Posted by rmeb on 2005-10-24 20:50:59
Post Subject: Knitting needle size & gauge
Hi Everyone-
I'm about to embark a sweater, on my first knitting project that actually has to fit (as opposed to the scarves & ponchos that I've made thus far)... I bought some fantastic yarn and am ready to go!! The problem? I just did a gauge swatch and it turned out an inch smaller than it should have been (the instructions said it should be 4 inches and it was 3 inches). I'm currently using Size 11s, and am just trying to figure out how much bigger needles I should try. My instructions just say something like "Reknit your gauge swatch on needles a size or two bigger," but I'd rather not have to buy a few different pairs of needles if it's not necessary. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by CraftinFool on 2006-12-27 12:26:08
Post Subject: knitting - new to cables - yarn question
Hi all,
for my next knitting project - I'm fairly new- I want to do something with cables. Is there a yarn that is easier to use for cables than ohters? I figured I'd avoid something too thick or yarn with nubbly bits but wasn't sure beyond that. Thanks!
Posted by bsh8rc on 2008-03-25 22:02:30
Post Subject: Baby Blanket Question
Hi!
I''m working on my first major knitting project (a baby blanket). I bought a pretty neutral deep sky blue color and found out that a girl is on her way! I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to make it a little more girl-y. Or if there are any kind of iron on appliqué type things for yarn (I''m betting no..but I''m a beginner).
Posted by sallysunshine on 2006-02-18 16:18:54
Post Subject: Newbie Knitting Question
Ok, so I'm about to attempt my first non-scarf knitting project. It's also my first project from a pattern. The problem is that the thing has very small stripes: I'm supposed to alternate two rows of one color with two rows of another. And I have no idea how to execute this feat. Help! I have a vague impression that I am not actually supposed to cut the first yarn and tie the end to the second, but I'm not sure what the alternative is. Any websites that show pictures of the proper way to do this?
Posted by CraftinFool on 2006-07-24 07:43:00
Post Subject: Seeking advice from veteran knitters
OK...I am a long-tme crocheter and started knitting within the past year or so and I love it. So far I have only done 2 projects, a harry potter scarf with circular needles, and a baby sweater in stockinette stitch.
The issue is, although I enjoy it I get easily bored and unless I take on something really challenging, I move on to learning another craft. I really don't want this to happen so I want my next project to be a real toughie, like maybe fair isle or something. However, I don't want to be totally exasperated. So I'm trying to find a good balance of a challenging project where i learn a technique but isn't toally overwhelming.
What are your thought? What knitting project did you do when you wanted to go to a tougher level? Should I just take it slowly?
Posted by Katrin on 2006-01-01 03:08:02
Post Subject:
My Stitch & Bitch group regularly meets at a coffee shop. It's an indie place, relatively new but fast becoming popular and successful. We meet there at times when it's likely to be less busy (weeknights or weekend afternoons) - the owners are very nice and appreciate the business we bring in. I introduced some friends from a different craft group to the place, and that group has started meeting there too.
Things to look for in a meeting place:
- Enough room to hold the whole group comfortably without encroaching on other patrons' space
- Good lighting and acoustics - you should be able to see what you're working on and hold a conversation without having to yell
- Friendly staff who appreciate your business and don't treat your group as an annoyance
- Nonsmoking space available (your mileage may vary on this one, but I wouldn't bring a knitting project to a place where it would end up smelling like smoke)
- Affordable menu/refreshments
Things you can do to make your group welcome:
- Schedule meetings at a set regular day & time so staff know when to expect your group
- Meet at a time when business there is otherwise slow
- If it's an eating establishment, everyone should buy at least one food/drink item during the meeting (it's impolite just to take up space at a business without, y'know, actually doing business with them)
There's nothing wrong with trying out different places until you happen upon the perfect one to suit your needs. Many coffee shops do have plenty of room to craft without food getting in the way (I often ask for my drink in a to-go cup with a lid to prevent spillage). Places I've found don't work are noisy, dimly lit, smoky bars - for obvious reasons.
