K3tog: ILx Knitting 3

My youngest daughter as well: she demanded one for herself. So I cast on a second one (slightly smaller).

Oh sorry, I want to say: thanks! But I am merely the executor, it's the designer who has to be thanked. :-)

:)

Top down knitting is the best. For the first time in my knitting experience I am knitting things that fit well. It's amazing. And no seaming! You can cast-off and wear immediately! I've just used various formulas you can find online, but I've recently invested in this book which I'd also recommend. It has all the formulas, and covers top-down constructions with set-in sleeves and even saddle sleeves.

I want to make a nice yoke jumper - I bought the Paper Dolls pattern on ravelry, but this 'bottom-up' thing? Meh, meh and more meh. And the designer is THIN and there is a lot of feedback that the pattern is also TOO THIN. Also on this list is the cityscape cardigan. Steeks! I want steeks!

However, I am knitting another Laura Chau project on 2.75mm needles which is likely to take the rest of my life, so I won't buy another pattern for a while. IT WILL BE WORTH IT WHEN I AM FINISHED. Just in time for the Royal Wedding...

Katie M on 29 April
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/knitted_wed.jpg

yeah, that city scape thing rules! i also love twist collective. they have some great things!

my teacher dislikes top down because the stitches are upside down. *siiiiiiiiiigh*

i absolutely do not understand how to crochet. i know this is a knitting thread, but it applies because i was trying to learn to crochet embellishments for a knitting project :/

Ugh I tried to learn to crochet and it was awful. You need better manual dexterity than you do for knitting imo

Crochet isn't difficult, but if you try to learn with complicated stuff, it's difficult to learn. I tried learning repeatedly since about 2000, and I only got as far as a simple single crochet stitch. And that's handy, for doing a neat border on knitting sometimes.

And then I found a dishcloth pattern a couple of years ago that was one stitch. The pattern has a link to the YouTube video for doing half double crochet stitch:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/03/diy-wednesdays-crocheted-cotton-dish-scrubbers.html

Since you're doing the same thing, you get used to it and it becomes much easier. And you learn about which stitches to work to avoid unintentional decreases and the like. When you make mistakes, it's much easier to rip back a few stitches than it is with knitting.

And crochet is really, satisfyingly fast. I'm a reasonably fast knitter, but crochet is naturally much faster. This was my first crochet project, made in an appropriately ugly color to please my grandmother:

http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/juliaa/7399621/warshcloths_medium2.jpg

those are beautiful

i made my first bottom-up sock this week and i'm never doing top-down again! no picking up heel stitches is the best thing, and being done with the toe already the whole time

Agreed - I started some top-down socks for the first time in years last month, when I finally decided I would see what the "magic loop" method was all about. And when I got to the heel flap I REMEMBERED just how awful it all was. I have 0 problem with picking up stitches, but resuming the pattern correctly and all the *heaving* around of stitches to avoid holes is just awful!

Now I just have to get my head round how to start a toe-up sock with magic loop. I can't quite 'see' it!

Magic loop tho', srsly - I had a knee sock done down to the awful heel in a week, it goes so quickly! And no ladders between joins! I wuv it. And I wuv my knitpros.

PS: crochet is GRATE. I am thinking of making this capelet:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lisajohnson/crocheted-capelet

possibly with this yarn:
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schachenmayr-nomotta-regia-hand-dye-effect

Or knitty's "frost diamonds". But that does look quite hard, and I can't tell if I have enough yarn. But the blocks look like Tetris blocks, which is pretty wick.

ha the last couple socks i made i used dpns, can't tell if i really like it better than magic loop but i don't mind it. i knit really tight though so i don't get ladders anymore. i think when doing toe-up with magic loop the cable might pull the sides apart? depends how you cast on maybe.

do ppl do short-row heels? i like they way they look but i don't know if i'd fit into them. i have high arches & narrow feet so it's like my heel/ankle circumference is much larger than my foot and i'm afraid to try.

I crochet a row of stitches and then knit into them - never managed to get the hang of "Judy's so-called magic cast-on". Although tbh I had always tried it with dpns and just ended up with tangles everywhere.

I don't think my tension is particularly loose, but I always get some sort of ladder, even if I really heave on the stitches. TBH the ladders aren't *huge* and they disappear once you wash the socks anyway; what I like is that there is way less poking yourself in the tummy with a needle and the stitches are far more secure - you can put yr knitting down w/o losing stitches all over the place.

xpost! ooh like ilx used to be! Anyway, yes - short row heels! They are so easy I've never actually tried another method (will do some day though). This is a very good tutorial w/ loads of photos:
http://www.cosmicpluto.com/blog/as-promised-a-short-row-heel-tutorial/

She does lots of wraps, I'm not sure if I always do these as I don't really find I get holes if I only wrap the once.

It's very very easy to make the heel larger or smaller just by doing a few more or a few less wraps, it's a very flexible method I think.

