have been discussed here before.

Daisydaisy - brilliant link.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Actually Climbgirl do a quick diversion into Christmas Preparations and it should give you a hint to another card maker on this board.

Basically all things crafty can be discussed here but it needn't be solely here.

Jengie

[ 22. November 2008, 21:43: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
sorry to go back to knitting, but today I think I've got the hang of short row wrap - it's taken me several days of trying it and undoing my attempt, but I think I'm there !
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
sorry to go back to knitting, but today I think I've got the hang of short row wrap - it's taken me several days of trying it and undoing my attempt, but I think I'm there !

Just love short row heels on socks. They suit my feet and are quicker than heel flap and gusset decreases, although sometimes I do something like that just for variety.

For those of you who knit socks - have you seen this site? Lots of different heels here. The whole socknitters site is a good resource too.

Cardmaking? There are quite a few who make their own cards on the Ship and post here and on other threads. It's not my scene, I'm not skilled that way at all, but I greatly admire the beautiful cards I've seen posted. The ones I've done never seem to turn out to my liking. Much like my attempts at drawing, painting etc.

This thread is called knitting and all things crafty. It's not just knitting.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Not exactly a double post. The previous one was a week ago.

Garn studios has repeated their knitting Advent calendar. Last year's had some good patterns in it.

It's well and truly December 1 down here, the first day of summer and shaping up to be a pleasant 27°. However I'll have to wait till tomorrow to open their first day. [Frown]
 
Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 
Well, Lothlorien, you nearly killed the thread stone-dead with your talk of Summer! I hope the weather is still being kind to you as you finish opening the Advent calendar.

I'm so excited that I have taught myself to knit! I found a £1 book (printed in 1968) in the local wool shop and messed around for a bit. Then I bought a pattern for hats/scarves/gloves using straight needles - all the free internet ones seem to use round or double-ended, and I wanted something small to get used to patterns. I have just got the thumb shaped on my first glove!

So, everyone, what are your current projects to fill any spare time during the holidays? And what have you made your loved ones for Christmas?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I finished my rug!
Something like 18 months ago, I sat for a day minding a stall at a re-enactment fair. It was a quiet day, and I spent most of my time there making a loose lucetted cord. Then I had to think of something to do with it.
So I lucetted some more (lots more) and then plaited the cords, and then wove them on my peg loom. It's all in shades of pink and cream, and I put it next to my bed, where it feels very nice under my bare feet first thing in the morning.
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Though I wouldn't know which end of a knitting needle to hold (or which has the hole in it [Biased] ) I reckon finishing something like that much be beyond-words satisfying. Well done!
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Mrs Whibley - deepest [Overused] . i hve never got the hang of knitting, but the relatively instant gratification of cardmaking suits me.

Eigon, any chance of a photo? It sounds fascinating.

My project for the next month or so is to back-stitch a celtic blessing onto linen for a couple who are getting married sometime in January. I've almost charted the design and hope to begin stitching later today or tomorrow. Making the first stitch is always the most difficult part as it's a while since I've done anything this size (around 8"x10" if I don't have a border).

Zappa, i'm sure the expertise would be here to teach you hand-knit a quilt or thread a knitting needle if you so desired [Razz] .

Huia
 
Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 
Thanks Zappa and Huia

I have now done the second finger of the right glove - there is still time for it to come crashing down around my ears as at some point today I have had to assume that the pattern meant what I decided it should mean rather than what it said ...
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Thanks for asking, Huia, but my digital camera died a messy death and I haven't got round to replacing it yet.

Soon, I'll have finished a tabard in some lovely mohair wool I was given. Only about three inches to go. I started off by following a pattern of k2, p2 for two rows and then p2, k2 for two rows, repeated - but I soon got lost, and had little ribs stopping and starting at random all over the first side.
By the time I got to the second side, I was getting much better at following the pattern - but then it wouldn't match side one, so I started rolling a dice at the beginning of each row to decide whether to start with knit or purl. It actually looks quite good, as long as you forget about the original pattern.

Then I can get to grips with the mounds of afghan hound fur I want to spin, and the sari silk yarn that I want as a snood.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I'm delighted to report that my family members liked the knitted gifts I had made them.

The grandsons wore their snake scarves for the rest of the afternoon, and our sons were impressed with their Moebius scarves. Their other halves professed pleasure in their alpaca neckwarmers, although I was far from delighted with the way they had turned out. I'd not used alpaca before, and although it feels gorgeously soft and warm, I hadn't realised how floppy, and flat it knits up.
Most surprising of all was the pleased reaction of DiL to the dress, cardigan and slippers I had made for the baby. I look forward to seeing if she actually wears them.

[ 26. December 2008, 11:22: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Well, Mrs Whibley, it's still summer down here and quite hot today. Probably well over 30°C by the way it's going here now at 9:00 am.

I actually knit all summer. Usually socks which aren't hot to hold. However, a group of us decided we were going to have a Long Lacy Summer.

I like lace and have done a couple of shawls but in a thicker wool than laceweight. I've now done several very fine scarves and a couple of other lace items. Am just getting pins etc together to block a long scarf done in a cashmino blend - pure merino, cashmere and a bit of microfibre. Scalloped up both sides and very lacy for the body of the scarf.

Gave one lacy scarf to DIL's mother. She sews but is not a knitter and exclaimed over the pattern where to her, every stitch was part of the lace. In a way it was, and more purl 2 together and yarn overs on the wrong side too.
 
Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 
Oh well, could you send the summer up here when you have finished with it? I'm sure temperatures of 30°C get wearing quite quickly!

I have finished my right glove. As mr whibley put it 'it looks like a proper glove'. This is most satisfying and I think I'm hooked.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Mrs Whibley your husband's comment reminded me of a friend who took up weaving. He said it wasn't until he saw the material he had woven cut out and ready to sew that he really though of it as fabric.

Hope the matching glove goes well too.

Huia
 
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on :
 
I'm about to try and knit something for the first time in about 16 years. I've just been doing a test bit with some spare wool, and I can still cast on, knit plain stitch, and knit a stripe in (and get back to the original colour). Haven't tried to cast off yet, but have a useful crib sheet (and a kind and helpful Mum!), when I do try.

What I'm going to try and do is make a scarf for Sandemaniac, using silk yarn (his neck doesn't seem to like wool or fleece scarves). All the knitting I've done before has been with wool. So, can anyone advise as to a sensible needle size for knitting with silk? Do I need to go larger or smaller? What I'm planning on using is like the recycled sari yarn shown here, but single colour rather than multi-colour.

Thanks!
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
This is going to get technical right from the start...

Wool has an in-built 'sproing-iness'. This means that when you knit it into a scarf the scarf will stay pretty much the same shape over time. It might sag a bit, but when it is washed and smoothed out, it will pretty much return to its original state.

It is different for silk. Silk has no such 'sproing-iness' and will distort over time. It will appear to grow with every few wearings. This doesn't make too many difficulties for a scarf, simply knit the scarf on the slightly shorter side of the desired length. It does pose a problem for sweaters and other garments.

I have never knitted with sari silk, but I have heard that it can be very rough. It might be an idea to knit a square of the silk and then get Sandemaniac to wear it tucked into the collar of a shirt. The people I know who have used sari silk have used it for bags, not for clothing.

As for needle size, I would suggest that you swatch and try a few different needle sizes and see which piece of fabric you like the best.

I am unable to wear most wools, but I am able to wear merino. It is incredibly soft. There are a fair number of people who can't wear the majority of wools, but find merino to be wonderful. Also there are a huge number of beautifully soft acrylics that are excellent for people with sensitive skins.

If you would like, I would be very happy to send you some samples of different types of yarn and wool that might meet Sandemaniac's needs.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I don't know whether it's available over there, but merino and possum is really soft. It may not suit vegetarian/animal lovers as the fur is taken from dead possums. Here they are an introduced pest and predate on our native bird population, many of which are making a comeback since possums are being eradicated. [Yipee]

Huia
 
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on :
 
Thanks babybear. It was the 'sproing-iness' (lovely word!), or lack thereof of silk that was concerning me most in trying to do this. I'll definitely start with a couple of test strips using different needles and see how they feel/look/stretch.

Hadn't thought about using merino, probably because I'm lucky enough not to have problems with wool 99% of the time. I may well take you up on that lovely offer of samples once the chaos of New Year is dealt with. [Smile]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Digging this up from page four (I guess we all got just a little busy over the holidays) to ask if anyone on board does needlepoint? I'm thinking of getting started on a project and have a bunch of questions. So please post if there are any experienced needlepointers out there....
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Mamacita - I've done some needlepoint in the past, but I'm mainly self taught. Are you working on canvas?

Huia
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Huia, I've not done needlepoint before but have done a lot of counted cross-stitch and crewel embroidery. I'm considering a needlepoint project based on a surprise: Years ago, my mother-in-law was into needlepoint, and at a needlework show we attended together she purchased a printed canvas that I had admired, based on one of Marc Chagall's Jerusalem Windows. (It's the "Levi" window -- scroll down. And it's much more simplified than the real thing!) It was her intention to make it for me, but time went by, she got back into knitting.... and anyway, when going through a box of things from her house (she passed away a few years ago), I discovered the canvas. I'd like to try to tackle it. I have two basic questions:

1) With something with so many colors and such a random pattern, would it be best to just stick with one very basic stitch like half-cross, rather than trying to get fancy and vary the stitches? And
2) Am I stark, raving loony to try something like this the first time out?

All advice appreciated.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Yes, you are a stark raving looney, but that is just your normal state of being. [Smile]

If you weren't a craft-y person I would suggest something smaller and less complicated to starts with. However, you are perfectly capable of doing this project and your cross stitch skills will transfer over beautifully.

I can't tell from your posts if any work has started on the canvas. If it has, then I would suggest you keep to the style that has been set up already. If you are tackling it afresh then do what you fancy. [Big Grin]

You did say the canvas was a simplified version of the window. Might it be appropriate to work on a textural stitch(es) on the clothing of the angels, and use petit point for the angels hands, feet, and faces, then use half cross stitch for the backgrounds. Perhaps you might use some back stitch on top, or couched work to indicate the panels in the window.

There are a couple of general rules. The more complicated the design, the simpler the stitching should be. Textural stitches help to make that area 'pop out'.

Now, of course, these are guidelines for people starting out to enable them to create good looking pieces. When you understand the reasons for the rules then you can choose to ignore them.

[ 19. January 2009, 07:23: Message edited by: babybear ]
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
That sounds beautiful - hope we get photos!

I'm working on Nefertiti at the moment in cross stitch. It's a 40th birthday present for my sister-in-law, who is mad on all things Egypt. It's much smaller than I expected before I unpacked the kit!

Just finishing off the frame around her now. Since there have been so many different shades of brown involved, I have left the hat until last, so I get to use some greens for a change.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I have started doing cross-stitch again. I haven't done any for many years, probably since my teens. I decided to make a sampler for my sister's baby. And here is picture of me, ably helped by my lovely assistant!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
That sounds beautiful - hope we get photos!

I'm working on Nefertiti at the moment in cross stitch. It's a 40th birthday present for my sister-in-law, who is mad on all things Egypt. It's much smaller than I expected before I unpacked the kit!

I think this is the Nefertiti link, Gill H. (But you still have to scroll down to the 10th row.)Gorgeous project, BTW. What a nice gift!

eta: Nice picture, Auntie Doris!

[ 19. January 2009, 16:55: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
Yes, you are a stark raving looney, but that is just your normal state of being. [Smile]

Hey, I'm a host, it's an occupational hazard. [Big Grin]

quote:
However, you are perfectly capable of doing this project and your cross stitch skills will transfer over beautifully.
Thank you, that is what I was hoping to hear.

quote:
You did say the canvas was a simplified version of the window. Might it be appropriate to work on a textural stitch(es) on the clothing of the angels, and use petit point for the angels hands, feet, and faces, then use half cross stitch for the backgrounds. Perhaps you might use some back stitch on top, or couched work to indicate the panels in the window.
I like these ideas. I want to keep it pretty simple, for two reasons. First, since it's a copy of a stained-glass piece, I thought I should keep the variance of textures to a minimum. Not that stained glass doesn't have texture, but it's subtle. However, these suggestions don't sound like they would be overwhelming. The second reason for keeping it simple is that I tend to tackle a project with big plans and expectations and often end up getting frustrated.

Thank you!
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Mamacita, Wow! What are the dimensions of the canvas? (And yes, you probably are a loony, but since when did that stop any crafter?

The only thing I would add to babybear's excellent advice relates to knitting as well and that is to try to buy all that you need of a colour at one time because dye lots differ.

Also if you can't find an exact shade you want you can sew with two strands of different shades together in your needle (tweeding) which gives an interesting effect. This works too if you want a gradual shading effect.

Good luck, I'm sure the finished project will be worth it and it will give you a reminder of your mother-in -law's kind intention.

Huia
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Huia, the canvas looks to be about 16" x 12". Thanks for the information about the tweedle technique; that sounds interesting!

(spelled tweedle wrong!)

[ 21. January 2009, 00:23: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
.... And here is picture of me, ably helped by my lovely assistant!

Auntie Doris x

Is your lovely assistant as helpful as my 2 are? They seem to be convinced I need their help.
 
Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :
 
Okay, how about this?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/7844193.stm
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
If I could knit I'd do them a rainbow one. [Razz]

How on earth do you use an elbow to demonstrate breastfeeding? [Confused]

Huia
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sparrow:
Okay, how about this?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/7844193.stm

There's an Aussie Yahoo group called knit4charities, easily findable on list of Yahoo groups, which makes this sort of thing. Last time it was for women who needed bra inserts following cancer surgery. There was apparently a good response. This group knits for homeless support, premmie babies, animal shelters, you name it.

Disclaimer: I am no a member of the group but know someone who is.
 
Posted by Emma-Jean (# 7165) on :
 
I'm wondering how many of you are quilters? My mom and sister are in a quilting group and they're doing a neat project. They each picked a piece of fabric and they pass them from person to person so that in the end each person has made a square with each other person's fabric, then the original fabric chooser gets all the squares and puts them together as a quilt.

I haven't quilted before, though I'm interested in giving it a try. And I thought it would be very cool if a group of shippies did a project like this. Fabric isn't very heavy so it wouldn't be very expensive to send in the mail. Anyway, anyone interested in giving something like this a try?
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Ye Olde Motherboarde's tagline is "Ship's Quilter," but she doesn't make it onto this board too often. A few years ago several shipmates made a quilt for a beloved shipmate who was battling cancer. If you scroll down on this Mystery Worshipper Report from Molly's funeral, you'll see the quilt displayed.
 
Posted by Emma-Jean (# 7165) on :
 
Awww.... that's such a cool thing to do.

I wonder if perhaps quilting isn't as common in other parts of the world. It seems "everyone" in Manitoba (Canada) quilts!
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
In a fit of ambition, I bought some lovely material for my Easter outfit. It's French-blue silk shantung; I have in mind a suit with a skirt and jacket. My mother, who is an expert seamstress, has made suits with silk shantung before and will provide good leadership, but I'm planning to do the work myself, including making a mock-up of the suit first in polished cotton.
I think there should be enough left over to trim a hat, even!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Sounds lovely. Easter here is autumn and can be very wet, absolutely gorgeous or unseasonably cold. Not really weather for that sort of material.

Then you can be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.

Previewed that link and italics worked and missed two typos! [Hot and Hormonal]

[ 01. February 2009, 22:43: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Sounds gorgeous, AnnaB!
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Thanks to Lothlorien posting a link a couple of christmasses ago, I bought yarn this weekend to make these fun slippers for a friend's birthday. I figure I ought to be able to manage the knitting (squares, just squares! Gotta keep them actually square though!) and I made a paper mock-up on Friday to check that I understood how they went together. Just hoping that I'll be able to have them finished for February 20th when we're away for the weekend somewhere where it's good to have slippers.

So I make that 18 days and I have one and a half squares done (told my friend yesterday that her slippers were three sixteenths ready!). If I can manage a square a day (which doesn't seem preposterous, they're only 10x10cm) then I'll be finished well in time. We shall see.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Sounds gorgeous, AnnaB!

Thanks, Mamacita (and Lothlorien)! I was really proud of myself for finding this material---it happened to be in the "home decorating" section and 50% off. Now, may God grant me the courage to cut into it... [Help]
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
I sympathise with the fear of cutting into silk. You're being quite sensible in doing a mock-up first (says the person who isn't...).