And then there was the one time my S&B decided to move, just for a change of scenery...we tolerated the dim lighting, overpriced food and lack of work space - but the final straw was when someone's knitting bag on the floor was soaked with water from an overflowing toilet (and the staff made no attempt at compensation). We haven't strayed from our regular coffee shop since.
Posted by Katrin on 2005-02-12 16:23:27
Post Subject: ...Sigh.
I'd been toying with the idea of taking some fashion design classes - not for a degree or anything, but just to get some practical training. I've been sewing and crafting most of my life, but I usually use patterns (often modifying them a bit but never straying too far), and I'd like to learn the techniques for creating my own clothing from scratch.
Several people I know have recently suggested the same thing to me, not even knowing I was thinking about it already (maybe it's my constant talk about my latest knitting project or my current fascination with Project Runway).
So today I went online to see what was available at my local Art Institute, which is conveniently situated just a couple blocks from my house...and dammit! Most of their locations offer fashion design programs, but not the one in my town. Failing that, I looked at all the other colleges, art schools and trade schools in Denver - and not one of them offers even a single class in fashion design.
I guess I'll go to the library and look for some books to try to teach myself a few things. Sigh.
Posted by amanelle on 2004-05-19 12:26:06
Post Subject: I HATE knitting. grr. grr. grr
Okay, I don't really hate knitting, it just frustrates me to no end. I think I have to face the fact that I may never be able to knit. I can't even complete a scarf without screwing it up. *sigh* In the last 5 years I have not been able to finish one single project. I screw up somewhere along the way and instead of trying to fix it or start over, I throw it in the trash. I'm a lttile better at crocheting, although I've never attempted anything more than a scarf. Tonight is a knitting meet up so maybe I'll give knitting one more go. *sigh* Wish me luck. If I do ever manage to complete a knitting project I'm taking a million pictures and bragging until I get thrown off the board.
Posted by danielepea on 2004-05-19 12:44:22
Post Subject:
My sympathies. I know it's frustrating. I vowed never to knit again after the pain and suffering I endured to make a striped scarf for a friend one Christmas. After a few months away from my needles, I decided to give it a try again and I've been knitting happily for over 2 years now! I still consider myself to be at the beginner/intermediate level, but there are lots of fun things a gal can make with that skill-set.
My pieces of advice to you are:
- Don't be afraid to pull out part of your work once you notice a mistake. Yes it's discouraging, but fixing it and moving on will help you feel better.
- Don't expect absolute perfection. I dont' think I've ever completed a knitting project that didn't have mistakes in it. Most of the time, I'm the only one who knows they're there.
- Try a less labor intensive project. While scarves are simple, they also take a damn long time to finish. Instead, consider making something square like a wash cloth or hot pad or perhaps two larger squares sewn together to make a cute little purse. Nothing is as satisfying and encouraging as a finished project.
Posted by girlthursday on 2004-10-19 08:56:02
Post Subject:
How about some mittens to go with your scarf? My second knitting project (after a dishcloth- kind of boring) were these mittens:
http://woolworks.org/patterns/2ndlmitts.txt
Posted by Katrin on 2005-02-23 19:10:05
Post Subject:
What have you made from the old shirts? Sounds interesting...!
I made a little ribbed short-sleeved sweater. It came out a bit more bulky than I'd planned, but I think it'll be okay for summer. The whole thing took three XXL shirts, plus just a little more (another 1½ sleeves of a 4th). I tried to get shirts that were about the same degree of faded black, but it turned out with distinct color stripes anyway.
This was also the first knitting project I did without a pattern, just figuring everything out by measurement and gauge. It may not be the most flattering design, but it fits just the way I intended. All in all, a good learning experience.
Next time I'll cut the strips narrower and use a looser stitch. And maybe tie-dye several shirts together before cutting.
Posted by stella on 2004-10-16 14:52:28
Post Subject:
knit a plain, roll-brimmed cloche hat in the round. you won't even have to purl, just decrease. get over any fear of circular knitting or double-pointed needles as soon as you can, because they are the best. my *first* knitting project was a sock, so trust me, anyone can do anything,
Posted by robotgirl on 2004-05-13 17:53:00
Post Subject:
New mattress (I'm going to go order it tonight!). My back is killing me.
