The Sewing Place

The Emporia => A Good Yarn => Topic started by: b15erk on March 01, 2017, 09:00:50 AM

Title: Any knitters here?
Post by: b15erk on March 01, 2017, 09:00:50 AM
I'm knitting while I wait for my mojo to return, but it feels a bit lonely here atm  :-\

Any more knitters here?

Jessie
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ploshkin on March 01, 2017, 09:26:31 AM
I haven't got anything on the needles at the moment (Knitting season is pretty much finished for me) but didn't want you to feel lonely.  I have 2 UFOs that I must complete - there's very little to do.  I have a second sock that has sat for a month just needing the last stitches grafted to close up the end - why do I keep putting that off??  I also have a Shetland Lace scarf that needs the first end I knitted grafting on to the rest of the scarf (I see a theme emerging here - I clearly avoid grafting)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Vegegrow on March 01, 2017, 09:47:34 AM
Last Spring I definitely had a knitting mojo and diligently made 9 scarves from some Sidar Kiko super chunky... for all my nieces and SIL's Christmas pressies.... now I'm a amateur knitter and thought I'd be inspired to knit the long sleeve version of this making it thigh length ... bought the wool... and its sat there ever since...I've now decided I'm unlikely to ever wear it if I knitted it as my knitting is so loose it'll end up huge so next plan is to knit it into squares and make a throw with  it ...... :-\
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: BrendaP on March 01, 2017, 10:00:04 AM
I'm quite addicted to knitting socks.

I bought some needles and a ball of Opal yarn which came with a basic pattern six or seven years ago whilst we were away for a few days and I havn't stopped since.  I like socks because they get done, I always do them in tandem using two sets of double point needles.

Not sure if the photo will attach yet - I've only just paid my subs - but I have developed my own 'go-to' pattern for socks.
It's shown here made from one 50 gms ball of Regia with a plain colur for the cuffs, heels and toes.

(http://)

Instructions for making them are on my website
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/knitting/scrapbuster.htm (http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/knitting/scrapbuster.htm)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: BrendaP on March 01, 2017, 10:00:56 AM
Yes!  the photo did attach :)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Deafoldbat on March 01, 2017, 10:22:38 AM
Yes, I have returned to knitting after regarding it as the work of the devil in my youth - it took so long to make anything and I hadn't the patience.

However, now I find it provides occupation for the hands of an evening and, like sewing garments, you get what you want in the size you want and the colour you want, which is all good. I'd like to know how to adapt/resize patterns. Any good books around?

I tried socks, and didn't get on with them, but think I will have another go sometime.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: b15erk on March 01, 2017, 11:15:47 AM
I tried a sock DOB, and so I know I can do it - but do I want to?

I'm on baby onesies atm, with number 2 on the needles.

Good tutorials on Youtube, Cheryl Brunette, and Very Pink Knits being favourites of mine.

Jessie
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Mama likes to make on March 01, 2017, 12:39:49 PM
Yep another knitter here. I knit as a child and my grandmother at the age of 94 is still knitting away. I had stopped for a long while but when I was pregnant with my 2nd and 3rd kiddos I was too hugely pregnant to sew comfortably so I started again. Now I sew during the mornings when everyone is at school or preschool (not everyday but when I'm working on something) and at my class and in the evenings I knit in front of the telly.

My current project is a jumper that I just need to do the second sleeve for and on Saturday my favourite yarn shop is starting its spring KAL so I hope to start another jumper then (must finish sleeve before I start something new and shiny!!)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Lowena on March 01, 2017, 13:20:42 PM
I knit a bit, but am not very accomplished as I knit too tightly.... so much so, that sometimes I can't transfer the stitches  :-\ Any suggestions gratefully received  :)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on March 01, 2017, 13:27:38 PM
I hadn't knit for years, then made a baby cardi, which inspired me to make myself a cardi - 2 years later I think I may have to finish it off on my newly acquired chunky knitting machine, it's only the front ribs and collar to do.  Hand knitting will now be forgotten about again, thank goodness.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Pearl on March 01, 2017, 16:53:04 PM
I love knitting and, as you may know, I have been knitting a pair of socks for weeks now.  ;D
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Didi on March 01, 2017, 17:52:59 PM
I'm a knitter - I can do it on the train going to work and at lunchtime at the moment I have an almost finished jumper and a just started jumper on the go. The plan this week is to finish the final sleeve on the nearly finished and block it
I just can't help myself starting something instead of first finishing what I have been doing
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Pearl on March 01, 2017, 18:54:27 PM
I just can't help myself starting something instead of first finishing what I have been doing
Oh, this is me with sewing as well as knitting.   
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ellabella on March 01, 2017, 19:45:44 PM
I knit a bit, but am not very accomplished as I knit too tightly.... so much so, that sometimes I can't transfer the stitches  :-\ Any suggestions gratefully received  :)