My fellow northern Illinoisans do know about Vogue Fabrics, don't you? Wonderful, wonderful store.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Hey! I did not know about that---it looks like a lot of fun!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
AnnaB your suit sounds like it will be stunning. I often find that upholstery fabric is far more inspiring than dress fabric, but so far haven't been brave enough.
quote:
Originally posted by To The Pain:
Thanks to Lothlorien posting a link a couple of christmasses ago, I bought yarn this weekend to make these fun slippers for a friend's birthday. .....

Oooh - I love these - I shall give them a go and maybe this is what everyone will be getting for Christmas (what, Christmas already [Ultra confused] )
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've always worried about attempting socks, or mittens, or anything else that comes in pairs, because I have absolutely no confidence that I would be able to make both of them the same size - but squares; I can do squares. And I need a pair of slippers.
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Ah, Christmas.

I am, actually, starting to think about Christmas myself. If these slippers are a success then a few pairs may well be in order for different folk.

And the 'siamese mittens' I made for one friend this year went down very well - a few couples may well be getting some of those this year. They're pairs of three mittens, you see. A pair of regular mittens (the pair I made last year have sneaky holes to get out your thumbs so you can use a mobile phone) and a middle mitten that's basically a bag with two cuffs so you can hold hands without freezing. But I think I mentionned them before Christmas.

The friend who received them has taken a strange delight at different gatherings getting people to put their hands in one cuff of the mitten (generally slightly bemused) then putting her hand in, holding their hand and waiting for the dawning of realisation on their faces. That's been fun to watch.

[ETA: Go for it Eigon! We can post pics for comparing any wonkiness!]

[ 03. February 2009, 09:24: Message edited by: To The Pain ]
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by To The Pain:
Thanks to Lothlorien posting a link a couple of christmasses ago, I bought yarn this weekend to make these fun slippers for a friend's birthday. I figure I ought to be able to manage the knitting (squares, just squares! Gotta keep them actually square though!) and I made a paper mock-up on Friday to check that I understood how they went together. Just hoping that I'll be able to have them finished for February 20th when we're away for the weekend somewhere where it's good to have slippers.

So I make that 18 days and I have one and a half squares done (told my friend yesterday that her slippers were three sixteenths ready!). If I can manage a square a day (which doesn't seem preposterous, they're only 10x10cm) then I'll be finished well in time. We shall see.


 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
To the Pain gave a pattern for knitted slipper socks. I've seen a similar idea using crochet granny squares.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Anyone into multidirectional crochet?

By hook (but not crook) I have discovered over the past few months that you can continue a piece of crochet not only by working along any of the edges, but by building another piece and linking it in to the first piece at the side (all in single crochet, that is).

So you end up with a piece of crochet composed of bits going north-south and east west. Bit wavy, but nothing you can't press out.

I normally work with yarn that I have assembled into a colourway before I start, so that colours change regularly, and, in this technique, generate a patchwork effect.

Curly corners seem to be the main problem.
 
Posted by frin (# 9) on :
 
Hi Firenze, I enjoy doing that and I even have a book which focusses on it as a technique. They called it making "scrumbles" and there were diagrams to suggest different ways you could fit these together. After I had made a load of the things to bust a stash of yarn, I was at a loss of what to do with them. I made a scarf.

Make each scrumble (a collection of random shapes, joined together) into a piece about the size of a corsage. Make lots of these. I then made a thin strip of scarf (maybe 1.5 to 2 inches wide), slightly shorter than the finished scarf length would be in a yarn appropriate to the overall colourway. I joined the scrumbles onto the scarf using a series of runs of single crochet (UK double crochet). I was about to upload a picture of this but I realise I already put it on flickr.
 
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
That's ever so pretty frin!
 
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Ye Olde Motherboarde's tagline is "Ship's Quilter," but she doesn't make it onto this board too often. A few years ago several shipmates made a quilt for a beloved shipmate who was battling cancer. If you scroll down on this Mystery Worshipper Report from Molly's funeral, you'll see the quilt displayed.

I didn't know there was a report, or a quilt picture - very pleased to see both.

I've been quite a busy little knitter and among my recent finished objects are:


Ruby slippers

Reversible cable scarf

Crocheted bag (yay! I can crochet!)
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I've now finished Nefertiti - yay!

I had intended to send it to sister-in-law by registered post, for her to get framed locally. But I find I just can't do it. I so want to see her face when she receives it. So I'm getting it framed and we're visiting next month.

Now, what next?

(Interestingly, Hugal says I'm much calmer and less easily irritated/anxious when I have a proper stitching project on the go!)
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I'm nearly there on the slippers - only 3 and a half squares to go. I'm a bit disappointed with the colours (although the friend who's receiving the slippers did choose them) to be honest, but hopefully I'll be able to hide the black on the sole. Dark blue, dark red and a sort of fawn-ish colour.

If I have some spare cash next week I'll be back down to see if they have the nice burnt orange and the forest green still in stock and reduced!
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
I've now finished Nefertiti - yay!

(Interestingly, Hugal says I'm much calmer and less easily irritated/anxious when I have a proper stitching project on the go!)

Congratulations!

I know that I'm calmer when I have some needlework to do. There's someting soothing about the repetition and it somehow puts the busyness of my brain in neutral, allowing me to come up with creative solutions to things that are bugging me.

Which reminds me, now I no longer have a guest, I must get back to the wedding present I was doing. I remember someone on the Ship saying you have a year after the wedding to give the present, so I should make that deadline.

Huia
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I'm currently stitching the Klimt "Blue" shown here (you'll need to scroll down) Mr D gave it to me three Christmases ago, but i had two little "helpers" in the form of cats, who would chase the needle. They're calmer now, so as long as they're asleep when I get it out, I'm able to continue. It's beginning to look good!
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
I had started on the Daily Knitter's Samantha hat for me (and was all proud of myself for spotting and correcting the mistake in the pattern) when Immy pulled it all off my needles and lost too many stitches for it to be retrievable! Twiney's Freedom Spirit has proven to be sticky yarn, too, so I lost some of that when I was unravelling it all. Will have to try again later. Also doing a garter stitch hat for me. Knitting is very tricky when you have a curious just-starting-to-be-a-toddler about the place.
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
I'm looking for a pattern for a knitted dalek, the links to the pattern I have found on the internet don't seem to be working, can anyone help?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Kitten:
I'm looking for a pattern for a knitted dalek, the links to the pattern I have found on the internet don't seem to be working, can anyone help?

I knitted a couple of those last year - just before the BBC had the patterns for the Ood, Adipose and ?? (forgotten the other one) removed from the internet.

The Dalek pattern, although by another designer, has now also been removed, probably in response to all the hoo-ha that was created at that time.

I can't see it being restored - not unless the BBC are getting their cut, although the I don't think the BBC own the copyright to the Daleks

From the pattern:
quote:
Daleks are copyright to the Terry Nation estate.


 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I'm currently stitching the Klimt "Blue" shown here (you'll need to scroll down) Mr D gave it to me three Christmases ago, but i had two little "helpers" in the form of cats, who would chase the needle. They're calmer now, so as long as they're asleep when I get it out, I'm able to continue. It's beginning to look good!

Very nice - I also like the Rousseau Jungle and Joan Bancel ones - I wish there were enough hours in the day!!!
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I'm currently stitching the Klimt "Blue" shown here (you'll need to scroll down) Mr D gave it to me three Christmases ago, but i had two little "helpers" in the form of cats, who would chase the needle. They're calmer now, so as long as they're asleep when I get it out, I'm able to continue. It's beginning to look good!

Very nice - I also like the Rousseau Jungle and Joan Bancel ones - I wish there were enough hours in the day!!!
I'm thinking I might give it to my mum for her 80th birthday - she has everything she might need, and I thought something (fairly impressive) made by me might be good. But I don't know whether to make it into a cushion or to have it framed as a picture. What do people think?
 
Posted by Pooks (# 11425) on :
 
May I join you here? It's really great to see so many lovely handiwork items on show here. Just want to poke my head in to say hello and thanks for the pictures and helpful links posted.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Pooks:
May I join you here? It's really great to see so many lovely handiwork items on show here. Just want to poke my head in to say hello and thanks for the pictures and helpful links posted.

Welcome here. I love the pictures too.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Can you ask for patterns on this thread? I'm trying to track down a Phildar pattern for a crochet cushion which has a number of rings at it's centre and ends up as a hexagon. The pattern is somewhere in the house....And does anyone else do bobbin lace?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
Can you ask for patterns on this thread? I'm trying to track down a Phildar pattern for a crochet cushion which has a number of rings at it's centre and ends up as a hexagon. The pattern is somewhere in the house....And does anyone else do bobbin lace?

Sorry, I can't help you. I'm a knitter with a very basic knowledge of crochet, and I also occasionally do some cross stitch. Have you tried emailing Phildar? I emailed the Australian Patons about some old wool I was given and they were very helpful.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I'm currently stitching the Klimt "Blue" shown here (you'll need to scroll down) Mr D gave it to me three Christmases ago, but i had two little "helpers" in the form of cats, who would chase the needle. They're calmer now, so as long as they're asleep when I get it out, I'm able to continue. It's beginning to look good!

Very nice - I also like the Rousseau Jungle and Joan Bancel ones - I wish there were enough hours in the day!!!
I'm thinking I might give it to my mum for her 80th birthday - she has everything she might need, and I thought something (fairly impressive) made by me might be good. But I don't know whether to make it into a cushion or to have it framed as a picture. What do people think?
Tricky one.... some people like a useful gift and others like something purely to admire. I'd veer towards the hand worked cushion because it could be either.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I've now finished the multi-directional piece I mentioned a little while ago.

Pictures here.

It is completely through-crocheted; not a sewn stitch in it anywhere. And it only took about 4 weeks (for a surface area of about 40 sq ft I reckon). So definitely a faster medium than knitting.

The pluses, besides speed, are the wild freedom to do what you like with colour. The minuses are the need to keep to v simple outlines, a rather dense texture - so more suitable for outer garments.
 
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
And does anyone else do bobbin lace?

I do. it's been a while since I've picked my pillow up though.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Knitted Dalek , from the Internet Wayback Machine (archive.org)

[ 01. March 2009, 13:01: Message edited by: ecumaniac ]
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
Thanks ecumaniac, you're a star. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Pooks (# 11425) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I've now finished the multi-directional piece I mentioned a little while ago.

Pictures here.

It's lovely. I love multicoloured work that's not rigidly patterned. [Overused]
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I have finished the Celtic wedding blessing I was backstitching and it is now at the framers [Yipee] . This was one of the benefits of baptising my keyboard and mouse with boiling tea and being off-line for a few days.

Now I'm starting a Rainbow trout bookmark for a friend who fishes and a new agey faux American First People type sampler about following your dreams for a friend who likes that kind of thing [Roll Eyes] Usually I don't do things I don't like, but the recipient has been very generous to me and the discipline won't do me any harm.

Huia
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Not really double-posting as they are days apart [Razz] but I have the wedding blessing back from the framer and it looks good [Yipee]

Also a glitch in someone's planning at school gave me some time to dream up the words for my Easter card - now comes the hard bit- actually making them. Until I make the first ome I won't know whether the design works or not. Fingers crossed.

I saw some local advertising for a world day of knitting in public - in June sometime I think. Any Shipmates taking part?

Huia

[ 20. March 2009, 07:21: Message edited by: Huia ]
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
World Wide Knit In Public
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I went to the Stitch & Craft fair at Olympia yesterday, and it has re-ignited my enthusiasm for all things crafty. Loved Alan Dart's knitted wedding cake, and I might be tempted to knit the wedding couple for my parents' golden wedding this year.

It'll need some changes, though, as my dad got married in a cassock!
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I made a skirt yesterday!

A few weeks ago, I knocked together a "17th century" skirt out of half a blanket, gathered onto the waistband, which tied at each side. It looks very good for the purpose (though the Sealed Knot would mock me).
So, flushed with success, I rootled through my fabric stash and came upon a pair of Laura Ashley curtains in a pale brown pattern.
I swear I measured my waist, and gathered the material accordingly - but when I tried to tie it at the sides, it fell down round my ankles! Two of me could have fitted in it!
All is not lost, however - if I tie the front panel round the back, and the back panel round the front, instead of at the sides, it works perfectly, and the cotton falls quite nicely too.
I may even be able to wear it for work.

Next step is trying to work out what to do with the beautiful silk tweed I've been given. I'm almost afraid to cut it.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Eigon, you sound like an adventurous dressmaker as well as a talented one.

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread or the small things that make us happy one... however, ages ago I bought some spray adhesive for a project and promptly put it in a very creative place [Disappointed] Recently I re-discovered it and have been using it for my Easter cards - it's fantastic. In the past I have fiddled with double-sided sticky tape (which is described as having "an aggressive adhesive". It has to be carefully cut and placed, whereas the spray stuff is just sprayed in the general direction of what I'm sticking - much easier on
eyes that don't see as well as they once did, not to mention frustration levels [Big Grin]

Huia
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Adventurous, maybe - not so sure about talented! I'm totally incapable of putting a zip in, and my measuring is rubbish! But I'm getting more confident as I try different things, and they've all been wearable so far.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Autumn is finally here and I've been doing some knitting. Today I finished the first of a pair of Rose's wristwarmers. These were worn by Rose in Dr Who. Sorry no link to pattern. It's available only on Ravelry.

A few of us who participated in a Long Lacy Summer have decided to concentrate on texture and these fit the bill nicely.

Just below the wristwarmers is the finally finished pair of Hedera socks from a long past edition of Knitty. Just why I abandoned these when they were almost finished is a mystery.

Below that is a dusky pink Liesl cardigan and I'm about 75% finished another in a soft grape green, substituting a different stitch for the feather and fan.

It's two weeks today since Mum died and I've been knitting lots. Knitting and thinking.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
I have just finished this little dress for my granddaughter.
My DiL never seemed keen on the knitting I did for the boys, but seems to favour knitted dresses for the baby. She has already asked me to make a second edition of the baby dress I made last year in a larger size for Christmas this year. [Yipee]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Lots of work in the sailor dress. did it take you long?

As for upsizing the other one, I'm not much good at that. Try some DK and perhaps 4 mm needles and even perhaps pretend you were nearly finished and do the yoke. After all it's shoulder width and arm depth etc that will be what changes most. Dress length is easy to adjust. Make notes of how you change the pattern if at all so you know what you did.

There are probably others more experienced in this adapting than I am, so hopefully they will be along soon.
This one's another cutie which grows with the baby. I've seen various versions of it around and they all look good.
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Hmm, seeems you need to be signed in to Ravelry to see those photos, so I've put them on Flickr:
Last year's dress

Just finished dress - I was aiming for Easter, so did it in fits and starts over about seven weeks, including time spent searching for suitable buttons. It was quite easy to make, only made difficult by the yarn I used, which was very splitty, and also twisted up - on itself and with the other yarns when I was doing the boats.

I have looked at the pattern for the first dress, which my DiL wants upsizing, and the instructions are for one size only - an 18"/19" chest.
Rose is quite skinny, so I will probably not have to modify it much - my preferred option being to use DK instead of 4ply, and 4mm needles.

Time enough to make the decision in the autumn. In the meantime I'm contemplating trying the Little Sister's Dress - or even picking up the jacket I started for myself in January. [Biased]

[ 03. April 2009, 10:05: Message edited by: Roseofsharon ]
 
Posted by chive (# 208) on :
 
I've just started knitting again after a hiatus since I was about 10. The precipitating factor is the arrival later in the year of a niece or nephew. Does anyone know where I can get good and relatively easy cheap/free baby knitting patterns?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Chive, there are heaps of free patterns on the net and Yahoo groups have groups devoted to babyknitting.

Have a look at Knitting Pattern Central. Click Free patterns Index in left sidebar. They have loads of different categories like scarves, babies, socks etc. and if you follow links from the ones they suggest, you'll find others. Bev's Country Cottage (sorry, don't have URL) is another and also yarn manufacturers sites too. Do a search for something specific. Then follow up all the links and surf around and you'll find thousands. If the yarn is not available where you are, check the tension suggested and try a test swatch and find a substitute..

Good luck.

[ 04. April 2009, 22:25: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Transferred from another thread:

quote:
Originally posted by Gill H:
The previous thread still seems to be closed, so ...

