I just saw on the homework thread that Steph is knitting, and I know there are others. What's on the needles this week? I'm getting a bit obsessed with yarn these days...I met a local knitter who blogs, and she photographed me knitting at Panera Bread recently and posted the photo. I'll find a link and come back. lynne becomes one with her yoga socks (this is the caption under the pic, you have to scroll way down to see it) I just finished some yummy yoga socks, my first sock adventure. Fun Now I'm doing a hat for hubby with some very expensive merino that is too much to do an entire sweater out of (for moi)so it's a little treat to work with that. Any one else doing fiber therapy?
lynne
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
BrenauMom: Shadow Knitting is very easy to do. You knit only one color for 2 rows, then switch to the other color. You carry the yarns up the side. You follow a chart to know when to knit on the row and when to purl to create the shadow pattern. You see the pattern when the fabric is turned just right in the light. You can see the sweater on Shelridge Farms' website. It's Maureen Jamieson's design. Vivian Hoxbro also designs shadowwork kits; it's her book you saw in the store. It's way cool!!!
The issue of Easy Knitting magazine (Familly Circle puts this out) that is available now (Holiday 2005 issue) has a great sock section, and they explain things very well to first timers in that magazine, I find. I am going to try their socks before I try the pattern I bought for lacy ones.
Lynne
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
Folks, I have found a great site called Knittinghelp.com. Video demonstrations of many, many knitting techniques, both Continental and American. However, if you have dial-up internet service as I do, these downloads take a very, very long time. I brought my notebook to my DW's library where they have wireless, and I have been able to view the video in realtime during the download. Unfortunately, you cannot save the video. However, if you're so inclined, you can purchase the CD version of the video demos.
I am NOT connected with these people. I am NOT trying to push this product. I found them by doing a Google of "knitting videos," and I just think that the demos are very helpful.
I will say, though, that I think I have just found my next reward.
Do you all think that if I am able to do the baby booties that I'd be able to do socks? All this talk of socks and sweaters, I REALLY would love to learn to do socks! A friend of mine knits all of her socks, and they are so beautiful, I want them! She has so many irons in her fire that she doesn't have the time to knit socks for me, so if I want them, I'm going to have to do them myself What do you all think?
I say GO FOR IT! I do top down socks and thought that turning the heal would be this great big deal, but it is really just following directions. When a friend showed me how simple it was, I was suprised. I think it is WAY easier to use circular needles for socks.
Originally posted by mountaingirl: I find that I keep reaching for cotton in between working with other yarns.
Lynne
Lynne, I also love working with the cotton yarns. I make washcloths and dishclothes from it....LOVE my crocheted wash clothes and dishclothes! They are what I reach for over my terry cloth ones!
Blessings,
Lori
Re-committing myself to a healthy lifestyle that will include regular (and increasing) exercise, and following the baby steps rule on food. 6/17/08
Posts: 3159 | Location: California | Registered: March 11, 2004
Ok folks, you all have inspired me to get the ol' needles out again and reteach myself (if I can, I am such a visual person, I may have to have someone literally hold my hands to reteach me), BUT I found a kit at Joann's that teaches you how to knit. With it I can learn how to make a pair of baby booties and a baby's knit cap. http://joanns.com/catalog.jhtml;$sessionid$GK2S4AAAAAG1...=80793&source=search
Do you all think that if I am able to do the baby booties that I'd be able to do socks? All this talk of socks and sweaters, I REALLY would love to learn to do socks! A friend of mine knits all of her socks, and they are so beautiful, I want them! She has so many irons in her fire that she doesn't have the time to knit socks for me, so if I want them, I'm going to have to do them myself What do you all think?
Blessings,
Lori
Re-committing myself to a healthy lifestyle that will include regular (and increasing) exercise, and following the baby steps rule on food. 6/17/08
Posts: 3159 | Location: California | Registered: March 11, 2004
Originally posted by MnM: My therapy is quilting. I have done some hand sewing for celtic designs. (not brave enough to try on the machine.) When I was interested in learning to knit the only relative that could have taught me lived in another state. I'm left handed. There is a group at my church that meet to knit, but now I don't have time.
I am a lefty too, but learned to knit as a righty-- it was far more convient. Michelle
My therapy is quilting. I have done some hand sewing for celtic designs. (not brave enough to try on the machine.) When I was interested in learning to knit the only relative that could have taught me lived in another state. I'm left handed. There is a group at my church that meet to knit, but now I don't have time. Michelle
Originally posted by Bill: Judy, shadow knitting? (ears perking up here) I think I'll have to stop at B&N today to check out that topic. Oh, no, another project. All my best! Bill
Thanks Lynne, The liner is a very good suggestion. I've thought about stitching the places that are coming apart only I don't know what type of yarn was used and I've used lots of different yarns. I could take it to a craft store to see if they could tell me. I do the liner instead..lol.
