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Topics - b15erk

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1
Patterns Discussion / Style 2708
« on: May 02, 2023, 10:18:39 AM »
This is the dress I'm currently making for my cousin's funeral.  I love the pattern, and I've been waiting for an occasion to make it.  Unfortunately, I think my fabric choice may be 'off', and I might have to choose something else to wear.

I started by making alterations to the pattern as I am no longer a size 12 (that's the size the pattern was cut...).  However, I lengthened the bodice far too much, and had to do much unpicking.

Once I had the sizing right, I cut the lining out.  This was a palaver, as there were no lining pieces... Got there eventually though, although the lining isn't exactly what I would have chosen.  It's got a sort of tafetta feel, so I'm not at all sure it will work, but, it's all I could get.  One thing I did get wrong though, was the length.  I forgot that I'd lengthened the main fabric, so I'll have to put a rescue plan together if it looks too short.

This morning when I've done the paperwork, I plan to alter the collar.  It's very pointy, so and suggestions will be most welcome!

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Jessie

2
A Good Yarn / Unpicking/Frogging
« on: April 11, 2023, 11:33:37 AM »
This one is the bane of my life, especially if I'm knitting a pattern.  I can be merrily knitting along, and realise that several rows back, I have done C2F instead of C2B... or, I have miscounted the stiches in my pattern, and thrown the pattern out.

I've looked at lots of tutorials about just unpicking and re-knitting the area where you have made the mistake, but I can't master it, and end up unpicking anyway...

What are your tried and tested methods for correcting mistakes?  Am I missing something?

Jessie

3
A Good Yarn / Looking for an OOP King Cole pattern
« on: April 07, 2023, 12:35:55 PM »
My dear friend sent me a large bag of Sirdar yarn this week, and I thought I would spend a little time finding a pattern.  Well, I found it, but, nothing in my life being straighforward, it's OOPrint...

I've tried searching t'internet, but to no avail, and I wondered if any of you lovely people would know where else I could find a copy.  I don't mind a pdf version, I would just like to find a copy of this pattern...

It's a DK pattern by King Cole, number 4728King Cole 4728

Many thanks in advance

Jessie

4
Vintage Machines / Light not working on my 185k
« on: March 20, 2023, 10:19:32 AM »
I vaguely remember this being the reason my 185k was put away on the naughty shelf.  However, I've brought it home to serve as my straight stitch machine, to give the Pfaff a bit of a break.

The stitch is very pretty, especially since I dismantled the tension and cleaned it off, but the light doesn't work...  I've been down the new bulb route, but nothing doing.

Has anyone had this problem?  I would have thought if the power supply to the machine was OK, the light should work...

Any help would be much appreciated

Jessie

5
I saw this & I thought you may be interested! / Free Pocket Templates
« on: March 19, 2023, 12:17:34 PM »
Well the title of this thread is a bit misleading, but I was looking for pockets when I found it so Pockets it is.

I'm making some trousers, and was looking for help on here (which I found, thanks @Kad), and I came across this French website, which I marked to look at later.

Well, this morning I've had a look, and downloaded the free pocket templates, which look great.  Then I had a root around (as you do), and it looks like an interesting website, with blogs, tutorials, patterns (lots of freebies).  I like the look of some of the patterns, so I'll be going back for a look.

Here's the link for the pockets, enjoy the website I AM - pockets

Jessie

6
Technical Help / Tranferring Designs
« on: March 17, 2023, 11:15:58 AM »
I have actually made a start on the SA Blakely jeans.  I've made these once before, and done all the alterations, but I never did the design on the pockets.  This time I would like to give it a shot.

It's not a fancy pattern, and I thought I would be able to produce it by pricking holes, and chalking over them.  Not so, the lines smudged, and were not clear enough to follow.

I decided to do it the same way I put the children's name on things years ago, although there was no need to reverse the image.  Tried it on the right side first, but it was useless, the paper wouldn't come off easily.  So, yet another sample, and I did it on the wrong side.  Much better, but the paper still didn't want to come away without puling the stitches...

Then when I topstitched over the stitching, getting it right on top of the other didn't work very well...

Is there an easier way to do this?  Something I'm missing?  I like the simple pocket design, but it's frustrating...

Jessie

7
A Good Yarn / Blocking a Piece of Knitting
« on: March 10, 2023, 10:22:08 AM »
Hands up, I've heard about this, but never knowingly done it, but from what I've read, it may be beneficial to my last piece of knitting.  The subject was raised in the Winter Sock Knit Along, so I thought it meritted its own thread.