I mentioned that I want to knit Alan Dart's wedding couple as a 50th anniversary present for my parents.

Bride and groom

However, my dad is a retired vicar and he got married in a cassock.

So ... any tips? Just do the bride body in black, with long arms and black up to the neck? Or what?




[ 23. May 2009, 03:54: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Just do the bride body in black, with long arms and black up to the neck? Or what?
Can't help thinking that there is some shaping to the bride's body that isn't quite right (not knowing your dad [Biased] ).
Do you have/can you borrow a pattern for a knitted nativity at the same scale? There should be some straight-up-and-downish gowned figures that could be adapted, I would have thought.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Not quite sure how it works but I am guessing that the groom has a body then the waistcoat and jacket are put on over this. At some point around the hips, the bride and groom must have the same number of stitches on the needle (bride starts wider and ends narrower), swap to the groom pattern for shaping from there on but do it in black.

If not then you will need to alter the shapping as follows.

I think I would take the shaping at the waist of the bride and write it out so as to give a narrower end and a wider top.

Arms do as grooms are at present but do the end ruff in black.

As it is cassock without gown you might consider knitting a belt.

Jengie
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
A few months back I found a link to some blog posts by a woman who knitted a blanket of mitred squares in sock yarn. And I had a lot of leftover sock yarn, especially as I have small feet, and my drawer of stash was overflowing as I waited to decide on something I could use it for. So, yes, I too am knitting a blanket in sock yarn on 2.5mm needles. I think it's going to be about double bed size. This knitting thing may be a bit out of control.

I ended up buying some yarn specially for it, which I did not intend to do, but I used up most of my leftovers so quickly and needed some others to space out what was left, and it's *so* addictive - each square only takes about half an hour and it's always so tempting to do just one more, just one more... I am telling myself now I must not buy any more yarn for it but knit more socks first so I have the leftovers.

Luckily I like to have very long-term, repetitive projects that don't require too much concentration!

I just finished a scarf this evening, Branching Out from Knitty in a dark purple, subtly variegated yarn that I originally bought for socks but decided was just too gorgeous not to be out on display. My problem now is finding somewhere to block it. It's a fairly effective motivation to do some tidying up to make space!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
Found you on Ravelry!
No photos of your projects 'though [Frown]
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
No, I need to put in a chunk of time to really get to grips with Ravelry and figure out to do things but just haven't got round to it yet, I've only started to dabble in it. I can see it's a fantastic resource, but it's all a bit overwhelming!

Not that knowing how something works necessarily makes me any better at keeping it updated, as my poor neglected blog shows. In fact, I do it so rarely that actually I then don't know exactly how it works because they've changed it all again...
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Hi all

I dropped an email to Alan Dart, who created the bride and groom pattern and does lots of these sort of things (latest one is mediaeval mice!)

He suggested doing the groom the same as the bride, but with black right up to the neck, and no thread to draw in the waist 'unless your father has a very shapely waist'! Nice turn of phrase there, Mr Dart.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Back at my loom again---a Kromski Harp rigid heddle loom---and am learning how to use a pick-up stick. I'm thinking of attaching another rigid heddle as well, thus making it behave more like a 4-harness loom...
 
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
Want to get back into some embroidery and sewing, so there's a big de-clutter going on here. I have a pattern - Simplicity Crafts 5721 "Inspirational banners". I can't find a page suitable to use as a link, but Google, friend that it is, has an image or two.

Would anyone like it before it hits the recycle bin?

A
 
Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I've been gathering flight-related info & getting ready for the Santa Fe Shipmeet this month.

One source said you could have pointy scissors in your carry-on bag, another said they need to be rounded, but both still agreed they need to be 4" or less in length

I was tickled when I read in amongst the TSA website list of dangerous items that, although knitting needles are allowed in your handbag, some of the screeners might be nervous about them - so it was suggested that you pack bamboo ones, stick to shorter rather than longer ones, use the ones with that line running between them...

In other words, dangerous types like us knitty-crafty grannies need to be the "stronger brother" for our beleaguered stressed TSA brethren. They walk a hard road. Let's not provoke them with our great big threatening handicraft tools, OK?

Made me smile.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
About 35 years ago, before much consciousness about international terrorism had reached NZ I had a t-shirt that said, "Wellington Women's Knitting Circle and Terrorist Organisation", my mother made me turn it inside out while it was drying on the clothesline - i think it was so the neighbourhood children wouldn't be corrupted. [Big Grin]

Huia
 
Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
These days it would have to be turned inside out for fear Homeland Security or the FBI or somebody would stealth up and steal you out of your house for interrogation.
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
They're monitoring your laundry, Huia. [Paranoid]
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Damn - they're keeping secrets from me -the list wouldn't scroll over [Waterworks] now I don't know whether I'm a terrorist or not,

But I do find it suspicious thar the list of designated terrorists was updated on my birthday [Paranoid]

Janine, I wouldn't dare wear it these days _ I think my mother had an "accident" with it. Now the most subversive T -shirt I have has the logo of the NZ Anglican Church.

Huia
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Janine: Don't bring your knitting in hand luggage to Australia. You are prohibited from having knitting needles in any sort on any flight out of Australia or indeed, any flight within Australia. There has been a recent petition to relax these rules and some have reported knitting, but I wouldn't risk my good needles or knitting.

If you are desperate to cut yarn, use the cutter on dental floss container or you can get attractive cutters which look like a necklace.

As to Ravelry. It's even more of a time sucker than the Ship! It's a fantastic resource for patterns, and probably the first place I'd look. I have used it for questions re a particular pattern, but have not become involved in any of the major forums which can be hotter than Hell here. I see no reason to list my stash, I have lists elsewhere, nor to exclusively use Flickr. That said, there are lots of good points about it and I've been a member almost from the very beginning.

[ 03. June 2009, 06:52: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I love this bolero top but it's not given in my size (or anything near!) How do I work out sizings for a rather large lady?
 
Posted by lady in red (# 10688) on :
 
A mere eighteen months after I started it, I have finally finished making this frock (I cut it out then never got round to sewing it together.

The pattern is a 1950s original that I got from ebay. I haven't decided yet if I dare wear it to work... it's very red
 
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by lady in red:
A mere eighteen months after I started it, I have finally finished making this frock (I cut it out then never got round to sewing it together.

The pattern is a 1950s original that I got from ebay. I haven't decided yet if I dare wear it to work... it's very red

That looks beautiful.
As it's red it should suit you down to the ground!
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I don't see why you couldn't wear it to work. But that might just be my southern California aesthetic talking; my sister-in-law in Boston says we dress far more loudly out here than people do in other places.
 
Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 
Maybe you need a soft white cardigan to go with it? I like it but you are right, it is very red!
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Lovely. I would put a white jacket with it, but then I'm still stuck in the 80s!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
The dress is adorable and will be great this summer. For work, I second the white cardigan suggestion. Besides, the pretty-dress-with-cardigan look is so very Michelle Obama. Très chic.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
The dress is adorable and will be great this summer. For work, I second the white cardigan suggestion. Besides, the pretty-dress-with-cardigan look is so very Michelle Obama. Très chic.

Not sure who the lady next to Michelle Obama is, but she looks terrified! [Big Grin]

I think the dress would look ace with a cardi, or on its own - very chic and fashionable - make the office a beautiful place! It's a gorgeous dress, I'm impressed with your dress-making skills.

I can't remember if it's been mentioned on this thread before, but I've just discovered Spoonflower, where you can upload your own designs and they print them on to fabric. I've just received my first fabic order in this hedgehog pattern that I designed. It's amazing!
 
Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 
Wow, that is an amazing site. Good job on the hedgehog fabric design. Are you going to sew something out of it?
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Thank you! Yes, it's going to become a handbag and matching coin purse.
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
Oooh, Spoonflower looks amazing, what a great idea! I'm going to point my sister in its direction, she's the artist and I'm the crafter so together I'm sure we could come up with some interesting things with that...

quote:
Originally posted by lady in red:
A mere eighteen months after I started it, I have finally finished making this frock (I cut it out then never got round to sewing it together.

The pattern is a 1950s original that I got from ebay.

Gorgeous! That's one reason I'd love to learn to sew, because I wear a lot of 1950s-style clothes and would like to be able to make authentic ones. I've always made little dolls and teddies and been able to bodge together the odd flimsy bag and that kind of thing, but I've never learnt anything beyond that, nor got the hang of sewing machines. I did slightly better with a hand-cranked one, but the electric one with a foot pedal I had a terrible time with because I would panic and forget how to make it stop. [Hot and Hormonal]

I've just learnt how to sew up shoulder seams invisibly on a knitted garment! It's slightly pathetic that I'm so excited over it, but I am. I have always done very basic, rather bulky and unattractive sewing up and never really learnt it properly at all, but it did the job well enough and didn't look too bad on the outside, and I've yet to have had chance to invest a lot of money in making myself a jumper or something where I would feel I had to do it right, so I've just been too lazy to learn something new and stuck to socks and shawls and scarves. But I'm doing a lot of charity knitting for premature babies at the moment and figured they could not deal with the lumps and bumps of my usual efforts! Once again I'm thinking I should've made myself go ahead and learn earlier, it's very straightforward and so much more fun to do when you see yourself getting a perfect result. Next up, mattress stitch!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I love this bolero top but it's not given in my size (or anything near!) How do I work out sizings for a rather large lady?

I wish I could help you with this, Dormouse, but 'sizing- up' is not a skill I have learned. I haven't knitted anything for myself since I was fifteen for that reason, but there seems to be many more plus-size patterns around nowadays, especially on the internet.
Have you done a search for plus-size bolero (or shrug) knitting patterns? You might find something similar that you like just as much, and can knit without needing to alter the instructions.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Well this page will put out a pattern for any specific size including knitters natural tension.


Oh I found it by googling plus-size bolero and knitting.

Jengie

[ 17. June 2009, 10:05: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
I think some people here do papercraft, and am also aware that some people are fond of teh lolcats. I don't know if there is crossover between these groups, but if so you might be interested in this little gem.
It was pretty easy to make, I only glued my thumb in a couple of times (I am not gifted in this direction), and came out looking okay, once in place on flatmate's ceiling [Snigger]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I love the Ceiling Cat!

I've just finished a skirt!
I was given some gorgeous material - silk tweed - and I really didn't want to spoil it. I also wanted to make something that I could look fairly smart for work in. The worrying part of it all, for me, was that this would almost inevitably involve a zip, and I've never set in a zip before.
I spent some time scouring sewing books and magazines before I found a method of setting zips in that made sense to me - and it worked! And the skirt looks lovely!

I have enough of the material left to make either another skirt and something small, or possibly a pinafore dress. All I need now is a decent pattern....
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tea gnome:
I think some people here do papercraft, and am also aware that some people are fond of teh lolcats. I don't know if there is crossover between these groups, but if so you might be interested in this little gem.

That's AMAZING! I'm moving house soon, and this dude might have to live over the toilet...
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
I can't remember if it's been mentioned on this thread before, but I've just discovered Spoonflower, where you can upload your own designs and they print them on to fabric. I've just received my first fabic order in this hedgehog pattern that I designed. It's amazing!

And here's the handbag I've made with the fabric.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That bag is beautiful, Earwig and unique too.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I've just finished a piece of calligraphy for a competition at the local craft centre. I'm quite pleased with it, although there are one or two things I'm not sure about. Still, I can't change them without starting all over again!

If I had a digital camera I'd take a photo - but I don't so you'll just have to imagine!
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
That bag is beautiful, Earwig and unique too.

Absolutely -- all kinds of adorable.

Dormouse, how did you learn calligraphy? It looks like it would take more patience than I have!
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dormouse:
I've just finished a piece of calligraphy for a competition at the local craft centre. I'm quite pleased with it, although there are one or two things I'm not sure about. Still, I can't change them without starting all over again!

If I had a digital camera I'd take a photo - but I don't so you'll just have to imagine!

And I showed it to a French friend who immediately spotted a spelling mistake which means I need to do the entire thing again... Grrr. But also it means I can change the things I'm not sure about so it's not all bad - just 4 1/2 hours work down the Swanee. Sigh.

I learned calligraphy by copying a book of calligraphy that my mother did (and bound) at college. It's a beautiful hand written and painted copy of a James Elroy Flecker poem. She sadly never finished it - I don't know if she still has it, but I thought it was a work of art. I'm lucky in that my handwriting is quite calligraphic anyway, so I had a headstart! It's the "creative" thinking of ideas side I find more difficult, as I'm not so much of an artist, but I was pleased with my efforts (until I was shown the spelling mistake!) I'll do it again on Thursday as I have a day off then.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Help please. Last Christmas I bought from the Book Depository a book to teach children knitting. It had clear illustrations and text and lots of small attractive projects to learn from. I paid about $14 AUS when here it was over $30.

What I'm looking for is something to help a young child learn to sew. Similar clear text etc.

My granddaughter turns 7 next week. She's a very bright girl, very good at maths and mathematical concepts, precise with measuring and handwork.

She's been desperate for two years for a sewing machine. Her parents have bought a small basic model, straight and zigzag only.

I'm putting together a package of attractive remnants, threads, pins, boxes of buttons, special scissors etc. All in a storage box.

But I'd love any recommendations re a basic book geared to a child. Machine sewing, not wool embroidery etc.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Think I'll copy this to general question thread on this board. It's slipped down the page here.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
It's not often that I see something and WANT WANT WANT it, but I want a sock knitting machine so badly after seeing this wind knitting factory.

Does anyone here have one? (Just out of interest, of course, I'd never steal a shippie's sock machine... [Biased] [Snigger] )
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Can anyone help? I am looking for a card (probably cream)with a very large square aperture - about 105-110mm square. I'm hopeless at cutting apertures, otherwise I might have had a go at making one. I need an envelope to fit as well.
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
There's some card blanks with rectangular apertures here
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Craft Creations do a lot of cards:

Craft Creations

Don't seem to have many square ones though. I agree they are hard to find.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I've just come across Fine Cell Work, a charity that teaches embroidery, quilting and patchwork to prisoners, and sells their work. Their stuff is amazing.
 
Posted by Joan_of_Quark (# 9887) on :
 
I could have started a new thread called Virgin Hooker but I didn't.

I've been wondering about learning to crochet for a while. Yesterday I found a book (it's this one) in a charity shop with some instructions and some reasonably interesting garments, but no really small items. Would it make sense to create sample squares out of all the simple stitches first, much like those blankets and so on composed of squares sewn or crocheted together? Does anyone have any recommendations for internet tutorials if I get stuck with the book - I see there are plenty of sites devoted to crochet but not sure yet which are good.

An aunt who lives abroad showed me a little crochet once, but I had no patterns etc to continue with. I am hoping it will come back to me from the diagrams. I can knit, but haven't for ages.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Joan_of_Quark:
Would it make sense to create sample squares out of all the simple stitches first, much like those blankets and so on composed of squares sewn or crocheted together?

Upthread here I posted piccies of a jacket I created entirely out of squares (well, rectangles really) of double crochet, worked in all directions.

Or if that looks too hard (but it isn't), why not a simple, boat-neck top? Work as many chain as you want for the width (plus 2), work in dbl, with the odd row of treble for variety, until you have an area you consider big enough for the front (or back). Do another one. Sew together, leaving spaces for the neck and arms.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
If you can get hold of some of the older Phildar pattern books, they give pattern diagrams as well as written instrucions, which makes life much easier!
Talking of which, does anyone have a Phildar pattern for a cushion which starts with rings joined together which you then crochet into? It's in one of the decorations et loisirs books, I managed to get one on ebay but it was the wrong one. I know my copy is in the house....somewhere.
 
Posted by Joan_of_Quark (# 9887) on :
 
Thanks for the advice. Firenze, I saw your piece and thought the colours were wonderful. I'll probably do something much smaller and simpler first, so the boatneck top is a good idea. St Gwladys, my book has diagrams as well as written instructions, so I'll get to see which I find most natural to refer to.

I've just finished a big chunk of writing and I even know where the one and only crochet hook is hiding so might get somewhere this weekend.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
How did the crocheting go, Joan? I spend far too much time visiting crocheting blogs, lots of which have great tutorials. What sort of things do you want to crochet? I tend not to make clothes, but make amigurumi, handbags, sculptures - I want to be Howie Woo when I grow up.
 