Think of it like this - you do a toe (using short rows), when you get to the heel you pretty much just do the same thing again!

oh ok, i'll try it on my next pair.
i used this to do the cast-on http://fluffyknitterdeb.blogspot.com/2005/10/knitting-made-easier-turkish-cast-on.html
and this to do the heel (PDF) knotanotherhat.typepad.com/toe_up.pdf

Toe up w/ magic loop is great. I do two at a time, w/ short heel rows and Judy's magic cast-on. The best thing is how simple it is to try them on at every point, so you can fine tune the fit.

Oh I nearly bought the book, "2 socks at a time, magic loop style"*, just the other day. But then I realised it was £11.99, and for £11.99 I could buy a lot of brightly coloured acrylic to make mittens, so I did that instead.

I am going to start some bee gloves tonight using yonder chart:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-bumblebee-socks

£12 for gloves in accessorise? Methinks not...

* = possibly not real title

No intention to derail this thread from its proper business, but my wife has expressed an interest in learning to knit so I'd really appreciate any pro-tips on possible gifts for her with this in mind ie. books, yarn, knitting kit essentials etc.

How did you all learn? Any things to definitely try or avoid? Advice would be *much* appreciated - thanks!

I learnt from an old Readers Digest manual myself, not so sure on beginners books, but I heard this one is good:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitty-Gritty-Knitting-Absolute-Beginner/dp/0713685425/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291123719&sr=8-2

(Are you in the UK as this is a UK book. Warning - the 'stitch and bitch' books are good, but can confuse beginners as you need to translate US terms, which are often confusingly similar to UK terms - also yarns they use are often not available here and beginners will find it difficult to subsitute - in fact I still find it annoying myself)!

A knitting kit isn't a bad place to start! Here's a Rowan kit:
http://www.celticove.com/acatalog/Rowan_Knitting_Kits.html

Or a load of chunky yarn (it'll be called 'chunky' - Sirdar "Big Softee" is a good one) - like 3 balls, and 10mm needles will get you a nice big scarf!

Has she hinted she'd like to knit anything in particular - like bags/hats/scarves/socks/toys etc?

Yeah, we're UK based so I'll bear that in mind, thought there might be some systemic differences.

>Has she hinted she'd like to knit anything in particular.

I think the initial aim is serviceable hats and scarves and then moving on to other knitwear if she enjoys it and the skillz develop. She waivered over whether to try crochet instead, but wasn't sure if this is "useful" for clothes etc? No real aim to knit toys and such (currently at least).

(thanks for the info, those Rowan kits look nice too)

There's loads of those sort of things out in the run up to wobs so just have a look around - I know John Lewis stocks a few for example.

For a fun novelty scarf I actually quite like the Sirdar Snowball:
http://direct.hobbycraft.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=332807

They're so squishy!

nearly bought the book, "2 socks at a time, magic loop style

Same here, when I wanted to try it. But figured if I could manage a single sock toe-up magic loop, I could maybe sort out doing 2. Get the longest, most flexible circular you can find. It helps me to think of it as working the 4 "sides" (front and back sides of each sock). Managing the 2 balls of yarn is the worst part.

Good luck to your wife, Bill A! You might also point her to Ravelry.com - there are lots of resources there for newer as well as experienced knitters, links to videos, free patterns, info on various yarns, etc. If there's a local yarn shop around, they may offer beginning classes.

Jaq, superpitching, this is all gold - thanks v. much.

I wouldn't really go for very chunky/super chunky yarn as it is quite difficult to handle. Yes, it knits up fast but you can get cramps quite easily. Even I did when I tried Umaro (by Jared Flood). Go for some DK or worsted yarn.

I did like Stitch n Bitch (lol typed Butch first) but; yes, Debbie Stoller uses american terminology. I don't mind really, I think eventually you'll have to learn it once you get hooked to Ravelry (<- great website) and various books 'n' patterns.

Youtube's great too actually. :-) But like Jaq said, Rav is a GREAT place. You can find patterns, people,... Anything really.

What she might also try is a stitch n bitch group in her neighborhood. I think having people to "bitch" with is a great thing. That has really made me a better knitter. :-)

Just got some negative criticism from my teacher cause I never use her *advice* (tubular cast-on and elastic cast-off). I guess I will need to start that sweater with an italian cast on huh? She was so adamant that top down knitting was horrible. lol. My friend next to me kept saying the patterns in Cathy Carron's book were top up. HHAHA It's called "Top Down Sweaters." And honestly if you notice, you are looking too closely. ;-) I like top down. And seamless.

Knitted this in less than a week. No wonder I forgot half of the button holes. HAHAHAHAHA
I also knitted a second Merry Go Round hat (like posted above) in less than a week. I AM A FREAK.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5216094684_580c8c4781.jpg

by the w

oops, i meant to say that so many people are taking up knitting and crochet! so great! YEEHAA!

Nath, it was the memory of your super owl detail sweater (ie. the photo of it in the 'things you notice about owls' thread) that brought me to this one! thanks for yr additional thoughts and comments, the knit group suggestion is A+ and I'll see what exists like that round here; Tina's pretty dextrous and determined but I imagine the social/guidance element is good for motivation.

>Knitted this in less than a week.

