The Knitters Thread

Seakay

Hello mayz, welcome to the thread. Have you a Wilkinsons or a Lidl near you? Earlier posts suggest that they have a sale on at the moment. Pound shops are always worth a look, as is e-bay.

Hazel_Dudley

Thank you for the advice. It's much appreciated! I was "ahem" browsing in my local wool shop today, drawn to the Sirdar Snowflake as it happens, when the nice man who runs it informed me that bamboo needles are useful for anyone with arthritis, as they do not feel as cold as normal pins....just thought I'd mention it.

whatatwit

Naughty Hazel.....I got some bamboo circulars off e-bay in October. I bought from the UK seller as I was in a hurry.... :rotfl:
They are nice to use and apparently they improve with use

He also sells straight pins...(bamboo fripperies rings a bell)

bellaquidsin

mayz wrote: »

Hi Everyone

Great forum. I don't post a lot however spend a lot of time reading and picking up hints and tips (old style). Thanks everyone. I have been following the knitters thread for a few weeks and would quite like to try knitting again in 2008. (Not done any for 20 years). Thinking of doing a couple of scarves for Xmas pressies and would also like to try a couple of beanie hats. Can anyone advise on cheapest place to purchase wool as I am wanting to keep the cost as low as possible.

Thanks in advance and best wishes to you all for 2008.

mayz

Hi Mayz,

It's a good time to start buying wool as the January sales are beginning. If you have a wool shop near you (they are few and far between these days) check them out for bargains. The manufacturers are often disposing of discontinued yarns or even just discontinued colours. Some shops only sell these by the bag but at very reduced prices, it just depends what you want to knit but a bag of 10 x 50g balls will knit a 38" jumper of medium length, but if you want to knit a garment like this check your pattern for quantities first. I have found this a very economical way of buying yarn.

If you only want small quantities, some shops will split the bags and sell individual balls sometimes at a higher price but still at a saving.

Some of the large department stores like House of Fraser often have these clearance lines in the Sale.

Happy knitting,
Bella.

Ianna

Hello all and happy new year!

I'm having real problems casting on. When I do the long tail cast on it is all baggy and looks rubbish and no matter what I try I can't make it look pretty. When I do a single cast on it's so hard to knit from evenly.

Is there another way I can cast on? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Seakay

I cast on knit-wise by making a loop and slipping it onto the left hand needle. Then knit into that stitch and slip the new stitch onto the left hand needle.
Now push right hand needle between two stiches from front to back, so that both loops of the 2nd stitch are on the right and both loops of the 1st stitch are on the left. Loop thread over right hand needle point and pull through and slip new stitch thus formed onto left hand needle. Repeat as necessary.
This makes a firm cast on row suitable for most types of knitting (except really lacey stuff)

homealone_2

i started knitting a jumper for my ds1 who is 16 and was supposed to be for christmas but ran into problems. whatever i do my knitting always knits up bigger than its supposed to but tried a basic 5p x 3k rib in following an aran pattern size 32 but half way up back fell asleep holding knitting and unravelled loads of stitches, thankfully as it turns out, as once off needles and i could see full width of back it looked huge. i spent ages trawlling through all freebie sites to find this basic aran pattern in first place now my only hope would be to find a pattern for a teenager/child and do biggest size but have spent all day and cant find any. am worried that if i just pick any pattern and try and use by 5 x 3 rib it will somehow affect the pattern or sizing. am desperate as his birthday is in march and have assured him it will be ready by then. please can someone give me advice on the rib bit and point me in right direction for freebie pattern am desperate!!!

whatatwit

Hi homealone....usually on a pattern, it gives you a tension square instruction.
Knit x stitches for x rows and it then gives dimensions of this finished square....if yours is smaller...go to a bigger needle....if larger...use a smaller needle.
It may be worth you doing this.

Also, does the size of needle specified by the pattern match that on the yarn band?
What size are you using?

homealone_2

whatatwit wrote: »

Hi homealone....usually on a pattern, it gives you a tension square instruction.
Knit x stitches for x rows and it then gives dimensions of this finished square....if yours is smaller...go to a bigger needle....if larger...use a smaller needle.
It may be worth you doing this.

Also, does the size of needle specified by the pattern match that on the yarn band?
What size are you using?

i must admit tension squares were never something i bothered with but am starting now as i am knitting squares for a throw and they are all different sizes so need to start using tension squares from now on!!

princesspoppypop

I usually get my wool from Boyes. Was in there with OH and spotted a lovely scarf made up as an example. It was made from Sirdar Firefly Wool and has tassles. The scarf isnt a winter one and more of a fashion accessory. I bought the wool- 2 balls for £4.90 and needles £2.50 6.5mm and have decided to make one up as a mothers day gift. (I know Im starting early). My Mum has everything and more and I know she would really appreciate a handmade gift better than commercial rubbish. When its finished Im going to personalise it with some fancy buttons and wrap in in tissue and cellophane. Im halfway through, much to OH annoyance! I cant talk when Im knitting a row as Im counting the stiches in my head, so it takes a few mins before I can reply to what he is saying! O dear.