The Knitters Thread

elfen

Ok, needing a bit of help. Am knitting my first jumper, and it's got a cowl neck at the front. The bit I don't get is how to pick up stitches (need to pick up 13 before kntting in the next 7 from a holder, then pick up another 13) How do I do it?

charlies_mum

elfen wrote: »

Ok, needing a bit of help. Am knitting my first jumper, and it's got a cowl neck at the front. The bit I don't get is how to pick up stitches (need to pick up 13 before kntting in the next 7 from a holder, then pick up another 13) How do I do it?

Hi

You are picking up stitches that you have previously cast off. Insert your needle into the top of the cast off stitch. Not easy to explain, but check on UTube as there are some videos on there

Good luck

Kay_Peel

Vixstar wrote: »

Quite excited as I've just realised I'll finish my first ever piece of lace work this weekend. Does anyone have any tips on how to block it effectively?

1. If there are any straight edges to my work (such as the top of a triangular shawl) I take a darning needle and some strong thread and thread it through the edge, leaving lots of thread on either side. Later on, I will wrap the thread to pins and stretch the straight side.

2. Immerse the piece in tepid water with a small amount of Lux flakes or similar and leave to soak for 10 minutes - more for pure wool and less for something like cashmere or silk. Acrylic doesn't block. Put it into a ball while its under the water (so that it doesn't stretch with the weight of the water) and lift it out, gently squeezing the excess water before laying it on a towel. Roll up the towel and then stand on it. Repeat with a second, dry towel if needed.

3. Find some carpeted floor space or I've known people to use a spare bed (without the bedding). You need somewhere to spread out your work and leave it undisturbed for 12 or more hours. Arm yourself with loads of pins - I use the ones with coloured balls on the ends, so that I can see them - they are rust-proof too. Lay a sheet on the floor/spare bed.

4. Start pinning. Put two pins into the sheet. Stretch the thread along your straight edge(s) and attach to the pins. Move the pins so that the thread is nice and tight and the straight edge(s) looks straight.

5. If your piece is symmetrical, use a tape measure to make sure both sides measure the same. Pin out any scalloped or pointed edges, working from side to side - to make sure that they measure the same. It's a mistake to pin out one side and then the other.

6. Measure, stand back, adjust, measure again, stand back, move the pins and when your happy that it looks straight and even, walk away. A fan heater in the room helps if you are impatient.

7. Don't unpin it until its really, really, well and truly bone dry.

That's how I do it and I've always been pleased with the results. Hope the tips help!

nuttywoman

My first ever tea cosy i`ve knit :T I got the pattern from www.halloweenmania.com but my tea pot is bigger so i picked up along the edges, knit 4 rows so it would fit lol
The smaller pattern on the back was taken from a chart i also found.:rotfl:

Vixstar

Kay thanks will let you know how I get on.

lynseydee

karmacookie wrote: »

I have to confess to someone

I'm supposed to be stashbusting and finishing ufos and have unfinished sewing projects on the go and basically trying to save some money but I've just ordered this, couldn't resist

http://www.valeriandesigns.co.uk/improvers.html

scroll down, cupcake tea cosy. I'm going to make it for my daughter for Xmas, i've been looking for a pattern that I liked and seemed easy for a while. It's knitted on straight needles, I e-mailed to ask. I'd hoped it was in the round then I wouldn't have been able to order it LOL

Ooh, are you going to be making me confess to something too. I've just had a look and quite like the look of the bee one as hubby is going to be getting bees this year and I thought it would be so apt. Do I, don't I :think:

janb5

karmacookie wrote: »

I have to confess to someone

I'm supposed to be stashbusting and finishing ufos and have unfinished sewing projects on the go and basically trying to save some money but I've just ordered this, couldn't resist

http://www.valeriandesigns.co.uk/improvers.html

scroll down, cupcake tea cosy. I'm going to make it for my daughter for Xmas, i've been looking for a pattern that I liked and seemed easy for a while. It's knitted on straight needles, I e-mailed to ask. I'd hoped it was in the round then I wouldn't have been able to order it LOL

Karmacookie- have you started this and is it straightforward- my friend would love this for her birthday! I thought I`d give to her with a teapot to go with it!

Vixstar

Finished my lace stole - fingers crossed my first attempt at blocking goes as well as my first attempt at lace seems to have done. Not do I start the jumper I've had the yarn for for ages or should I move onto one of my other half finished projects???

I know, I know - dig out the half finished stuff!

jennyjelly

Aah, what a lush tea cosy!

karmacookie

janb5 wrote: »

Karmacookie- have you started this and is it straightforward- my friend would love this for her birthday! I thought I`d give to her with a teapot to go with it!

No, i'm impetiently waiting for it to come. I e-mailed to ask whether it was knit flat or not, this is the reply I got -

The pattern uses straight needles. It is knitted as one flat piece and has one seam down the 'pink' part and a small one on either side of the base.

I pressume that if you can knit a hat on straight needles it shoudn't be too difficult!