Posted by Joan_of_Quark (# 9887) on :
 
I have started, and so far learned chain and double crochet, after a fashion. The trouble is, I realised partway through that I was not holding the thread in the approved fashion. I already have a knitting style that causes despair to purists - letting go of the wrong needles at the wrong time - so I'd rather try and make myself do crochet properly from the start.

I am not sure what I am going to make: probably gifts, scarves, bags, clothes, throws?

There's a stash of wools in my storage area, but unfortunately also a habitable paper sculpture designed not by me but by a colony of wasps, so I have to figure out how to get further supplies out whilst they are sleeping until I can make them go away!
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Oh, I love wasps' nests. So beautiful!

Futuregirl's blog has some great tutorials, and a simple bag to crochet - the Starling bag which I'm crocheting on Tuesday nights, while at a pub quiz.

Roman Sock has some good bag patterns (and cute anipals) to crochet, and I'm quite fond of Whitepaw's hats.

[ 25. August 2009, 14:27: Message edited by: Earwig ]
 
Posted by Jodi (# 2490) on :
 
I'm a bit worried at myself. Since learning to seam properly, I'm actually finding myself *looking forward* to sewing up knitted garments. This is simply not natural.

Much as I enjoy knitting these little baby clothes and the fact that it's for a local charity, I'm thinking I would like a bit of a change for a while, something where I'm not limited to pastels and preferably could also use some of my stash of yarn with actual wool content. I'm still knitting my own stuff like socks, but at the moment I'd like to still devote a good chunk of my knitting time to charity, just something a bit different. Anyone got any good suggestions for what else I might knit and for whom?
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jodi:
I'd like to still devote a good chunk of my knitting time to charity, just something a bit different. Anyone got any good suggestions for what else I might knit and for whom?

Here's whole list of UK charities which accept various knitted articles. Take your pick
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
We've been Yarn Bombed!
Little pieces of crochet have been put up all around town, each with a little tag naming the website
www.yarn-craft-revival.blogspot.com
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I think this is a super idea, but it could only be done somewhere like Hay where there's a chance that the pieces would survive. Shame.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
*bump*
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Nice bump Firenze!

I will now cause confusion and consternation by spreading my crafting thoughts (few and far between as they are) between this and the Christmas thread.

Last night I started a scarf in our Thursday night coffee haunt. The part I have started is a crochet mesh (chain 4, treble) through which I plan, once it is long enough, to weave ribbons and interesting other yarns. So far I have achieved about 4cm or an inch and a half. Hopefully this will serve to use up a cone of yarn that has been sitting in my stash for far too long.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
The lady who did the Yarn Bombing turns out to belong to the local Stitch and Bitch group. When she revealed her true identity, we all got terribly enthusiastic about it - so last night we all went out together (with items we had prepared earlier) and scattered yarn around town.
Imagine five otherwise sensible middle aged ladies, giggling like schoolgirls as they attached crochet flowers to door handles and a rather cute little ghost on a post in the town square. Photos will be appearing soon on the website a few posts above (yarn craft revival).
I went past the Library this morning, and found that the little hat I knitted for the bollard there has already been taken! It didn't last 12 hours!
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I'm currently on a mission to knit up all my stash. Should be doable, provided I live to 120.

I sorted all* of my cotton yarns into two heaps - sads and strongs. I'm working all the sads (Dull greens, muted browns, greys, soft blues, off white, cinnamon) in Kaffe Fassett's step pattern.

The strongs I will probably subdivide into a warm and a cold grouping and alternate quite small squares in a mosaic-type thingie.

*no, that's wrong actually. Some.
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
*bump*
Is anyone w*rking on any projects now that the Christmas excitement is past? (At least for some of us!) [Smile]
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I'm having a clear out and have several half- used skeins of embroidery cotton (mostly dull greens) from a project I completed in 1995, plus a 2inch x 3inch cross-stitch kit of Ballindalloch Castle which I can't remember buying. Since I've failed to use them up in the last decade, and I don't think our local charity shop would particularly like them, and it seems a shame to bin them, would anyone like them? I'll bung them in the post to the first person to PM me.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I found some nice patterns for crochet bookmarks on at crochetpatternscentral. I've downloaded patterns for an angel and a teddy, both of which take fairly small quantities of thread. Only problem is trying to get decent crochet thread!
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
Picked my knitting back up again, after a hiatus since mid-November. Once I finish the current pair of socks, and then a pair I have half-finished for Mr. Otter (he's been very very patient) I have the difficulty of deciding what to do next. My stash of both yarn and patterns I want to make is large.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I've just made a pair of Granny square slippers. There are two main patterns on the web, one which calls for a large (6 rounds) square and 3 small (3rounds) squares, the other calls for 6x3 round squares. I've compromised and made one large and 2 small plain squares per slipper. Using DK yarn, it made up large enough to fit me, and I take a size 6 shoe. I had a pair of these given me many years ago, but couldn't remamber how they were made. I'm now planning to make a number of pairs to sell at our next craft fair (I've got until April!) to raise money for our local youth project.
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I'm about to make an attempt to turn the sleeves of an old leather jacket (sourced from a charity shop many years ago and used for a bible cover, a notebook cover and various wrist cuffs so far) into mittens (possibly with a fleece or faux-fur lining) to keep my fingers warm and dry on my bicycle. We'll see how that goes!
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I've just finished (and am gratefully wearing) what is I believe called a ruana.

To those as unacquainted with the concept as I was up until a few weeks ago, it's a sort of poncho/wrap thing constructed by joining two strips of fabric about halfway along one edge. In my case, I crocheted two bands, each about 20" wide, in a mixture of rows of single and double crochet, with a pocket at one end, joined them, and put a small amount of stitching at the sides to join front to back and create an armhole.

It's more convenient than a shawl or wrap, since it doesn't fall off readily, but it's loose enough to add on top of all other layers (v useful, just now).
 
Posted by Keren-Happuch (# 9818) on :
 
The K-Glets are now both well kitted out with jumpers and mittens knitted by my aunt, which inspired me to remind myself how to knit. I have managed to make a scarf in rainbow coloured wool for the toddler. There's enough left to do something else when I can summon up the energy but I've got various cross stitch things to do first!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Have done little since moving house 17/12. Been far too busy and tired to contemplate much knitting. Did work on a patterned sock in the early hours of one morning when I could not sleep. Big mistake!

When I was 3 repeats down a lacy pattern, I noticed that somehow I had made a bad mistake at the beginning of those repeats. Quite unfixable and horribly obvious except to my sleepy self. I had to rip it out and pick up stitches.

I'm also working on a Commelina scarf but have stopped to chart the pattern so it's easier to see next step. Once upon a time, I did not use charts but have taught myself to use them and now prefer them to written instructions.
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
I did a lot of rather speedy knitting just before Christmas (keen-eyed Shipmates who peruse certain All Saints threads might be able to figure out what and why [Biased] ) but then was away for 2 weeks with no project on the go. My fingers were itching by the time I got back, it just doesn't feel right.

I've gone back to my 'standby project', a cross stitch of the Eiffel Tower. Hugal says I am much more relaxed when I stitch in the evenings, and we have to do something to get us through this dark, cold, long month with no money!
 
Posted by Curious (# 93) on :
 
I'm thinking of creating a Jesse Tree for next Advent - and would like to cross-stitch the symbols. Anyone know where I can find (simple and prefereably free) patterns on the web?

Curious
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I trudged into town in the snow last night to buy the last 50cm of faux sheepskin that John Lewis had then after tea I scaled up and cut out the pattern pieces for the lobster-claw mittens I'm trying to make. Before I went to bed I cut out all the leather pieces I needed and marked out the fleece pieces - they all look HUGE but I'm sure that's because of seam allowances and them not being too restrictive. Tonight I shall cut the fleece lining pieces and attempt to sew it all together.

It's nice to have a first crafting project of 2010 off the ground, even if someof the 2009 ones are still languishing. I guess it's the urgency of wanting warm hands when I'm on my bicycle!
 
Posted by Hugal (# 2734) on :
 
I am about to start two scrapbook one of our trip to Disneyland Paris and one of Christmas. I always have cards waiting to be made.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I am using a latch-hook kit as a carrot to finish other almost-completed projects (including sorting the latest batch of photos that I've taken) - once I've completed all that then I can start on the latch-hook (my first attempt so a small project).
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
I completed two multi-colour cardigan/jackets as Christmas presents - examples can be seen in the link in my sig. Now another for my sister. I began to use colour after having gotten stuck half way up the back of my fourth single colour sweater through sheer boredom. The result resembles a friendship cake, in that each new sweater is begun with the part balls of wool left over from the least one, and the one before that... So I never have the excuse of "no wool". and it's an excuse for buying single balls when I see them in a sale.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Curious:
I'm thinking of creating a Jesse Tree for next Advent - and would like to cross-stitch the symbols. Anyone know where I can find (simple and prefereably free) patterns on the web?

If you have pictures of the symbols you'd like to use, to can make your own cross stitch patterns using the KnitPro 2.0. Just upload your picture and it turns it into leetle squares for crochet, knitting or cross-stitch!

[ 08. January 2010, 11:52: Message edited by: Earwig ]
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
After googling Tree of Jesse, I found a link

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/France_Chartres_JesseTree_c1145_a.JPG

to the Relevant windo in Chartres Cathedral. (Sorry - I don't know, or have forgotten, how to do these links neatly.) But the pic might take a lifetime to embroider!

There seems to be a link between T of J and the idea of the tree of life found in other cultures

[ 08. January 2010, 12:03: Message edited by: jacobsen ]
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
To continue previous post - I note that Amazon have several books on the Jesse Tree, including ideas for making deorations out of individual symbols, and hanging then on a "tree" of bare branches. Curious, is this the kind of thing you had in mind, or was it going to be one large embroidered picture?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just spent the time it took my soup to cook to make a very basic dog coat for my little hound (who was sitting on the window sill quivering).
It's basically a square of blanket, with a loop at the front around her chest so it doesn't slip off backwards and two ties around her belly to keep it close to her body. She's wearing it now, and she's not quivering any more.
 
Posted by Curious (# 93) on :
 
I want individual symbols to hang on a tree - so the site that Earwig found was very useful. I already have some pictures that need turning into patterns.

I figured as its an ambitious (for me!) project, starting now might be a good idea! If it turns out well I'll see if I can post a picture.

Curious
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Curious, have you thought of photocopying or printing your images onto graph paper? Would that provide an instant usable pattern?
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Just showing off a new found ability to post links. My sweaters (some of them) can be seen here
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Nice work Jacobsen!

I managed to manufacture my mittens (although now I can't find the web page I took the pattern from) and they look like mittens, which is a bonus! They kept my hands warm on Saturday too, so that's good. My only failing in them was neglecting to change the pattern for use with a non-stretch fabric so they're a little tight around the base of the thumb. Something to remember for next time, I think.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
I've just made a pair of Granny square slippers. I'm now planning to make a number of pairs to sell at our next craft fair (I've got until April!) to raise money for our local youth project.

Courtesy of the sn*w I've now made 7 pairs. I'm really glad I stocked up on wool last Monday, but I'm getting sick of doing granny squares!
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I'm now part-way through knitting a doggie-sweater for a rather cold old spaniel. Hope I've chosen colours that won't harm his street cred.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
There is now one very happy dog [Smile]
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Which football team does your dog support?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by jacobsen:
Which football team does your dog support?

Wolves.

All dogs do.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by jacobsen:
Curious, have you thought of photocopying or printing your images onto graph paper? Would that provide an instant usable pattern?

Ordinary graph paper won't work. Cross stitch and knitting stitches are different shapes so picture will be distorted.

Here's a link to a site with heaps of different sizes of knitting graph paper. Both portrait and landscape orientation. There are also others around, and I was given a small booklet with a sheep picture with right shaped graph. I use it to chart patterns which have no charts.
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Thanks, Lothlorien - that's really useful.

[ 15. January 2010, 06:37: Message edited by: jacobsen ]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Over the Christmas holidays, I spent some time browsing websites of Victorian style clothing with my boyfriend, who is rather into the 'steam punk' style (what would happen if the Victorians had discovered space flight - so Victorian style with space age technology - lots of brass and wood and frock coats etc.).
Looking at the ladies' clothing on Gentleman's Emporium reminded me that I once had a pair of real Victorian ladies' bloomers, crotch-less to go under crinolines, which were amazingly useful for keeping my legs warm when I was riding my bike.
No idea what happened to them, but I greatly desired another pair. Then I looked at prices, and decided to attempt making my own.
I just happened to have a smallish curtain in my stash, white with a small blue pattern all over. It just fit round my waist, so I up-ended it so that the wide hem became the waistband and fitted a couple of hooks and eyes to hold it together. Then I cut up the middle to make the legs, hemmed round, and turned a cuff at the bottom of each leg which I sewed together, leaving the rest of the leg open.
Since I totally made the pattern up, they're not quite like the real thing, but they'll do very nicely under long skirts as an alternative to a petticoat, and keep my legs warmer.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
quote:
Originally posted by jacobsen:
Which football team does your dog support?

Wolves.

All dogs do.

Maybe it's Wolves - Frankie isn't the right breed to support
the Terriers but there are the Rovers (Blackburn) or the Rovers (Bristol).

However, he is the correct breed to support this American football team. I wonder if I've got some wool in that colour.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I have two winter coats, one of which is just getting to the end of its useful life. Looking in my wardrobe, I discovered that the only other coat I have is a very light summer jacket, but nothing in between.
I went round the charity shops yesterday, but nothing really jumped out from the rails, so I had a look through my fabric stash and came upon some caramel coloured wool I'd been given.
I spent half an hour making a basic poncho, just a square with a slit for the head - lighter than the winter coat, but warmer than the summer jacket.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I recently did a quick line embroidery of Nessa from Gavin and Stacey. Tidy. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
That's lush [Biased]

Doesn't look right without a cigarette though ...!
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
O frabjous day!

I'm just back from my first trip to Mandor's in Glasgow (ah, free bus travel).

Got some beautiful fabric for roman blinds (the object of the trip) and some lovely Italian wool suiting (the drape! the drape!) for warm skirts.

What I could now do with is a decent UK/Europe supplier of patterns, in which to make said skirts.
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
But Firenze, according to their site, Mandors stock an "all encompassing range of paper patterns."
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Or, you could make a pattern from an existing skirt.
 
Posted by David Powell (# 5545) on :
 
I've just been away on a long (November-mid-December) orchestral tour of the USA, spending hours on coaches, and while many colleagues were watching DVDs on laptops a small knitting circle sprung up and widened. I found myself, a man of over 50, teaching young women how to knit. It felt quite odd but I enjoyed the attention. We had a couple of outings to knit shops and made a Santa hat for the conductor complete with a jingle bell on the top (communally) which I thought was all very much in the spirit of knitting. I did a scarf for my wife's Christmas present, a hat for a Canadian baby cousin, and a hat for a colleague's brother's newborn. This year I've done a baby hat and boottees for a friend and am in the middle of a scarf using cable with Fassett yarn.
I'm organist at a S London Anglican parish church. A few years ago we did squares towards a blanket; can't remember why, because I think if e.g. you shipped one off to Haiti it might be more trouble than it's worth from the point of view of the aid workers. Any ideas for useful projects for a congregation? The priest is interested and would be very supportive.
By the way I would recommend "A History of Hand Knitting" by Richard Rutt, Bishop of Leicester who has knitted his own mitre!
 
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
O frabjous day!

I'm just back from my first trip to Mandor's in Glasgow (ah, free bus travel).

Got some beautiful fabric for roman blinds (the object of the trip) and some lovely Italian wool suiting (the drape! the drape!) for warm skirts.

Mandors is indeed absolutely frabjous. I discovered it whilst looking for elasticated straps to mend my chairs (they didn't have what I needed, but sent me to someone who did). I can mooch for ages in there, and I don't even do much in the way of sewing! I'm going to need to either make curtains or get curtains made, so that gives me a perfect excuse to have another mooch. How sad!
 
Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I'm toying with the idea of learning to do wax resist Easter eggs, like Ukrainian ones. Has anyone done them and if so, how difficult was it to learn? And do you have any hints for beginners?
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Here is a site which could start you off.
 
Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Thanks! Getting the drippy middle out is definitely the first step.
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I've never done it, but a blogger called Craftastica has a few hints on her Flickr page. They look amazing!
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by David Powell:

Any ideas for useful projects for a congregation? The priest is interested and would be very supportive.