I'm knitting the never ending sweater in 4ply cotton yarn, and as it's been unpicked several times, it's not looking as neat as it might.  I'm wondering if blocking it properly will improve the look of the large expanse of stockinng stitch...

My intention, when I eventually finish, was to wash in warm water, squeeze out the excess, roll in a towel and then dry it flat. 

Can anyone tell me what I should really be doing?

Jessie

8
Patterns Discussion / Butterick 5542
« on: February 10, 2023, 10:29:16 AM »
I've just started this, after researching any pitfalls on PatternReview - there were none, so I've ploughed ahead.  Only after cutting out the main pieces did I realise that I should have thunk a little longer.  :thinking:

Firstly, I'm using a stable knit rather than a woven.  That shouldn't be a problem, someone on PR had done that, but I think I should have added a dart... too late now though, so I have my fingers firmly crossed.

So, moving on to the facings and straps.  I do have enough fabric - just, but before I cut them out, I'm wondering about cutting the strap lining in a woven, to add a little stability, I think I should, as it will also reduce the bulk a little.  Also, what about the facings?  I'm going to have a look at this, and see if it might be better to fully line the bodice.  This would eliminate the possibility of the facing not staying put.

Well, I think I've answered my own questions, so I'd better go and look for some suitable fabric...

Jessie

9
A Good Yarn / Novita Venla Sweater dress
« on: December 08, 2022, 10:37:19 AM »
NovitaVenla Knitted Dress

I started to knit this a couple of years ago (as a sweater not as a dress) because I love the yoke pattern - before Covid hit, and I made good progress.   That is until I got to the tricky bits.

I put the project away, but when I was poorly, I decided to try again with different yarn, to solve the problems I'd had so that I could go back and finish the first sweater.

Well, I found I had just as much trouble with the 2nd version, but ploughed on, and worked my way through the armhole problems.  Then I got to the side increases, and I don't know what my brain does, but I tend to overthink everything.  So, this morning I got the first version out, to see where I had got up to, and, I don't think it's that bad... :facepalm:

Problems with version 1  (This is knit in a 4ply cotton yarn)
Armhole cast on, and untidy looking pick up sts underarm
Knitting not looking very neat and uniform
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Problems with version 2 (Knit in Stylearc DK)
Armhole cast on - looks OK but not great
Increases at the side sweater - I think I've omitted these on the first version.  I think I decided that they were for the dress shaping.

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Now that I've written it down, the main problem seems to be the underarm cast on, and pick up for the sleeves.

Any advice?  Should I crack on, and hope I end up with at least one wearable sweater?  Or, should I rip them both back and start with a simpler pattern...

Choices, choices...

Jessie

10
A Good Yarn / Tubular Ribbing Technique using a Scrappy Provisional Cast on
« on: November 28, 2022, 11:24:38 AM »
I’m writing this tutorial for me, mainly as an aide memoir,  because every time I need to use this technique, I have to hunt around for points of reference.  I am not a natural intuitive knitter, and I have to really think about patterns and what I want from them.

I discovered the Provisional Cast On technique years ago when struggling to master the art of circular knitting and it’s still a WiP for me.  I really had a hard time with starting my projects, and before I’d made any significant progress, my ribs had stretched out, and looked a mess.

So, I did some research, and found if I used a provisional cast on, the stretching wouldn’t be so much of a problem, however the idea of doing a fresh cast on each time, seemed a waste of time and yarn.  So, I developed the idea of re-using a scrap starter, and it has made life so much easier.

Then I had another revelation, the tubular cast on.  This made a lovely rib, but the techniques I found were so complicated and long winded, they were never going to happen.  The idea of combining the two techniques developed gradually, but, I’ve now got a method which works for me, and makes circular knitting less scary.

1.   My scrappy starter is growing as I do more projects, but it’s really easy to use.  I simply look at the pattern, halve the number of cast-on stitches, and adjust on the starter.  So,  if my starter has 50 stitches on and I need 130  for the pattern, halve that to 65, and increase the stitches on your starter from 50 to 65.  Doesn’t matter too much about spacing as long as you have 65 stitches on the starter.

2.   Then change to the needles needed for the project, knit a few rows straight (I find a bright contrast makes life easier), and then change to your project yarn.  I then knit 4 rows, which works best for me.

3.   On the fifth row, you need a cable needle or a crochet hook, and you are going to start picking up the purl bubble on the row where you’ve changed to your project yarn.  This is easy to see, as it’s where the two colours twist together. Knit your first stitch, then pick up the project colour loop, put it on your left needle, and purl it.  The bubble you need to pick up lies between the stitch you have just knit, and the  one on your left needle.  Then repeat.  Knit one, pick up the loop between 2 stitches, put it on the left needle, and purl it.

