The Knitters Thread

csarina

Sounds complicated to me, I did look at one of the videos but it kept re-starting, so everything got a bit confused. Will have another go later......I cast on the second sock and seem to be getting on a bit better with it, it seems to be growing faster then the first one did.....

clockworkpurple

csarina wrote: »

Nithing went wriing really, I just find it ess than restful, and have a problem holding the needles, I find trying to cope with 3 needles plus one to knit with.

It does take a while to get used to and to figure out where to put everything! But I'm with lambanana, I couldn't face sewing up the seam (I hate sewing!). In fact I'm knitting 2 Xmas stockings for my nieces at the moment....the pattern says to knit them flat, which I did for the first one, but have decided to wing it and knit the second in the round. They're striped so there's already loads of weaving in ends....I can't face any more finishing!

mardatha

I learned to knit when I was 18, off a real Shetland knitter who was my next door neighbour at the time. She tucked one needle under her arm & kept it static - and she knitted standing up. That's how I learned and its hard to unlearn. Although I do sit down now LOL !
So I use DPNs yes, but I have 11" long ones bought from Shetland because I need to tuck one under my arm I cannot knit with toothpicky wee things
So if I have to then I do, but if there's a way to knit flat then I'll take it first. However socks are ok, I find myself ok with socks in the round, but the two needle pattern from the Vintage Knitting site makes avery elegant slim looking sock, OH likes them. And is easier to add a strand of alpaca or cashmere onto just the sole section on that pattern.
I do love knitting. :j

kezbabybabe

csarina wrote: »

Sounds complicated to me, I did look at one of the videos but it kept re-starting, so everything got a bit confused. Will have another go later......I cast on the second sock and seem to be getting on a bit better with it, it seems to be growing faster then the first one did.....

This video helped me to understand the concept:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7192479157536529291#

ginnyknit

Going to try the thicker soles you suggested Mardatha on my next pair, can't wait to see how they come out. Must apply myself to the knitting more now instead of pottering about so much. Its nearly flipping September before we know it Christmas will be here :eek: Too many babies around in this family at the moment - crochet houses are next on the list and maybe a knitted doorstop shaped like a house though I may well crochet that too.

lambanana

I tried magic loop once and it was easy, I used it to knit an ipod cosy. I've not used it to knit a sock before because I didn't really understand how the heel flap/turn/gusset would work but I may have a go, I'll add it to the list along with toe up socks!

I managed to knit another repeat of my MiL's Christmas gift

I think it's coming along quite nicely and the lace pattern isn't too difficult. I got it from a book called Knitted Lace of Estonia but I'm not including the nupps (a sort of bobble used in this style of lace knitting) because they use a lot of yarn and I am not convinced they'd look that pretty on this scarf, also MiL asked for a "delicate, lacy scarf" and I think bobbles take away from the delicate look, particularly as I'm using 4ply and not lace weight. The bit underneat the knitting is the top edge, you knit that first then knit the rest and join them together using kitchener stitch (the stitch you use to sew up toes on socks) I'm happy with it so far.

I am considering going back to another lace shawl I was knitting, this scarf is knitting up easily and relatively quickly (I've not spent a lot of time on it but one repeat of the pattern didn't take very long) and I don't forsee it taking an excessively large amount of time. I was looking today for a pretty wrap to take with me on holiday when I go in a few weeks but they were all so expensive...if I can finish my shawl that would be perfect and I've already paid for the yarn so no new expense.

Also on knitting styles...my mum knits with one needle under her arm but I don't and find it easier for me to knit everything on my interchangable circular needles whether its in the round or flat

mardatha

That's going to be lovely, I like the wool. Lace would drive me off my head.

blueberrypie

lambanana wrote: »

I tried magic loop once and it was easy, I used it to knit an ipod cosy. I've not used it to knit a sock before because I didn't really understand how the heel flap/turn/gusset would work but I may have a go, I'll add it to the list along with toe up socks!

With the heel-flap, you go back-and-forth. You can do short rows, or knit the flap and then pick up stitches along the sides before continuing to knit in the round for the foot (if doing toe-down) or leg (if doing toe-up).

Toe-up is easy, by the way. The heel construction is pretty much the same as toe-down, the only difference is that you start by forming the toe instead of forming it at the end. There are several excellent tutorials on-line for that - Silver's Sock Class has a toe-up one that is very good.

I managed to knit another repeat of my MiL's Christmas gift

That's very pretty. Is it from a pattern available on-line?

knitting styles...my mum knits with one needle under her arm but I don't and find it easier for me to knit everything on my interchangable circular needles whether its in the round or flat

Yep, I do most things that way too. The interchangeables are very handy :-)

lambanana

I know the heel using magic loop shouldn't be any more tricky or really that different from using DPNs but for some reason I have a mental block on it, I shall have to give it a go though

I don't think the pattern is on-line as it was in a book but you may be able to get it at the library, the book is very good though and has lots of lovely lace patterns and guides of how to knit lace and design your own shawls. http://http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitted-Lace-Estonia-Techniques-Traditions/dp/1596680539/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282142428&sr=8-1

The wool I'm using is from Yarn Addict, I got it in her sock sale so it was a good price for lovely, hand dyed wool. I have a special little yarn budget (though am currently attempting to knit from my stash) but this was bought from the Christmas budget as it's for a gift. I also got wool to knit my mum an Ishbel shawl.

The shawl I'm knitting for myself is with a laceweight yarn (merino and silk blend) and it's not too bad because it's not knit on teeny tiny needles (it's done in 3.75mm which feel massive compared to the 2.5mm ones I use for socks!) but I'm feeling a bit angry with it as I'd got through the first repeat, put in a lifeline, started a second repeat then made a right mess of it and had to rip back resulting in a knotted mess and me having to start all over again. I was not happy!

meanmarie

Have just watched that Magic Loop video...think that I will stay with my knitting on 4 needles, looks bit of a faff to me....will try it as a tester when I finish my other 2 cushions....have to bully myself at present to get the unfinished symphonies off my back!

Marie