I remember one of my aunts used to knit garments for premature babies for her local hospital and I believe there are charities that collect hand knitted prematue baby clothes for distribution to special baby units around the country. Might that be an option for your congregation?
 
Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
I've never done it, but a blogger called Craftastica has a few hints on her Flickr page. They look amazing!

Cool-very inspiring! I like the close ups that show that the designs aren't perfect, yet they still look very pretty. It tells me that I may get over the novice hump without throwing eggs against the wall. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I have a crochet pattern for a lacy top which uses "soft light fingering weight yarn" e.g "baby alpaca or merino wool blend". Can anyone explain what sort of thickness this is, and what type of British yarn I should be looking for?
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
I have a crochet pattern for a lacy top which uses "soft light fingering weight yarn" e.g "baby alpaca or merino wool blend". Can anyone explain what sort of thickness this is, and what type of British yarn I should be looking for?

The weight is light fingering - the other ways I've seen that weight listed are #1 (in the standard that uses a number in a graphic of a ball of yarn) and "Super Fine."

This chart from Patons says 27-32 stitches in 4 cm, on 2.25-3.5 mm size hook.

The rest of it - the comments about soft, baby alpaca, and merino blend, are all about how soft the yarn is. Which is really really soft if they're suggesting a baby alpaca or baby alpaca/merino blend. So although a lightweight sock yarn would work size-wise, it may not be as soft as you want. Also, if there's pictures, see if you can tell it's a fairly fuzzy yarn with a halo.

And if they suggest a specific yarn, google it and see what, exactly, it is. That should make finding something similar (or the same stuff) easier.

[ 05. February 2010, 20:10: Message edited by: Otter ]
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
I have a crochet pattern for a lacy top which uses "soft light fingering weight yarn" e.g "baby alpaca or merino wool blend". Can anyone explain what sort of thickness this is, and what type of British yarn I should be looking for?

The equivalent weight in UK yarn would be 3ply, but read yarn labels to find out which ones recommend using the size hook suggested in the pattern, and which knit/crochet to the same gauge.

I can't help with softness - alpaca or merino blends, as the pattern specifies, would be lovely to work with and to wear.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
And if they suggest a specific yarn, google it and see what, exactly, it is. That should make finding something similar (or the same stuff) easier.

Or try looking it up on Yarndex which has details on thousands of yarns.

I'd agree about it probably being 3 ply, but then again, wool down here is different again in definitions.
 
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Ot trying poking around Ravelry which has all sorts of information about all sort of things yarny.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I found a really nice wool shop at Mumbles today and bought some gorgeous sock yarn which seems to fit the guage for the pattern. I was chatting to the lady in the shop and telling her taht I had problem finding really nice crochet patterns, and she recommended Ravelry!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
I found a really nice wool shop at Mumbles today and bought some gorgeous sock yarn which seems to fit the guage for the pattern. I was chatting to the lady in the shop and telling her taht I had problem finding really nice crochet patterns, and she recommended Ravelry!

Ravelry is fantastic for finding patterns, both free and for sale. However, it's far too easy to suddenly discover two hours have gone by since I started to search for "lacy cardigan" pattern, or such like. And some of the forums can be fairly unpleasant at times.

Be careful saying the "yarn fits the gauge for the pattern." Most wools give a gauge which is often done on quite large needles for the garment.

The important thing is your actual gauge and tension. What you get when you knit the particular wool in the particular pattern si much more important than what is suggested on the band..

Socks last better done on often much smaller needles than recommended on the ball band. 8 or more stitches/inch/2.5 cm will make a firm fabric which is comfortable to wear and long lasting too. That may mean you need to cast on more than the pattern suggest to get the sock to fit. Perhaps a small pattern repeat or perhaps some purl stitches between pattern repeats.

The other important thing is to measure circumference of leg and my tension. I know how many stitches make a well fitting sock for me in many wools. I often have to adjust the pattern. Many American patterns use huge number of stitches, over 70 often. I prefer 60-64. Any more and it will fall down.

Also, be careful, some patterns have lots of give in them and will fit a range. Some are known for being tight and a bigger size is often needed.

I've made hundreds of pairs of socks and now pretty much wing things, slotting in whatever stitch I like to whatever pattern I see.

[ 06. February 2010, 23:35: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
...I've made hundreds of pairs of socks...

and very nice socks they are too [Big Grin]
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Just started this tea cosy for a friend's birthday next month. It seems to be knitting up nicely, considering that I'm using different yarn. I'm planning on doing the stand-out knit rows in white for a bit of colour interest (particularly since I'm using green and blue variegated yarn and the teapot in question is green and blue stripes with tiny strips of white) but we shall have to see how it goes.

I think it'll take me maybe a week more of evenings. Hopefully not too much longer.
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
That's really neat. How many hours will it take?
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
What a sweet Tea Cosy!

Yesterday I made what I have decided to call a Bag2Bag - it's so that I can use all the bags that I like without the worry of whether or not I've remembered to transfer everything from the last bag I used - this way I just move this with everything in it and it's just like a lining ready filled. Now I just need to make sure I put things back into the Bag2Bag rather than letting it fall between that abnd the bag itself.
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I'm still trundling on with the teacosy. I'm not sure how many hours it will take because I'm just knitting a row or two here and there. My initial estimate of a week may have assumed only one side when it's knitted in three pieces - two sides and the lid.

So don't quote me on this, but I think I've just got about halfway up one side in about an hour and a half so I think the knitting could be done in 7-8 hours (by me, I'm not very fast) and then the construction wouldn't take too long.
 
Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
What a sweet Tea Cosy!

Yesterday I made what I have decided to call a Bag2Bag - it's so that I can use all the bags that I like without the worry of whether or not I've remembered to transfer everything from the last bag I used - this way I just move this with everything in it and it's just like a lining ready filled. Now I just need to make sure I put things back into the Bag2Bag rather than letting it fall between that abnd the bag itself.

You can actually buy something like that - I've seen them in gift catalogues.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Hmm yes I could buy one, like I could buy the lovely woollens I've knitted and clothes I've sewn and gifts I've made. But it was very satisfying working out how to make something like that.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Hmm yes I could buy one, like I could buy the lovely woollens I've knitted and clothes I've sewn and gifts I've made. But it was very satisfying working out how to make something like that.

I really like your bag, it looks great and it's a good idea. I doubt I would use one much but they would make great presents. How long did it take you?

What I do use are these ecosilk bags made on the north coast of NSW. They scrunch down to next to nothing so I have one in handbag for shopping. I also have on-the-go knitting projects in separate bags. That way I grab soemthing as I go out the door and it's all contained. Great handles never hurt my arthritic hands and they will carry quite a weight. I buy them in packs of six, lovely colours too..

I'm with you about the satisfaction of making. Particularly if there's been some frustration with pattern or making along the way. When it's all figured out and finished, there's great satisfaction.

Too much satisfaction sometimes. My feet now despise commercial socks and hate having them on. Handknitted for them or nothing, pretty well.
 
Posted by Avalon (# 8094) on :
 
I can't ever read this without being reminded of all the things I mean to do and haven't gotten around to yet. I've been meaning to "invent" the bag to bag out of leftover material for years. And I have a pattern book for hats, gloves and socks for all the leftover wool which doesn't seem to ever get prioritised over adding more leftovers to the basket.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I wonder if bags to grab are used most by crafters? We like to take something with us if we can, and with several projects on the go it's nice to be able to take the one that suits the situation and the mood.

I have a backpack made from silk that it similar to those silk bags, Lothlorien. It's great the way it fits into the smallest of spaces.

The bagliner took about 4 hours to make, but about half of that was working out how to get the zipped pockets and to make a squared base of a lined bag, and unpicking what I'd sewn when I realised it wouldn't work quite that way. I suspect another time I'd make it differently.
Of course, now I've made it I realise there are bags that I like to use that aren't shaped as much like buckets as the ones that I made it for, but that is for another wet afternoon when I can't get out in the garden and weed!
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
I've been enjoying weaving on my Kromski Harp rigid-heddle loom, a neat little piece of equipment that is whetting my appetite for an even bigger loom. I just love Scandinavian traditional weaving and am planning to spend a week here next year. I think a large Glimakra floor loom may be in my future...
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by David Powell:
Any ideas for useful projects for a congregation?

My Mam has a group of knitters and crocheters. It all started out when she was knitting some hats, scarves and gloves for a Shoebox appeal. Some people saw what she was doing and asked if they could make some too. Then people asked if she might like some yarn. Over a couple of years her band of knitters grew and grew.

Then Mam saw a charity advert asking for hats for premature baby hats. She gave it a go, and the others saw she was doing something different, and wanted in on the act. Their mainstay is the Shoebox appeal, but they also have knitted and crocheted Teddies for Tragedies, hats of premature babies, blankets for the maternity hospital, and various other bits. They enjoy doing different things and changing things around.

If you have a group of crocheters and knitters, you might think of a first project and aim to collect a certain number of items. Then when you have reached that total change the items and charity.
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
I think I forgot to post on here that I made those slippers that are made out of squares, except I crotcheted not knitted, and put a tie on the front with Murano glass beads I bought in Rome. Oh and I made them out of local wool from New Lanark They were a tadge misshapen, but sister said she appreciated them as a Christmas present....

So, more than a year ago I bought a pattern and some material to make new pyjamas. Looking at the fabric, it's actually rather dull baby blue flanellette stuff, so what I thought I could do was get some dark blue fabric paint and buy or make a stencil, and put some things on. The question is, should I do it before or after I make the jammies? Is there a distinct benefit in either direction?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Tea Gnome,
Not that I've ever done anything like that at all, but it would seem to me to be much easier to do the stenciling first onto a flat piece of material than try to do it on a finished article.

The only proviso which occurred to me would be if you wanted a motif in one particular place. In that case you would need to be very careful in placing the pattern before cutting.
 
Posted by Tea gnome (# 9424) on :
 
Good, I think that was what I'd thought, but often I find I think one thing, and then more expert people suck their teeth and say You wouldn't want to do it like that love! [Razz] So thanks for reassurance.
TG
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tea gnome:
Good, I think that was what I'd thought, but often I find I think one thing, and then more expert people suck their teeth and say You wouldn't want to do it like that love! [Razz] So thanks for reassurance.
TG

I mentioned motif placement only because I had just read on someone's blog that they had not been careful enough when cutting the bodice for a dress to sew. One very large flower was lopsidedly over one boob, making both her and the dress look most peculiar. Fortunately she was able to do something with a tie or collar to downplay the original mistake.
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Thanks to a couple of train journeys this weekend all three pieces of my teacosy are knitted up. Now I just need to find the time to sew them all together and add the beads for buttons before my friend's birthday in two weeks' time.

I always feel rather pleased when I finish something for someone - I so rarely finish anything for myself.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I'm feeling rather pleased with myself.
Over at the self sufficientish forum, someone mentioned a pattern for pretty knickers on the website www.colettepatterns.com made with an old t-shirt.
I had a look at the picture, and a little think, and I made up my own pattern.
Basically, I cut out the pattern using the bottom hem of the t-shirt as the waistband of the knickers, shaped the legs, sewed the bit between the legs together, and added a gusset on top of that. Then I turned over the top, hemmed round, and threaded elastic through.
They took about an hour to hand sew, and I'm wearing them now.
To be honest, the best word to describe them is probably 'passionkillers', but they work, and the next pair will be better.
 
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I'm toying with the idea of learning to do wax resist Easter eggs, like Ukrainian ones. Has anyone done them and if so, how difficult was it to learn? And do you have any hints for beginners?

Ukranian eggs do take a bit of learning, I had a fantastic teacher, but they take TIME and of course, you have to think backward color-wise. The results are so interesting. But, that you are trying them at all is great. I'm proud of you, Lyda for taking this on.

[Edit: UBB]

[ 18. March 2010, 16:32: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
I'm full of admiration, Lyda - I got as far as blowing eggs and trying out some basic batik on one (following one of the Ukranian websites) but soon realised it needs a more steady hand than I have (as well as the skills YoM mentions).
To use all the empty egg shells I decided to dye them sunshine yellow and decorate with stick-ons - I hadn't realised that brown eggs just go slightly browner with sunshine yellow dye!
Since then I've found some eggs with really pretty pastel blue/green shaded shells, far too pretty to dye, so I'll be blowing them this weekend ready to decorate with ribbons - I think I'll be doing some baking too [Smile]
 
Posted by Mrs Smith - nee Lady G (# 3746) on :
 
Anyone got any tips on sock knitting? I did a four needle knit and ended up with a really obvious line up the side which was a little disappointing. Also, the pattern told me to cast off (bind off) but this has left the toe looking lumpy when made up.

Thanks all.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Mrs Smith - nee Lady G:
Anyone got any tips on sock knitting? I did a four needle knit and ended up with a really obvious line up the side which was a little disappointing. Also, the pattern told me to cast off (bind off) but this has left the toe looking lumpy when made up.

Thanks all.

The ladder at the edge will probably wash out. However, you can try pulling he stitch a bit tightly when you start the next needle. With experience, ladders are infrequent.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about the toe. Any ideas anyone or can you elaborate?

If you knit from the cuff down, then usually the toe is grafted together with two needles of live stitches.

Another way which may leave a lumpy seam is the three needle bindoff. In this you hold the two needles of stitches together. With a third needle, knit one from back needle and one from front needle with the third needle. Repeat and the pass the first stitch on third needle over the second and start again this will leave a ridge.

Ask again if this is no help or if I've misunderstood your question. Alternatively, you can use Google and find many videos on the topic.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Mrs Smith - if it helps you, I use the Kitchener Graft for finishing off the toe on socks. An internet search will produce lots of examples of how to do this.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I also use Kitchener graft for toes for a couple of reasons.

I actually like doing it and I like the finish it produces. I have used three needle bind off when I've done a short row toe but prefer kitchener.

There are videos for just about any knitting query on the net. Sometimes it may take a while to find them and you may need to be specific in search terms.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Kitchener graft sounds like something a surgeon might do for someone who had injured their foot. Think I'll stick to cross-stitch.

Huia
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
Kitchener graft sounds like something a surgeon might do for someone who had injured their foot. Think I'll stick to cross-stitch.

Huia

Actually Huia, it follows the pattern of the stitch of the fabric of the sock and makes a seamless, invisible join across the toe or whatever else is needed. Very neat.

I'm currently making a lacy cashmere/silk scarf in two pieces and will graft the two together when finished. Seam won't be obvious and the scarf will have a pointy lacy end hanging the right way at each end.

It's a good skill to know for a knitter.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Grafting is wonderful for toes, utterly wonderful. It gives such a smooth join and makes the socks look complete. It is well worth the small investment in time to prefect grafting. YouTube has a raft of videos showing how to graft. This one looks like a pretty decent tutorial.

Grafting is one of the techniques that take a knitted another stage up the ladder in terms of mastering the craft.

I don't like using a three needle cast-off in socks. There is always the danger that the seam will cause rubbing. An excellent way to start off a toe-up sock is to use Judy's magic cat on. This gives a fantastic toe to a sock and if you use LA-Link and La-Rink you can get a toe-up sock which is almost identical in look to a cuff-down sock.

Going back to Mrs Smith's socks, the line you can will have been caused by not maintaining the gauge across the knitting whilst going from one needle to the next. This can show in two ways, either a ladder between the stitches, or two stitches been very close together. AS Lothlorien said, washing and wearing will probably sort out most of the tightness/slackness. Probably the best thing to do is to say "For a first pair of socks, these are looking mighty fine." and give yourself a pat on the back. Your next socks will be even better.

On my first pair of socks I had ladders and over-tight stitches. I realised what was going wrong, and started giving the knitting a tug between needles to tighten things up a bit. This over tightened it! Despite the loose and tight bits, those socks are still being worn almost 4 years later. The knitter needs to gauge it just right as how hard to tug to get the stitches to sit nicely together. As with so many things, it takes practise.

One suggestion I heard was to knit the stitches on the needle, and two from the next on. Any tension issues are them spiralled around the sock. This means any tension problems are spread around the sock and not stacked one on top of the other. This does work, but I would suggest it is better to practise getting the tension right rather than finding a work around.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just come back from a wonderful weekend in London. One of the places I really wanted to see again (I haven't been for over twenty years) was Libertys - it's an amazing building, apart from anything else. What I didn't know until I got there was that they are hosting a quilting exhibition in association with the V&A. The quilts are all hanging over the third floor galleries, and they are very impressive. There are more in the shop windows. Fantastic stuff!
 
Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
What I didn't know until I got there was that they are hosting a quilting exhibition in association with the V&A.

I've just booked myself on a coach trip to see the Three Hundred Years of Quilts Exhibition at the V&A. The outing isn't until June 'though.
 
Posted by babybear (# 34) on :
 
Oh my...

I shall be in the south of England at the end of June for Methodist Conference. I had been planning on flying to London and seeing a show and having a mooch. Mooching plans may now include the V&A.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by babybear:
Oh my...

I shall be in the south of England at the end of June for Methodist Conference. I had been planning on flying to London and seeing a show and having a mooch. Mooching plans may now include the V&A.

Have a mooch for me too please.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
There seems to be a bit of a baby boom going on amongst my friends atm, so I've got a few things planned to go on the needles after I've finished the Never Ending Scarf. I'm thinking of tackling the February baby cardigan from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac but may well need a lot of support as it looks a bit tricky!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by kentishmaid:
There seems to be a bit of a baby boom going on amongst my friends atm, so I've got a few things planned to go on the needles after I've finished the Never Ending Scarf. I'm thinking of tackling the February baby cardigan from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac but may well need a lot of support as it looks a bit tricky!

We can try it together. I've done other things from her but not this one. I did start the February Ladies sweater when it was all the rage but ripped it out and did two Liesls by Scottish designer, Ysolda Teague. Liesl needed lots of markers and that may be the key. Will dig out my book tomorrow and have a look at pattern.

However, I've been asked to testknit some wool new to Australia and that is what has been chosen. 5-6 weeks to do it.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
KM,

I've dug out my Knitters's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman.Is that what you are loking at too?

The part in the beginning of the chapter is a bit confusing, but the pattern at the end is OK.

It's knit from the top down. Work carefully through the pattern and you'll see how it goes. When you get to armholes, the sleeves are done in situ.

Then pattern down the rest of the body. All that needs sewing at the end are the buttons.

I don't have the wool yet, it should come in the next day or so. Ysolda's Liesl pattern is done in the same way. I did two of those last year for me.

Hopefully I'll start it at the beginning of the weekend.
 
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
Thanks for the links to the grafting tutorial - that's really useful. I sometimes realise that I've left the main body of work at home, and begin another piece which I'll now be able to graft on. Fantastic. [Yipee]
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Yes, Lothlorien, that's the one. Part of the reason it seems tricky to me is that I've never knit anything in the round before. Plus EZ's "pithy" instructions tend to be VERY pithy. I'm still deciding what yarn to use atm, though. Can't decide whether to go for royal blue, emerald green or a lovely deep red.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by kentishmaid:
Yes, Lothlorien, that's the one. Part of the reason it seems tricky to me is that I've never knit anything in the round before. Plus EZ's "pithy" instructions tend to be VERY pithy. I'm still deciding what yarn to use atm, though. Can't decide whether to go for royal blue, emerald green or a lovely deep red.

It's actually not in the round. It's backwards and forwards but on circular needles so you have extra length. It is really a cardigan shape, open down the front.

All those colours sound beautiful.

My yarn wasn't at PO today so I can't do any of it yet.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Kentish maid,
Have you started the FBS yet?

My wool was at PO Box today after Easter break, so I started. I've read the instructions before and done two jackets in a similar style for me. However, I was eager to get this going because of delay in wool being posted to me.

Cast on and set off. I was just at the end of the yoke, having put markers in for the 4 garter edge stitches each side. I had another look and realised I had totally forgotten to start any buttonholes.

Now I've seen the adult jacket with the buttons from bust down, but that would not do for a baby. So I ripped it all out and started it again.

More haste, less speed sort of thing. I've re-read the instructions yet again to make sure I include all the bits.

This wool is absolutely gorgeous to knit with. I think I mentioned this is a test knit for someone else. Obviously I'm not testing the pattern but a new wool supplier for someone I know who has beautiful stuff. Great yarns and she's a genius at colours and dyeing. This is supersoft sock wool with some nylon in it. It knits well, looks great, even where I'm re-using the wool having ripped it out because of buttonholes.

So please be more careful than I was.

[ 06. April 2010, 08:11: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I have been very busy over the last few months making things related to our wedding, but of course I couldn't post any pics before the events.

I made the table plan and we used shot glasses for wedding favours, decorated with a ribbon and a luggage tag with the name of the guest on it. I also made all the invitations and orders of service.

My crowning moment though was making handbags for my bridesmaids. Five different bags, made with the same pattern but all a bit different. All made with fabric from my stash or stuff I got from a charity shop. It was such fun and I think they liked them.

Here are some pics.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by angelica37 (# 8478) on :
 
Well done Auntie Doris those are lovely
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Auntie Doris, I loved the first coppery orange bag! They were all lovely, but that one really caught my eye!
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Auntie Doris, those bags are cute, cute, cute! [Yipee] I'm sure they were very well liked!
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by St. Gwladys:
Auntie Doris, I loved the first coppery orange bag! They were all lovely, but that one really caught my eye!

That one was for birdie and it was made out of an old sari I got from a charity shop for about £3. Was a bitch to sew though!
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
Gorgeous, gorgeous pics Auntie Doris!

I have been 'repurposing' a charity shop find over the Easter weekend. The council up here owns a charity shop that they let out to different groups on a weekly basis and a friend from my small group took it on last week for a pregnancy crisis centre and a charity working with ex-offenders that are connected to our church. Well, I was helping set things out after church and this awful pair of 70's curtains (orange and mustard 1" squares, oh yes!)were calling to me all afternoon so eventually I caved in and took them home and over Easter have turned one of them into a short skirt with pockets that makes me smile.

Strangely enough a pattern like that is much less overwhelming on a fairly small skirt than it was as curtains! I have a cunning plan to turn the other curtain into a drop-waist circle skirt if there's enough of it.
 
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on :
 
Sorry, Lothlorien, I haven't yet. I got sidetracked because I suddenly remembered a friend's daughter has a birthday coming up and I needed to make something for her. I've pretty much decided on emerald green yarn though and intend to get onto it soon.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by kentishmaid:
Sorry, Lothlorien, I haven't yet. I got sidetracked because I suddenly remembered a friend's daughter has a birthday coming up and I needed to make something for her. I've pretty much decided on emerald green yarn though and intend to get onto it soon.

Just searched for the thread and found you've posted.

I finished mine this afternoon. It was late in afternoon so haven't taken any photos yet. I'm not particularly taken with the mauve, but the garment was made to test the yarn. No baby will get it.

Read the pattern through before you begin, good advice I don't always follow myself and don't forget the buttonholes which need to be in the yoke as well as on body. Other than that, I just followed bit by bit and it all worked.

This yarn is gorgeous, soft and cuddly and easy to work with.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I had a length of green cotton in my stash, and it's been sitting on my 'to do' pile for some weeks now, cut out as a skirt pattern. Yesterday I finally got round to making it up, partly on the sewing machine and partly hand stitched in the garden (sunshine! At last!).
It fits better than the first skirt I made from the same pattern, so I'm improving, and I wore it to work today.
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Help! When I bought my first sewing machine in October, I bought a cheap and cheerful. Well, it's not so cheerful anymore and I'm finding I doing things it was never designed to handle. So I'm looking to take a step up. My dream machine would be a sewing/embroidery machine, but I don't really have that sort of budget, so I would like a sewing machine that can allow me to do freehand embroidery and also work with heavy materials/multiple fabric layers. I've been considering a Jenome J3-24. Any thoughts or other recommendations?
 
Posted by Boadicea Trott (# 9621) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:

My crowning moment though was making handbags for my bridesmaids. Five different bags, made with the same pattern but all a bit different. All made with fabric from my stash or stuff I got from a charity shop. It was such fun and I think they liked them.

Here are some pics.

Auntie Doris x

Auntie D, I loved the photos ! The bags are especially gorgeous [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Flausa:
Help! When I bought my first sewing machine in October, I bought a cheap and cheerful. Well, it's not so cheerful anymore and I'm finding I doing things it was never designed to handle. So I'm looking to take a step up. My dream machine would be a sewing/embroidery machine, but I don't really have that sort of budget, so I would like a sewing machine that can allow me to do freehand embroidery and also work with heavy materials/multiple fabric layers. I've been considering a Jenome J3-24. Any thoughts or other recommendations?

I was given a Janome for them 21st birthday (ie quite some time ago!) - it is a little bit similar to that one but probably even more basic. I like it, although at some point I will upgrade to a bigger and better model. Having said that my machine has made about a dozen quilts and has managed to do everything I have needed it to do over the years. I think they are a pretty good brand and I would recommend it.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
When I replaced my sewing machine recently, I checked out the Which reviews - they recommended the Brother BC2100 - in fact, the other one they sort of recommended but warned that the thread would keep breaking, which is not really a recommendation. So I went with the Brother and I am very pleased with it. It has a selection of preset embroidery, although it doesn't do freestyle embroidery. I've gone through quite a lot of projects with it now with no problems at all, and I am particularly impressed with the needle threader!
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Thanks for the input (and I love, love, love those bags that you made, Auntie D). I, being the nitwit that I am, have struck out on my out and bought something completely different after reading some company history/reviews online. I ordered an SMD 766, because it was the same price as the Jenome with a couple of added features (including a 5 year warranty, rather than a 2 year warranty). It's being delivered this afternoon and I'm looking forward to curling up with the instruction manual as soon as it arrives! I have a craft fair tomorrow and I suspect I'll have something new for the table made tonight. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
My new sewing machine and I have gotten properly acquainted, and I'd sit and play with it all day if I could (sadly, reality just won't allow for it). I've been finding some really fantastic and inexpensive fabrics to make wallhangings with and I've just created my own pattern for wee girl's dresses.

Alright you crafty people - what are you up to?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Little girl dresses are lovely, Flausa. My machine does not get a lot of use here right now. When I get a place of my own I hope to have space to have it set up. No fun when it has to set up and then put away regularly. It's a Husqvarna, about 15 years old.

I'm about 15 rows away from finishing a Brangian shawl. I'm using a mix of 50/50, that is 50% merino and 50% silk in a deep dark burgundy colour. It's lovely to knit with and I'm enjoying it. I caught shawl fever last winter and did nine shawls then. I still have it. This is my third this year, along with socks, wristwarmers, scarves, some baby clothes. Possibly more but I can't think of it now.

I did use preview, honest I did!

[ 21. May 2010, 09:35: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Lilly Rose (# 13826) on :
 
I love knitting and textile crafts, but I'm into handcrafted card making at the moment.

I love the way there are so many design possibilities, and the way I can use colour and textures to create a work of art that's personalised for each friend I give them to.

It's summer here in the UK, so knitting will have to wait for the winter.

[Smile]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lilly Rose:
I love knitting and textile crafts, but I'm into handcrafted card making at the moment.

I love the way there are so many design possibilities, and the way I can use colour and textures to create a work of art that's personalised for each friend I give them to.

It's summer here in the UK, so knitting will have to wait for the winter.

[Smile]

I knit all year round and it's much hotter down here. However, it's usually lace done in laceweight or socks, things that aren't big and heavy in my lap. I feel about gifts as you do, something personal for each recipient. Something I've put thought into as well as time and money. I do make sure that my knitting goes to those whom I know will use it. My grandchildren all love my socks too, so they are often on the receiving end.
 
Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on :
 
I have just acquired a knitting pattern for making a big enormous jacket/jumper thing. I figure if I start now it might actually finished by Christmas [Biased]
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:

I feel about gifts as you do, something personal for each recipient. Something I've put thought into as well as time and money. I do make sure that my knitting goes to those whom I know will use it. My grandchildren all love my socks too, so they are often on the receiving end.

And your hats are wonderful for this time of year when it's chilly around the edges - both practical and decorative. [Yipee]

Huia
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:

I feel about gifts as you do, something personal for each recipient. Something I've put thought into as well as time and money. I do make sure that my knitting goes to those whom I know will use it. My grandchildren all love my socks too, so they are often on the receiving end.

And your hats are wonderful for this time of year when it's chilly around the edges - both practical and decorative. [Yipee]

Huia

Just what I'd hoped for, Huia.
[Smile]
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Daughter-Unit came to me last week asking if I had ever knitted or crocheted. When I told her I used to in my very long ago past, she said she had seen some cute crocheted long vests and thought she should try to make one.

So, we got a hook, some cheap yarn, and an instruction book for beginners. I held my breath. After showing her some basic basics (like crocheting a chain), she has just taken off!

Bless her little night-owl heart, she is staying up 'till the wee hours practicing. This morning, at 5:45, I saw the light was on and she proudly showed me a beautiful flower she had made.

All this to say that y'all have a new crafter in your midst...and also to bump this thread! [Biased]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
Hooray - another happy hooker! Crochet is so addictive - it's faster than knitting on the whole - and you can make 3D projects really easily.

Some of my favourite crochet blogs are Woo Work, Future Girl and Roman Sock. Lots of inspiration for fun projects there!
 
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I'm glad this has been bumped, people are probably chained to sewing machines etc and it's difficult to surf'n'sew.

Mrs Sioni has finished a set of table mats for friends 25th anniversary. Good, thick quilting thanks to a decent machine.
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
I'm very impatiently waiting for some new Moda fabric from the States, so that I can do a couple of wall hangings or quilts using the panel and some of the coordinating fabrics from Moda's frolic series. I've just finished an order for one of my wrap dresses for one of David's wee friends, and I've got another one to make. I'm hoping to do some sewing while my mom's here for a couple of weeks, and will hopefully send some goodies back with her for the family.
 
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
Those look gorgeous fabrics, Flausa.

I'd like to do more sewing with a machine again but haven't a clue what to look for. I managed to use my mum's in the olden days but that was with help and no longer exists.

Any ideas? I've heard a cheap one isn't the way to go but what is it I need to look for.

I will probably just be doing simple things (edges of cushions etc) so doesn't need to be fancy.

emma.
 
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on :
 
Rosamundi gave me a good rec of one of the John Lewis branded ones. (I've lost it, though.) But I remember it was about £100-130, a fairly basic model.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I have a fairly basic Janome sewing machine, quite similar to this one I think.

It has done me well for 3 years and has helped me make many patchwork quilts. A basic machine is fine for most people.

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I agree. I am about to trade up from my Brother, which I got for £80 several decades ago. Half a dozen basic stitches will get you through most things.

When I get a new one, I shall put the old one on Freecycle, as it is still in good working order and would be perfectly ok for someone starting to sew. (I'm assuming, Emma Louise, that you're not in the Edinburgh area, or you would be welcome to it).
 
Posted by DonLogan2 (# 15608) on :
 
I know it is a strange question, but does anyone here hand knit nets ?
I didn`t want to trawl(sorry) through dozens of pages ! I do it to replace my ferreting nets but am considering making a hammock and wondered about what mesh size to use and what yarn.
 
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
I agree. I am about to trade up from my Brother, which I got for £80 several decades ago. Half a dozen basic stitches will get you through most things.

When I get a new one, I shall put the old one on Freecycle, as it is still in good working order and would be perfectly ok for someone starting to sew. (I'm assuming, Emma Louise, that you're not in the Edinburgh area, or you would be welcome to it).

Thanks Frienze - sadly not! London at the moment. Thanks for the advice, I know how much I need to save now!
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Anyone looking for a new sewing machine, I would highly recommend Sewing Machines Direct. Competitively priced, free next day delivery, fantastic customer service, and some fantastic freebies available with some of the machines. They are the current distributors of Frister+Rossman machines, which is the brand of machine I bought (and with which I have been thoroughly chuffed to bits). Which reminds me, I need to go mend a pair of my summer trousers.

[Fixed link because the other one gave me a "404 Not Found" error message. Hope this is the site you meant, Flausa!]

[ 30. June 2010, 15:33: Message edited by: jedijudy ]
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Just fired up my new Bernina.

Cruise control. Automatic tension selection. Self-threading. 85 stitches. Umpty-tiddly touch-button variations. LED lighting. I think I'm in love.

Flausa's right - you get loved to death by customer service. I got same day delivery.