My advice is a very large gin and a very small tonic and cast on with needles one or even two sizes larger than the ones in the pattern then knit the rest with the suggested size needles. :o
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: twopence on March 01, 2017, 20:06:01 PM
I knit mostly in the evenings and many of my jumpers.  I knitted a lovely aran hooded jacket for my partner's granddaughter as part of her Christmas present and hopefully have attached a picture.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: hernibs on March 01, 2017, 20:22:56 PM
I have been knitting all my life - am on a knitting binge at the moment....can't seem to stop buying expensive yarn....my stash at the moment (don't laugh you real stashers) is enough Fyberspates for a tabbard in dk and enough Malabrigo Rios for a sweater....then I fell for some mulberry silk from posh yarn for a cowl sort of thing.  I am knitting a sweater from Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply - this I had complimentary from DB as I 'complained' in the nicest possible way that her Fine Donegal Tweed yarn is a disaster....very, very thin in places and not strong so the waistcoat I am wearing will not last long.  This is the last yarn I bought before consulting Ravelry as to the quality of yarn...great site and so helpful.  Sewing is taking second place to knitting at the moment but I have too much cardmaking to do at the present time.
I am so glad that our Mods got this site going...thanks so much....so glad to be back among my 'needle' friends.
Just editing to say I'm glad the avatar came up...in case you want to know...it is Glenveagh Castle Gardens in Donegal...a great place to visit....and the gates are open to welcome you in!
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: SingingSinger on March 01, 2017, 21:45:12 PM
I enjoy knitting but not sewing up - so I have 2 completed socks waiting, one half sewn up and one waiting for the toes stitches to be grafted.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ploshkin on March 01, 2017, 21:52:22 PM
Hernibs, Glenveagh is one of my favourite places in the world, I love the walk alongside the loch to the castle.  I didn't recognise the gates though
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Lowena on March 02, 2017, 10:56:52 AM
Thanks girls.... way to go!  :D
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Holly Berry on March 02, 2017, 11:42:47 AM
I've just started knitting again, as something to do in the evenings. OH was getting lonely if I was upstairs sewing and he wanted to be together.

I discovered Carol Sunday Knits and made Kelmscott. Can't get the picture to attach.

Not the easiest after such a long time away from knitting.



Edit: yes it did
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: b15erk on March 02, 2017, 11:46:39 AM
HB, that looks lovely.  A bit out of my league though.  :'(

I love the collar....

Jessie
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: maliw on March 02, 2017, 12:31:43 PM
Yep I'm a knitter too, I knit while watching tv. The needles have been hot especially in the last couple of years as we have had three grandchildren so blankets, cardigans and jumpers (DS jokes about our knitted babies) as well as things for myself. I was told a couple of days ago by DGS1 that "Izzy (little sister) needs a car blanket" he has a crotcheted - is that right? one and so now she has to have one too. It has to be purple, don't you just love them? When I haven't any 'orders' I knit blankets as seen on Project Linus and give them to the local SCBU - great for knitting on long car journeys as I don't need to concentrate
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: b15erk on March 02, 2017, 12:35:35 PM
Never done a knitted blanket Mal, but lots of crochet ones. I made Lilya a car blanket out of that soft fleecy stuff, with butterflies and bugs on it.

I'm knitting for her brother/sister now:)

Jessie
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Holly Berry on March 02, 2017, 12:37:08 PM
Thank you.

Not having knitted for so long, I saw the pattern on Pinterest, and thought I would have a go. I bought some cheapish wool and started it thinking it not too bad as the back and sleeves are garter stitch with a small amount of pattern. The front and collar are really about following a chart and they took me about 12 months to finish and a lot of unravelling but I got there in the end.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Mama likes to make on March 02, 2017, 13:17:37 PM
Never done a knitted blanket Mal, but lots of crochet ones. I made Lilya a car blanket out of that soft fleecy stuff, with butterflies and bugs on it.

I'm knitting for her brother/sister now:)

Jessie


Did I miss an announcement? Many congrats to you and your family. I love seeing your makes for Lilya and look forward to see what comes off the needles next
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: hernibs on March 02, 2017, 13:57:16 PM
Holly Berry....What a beautiful cardigan....Very complicated looking. Well done!
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ellabella on March 02, 2017, 16:08:37 PM
I too have developed a liking for socks, here is pair two
http://i.imgur.com/XuZDZ62.jpg.