Awesome :)

knittinghelp.com is good for beginners as well--i imagine youtube could be overwhelming if you're just starting out and don't even quite know how to start.

i started with bulky yarn and sz 10 needles--it's encouraging to see progress more quickly that way.

don't buy her plastic needles--yes, they're cheap, but they SUCK.

nath, you're insanely fast if you knitted a sweater in less than a wk! you've developed some amazing skillz and speed.

*Nothing* helped me learn to knit better than two hours of in-person lessons. A local yarn store would be able to guide you to some beginner's lessons. I tried for years from a book and got nowhere.

JuliaA, Abbbottt - thanks! Looks like the Christmas list may now include several items from these suggestions, including some lessons. If I'm not kitted out in finest hand-knitted breeks by this time next year I'll be *very* disappointed.

(just found a local course, three sessions of two hours, in January - EXCELLENT)

A turban! Hurrah this is genius and I am so making one:

http://www.pickles.no/winter-turban/

Nice! What colour will you go for?

Nath, it was the memory of your super owl detail sweater (ie. the photo of it in the 'things you notice about owls' thread) that brought me to this one!

Oh wow, that makes me very happy! :-)

Julia, yes, I am insanely fast so it seems. My teacher was amazed that I made it in a week. I said I was able to cause I didn't use her tubular cast-on. lol. She's very angry that I haven't done it. :-(

My tension is becoming quite loose so it seems! Woha.

Started another hat. Gave my lacy rib hat to my friend (in my knitting class, she thinks she sucks at making hats). So she'll end up getting the terra too most probably. :-) In the same yarn, you see. :-)

that turban is awesome! i took a brioche class from nancy merchant (?). bought the book as well. she's such a classy lady. love her. one of her brioche designs is on knitty!

I've never taken a knitting class in my life, but am thinking maybe this one next year:

http://www.loopknitting.com/classes/fairisle_classes.html

Might be a bit too advanced for me though! I can just about stumble along knitting continental style but it still doesn't feel very *fluent* to me. However, I do love the sound of it and they DO say 'you will learn this' rather than 'you need to know' this. I just don't want to repeat the awfulness I had when I went to a sewing class that was way too advanced for me, despite them saying 'you only need know how to sew a straight seam' - sooo not true!

Nath is that the pecan pie hat? I love it, but the pattern terrifies the hadrons out of me whenever I look at it.

(Oh and I don't know what colour turban to make! I absolutely positively can't buy any more wool. I think the only aran I have is plain back Noro. Then again Kylie's turban was black! If she can do it so can I. I am so happy Kylie is going to make us all wear turbans!)

Pecan pie hat? The one with the horses? No need to be afraid! It really is such an easy pattern. I think, like lace, you have to put stitch markers between the repeats. Start with repetitive charts, that is much easier. Also, if it is in the round, you don't need to do purl stranding.

I do have to admit that I don't use the perfect method: I just carry both yarns in the same (right) hand. Ideal would be one in the left and anotehr in the right. But that's for the future. lol

I think one of the best lessons I learned: if it is too hard, too boring or you just don't want to do it... you forget and forget. And best of all you can, mosty of the time, use the yarn for something else. :-)

I meant frog and forget of course.

Horses? Watchoo chatting about?

This one: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTpecanpie.html

I am a bit cross at the moment, one of my knitpro interchangeable needles snapped - grrr :( Am inclined to think wooden needles can sod off - the metal knitpro novas are superb so far.

Currently working on my second mitten w/ bees - the first one was a bit too improvised - the wrist is too large and the body slightly too tight, but I reckon I've got it better with the second. I'm going to try and swiss darn the colourwork as the weather means that I need to have the mittens wearable sooner rather than later! Can't work on them tonight at movie night but will attempt to be in a position to finish them off in the pub tomorrow.

hello guys, this is an amateur with a question:

how do i decrease w/out a lean? like just into a point that goes down the center, like a V. is this a "double decrease"? if anyone can explain simply or link to explanation i would appreciate it. i'm knitting a giant slice of pizza and its time to "get to the point."

I think you'd do a SSK (left leaning decrease) then a K2Tog (right leaning decrease), then pull the end through the two remaining stitches to finish.

I think a double decrease of slip 2, knit 1, than pass slipped stitches over the knit stitch, makes no slant.

I have found another turban pattern.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/images/image/13095-popup.html

A girlie on ravelry has done a super 2 colour version.

I dunno about 2-ply on 3mm needles though. I have no 2-ply (unless er I hijack some of the laceweight Wollmeise? it's, well, possible...). I'd like to use up some DK stash though.

thanks jaq and zo!

yall i have vastly improved at knitting in the past few weeks

while i was supposed to be studying for finals i procrastinated by learning new knitting skills. before this month, i could cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. that's it. now i'm increasing, decreasing, cabling, fair isle, the whole nine yards. it's exciting.

I am on the last 5" stretch of a Christmas sock I have to mail out by the weekend, and I have a guest in town the next three nights. It's driving me loco!

I'm doing xmas knitting, too. It's stressful but kind of a positive stress that I like. I'm knitting cable scarves for all the non-sister women in my/my boyfriend's family and a few other little things (toys for all my neighbor's pets, for example).

any good cat/dog toy ideas? i'm running out. i'm making a little egg roll, a fish, a mouse, a sushi roll...