New jeans, whenever I can find the perfect pair.
Using the gift cert for a massage that I got for my birthday.
Starting my new knitting project.
THE WEEKEND!!! And my first barbecue of the season--summer is offically here!
Posted by pudding on 2005-02-05 21:30:25
Post Subject:
* We had our first big "getting to know you" drinks with our next-door neighbours in the front yard on Friday night and they are really cool girls!
* I started a new knitting project this morning - it's a scarf, a beautiful camel colour with a lovely pattern and made from the softest tencel/acrylic wool.
* I'm going to make some Clare Crespo-inspired cupcakes this afternoon!
* In two weeks we're going to the Hunter Valley (like Napa, I think) with a group of friends for the weekend, to see an outdoor concert by my favourite band The Waifs! Yippee!
Posted by rratstarr on 2005-06-27 11:18:45
Post Subject:
I'm not great at finishing what I'm started, but I have finished some things. I don't think I would ever finish a knitting project if I didn't do any of these:
knit while riding in a car/train/bus/subway car, etc.
knit while watching a movie or TV show
Occasionally knit while waiting, like in a doctor's office, or anywhere you might take out a book or browse a magazine like that
Occasionally get together with another friend or friends who knit, and knit while we're talking.
Don't get me wrong: I totally understand what you're talking about. Sometimes I just have to realize that I can't measure my accomplishments by what I see others on getcrafty doing. I want to finish projects because I enjoy them so much I can't wait to see the result, or i lose all track of time and am done before I know it. I do not want to have to force myself to finish something if it frustrates me.
Posted by Katrin on 2005-03-18 13:27:43
Post Subject:
Yes, knitting needles are allowed on airplanes. Some individual security workers just don't seem to be aware of that fact. To minimize hassle, it's a good idea to bring non-metal needles (plastic, wood, bamboo). Out of courtesy to your fellow passengers, it's also nice to keep the needles short and your knitting project small.
I think the Denise set is ideal for travel (but then I think it's ideal for almost everything). I've brought mine on planes with no trouble at all.
Scissors might be a bigger concern. I've had my carry-on bag rifled through when the X-ray machine detected my little knitting scissors. Seeing that they were blunt-ended, the guard let me keep them. I did once have to give up a tiny pair of folding scissors, because they are pointy.
Posted by Katrin on 2005-10-27 12:20:19
Post Subject:
The book AlterKnits has instructions for making felted bags out of old sweaters (That's right; it's not a knitting project).
If you don't feel like buying the book, you could just take a look at it in a store or library to see how it's done. The directions are pretty simple, and you can devise your own pattern.
Posted by baltica on 2005-02-01 12:32:05
Post Subject:
Here's answers to some of your questions. I'd like to answer the others, but don't have time at the moment...
If you knit, why did you start?
I just wanted to figure out how to do it, to see if I could. I had an aunt who crocheted for me, and a cousin who knitted; they were my influences. Once I figured out I could knit, I realized I really liked doing it
and kept on.
Do you identify as a feminist?
Yes.
What does knitting do for you? Why do you like it? Lots of things. The main thing is, I just like to create, whether it's a knitted scarf, a loaf of bread, a painting, whatever. I find the physical process of knitting to be extremely soothing. I like the tactile/visual quality of knitting -- trying various textures and colors of yarn, different patterns, etc. I also like the challenge -- generally each knitting project I do somehow builds on the one preceding it, in terms of difficulty, trying a new technique, altering a pattern etc.
How do you communicate with other knitters (knitting group, online forums like this, etc)?
I have one friend with whom I occasionally get together and knit. We end up chatting more than we knit, though. I don't do a whole lot of "communicating" in general, as knitting is a pretty personal, private thing for me. I do visit lots of knitting websites for ideas, though.
Why do you choose to connect in this way?
I guess I just don't gravitate to the social groups, e.g. knitting clubs as I'm pretty introverted.