I've just bought some more wool and am going to attempt Brenda's pattern but hopefully knitting both at once with the magic loop method. This could all end in tears.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Catllar on March 03, 2017, 21:48:42 PM
I'm an occasional knitter - can't do it here in the summer - gets too hot and sticky. Love the jacket Holly Berry - that could relight the fire! Off to have a look.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: LeilaMay on March 06, 2017, 21:06:32 PM
I'm knitting :)  Always got knitting on the go, even whilst we were in holiday rental for 5 weeks waiting to move in here. It's currently socks and a large blanket/throw and I've promised not to start anything else until one or the other is finished.

Pictures will have to wait, but nice to talk knitting with like-minded folks
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Maximum on March 06, 2017, 22:41:25 PM
I enjoy knitting but not sewing up - so I have 2 completed socks waiting, one half sewn up and one waiting for the toes stitches to be grafted.
Have you tried toe-up on circular needles? No grafting and no sewing and you can try them on as you knit. If you weigh the yarn and divide equally there is no waste as you knit until yarn is used up.
I haven't managed to do 2 at a time toe-up yet so I have to "make" myself do the 2nd sock asap after finishing the first.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: SingingSinger on March 10, 2017, 16:54:39 PM
Have you tried toe-up on circular needles? No grafting and no sewing and you can try them on as you knit. If you weigh the yarn and divide equally there is no waste as you knit until yarn is used up.
I haven't managed to do 2 at a time toe-up yet so I have to "make" myself do the 2nd sock asap after finishing the first.

I haven't but I am very new to sock knitting (this is my first pair, still waiting to be sewn up!) I'm keen to make more though as they grow quickly and are very portable  :wool:
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Pearl on March 11, 2017, 16:58:51 PM
I hate sewing up too, SingingSinger.  I knitted my socks top down on 12" circulars so that I only had to graft the toes, using this pattern.  https://www.theknittingsquirrel.com/how-to-knit-your-first-sock-part-1/
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Seagirl on March 16, 2017, 21:31:50 PM
Another keen knitter here. I've learned to love making socks (magic loop or small circular) -I love a project that can fit in a handbag. I'm trying to teach myself continental knitting as I have a large stash and could do with the extra speed. Like books, I have a few knitting projects on the go at the same time but have a few UFO'S which MUST be finished before I cast on anything new. I'm currently knitting a pair of 2 at a time socks which are never ending - I think elves are undoing them while I sleep.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Maximum on March 16, 2017, 21:46:06 PM
Hi Seagirl, I have tried 2at a time socks but got in a real muddle so gave up and just did one at a time!! I seemed to spend far too long trying to work out where I was and checking each sock so it seemed quicker to just get on and finish one. I do struggle to get the 2nd sock done though so if you have any pointers for 2AAT then please let me know!
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Lowena on March 17, 2017, 01:23:38 AM
I'm fed up of my ultratight knitting.........which size needles would you recommend to help me overcome it?
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ploshkin on March 17, 2017, 08:09:15 AM
What yarn are you using & what size needles?  I'd be inclined to go up 0.5mm and see what it is like & if necessary go up another 0.5mm.
I know it's hard when you've (presumably) been knitting all your life but is there anything you can change about the way you tension the yarn in your right hand (if you are RHanded)  Do you actually know why your knitting ends up tight?
When I was very young my knitting used to be so tight that in the end I wouldn't be able to move the stitches along the needle and my mum would have to knit a few rows to rescue it.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Lowena on March 17, 2017, 09:46:20 AM
That's what mine is like. That's why I haven't knitted for years
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Maximum on March 17, 2017, 10:12:50 AM
Hi Lowena, the standard way to adjust tension in knitting is to use larger or smaller needles, but I'm sure you know that and in your case it won't help as you are wrapping the yarn so tightly around the needle it is in effect strangled and the stitches won't budge never mind have room to get the other needle in.
Are you tense yourself? When you concentrate on something do your shoulders get tight?
There are lots of different ways to knit so perhaps try another method and learn it like a new craft rather than try and unlearn what you currently know. There are lots of YouTube videos on knitting methods. Maybe have a go at a couple and see if it helps.
Most of us learn knitting as children when our hands are small and our patience limited so keeping stitches on the needles was achieved by pulling. I can still remember struggling with horrid bendy plastic kids needles and my hands were clammy and nothing went smoothly and then suddenly all the stitches fell off.
Recently I have been using interchangeables and a cord and apart from their portability I find it helps that the weight of the knitting is taken by my lap and I do not have to balance and manoeuvre long needles.
I'm having my kitchen gutted next week so how about me coming down and helping you rather than standing around in half a building site making endless cups of tea.  ;) :D
Don't give up
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Lyn-J on March 18, 2017, 16:31:54 PM
I will only knit if its with machines or tree trunks (needles greater than 8mm).
So many patterns, so little time.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Ivydene on March 18, 2017, 18:17:03 PM
Another knitter here. I was taught by my mum and grandma and as a young woman always had some jumper or cardigan on the go. Once knitted a cable cricket sweater in 2 weeks - unemployed and it was Wimbledon fortnight. As time went on I developed arthritis in my right thumb and largely stopped knitting. Then about 5 years ago I discovered bamboo needles which were so much more comfortable. Then I got some interchangeable tips and thought I was set.  2 cardigans in and the left thumb has become so sore I cant manipulate the stitches again. Sighs. However I think I can still crochet so with some Rowan lace weight yarn I am determined to have a go at a lacey shawl.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: maliw on March 18, 2017, 19:28:02 PM
I've had thumb problems to the point that I gave up knitting, I was considering having then injected until I remembered mum's magnetic bracelet. I put it on and within hours the pain had gone, I can now knit again and if the pain flairs up on goes the bracelet. I was sceptical at first but it beats injections any day.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: fajita on March 19, 2017, 09:06:35 AM
Re - the ultra tight knitting. Is it possible to knit somehow onto two needles held together, then you can extract one of them to knit with the other needle for your next row?
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Mama likes to make on March 19, 2017, 10:17:53 AM
For the tight knitting what type of needles are you using? I can be a quite tight knitter and I find using metal circular with a good sharp lace point really helps. My favourite are the chiaogoo red lace ones. Nice and slick to keep the stitches moving and the point really helps putting the needle into the stitch.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Maximum on March 21, 2017, 18:36:00 PM
I've been thinking some more about tight knitting. If interchangeables were used it should be possible to create the stitches on a larger right hand needle and then change to a smaller left hand needle to knit them off. Does that make any sense or is my imagination running away with me? ;)
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Sheilago on March 22, 2017, 08:40:25 AM
I do a little knitting. I got back into it when a neighbour asked me to help knit for a community project ( knitted tepee!). After that the group continued to meet weekly, so I always need to have something on the go. Usually I do small things: socks , scarves, baby things. Also learned how to crochet from You tube.
I'm not keen on knitting for me as I find it so hard to get the size right. I knitted an Aran cardigan last year, but it is huge.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Pearl on April 01, 2017, 14:24:00 PM
 Advice for tight knitting in this article https://www.flaxandtwine.com/2015/06/fixing-common-knitting-mistakes/ is:-