[ 01. July 2010, 07:33: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Oh, my. My little Kenmore zigzag and straight stitch machine is sitting in the corner weeping and feeling totally inferior to Flausa and Firenze's magnificent sewing machines! (And I'm pretty green with envy, myself!) [Biased]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
I have a very basic little Toyota which has served me well for 6 or so years, including some quilting (although I don't have the patience for it). Emma Louise - try Freecycle and Preloved I've just had a quick look and found secondhand machines from between £35 and £50.

I have to boast - I've just been given a little table top rigid heddle loom and I am so excited! [Yipee] Any weavers on here - if my memory serves, Otter is a weaver? Where's a good place for a beginner to start with a rigid heddle loom?
 
Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Earwig:
I have to boast - I've just been given a little table top rigid heddle loom and I am so excited! [Yipee] Any weavers on here - if my memory serves, Otter is a weaver? Where's a good place for a beginner to start with a rigid heddle loom?

Yep, I'm a weaver. "Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving" from Interweave Press is a very good place to start. A couple of the projects look dated, but the techniques are all sound. Victorian Video Productions (or something like that) has/had a nice video I borrowed from our public library if you're a visual learner. Ashford also has a good rigid heddle book.

Moving beyond basic how-to books, a rigid heddle loom is, in general weaving terms, a 2-harness loom, so any pattern draft suitable for 2 harnesses will work from a structure point of view.

(insert evil laughter here) You will be assimilated! [Yipee]
 
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Otter:
(insert evil laughter here) You will be assimilated! [Yipee]

Yay for the weaving Borg! [Big Grin] Can't wait to be assimilated. Thanks for the book recommendations - the Betty Davenport one looks good - will get that when I get paid. I'm also getting excited by WeaveZine!
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
A new craft shop opened in town yesterday. I intend to visit it tomorrow and will probably spend way too much money. From looking through the window while they were setting up it looks as though they have a large range of patchwork fabrics (in which I an very interested) and some really beautiful wools.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I got a book on origami a couple of weeks ago, and I've been folding squares of newspaper for practice ever since. I'm thinking of trying some collages with origami figures incorporated (swans floating down a river, for instance). I'm finding it's coming back to me quite easily.

I used to be quite good at origami when I was around 12 - there was a little ten minute programme on at lunch times where a chap (possibly Robert Harbin?) would sit by a Japanese screen on an otherwise empty set and show you how to fold things.
 
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
When I was making cards a lot I used origami on quite a few. There was one I made loads of one Christmas, a gold star folded from a flattened out version of the crane-fold stuck onto a square of some red and gold wrapping paper that had lots of quotes and words about stars on. I think it was either on to red or white card.

I've also made 'new home cards' using a cat and an owl for people who've retired, etc. Being a cheapskate, these were made from brown paper bags, slightly 'airbrushed' using a Blitzer.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
CK cheapskates often make more interesting cards than those following instructions I find. There's something about the ability to use found bits and pieces that takes them far beyond the somewhat stilted paint-by -njmbers approach.

Huia
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Earwig, I'm so excited about your loom! Yay! WIshing you many hours of enjoyment ahead.

And I have to jump in to say I enjoy origami quite a lot also, and this year have gotten into kirigami as well (Japanese paper-cutting).

The project of the moment is a crochet project. I am making some bracelets which combine thread crochet with some jewelry techniques, based on a design I saw in the most recent edition of a crochet magazine I receive. I'm really pleased - they are coming out well! Now I have good ideas for birthday and Christmas presents ahead. Hooray! :-)

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
Oooh I got a sewing machine. The same as Flausa's infact, and I can underline her recommendation for this model from the nice people at Sewing Machines Direct.

And then I started experimenting and one thing led to another and I appear to have made a patchwork quilt.

Which is *rather* exciting. Though its best viewed at low light as there are dodgy bits. But as an experiment, and within two rather weeks which were already rather busy, I'm quite chuffed.

So, what to do next? I'm wondering whether a Very Easy Clothes Pattern would be good, or maybe stick with something little... children's toy or bag or something. What would the more experienced crafters recommend? Any good patterns?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:
So, what to do next? I'm wondering whether a Very Easy Clothes Pattern would be good, or maybe stick with something little... children's toy or bag or something. What would the more experienced crafters recommend? Any good patterns?

I say: Go for it. Little is not necessarily easy - it can mean fiddly.

I did a lot of cheap and cheeful tops and a dress, all based on one very simple pattern for knitted fabrics - which can be very forgiving, since there is usually not much requirement for fitting/shaping, or for interfacing.

Tuesday, I bought 3 lengths of really nice fabric, to make tops and a dress for my hols. And a Vogue pattern, which is basically round-neck, 4 seams (front, back and 2 side) and set in sleeves without any gathering. I made it up yesterday in some fabric I had lying about, before committing to the new expensive stuff. This is a step which is really worth doing.

The downside of the simple construction is that the body of the garment has to be cut on the bias, so you are investing a lot of fabric.

The sample garment (which is quite wearable in its own right) showed me that the back neck was cut a bit too low, and that I needed to apply the neck binding a bit more carefully. So this morning, I cut it again in the cheaper of my two pieces for tops, with a modified neckline.

It will only take an hour or so to sew, particularly as I am familiar with it, and based on that I can decide whether to commit to making the dress to the same pattern (that's the really expensive fabric, and also where I will have to do most modification to the pattern).

So that would be my advice - get a pattern you fancy and do a practice run. Then improve on it.
 
Posted by Avila (# 15541) on :
 
Anyone any idea where I can get a pattern for decent clerical tunnel collar?

Currently attempting to copy from a made up shirt but wondering if I am spending a lot of time reinventing the wheel!!

Not yet got any worn enough to consider dis-sembly to properly 'reverse engineer'
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
The finished article as per my previous post.

Love that fabric, love it.
 
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:

I did a lot of cheap and cheeful tops and a dress, all based on one very simple pattern for knitted fabrics - which can be very forgiving, since there is usually not much requirement for fitting/shaping, or for interfacing.

I am not sure I agree. I think sewing with knitted fabric can be quite difficult because it can stretch. I would start by making things out of cotton which holds it's shape well and o which you can easily learn the basics.

Mind you... I love that fabric too Firenze!

Auntie Doris x
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
Oooh, pictures! That really helps to visualise.

That's so the 'style' of clothes I like! What's the name of the pattern?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ferijen:
That's so the 'style' of clothes I like! What's the name of the pattern?

It's Vogue 8659.

Re fabrics: I haven't had a problem since I got the Bernina. I've used a slight zigzag stitch, but that's the only difference - otherwise it's just been pin and go (I am essentially a practitioner of Coarse Dressmaking. All corners cut all the time).

The thing about knits is you do get good drape, particularly if you like full and flowing shapes.

Anyway, tomorrow the linen mix, which will be a teensy bit more challenging.
 
Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :
 
I'm also of the coarse school of dressmaking. I haven't tacked a long seam in years and only bother with the fiddly bits in the armholes. My machine is so ancient it doesn't do knit fabrics and I'm thinking of upgrading it on ebay or in the sales if I can find some cash down the back of the sofa.

My latest project arrived yesterday and is a kit to make a stole and is the most lovely apple green. From the instructions it appears that the key to sucess is masses of careful measuring, pinning and tacking. This may be a challenge [Eek!] .
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Poppy:
My machine is so ancient it doesn't do knit fabrics and I'm thinking of upgrading it on ebay or in the sales

Seriously, even if it involves a life of crime, I would invest in the new machine. The Coarse Dressmakers bestest friend: it lets you get away with so much. Mine has automatic tension, a perfect feed and could sew through girders. You practically just have to throw fabric in its general direction and you have a dress.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Ferijen,

I wouldn't try a child's toy to start. Many of them have lots of curves which need careful trimming and then a tight corner to navigate around. eg, animal's head then neck or under arm to body.

Try something with straighter seams, even perhaps a tote bag or perhaps a skirt which doesn't need a zip for a start.

I've been knitting heaps. Have done two shawls in the last six weeks and some other stuff too.
 
Posted by Morgan (# 15372) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Avila:
Anyone any idea where I can get a pattern for decent clerical tunnel collar?

Currently attempting to copy from a made up shirt but wondering if I am spending a lot of time reinventing the wheel!!

I looked long and hard and had zero success in finding a pattern.

I make my own clerical shirts or take the collars off regular shirts and re-shape them.

If you have a clergy shirt that fits, just trace or measure the collar so you have the right length, width, fold line, etc. Then use this as a replacement for the collar pattern piece on an otherwise suitable shirt pattern.

I am a home-sewer, not a trained dressmaker and my shirts all worked out OK after my initial "learning shirt". You need a shirt which is properly high-fitting at the neck. If the shirt is cut slightly lower, that can make the collar a little too wide at the neck and can also make the front a little low, which results in a wedge-shaped space for your white tab, rather than a good rectangle.

PM me if you want more detailed instructions.

My best strategy was to buy a high necked shirt from a charity shop, take off the collar and make all my mistakes on that before I invested in the fabrics I liked.
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Avila:
Anyone any idea where I can get a pattern for decent clerical tunnel collar?

Currently attempting to copy from a made up shirt but wondering if I am spending a lot of time reinventing the wheel!!

Not yet got any worn enough to consider dis-sembly to properly 'reverse engineer'

I use Simplicity 7187, I beleive it is now discontinued but copies sometimes show up on ebay
 
Posted by Avila (# 15541) on :
 
Thanks for the collar tips - having seriously googled and that simplicity ref was mentioned but no leads.

I did have a try before on converting existing collars to tunnels but a lack of high neck woman's shirts around at the moment. I have made the shirt bit (ready for poppers instead of buttons as too lazy/not the tech for button holing!)

Not attempted collars at all in my (very) limited sewing career - would you use anything more than facing to give it some stiffness in shape (using cheap polycotton this time around)

Thanks all
 
Posted by Cranmer's baggage (# 1662) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Avila:
Thanks for the collar tips - having seriously googled and that simplicity ref was mentioned but no leads.

I did have a try before on converting existing collars to tunnels but a lack of high neck woman's shirts around at the moment. I have made the shirt bit (ready for poppers instead of buttons as too lazy/not the tech for button holing!)

Not attempted collars at all in my (very) limited sewing career - would you use anything more than facing to give it some stiffness in shape (using cheap polycotton this time around)

Thanks all

Assuming that you're making the shirt using a pattern with a standard collar, you can make a pattern for a clerical collar from the paper pattern you have. Most collars come in two parts - the part where the collar button goes, and the part that folds back over, which usually has a point at either end.

Cut the collar button part according to your pattern, and then cut the collar part. Mark a straight line at right angles from the edge that will join the button part across to the other edge, cutting off the collar points. Now mark a line parallel to the inner (joining on) edge of the collar, about 2 inches (5cm) from the seam line (this allows about 1/2 inch seam allowance, and a little ease for the fold, plus space for a 1 or 1 1/4 inch collar tab.)

When you cut along these lines you should end up with a slightly curved rectilinear shape. Make the collar up according to the directions, then stitch down a few inches either side of the front to create the tunnel for your collar tab.

Standard interfacing is all you need to give the collar some body.
 
Posted by Morgan (# 15372) on :
 
The pattern I am currently using is a KWIK SEW 3555. It does not have a clergy collar but I just change the collar as suggested by Cranmer's baggage.

This pattern is simple but does not have bust darts. Any similar pattern with the same neckline would work. One with darts would probably fit a little better if you can find one.
 
Posted by Avila (# 15541) on :
 
Thanks everyone, with your pointers and my existing shirt I have managed a pretty acceptable collar. [Yipee]

For next time I need to refine the placing of the tunnel edges... but that's how we learn.
 
Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
I think scrapbooking's been mentioned on this thread before - wondered whether anybody here is into art journaling?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
No to art journalling, but I have just come back from a lovely day making felt in an outbuilding of an outdoor pursuits centre - with a thunderstorm going on outside for some of the time, and three little boys (the oldest was 6) making a den under the table where we were making the felt, with lots of soapy water to play with!
 
Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
No to art journalling, but I have just come back from a lovely day making felt in an outbuilding of an outdoor pursuits centre - with a thunderstorm going on outside for some of the time, and three little boys (the oldest was 6) making a den under the table where we were making the felt, with lots of soapy water to play with!

I've never heard of that before. Sounds interesting. How do you go about that?
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
Well, you start with sheep's wool, which may or may not have been dyed. We were making small bags, so we first cut a circle of thick plastic as a form to place the fleece around. Cover one side, wet it, rub it around with soapy water. Repeat on the other side, and do each side several times, with layers that can be the same colour or different colours in a pattern. There's a lot of rolling it out with a rolling pin, and then you have to roll the whole thing up in more plastic and roll it on the table.
Have another cup of tea...
And finally you plunge it into water as hot as your hand can stand, followed quickly by cold water.
Let it dry out a bit, and then cut a little hole to get the plastic out of the middle, and then manipulate it a bit more until you have the shape of clasp bag you require.
We got some wonderful results, considering it was the first time for most of us. We had our demonstrator and another lady who were rather good at it, and another lady who had done it once when her now six year old son was four, in play group. ("The kids designed it, and the mothers did all the hard work!")
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I got a first for a crochet jacket and a third for a Just Nan sampler (done years ago) in our local agricultural show!
(First prize £3, so not exactly big winnings, but I did manage to cover all my entry fees!)
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Well, I'm doing something new. I make stuffed Scottie dogs, and I was asked if I could make a draft excluder ... oh, and could I also make it weighted. Sooooo much fabric going into it, including a fleece "sausage" casing for the bead weights (because it needs to be quite long), but hopefully it'll do the trick!

I'm also gearing up to start Christmas sewing. I found these yo-yo ornaments and can't wait to make them, because they look so cute. Anyone else getting ready for a crafty Christmas?
 
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on :
 
I'm starting to think about Christmas crafts, copied down a few online patterns for crocheted snowflakes so I can make garlands to string up in the flat, started looking out for interesting maps to make baubles out of (decoupage over polystyrene forms), contemplating french-knitting a wreath, finding patterns for suitable presents for different people - I very much doubt much will get done, but you never know.

Over the summer I have made swedish blinds for a flat shared by three of my friends - I was very pleased that they actually go up and down! And I bought a set of knitting looms and will probably bash out a hat or two while trying out stitches and things. I even knitted a 'school jumper' for a friend's fancy new mobile telephone - complete with grey wool and cables!

Now I'm in a new flat I need to get all my supplies sorted and on with making a few things in preparation for december and Christmas, thanks for the reminder Flausa.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I have some knitting looms, too. At the moment I'm in the middle of my second sock in a pair - the first pair I've ever made, so I'm a bit anxious that they won't turn out the same (but they'll be hidden in a pair of wellies anyway, so it doesn't matter too much).

This morning I bought a couple of old maps of Cornwall, with a lot of sea around them. I want to trace off the coastline and cut it out of old newspaper, and add collage sailing boats where the sea should be.
 
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Flausa:
I'm also gearing up to start Christmas sewing. I found these yo-yo ornaments and can't wait to make them, because they look so cute. Anyone else getting ready for a crafty Christmas?

I made a large Christmas wreath for the front door several years ago using these yo-yos in assorted scraps of red and green topped with a huge crimson, ribbon bow. I used if for a few years until it got stolen
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've made a Christmas wreath this year from cones of old newspaper glued onto a doughnut of daler board. It's very easy to do, and uses up vast quantities of newspaper - and it looks rather impressive at the end.
I won't be hanging it outside the front door though - one quick shower and it'll disintegrate.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Only slightly off topic and I enjoyed this. I know there are other Pratchett fans on board. Terry Pratchett knits and spins.

There's an introductory bit and scroll down for an interview. It's several years old, so some of you may have seen it already.
 
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I've been busy making Christmas cards from last year's Christmas cards. I'm hoping to sell some at the local Marché de Noel, but also to send many to our friends. The problem is, not knowing how many I'll sell means I have to make a lot. Which I might not use. Or sell. I suppose Christmas comes every year so I can just hang on to them till next year...
 
Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Found another new project to try - a kanzashi Christmas tree. It's helping me use up odds and ends fabrics and is going to keep me out of trouble for a wee while!
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
Not sure if I've asked this before,but here goes.
A long time ago, I had a pattern for a hexagonal (or could have been octagonal) cushion, crocheted in Aran wool. It started by making interlaced rings, and they were then crocheted around. I'm pretty sure it was a Phildar pattern, but I've bought what I thought were the right books off ebay, but can't find that pattern. Can anyone help?
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I can't help you St Gwladys. I can crochet but do very little. I did find some in a search but none seemed to be what you were after.

