The Knitters Thread

whatatwit

From reading this thread about Santa and the Jean Greenhowe book, I had a little browse on ebay and have bought a copy.
Can't wait for it to arrive, although I must finish this scarf first and make a start on a bag.

Hmmmm, maybe Santa can be knitted in between, when there's not really time to do anything big.....I also love the nativity scene and I think I will be having a go at that too.

Olliebeak

tooties wrote: »

by the way can anyone advise me what the equivelent of quickerknit is?
thanks in advance
just dont want to feel i am missing out on anything.
tooties

Years ago, many patterns for Quickerknit often came with the instructions as Quickerknit OR 4 ply - especially Hayfield patterns which I loved and have just been using again for my new dgd2! Quickerknit, IF I remember rightly was two lots of two strands twisted together - whereas four ply was just four strands twisted together. It was less likely for the knitter to accidentally 'split' the yarn whilst knitting. I always felt though that the yarn itself was slightly thicker than regular 4 ply - and usually used needles a size thicker.

I normally used 10's (3 1/4mm)and 8's (4mm) for DK; 11's (3mm)and 9's (3 3/4mm)for Quickerknit; and 12's (2 3/4mm)and 10's (3 1/4mm) for 4 ply.

You could try experimenting with 4 ply on larger needles (but may turn out very loose and 'saggy') or double knit on slightly smaller needles - whichever works best to get the desired tension.

It is the size of a test square done over a set number of stitches that would be best to go by.

Good luck!

stressedoutmumof1

Well my Santa is coming on great! He's stuffed and has eyes and a nose - I've done his arms and cuffs - now just working on the beard. I'm a bit of a slow knitter though and I find increasing and decreasing quite traumatic :rotfl: Still, I'm really looking forward to the finished article :j Definately going to do Mrs Claus as well, although probably not till next year.

ellie14

My mum 84 has knitted hundreds of baby coats for the hospital on the Wirral and was so touched to receive alovely bouquet of flowers from the hospital for her effort,she also knits hats for sailors its just getting the wool we always have to buy it in as the charity shops here dont have any in .If anyone can think of any ideas to turn up some wool it would be appreciated.

It gives my mum a purpose,when shes not off on her worldly jaunts,Florida (Disneyland on the rides)in the summer, back to Florida then a cruise Xmas.Im the one worn out.

whatatwit

Ellie, have you thought about asking on Freecycle for wool.
Or, maybe your local paper could do a piece about your mum, especially as she has received flowers from the hospital....they could maybe also ask for wool as part of that...I would like to think that she would get loads.

tooties

hiya,
i have knitted all of santa's body and sewed it up (even remembered to leave a gap for stuffing him) and have one arm knitted.
no more college now till monday so hopefully get santa mostly done by then.
thanks for the reply re quickerknit.
regards
tooties

Olliebeak

Maybe the hospital would put a request for wool on their staff noticeboards - or possibly the Friends of the Hospital group could do an appeal. What about the WRVS ladies - they may be able to come up with some.

Do you have any connections with a local church? Maybe asking via somebody in a church may be of help as well.

moanymoany

I have a pattern which I want to knit. The trouble is it doesn't go up to a large enough size. Has anyone any ideas on how to 'size up' a pattern?

kal25

would just like to say that having decided to start knitting and not having a clue how to cast off. I tried to google and follow instructions but made a right hash out of it. However, I came across this site
http://www.theknittingsite.com/videosswf.htm

It has a video clip of how to cast on and off after watching this I was able to start my scarf and am now a happy knitter:T :T . Hopefully I will be able to be brave and try some of the patterns you guys have been trying out, if all goes successful.

Seakay

moanymoany wrote: »

I have a pattern which I want to knit. The trouble is it doesn't go up to a large enough size. Has anyone any ideas on how to 'size up' a pattern?

Assuming that your tension is the same as that stated on the pattern, you increase using that for a guide. eg 6 stitches to an inch, you want an increase of 2 inches on the chest, 12 stitches
If you look at the size increases on the pattern then that will give you an idea about where the differences between sizes occur - eg if the sizes given go up by 2 inches chest size at a time but there are only 4 stitches difference per size at cast on, then you only want an extra 4 stitches per size to start with, and the others must be worked in later.
Also, bear in mind that if you have a pattern that is an eight stitch repeat, it will make it easier for yourself if you can add 8 or 16 stitches, rather than 12.

Some other tips and ideas here: http://www.v-comm.net/seattleknitter/resizing.html