Drop your shoulders and take deep breaths.
Start on bigger needles in the beginning as they are easier to work with. Size 10 needles are great for beginners.
Bamboo or wood needles hold the yarn a bit better than metal needles, which are more slippery. Use wood needles to be less fearful of losing a whole needle-ful of hard-earned work.
Make sure, as you knit, that each stitch is going fully on to the fat part of the needle before you begin your next stitch. This practice will result in more even stitches and a more relaxed tension.
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: crooknees on April 06, 2017, 16:49:11 PM
Another knitter here. I was taught by the Mum of a school friend 50+ years ago. When my children were babies I learnt to love knitting 2 & 3ply. I still love those fine yarns, but there are very few modern patterns.
My biggest problem now is following the pattern. Something I never had a problem with years ago.
I gave all my straight pins away (Apart from the sets of 4/5 DPs.) and invested in interchangeable ones. Love these except for anything very narrow. I still get on much faster with a set of double point needles. Trying to knit gloves with the magic loop method ended in tears. Well nearly. :devil:
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Snowbird on April 19, 2017, 20:33:29 PM
Another knitter here  :wool:  Was taught by my mum and hated it ! But dabbled in my teens with waistcoats and then it came into its own when the children arrived. Not really got anyone to knit for now ...patiently waiting for Grandchildren to make an appearance !  :[

 
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: Tawny75 on May 10, 2017, 15:37:15 PM
Another one here too.  i love knitting socks and have taught myself to knit them two at a time on one long circular needle.  I find it very relaxing
Title: Re: Any knitters here?
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 08, 2017, 00:08:22 AM
And me too! I also spin some of my yarns. I have just finished making 2 blankets for my friends daughter's new baby.
I love knitting socks and woolly cardy's/sweaters for myself. I have knitted tons for my 2 little granddaughters too.