4.   When you reach the end of the row, your stitch count should be doubled.  This can take a couple of goes to get right, so just keep your sample handy, and keep trying.
 
5.   However, if you are successful, and pick up all the stitches, it’s time to carry on with your pattern!  Simple as that!  I don’t remove the sample straight away, I carry on, until the sample starts getting in the way – or, I just want my knitting to look as it should.

6.   To remove the sample, find the tail where you begin the new yarn, then start pulling the stitches out.  You can cut them, but I prefer to remove them one by one – no chance of mishaps with the snips…  Do Not Unpick Your Project Yarn!  Only the sample yarn should be removed.

7.   TA-DA! You can now carry on knitting, and use your sample again.

I am not an excellent knitter, and these instructions may not suit you – or anyone!  It’s simply a method I’ve worked out, which works for me.

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Jessie

11
A Good Yarn / Cabled Balaclava
« on: November 15, 2022, 10:39:55 AM »
We're off to Lapland for Christmas this year, and being a warm weather sort of person, I feel the need for appropriate clothing.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/from-russia-with-love-cabled-balaclava

I found this pattern for a Balaclava, on Ravelry which looked as if it would fit the bill, and decided to give it a shot.  First off, as usual, I changed the cast on - I like it stretchy, then I used the wrong yarn - just some from the stash, then the wrong needles - to suit the yarn...  But, I figured it would fit one of us...

For starters, I realised I wouldn't have enough yarn in the particular grey, but I had a light grey which was similar.  I found a great technique called Helical knitting, using up small amounts of yarn to make it go further.  You end up with either an Ombre effect or stripes, depending on whether your yarns are similar or very different.  I only used two yarns, and got quite a crude Ombre effect, but using up the dark grey at the bottom, two yarns together until the dark ran out, and continuing with the light grey.  I love this technique.

Right, to the pattern, which was very simple, an eight row cable repeat, split for the eyes, carry on for the crown.  Unfortunately, probably due to the wrong yarn and needles, the crown was far too shallow.  Then I had to address the eye split.  When I did the cable finish, it looked a bit saggy going into the back of each stitch, so I went into every other stitch.  It is now so tight is squeezing my eyes together... :rolleyes:

So, I've been tinking ( :laughing:) back to the last cable, and added another pattern.  I'm now starting to decrease for the crown - again  :rolleyes: .

Then I will sort out the eye slit.  It may have to look a bit loose in order not to push my eyes together!  :laughing:

A picture for you to feast your eyes on... :rolleyes:

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Jessie

12
Alterations Advice Please / Hallowe'en skirt length
« on: October 29, 2022, 13:33:57 PM »
I've almost finished this outfit for Lilya to wear for Hallowe'en, but I'm concerned about the skirt length.  This wouldn't normally be a problem, but, Lilya isn't available to be measured.

I altered a dress pattern, so the length isn't a true one, and because it has only FOE instead of a waistband, and a plain overlocked hem, it's measuring up at 86cms.  Now this is almost ankle length on me, so I'm just looking for a bit of advice about skirt length.  I'm thinking 74-5 cms sounds better (measured from amother pattern piece), but not convinced.

As it's just an overlocked hem, I can wait for replies... please!  :S

Jessie

13
Patterns Discussion / Newlook K6655
« on: October 18, 2022, 18:36:27 PM »
Just started this today, and before I cut it out, I didn't anticipate any problems.  Now I'm not so sure...

I've just looked at PatternReview, and there's only one, who didn't have a problem!  :thinking:  So there's me, feeling stoopid right off!

I thought it was the top which may have been a bit tricky, so I made a toile, and had no problem, but, it's the skirt that has me scratching my head...

Anyone made this? Any help or advice will be gratefully received... :thinking:

Jessie

14
A Good Yarn / The Labyrinth Owl Hat
« on: October 05, 2022, 20:18:25 PM »
I'm doing a thread for this hat because it has turned out so well. 

It's a free pattern from Ravelry, and I've made this one for Theo as the Owl is his school emblem.  I have changed the rib to something I prefer, but otherwise I've followed the very easy pattern.

Not sure whether to add some eyes 👀 🤔

What do you think?

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Jessie

15
Vintage Machines / Machine for a tricky job
« on: September 24, 2022, 21:00:50 PM »
I'm making bags atm using the Singer 611g which I  love, but using heavier fabric which is rubber backed,my machine was struggling.  My question then, which of my other machines would be more suitable. 

I have a 15k ( I think) and a Bernina 730 - I don't want to use the Pfaff. I have other machines but they are at work.

Any thoughts?

Jessie

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