Do you think knitting today is different than it was several generations ago? Does it serve a different function?
Sure, in that it's not an essential function anymore. We knit things for others to present them with a unique, one of a kind gift (or do so for ourselves), rather than doing so out of necessity.
Posted by Katrin on 2004-10-01 23:47:57
Post Subject:
Of the ones listed, I like knitting and sewing equally - I picked knitting because I'm currently working on a knitting project in order to procrastinate on a sewing one.
My favorite crafts usually involve my seeing stuff about to go into the garbage and yelling "Don't throw that away! I could MAKE something out of it!"
Posted by SamElena on 2007-01-14 10:43:47
Post Subject: 2007 Resolutions
My New Year''s Resolutions
1) Acquire more energy by going to the gym more often - goal of 3 times a week.
2) Only start a new knitting project when you have finished an old one.
3) Do not buy anything new - except necessary items such as food and hygiene products.
4) Stand up for yourself.
5) Write more letters.
6) Pass the Virginia Bar Exam
7) Don''t forget about your resolutions.
Posted by redheadedali on 2004-10-07 10:20:31
Post Subject:
I don't know if we'll all recognize other GetCrafty gals, but I'll have a knitting project with me just in case!
I don't know if anyone will get this before we meet, but here's what I'm wearing today: black Mary Janes, a knee-length black skirt, and a top with Paris landmarks on it (Mona isa, Arc d' Triomphe, Eiffel Tower). I also have red hair and glasses.
I am not really a freaky clothes fetishist or anything; I just tried to meet with people off a listserv I was on once, and wound up walking around the restaurant asking random people if they were the ones I was looking for, and I still didn't find the people from my list. It was vaguely traumatic ;).
Posted by Miss M on 2004-10-06 14:29:08
Post Subject:
So, what about between 5:30 and 6? I know 5:30 is early for some of you who work - and dinnertime as well. But, I am willing to stay until around 7-7:30ish so both the early birds and the later folk will all have someone to meet up with!
Directions from 75:
exit 15th street, turn EAST (away from Hobby Lobby, Barnes & Noble, and Collin Creek Mall)
Straight, pass park on left, over DART tracks & into downtown Plano
Turn LEFT at light onto K street
Coffee Haus is up a little ways on your left, there is a parking garage behind with free spots
From DART:
Take the Parker Road train
Get off at Downtown Plano station,
Cross back over the tracks and walk up the north side of 15th to K Ave Turn left.
Stay straight and you'll walk right by it!
Address is 1045 15th Place#159 Plano, TX 75074
Here is their website: http://www.planocoffee.com/
I don't know if we'll all recognize other GetCrafty gals, but I'll have a knitting project with me just in case!
Posted by baltica on 2005-04-13 12:22:15
Post Subject:
My folks started sending me to art school when I was five or so, after realizing that they couldn't tear me away from my craft supplies. I continued to attend some sort of art school on and off til I was 12 or so. As far as me being influenced by them? Probably not my mom, though she did go through a very brief sewing phase in 1978. I definitely get my desire to create (along with some not-so-wonderful traits) from my dad. He has his own darkroom, and is constantly doing woodworking and making train sets in his workshop.
High school and college, I pretty much abandoned art and crafting altogether, save for the occasional knitting project. I got back into it all as a kind of therapy, after grad school. I have such a non-creative job, I need to indulge in knitting, sewing, weaving, painting etc etc to keep my sanity!
Posted by schnitzle on 2004-05-19 10:08:26
Post Subject:
Great thread!
The craft that intimidates me the most is quilting. I know I don't have the attention to detail that it would take to make a quilt, but I LOVE to look at them and lust after them. A friend of mine made a quilt out of band t-shirts and scraps of fabric, and I was so so envious.
I'm also intimidated by sewing although I hope to conquer that.
All the stuff I like to do is so messy, why can't I like the "clean" crafts like sewing and quilting or working with paper? NOoooo it's gotta be painting and gluing and glitter and messsss :P hehe I do like knitting and crochet, which isn't so messy, but then again, I haven't finished a knitting project and haven't crocheted in a long time.
