The Knitters Thread

mz_grim

ginnyknit wrote: »

well done mz_grim, how are things in Australia, I guess you are all feeling the pinch too? I like the funky colours!

Hey ginny thanks for the nice comments, im a bright colours sort of gal lol. Yes we are also feeling the pinch here in aus and have just had our federal election called today will be on the 21st Aug so that will be rather interesting lots of cost cutting more than likely. Im in a reasonably stable job (security guard) but lots of my friends have lost theirs and still havent been able to find work.

ginnyknit

We don't tend to hear much about Aus really but have just been reading Bill Brysons book and its very interesting. I have heard horror stories about the USA, tent cities full of middle management types, houses being repossessed by the hundred and ghost towns which used to be factory towns - sorry wandered off the knitting thread - whoops

Am just busy trying to finish off a Peter Rabbit toy for Dgs, havent made one for years and just been sent a pattern for a dormouse in a teapot which looks so cute. Im still knitting socks in between all the other stuff and crochetting a throw for Ds's new house - all chocolate and coffe colours - hmm making me want chocolate!

bonsibabe

Just giving the thread a wee bump up and very proud of the fact that I have managed to make the hat!!!!! Instead of knitting in the round I just did it on two needles. I got some DK today and have just finished the knitting. I'll sew it up tomorrow. Now she's after the Alice Cullen style wrist warmers to match the blooming hat!! At least I know now that I can alter the knit in the round patterns slightly and they will work.

I'm off to bed now as I have to get up for work in the morning and looks like I have a whole lot more knitting to do now! I have a feeling I'm going to have to get some pink and purple wools to make matching hats for the other two now lol.

Sleep well all, laters x

NualaBuala

I have a question for all you experienced knitters ...

As soon as I've finished my current project I'm going to try knitting socks. I have Regia wool that seems to self-stripe, looks lovely I must say. It says use 2 or 3mm needles. How do I know which size to go for? I'll be buying them and can't afford to get both.

Also, for socks, are the short double-pointed needles long enough?

Thanks in advance!

Careful_with_that_Axe

http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Start.htmExcellent

Excellent sock tutorial here - follow it to the letter and you won't go wrong. It's not difficult at all, just fiddly.

You need 4 of the double pointed needles - 3 are in your work and one is the working needle. Can't advise about size of needles as I'm not experienced enough, but if they say either size is OK .......
I think you can get the needles fairly cheaply on Ebay or look out for sales at Kemps.

I was thrilled to bits with my first pair of socks as it felt quite a daunting undertaking, but just follow the instructions and you will be fine.
Can I suggest ankle socks in stocking stitch as a first project to make it easy on yourself?

Also, don't know if you are a member of Ravelry, but you'll find lots of tips and advice there if you get stuck.

Good luck and enjoy!

NualaBuala

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Start.htmExcellent

Excellent sock tutorial here - follow it to the letter and you won't go wrong. It's not difficult at all, just fiddly.

You need 4 of the double pointed needles - 3 are in your work and one is the working needle. Can't advise about size of needles as I'm not experienced enough, but if they say either size is OK .......
I think you can get the needles fairly cheaply on Ebay or look out for sales at Kemps.

I was thrilled to bits with my first pair of socks as it felt quite a daunting undertaking, but just follow the instructions and you will be fine.
Can I suggest ankle socks in stocking stitch as a first project to make it easy on yourself?

Also, don't know if you are a member of Ravelry, but you'll find lots of tips and advice there if you get stuck.

Good luck and enjoy!

I love your username! :rotfl:

Thanks a mill for your reply. :T That's the tutorial I have - I had downloaded the pdf ages ago and forgot where it came from so thanks for posting the link. I hesitate to say it but it looks like even I could have a go (and I haven't made it past scarves and teacosies yet). I think a basic pair like you say is what I should try first. I've heard of Ravelry but haven't signed up yet - am a wee bit daunted at the thought of "proper knitters".

Have been looking on Ebay and prices are not bad at all. My tension is pretty average I guess if that's the reason for picking one size or another. They have sets of 5 2.5mm needles in either 13cm or 20cm which I'm thinking of going for.

I'm glad I thought of this now to allow time to get the needles delivered while I'm still knitting the current tea cosy.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I've only been knitting for about 18 months and have found everyone on Ravelry very friendly and helpful, so don't be daunted. It's a hobby people get passionate about so they tend to love to pass on their experience.

User name stolen from a Pink Floyd song - Careful with that Axe Eugene.

sock-knitter

i knit alot of socks, and with the regia wool, i always use 2.5mm needles. i prefer to use 5 needles, rather than 4 as it seems to be easier

NualaBuala

sock-knitter wrote: »

i knit alot of socks, and with the regia wool, i always use 2.5mm needles. i prefer to use 5 needles, rather than 4 as it seems to be easier

Well I'd be mad to ignore advice from someone with a name like yours!

What length needles do you think I should buy? There's either 13cm or 20cm lengths available, not much price difference.

sock-knitter

NualaBuala wrote: »

Well I'd be mad to ignore advice from someone with a name like yours!

What length needles do you think I should buy? There's either 13cm or 20cm lengths available, not much price difference.

i find 20 cm length perfect, shorter and u risk losing your stitches when you put your work down