Do you belong to Ravelry? It's the first place I go to for a knitting pattern these days. Search function and you could perhaps join some specific crochet groups and ask on a forum. Lots of collective knowledge over there.

[ 11. October 2010, 21:08: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
You mean a cushion cover made of these?

Jengie
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Actually those must be adaptable for pentagons and there for you could make a dodecahedron which I think would be really cool as a cushion.

Jengie
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
There's a goodly number of cushion covers and a really cute tiny crocheted pincushion, but none seem to be made as St Gwladys remembered with a series of interlocking rings to start. Most of them were separate hexagons then joined, some picked up the edge of the previous one done.

Just read Jengie's post above. Perhaps some of the Christmas tree decorations of crocheted balls etc could be upsized and I think I've seen a child's ball as well.

[ 11. October 2010, 21:32: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
No, I'm sorry - these were seperate rings - lengths of chain with trebles worked into them and joined, the next length went though the first ring before it was joined, and so on.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I 'tidied' (a relative term) the work room yesterday, and took out 2 sacks of fabric and one of yarn that I am clearly never going to use (having failed, in some case, for something over 3 decades).

Besides offcuts/garments for recycling, I discovered several entire lengths of uncut fabric which I must have bought intending to make something (what? when?).

Those apart, what I need are easy stashbuster ideas for the scraps - both fabric and yarn. I've already started on the log basket full of chunky weight with a crochet hook, working an ever-growing square. When I run out of yarn, I will stop. At which point it will be either a rug or a blanket.

DK yarn - not a problem. Will find its way into future woollies.

Linen scraps. Nice fabric, but stiff. Have already made a jacket out of pieces, and a bit doubtful if it would work for anything else, but willing to be convinced otherwise.

Cotton - probably hippy skirts for summer.

Stretchy stuff - dunno.

Silk and silk-alikes - ditto.

I am mainly interested in wearables, as I don't have many niches in the house for wall hangings, quilts etc.

But any ideas welcome.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
How about aprons? there are plenty of free patterns out there, from retro to contemporary. I made a couple recently that took around 1.5 metres (or a yard-and-a-half for a retro one).
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Would not linen make rather fine bags and I am sure with that much stuff you could do with some of them to store it in.

Jengie
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Would not linen make rather fine bags and I am sure with that much stuff you could do with some of them to store it in.

Jengie

Some of the softer stuff could be lining for bags as well.

Drawstring bags for knitting projects?

I was recently given a small project bag made of some firm fabric and lined with denim. It's in the shape of an upper case "U." However, one side of the U is elongated and slips under the other shorter handle to close the bag. It's perfect for double pointed needles and socks. Holds yarn, project and the other sock if needed for checking length. I can carry it over my arm and knit easily in company or while walking and yarn will not fall on floor.

Such a bag would be a good gift for a crafter of smaller projects.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Flausa:
Found another new project to try - a kanzashi Christmas tree. It's helping me use up odds and ends fabrics and is going to keep me out of trouble for a wee while!

Omigosh, that is *so* *cute*!
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
I have a new loom [Yipee]

Well new to me anyway---it's a 25-30-year-old Glimakra. It is to be delivered Friday. Works fine and the family room has been redesignated.

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Anna B:
I have a new loom [Yipee]

[Big Grin]

How lovely! With apologies to Virgina Woolf, I've always believed one should be entitled to a Loom of One's Own.
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
Tee hee!

I went to weaving school in Massachusetts for a week early in October and found that weaving on a big floor loom was in many ways much easier than on the rigid-heddle kind. Easier to see the work and easier to thread, just to take two examples...
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Meg the Red:
quote:
Originally posted by Anna B:
I have a new loom [Yipee]

[Big Grin]

How lovely! With apologies to Virgina Woolf, I've always believed one should be entitled to a Loom of One's Own.
Hmmm . I've always fancied a loom with a view.

Huia
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Illoominate me, O Lord...

No, no. Stop it. Stop.
 
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
[Big Grin]
 
Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:

I was recently given a small project bag made of some firm fabric and lined with denim. It's in the shape of an upper case "U." However, one side of the U is elongated and slips under the other shorter handle to close the bag. It's perfect for double pointed needles and socks. Holds yarn, project and the other sock if needed for checking length. I can carry it over my arm and knit easily in company or while walking and yarn will not fall on floor.


You knit while walking ??

[Ultra confused]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
You knit while walking
Well, yes. it's not difficult and the little bag makes holding the wool quite easy.

I don't do it as much as I used to but have heard of knitters using a treadmill and knitting at the same time. I doubt I would do that. I've heard of nasty accidents using treadmills so would probably be paying full attention to the walking.

I think I probably learnt during long hours of playground duty when i was a teacher years ago.

If you mean do I knit without looking at it, the answer is yes. That's very easily done, although I pay attention to lace knitting. The stitches feel different and it's quite easy to tell if your purled a knit stitch or whatever. It just feels wrong.

Edited to remove a couple of stray characters floating around the bottom of the post. Not as obvious to me as knitting a stitch the wrong way.

[ 03. November 2010, 19:10: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
The loom's here! I'm just thrilled! [Axe murder]
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
That's exciting - will we be seeing any photos of it and your work on it?
 
Posted by Anna B (# 1439) on :
 
I don't know---I'm happy to describe it, though! It's a 160-cm-wide Glimakra Standard with 12 shafts and treadles. Tall and pretty! We're having to move some furniture around, and I am coming to realize just how great a saint my husband is.
 
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
I just had to share this....

You can buy cross-stitch patterns for Orthodox ikons! Truly!

Those are fantastic (though I'm not sure I'm up for giving one a go!)
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Those are beautiful, Kingsfold, although I think they might be a bit more detailed than I could do.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I'm wondering how detailed they are - they're on 14 count and measure 12x15". I've been trying to work out which is the simplest!
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
There are some interesting things on that website, but I've just calculated the postage, and that's put me right off!
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
The crystal nativity in the right hand sidebar is lovely.

I enjoy crosstitch and other embroidery too but find knitting is better with poor eyesight. I need to do cross stitch outside in bright light and with a coarse Aida or linen fabric so I can see where I'm supposed to be working.
 
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I actually had the ikon with the angel with the cross and the angel with the spear as a cross stitch painted canvas. I thought it looked clumsy stitched on Penelope canvas, so i gave it away.

There used to be a school websute that has Orthodax patterns to X stitch, but I can't remember what it was.

Huia
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I am this close to finishing working all my chunky-weight stash into a blanket/throw. Just measured it - 9ft x 9ft.

Now to start on the double-knit basket... (Actually, there I think I'm going for a succession of waistcoats).

[ 20. November 2010, 20:41: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just bought a round, pale green tablecloth at the Cat's Protection League fair - I saw a pattern on the internet somewhere to make it into a blouse with angel sleeves - very simple, apparently.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
The crystal nativity in the right hand sidebar is lovely.


I loved the jewelled blue and silver nativity ornament, and there are a few people I could imagine giving it to. Is there anywhere you can get them in this country?
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I'm not particularly crafty, but several years ago I bought an offcut of my maiden name tartan for £4.00. It measures 80 inches x 16 inches. I'm wondering what I could do with it, other than hem it and use it as a scarf. Perhaps something Christmassy for my mother and/ or sis-in-law?

Suggestions?
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Pincushions.

Tea cosies.

Hot-water bottle covers.

Not terribly large scatter cushions.

Work bag (with something like these).
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I like the bags. Mum and sis-in-law both have very tidy, very co-ordinated houses - scatter cushions or tea cosies wouldn't be appreciated.

And we already have enough cushions to scatter and some splendid tea cosies, 'cos I hate seeing handmade stuff left at the end of a church sale. As of tomorrow we'll be using an excellent one knitted to look like a Christmas pudding!

The ongoing clear-out today has also produced a piece of glazed cotton, 78in x 48 in, left over from curtains I made 17 years ago. I think I bought extra curtain material intending to make cushions. 17 years is long enough to hold onto an off-cut - but what to do with it? I don't think a charity shop would particularly want it.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I finished a pair of socks on my Knatty Knitter.
Well, 'pair' is a loose description - one is rather larger than the other. Good job they're only going in my wellies.
Next I'm trying out the triloom I bought at Wonderwool this year.
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Third question. In my teens I bought a georgeous hand made pure silk 1950s dress with yards of skirt. It buttoned down the front with self-covered buttons.

Alas! my idea of "vintage" was my mother's idea of "second-hand- might-have-fleas- somebody-might-have-died-in-that" and she got hold of it and gave it a good scrub which destroyed it. However, I still have the yards of silk it was made with, and the buttons. Suggestions? It's cream with a pattern of small olive and magenta spots.
 
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on :
 
I've been buying Inside Crochet magazine over the last few months, and there was a pattern for a scarf with a hood in the last one. I've found a gorgeous wool - KingCole Riot - and have started making it. The only thing is that I'm not sure the pattern is right - going by the tension details, the scarf part would only measure about 40" max, and the dimensions given state 60"+. I'm going to have to adjust the pattern, I think. Mind, I had to do that with another scarf pattern in the last edition in order to make it look right.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
The triloom is going well, but the yarn I'm using is way too thin. So I have a cunning plan - I have a bag full of little short bits of wool and I'm going to weave them into the cloth on the loom to make something quirky and interesting - and warmer.
I did this a couple of years ago with a plain knit shawl, using the thin yarn as a carrier and knitting each stitch with carrier and short bit together, leaving two or three inch ends dangling. It looks great, and it's warm.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Here's my public service announcement for December 2010.

The Drops designs Advent Calendar can be found here. This is in what they call British English. There was another link for American English.

One pattern a day. Yesterday's was an aviator style Santa baby hat which I didn't save as I have one. Today's is a crochet Santa with big white beard.
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I tried making an angel wing blouse out of a round tablecloth this morning, and it all bunched up under the arms. Back to the drawing board. Lucky I only paid £2 for the tablecloth.
 
Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Here's my public service announcement for December 2010.

The Drops designs Advent Calendar can be found here. This is in what they call British English. There was another link for American English.

One pattern a day. Yesterday's was an aviator style Santa baby hat which I didn't save as I have one. Today's is a crochet Santa with big white beard.

Thanks for the festive PSA! Unhappily I can't seem to get the link to work - my internet browser is being generally stubborn today, so I'm not sure if anyone else will have a problem with it...
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Hi Coffee Cup. love the name. I've just had my coffee for Friday morning.

I tried the link from within my post and it works fine for me. Google for Drops and Advent calendar and see if you can get in that way. There are two sites for American and British English once you have set the language to English.

Garn (Drops) have thousands of free patterns. Just needs a bit of substituting yarn and checking tension to see what works for you.
 
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Earlier in the week I sent off two packages of charity knitting: A watch cap and matching scarf for the Seaman's Church Institute's "Christmas at Sea" project, and a very long wooly scarf for Grace Church - Chicago's (in Chicago's South Loop) "SoulScarves" project. Grace is going to display in their sanctuary any donated scarves in Advent colors. Mine's a very deep burgundy color, so I hope it makes the cut.

[ 03. December 2010, 15:29: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on :
 
I've just been tidying up my stash cupboard and came across five squares of crazy patchwork that I was intending to make cushions out of - fifteen years ago! So that's what I'll be doing tomorrow. I have the backing material all ready to go.
 
Posted by ErinBear (# 13173) on :
 
Mamacita, I crocheted a scarf for the Seamen's Church Institute also! That's wonderful.

I am busy as I continue to crochet various gifts for friends. I am making a lot of matching potholders and dishcloths this year. Also scarves, and I've just crocheted my first warm woolen cap, which was lots of fun. But the newest exciting project...cat toys, filled with catnip, which also turns out to be a great way to use small amounts of leftover yarn! Hooray! The cats I know will be happy too.

Blessings,
ErinBear
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
Determined not to have any left-over yarn, I have completely finished up the 200g that I bought to make a hat and gloves, not realising it would be enough for socks and a scarf, making a complete set as a Christmas present for a friend currently snowed in. I am tempted to send it to her early, but I think they will get to her just as a thaw begins.... or she will be really disciplined and not open until The Day. No doubt there will be more cold days for her to enjoy being toasty warm.
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by daisydaisy:
Determined not to have any left-over yarn, I have completely finished up the 200g that I bought to make a hat and gloves, not realising it would be enough for socks and a scarf, making a complete set as a Christmas present for a friend currently snowed in. I am tempted to send it to her early, but I think they will get to her just as a thaw begins.... or she will be really disciplined and not open until The Day. No doubt there will be more cold days for her to enjoy being toasty warm.

Leftover yarn? Tell me about it, including lots of sockwool, more than enough for darning but not enough for anything else.

For years I've been a member of a yahoo group, Six_Sock_Knitalong which posts a new design every two months. I've done lots but none this year. December's sock uses leftovers and has a cuff, knitted flat, then joined, of mitred squares of self striping yarn. Sock then picks up one of the colours and continues as normal.

I think I might do these after I've sorted out all the little bits and pieces of sock wool I have. I can see heels and toes in same colour as one of the squares or possibly even some stripes.

You can see a picture in link above but you need to join the group to get the pattern which will be under the label "files."
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
You could also make a sock yarn blanket! They are very effective and a nice way to remember all the different socks you have knit over the years.

This is the original sock blanket, if you look on Ravelry you will see that there are now loads of imitations. This is another rather impressive example.
 
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
For anyone with spare baby wool... and inclination to do something with it...

[ 04. December 2010, 19:32: Message edited by: Ferijen ]
 
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
You could also make a sock yarn blanket! They are very effective and a nice way to remember all the different socks you have knit over the years.

This is the original sock blanket, if you look on Ravelry you will see that there are now loads of imitations. This is another rather impressive example.

I've seen the mitred sock blanket before and admired it. I've also seen the blanket with dozens and dozens of little fish all sewn together, Looks great but i'm not doing that. When I move and sort my wool I'll discover how much leftover sock I really do have. At the moment that could be months away so I'm thinking of using up the bits I've accumulated here in my room in the last eighteen months.

I made a pi shawl from Elizabeth Zimmermann's ideas a couple of years ago. I used some 12 ply which I couldn't see being used any other way. It covers my current bed, a double size.

Ferijen, I give a lot of knitting to charity and would do something like that for an Aussie charity which also takes tiny gowns and bonnets for premie funerals.

Postage from down here to Britain or USA is already exorbitantly expensive and Australia Post has just hit us with a $9 surcharge on parcels over 435 gm for security screening.

[ 04. December 2010, 20:44: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 
Posted by Little Miss Methodist (# 1000) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Lothlorien:
quote:
Originally posted by Little Miss Methodist:
You could also make a sock yarn blanket!

I've seen the mitred sock blanket before and admired it. I've also seen the blanket with dozens and dozens of little fish all sewn together, Looks great but i'm not doing that.
Oh, i'm totally with you! I often can't get it together enough to knit on the socks, let alone the left over yarn! There is no way on earth I will ever have the patience or ambition to knit something like that. I take my hat off to the people who do it but it is not for me.

I'm lucky if I knit at all at the moment, though I have been teaching ladies at my church to knit recently and we now meet once a month for knitting lessons / chat sessions and they are making squares for blankets for a charity we support, so thats good. They areall getting enthusiastic and talking about making their own scarves etc, so I think I may have converted 8 or so people to knitting.
 
Posted by Angel Wrestler (# 13673) on :
 
SEWERS: does anyone know the technique for turning a sewn string right side out. I mean those kinds of thin, tubular pieces that are used as strings as ties. There is a way to do it very easily by pinning an end and feeding one end into the other opening - but the way I'm picturing it (it's been a long time since I've made one of these) just goes nowhere.

I'm making pajama bottoms for everyone this year and Little Angel #2 wants a drawstring tie rather than an elastic waist.

I'm making all but a couple Christmas gifts this year and it sure is nice to get back into it! It's been a long time.
 
Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on :
 
Attach strong thread to one end, thread it through a bodkin, tie the ends of the thread together so that it forms a loop. Then take the bodkin down through the string. I hope that makes sense - it's strangely difficult to put into words!

If the string is wide enough you can do this with a fine knitting needle and the thread tied around the top of it - it's easier with something longer.
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Ferijen, as someone who has been on the receiving end, these tiny gowns and bonnets are very much appreciated.

To everyone who knits these- THANK YOU!
 


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