Gail
Posts: 164 | Location: Out in the sticks of NC | Registered: May 03, 2004
Originally posted by fbroadie: I actually printed out the penguin pattern today and think I just need to buy a yellow ball of yarn and I'll be all set for the olympics. --Francie
You just reminded me that I was knitting when the U.S. Hockey team won the gold in 1980!!! I have (had) a set of interchangeable needles that I bought from Sears in the 1970s. I dropped one of the needles into the mechanics of my recliner. It bent the needle and put a burr on the outside which kept catching on the yarn. One of the guys that I worked with found out about my problem and took the needle down to the machine shop and brought it back good as new (except without the color!). What a wonderful memory of both that nice man and the Olympic win. I still remember how exciting that was - enhanced by the fact that Mike Eruzione played for the Toledo Storm (or whatever it was called at that time).
Gail, I am sure there are folks who do that sort of thing for a fee, however if I were you this is what I would do. Turn it inside out and stitch the weak spots like you would fix a hole in a pair of pants but use yarn to stitch it that is the same color. You can get regular inexpensive yarn and yarn needles at any craft store or Walmart. If you really want to be able to use it again, you could make a liner for it by tracing the stocking on fabric, cutting out two, and sewing up the "sock" which won't show, then sticking it inside the stocking. This would provide reinforcement so nothing would fall out! Infact, if you make the liner, and it is the same color as the damaged areas, you may not have to repair them at all. And the liner won't be seen so it doesn't matter how well it is crafted, if you know what I mean!
Lynne
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
I have a question for all the knitters. I have a knitted Christmas stocking that is as old as I am. It has Santa and my name knitted in it. Needless to say I abused it growing up..lol. Wore it on my feet, etc. It's not starting to come apart in a couple of places and would love to get it repaired only I can't find anyone to repair it. Any suggestions? I don't use it any longer for fear of messing it up further.
Gail
Posts: 164 | Location: Out in the sticks of NC | Registered: May 03, 2004
The pattern for the one piece sweater is at www.knittingpureandsimple.com It is on the cardigan page. It's number 241.
It looks like all of their patterns are for one piece sweaters. I must say that the one I used was not the best written pattern I ever used. The very first count they gave was wrong. And there weren't enough reference numbers for me especially since I wasn't trusting the numbers they gave. Luckily it came out all right, but I would be hesitant to try another of their patterns.
Bill, I have one other shop nearby that is not quite worth the trip from where you are. There are three others that stink, but as a last resort for notions, I'll go to the Covered Bridge. It used to be fantastic, but now it is run by a kurmudgeon (sp?). Every time I go there, I feel like she's about to say, "What the h*ll do you want?". I am considering doing a field trip up to a shop in Concord that I found online. There is also one in Portsmouth that looks nice. If I find links I'll come and post them.
Lynne
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
The no-seam cardigan is exactly why I'm loving "The Sweater Workshop." I absolutely hate to hand sew knitted pieces together. I have mittens that are simply waiting for the seam to be sewn. Why I don't want to spend the five minutes it takes to sew the side seams is beyond me.
Also, you turned me onto Ewe'll Love It. Any other shops that you recommend? I'm itching to make another field trip.
Judy, shadow knitting? (ears perking up here) I think I'll have to stop at B&N today to check out that topic. Oh, no, another project.
Wow, I would just love to visit all of you and see all of these projects! I'm writing down all of these book names! Not Just Socks sounds awesome...I just used Lorna's Laces Shepherd sock yarn and it was unlike anything I've ever tried. I see more socks in my dreams. I just ordered a ton of Berrocco cotton twist for a pattern I found on their website (free, gotta love that) and I can't wait to get my fingers on that. I find that I keep reaching for cotton in between working with other yarns.
I also loved the sound of the no seam cardigan - where can I see that pattern??
Lynne
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
Originally posted by cbarks: a shadow work cardigan from Shelridge Farms Charlotte
ooow, Do you mean Shadow Knitting? I saw a book on that in Barnes and Noble and was totally facinated. I copied the pattern for a simple sample piece but it was beyond my expertise to do it. Not only was I having to alternate between knit and purl but there was also the switching of colors and it just became too stressful and I was not enjoying it. Glad I didn't buy the book . But I do love the look.
Now I'm doing a hat for hubby with some very expensive merino that is too much to do an entire sweater out of (for moi)so it's a little treat to work with that. Any one else doing fiber therapy?