The Knitters Thread

meanmarie

I rarely use any method other than thumb and find it works well whatever I am knitting.

Marie

grannybroon

meanmarie wrote: »

I rarely use any method other than thumb and find it works well whatever I am knitting.

Marie

Thanks Marie. When Mum taught me to knit away back in the 50's she only knew the two needle method. I think I was in my 20s before someone showed me the thumb method. :T

OrkneyStar

meanmarie wrote: »

I rarely use any method other than thumb and find it works well whatever I am knitting.

Marie

This is my method of choice, unless a pattern states I really need to do it another way for some reason or other .:T

cuddles123

Interesting. I have never used the thumb method. Always use cable cast on.

Must have a look at that.

Bluebell1000

anakat wrote: »

Photos from the craft show as promised


http://www.flickr.com/photos/53643750@N00/sets/72157629598892187/

Lovely photos, thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed the show

grannybroon

grannybroon wrote: »

I am busy knitting baby things at the moment and the patterns vary as to preferred cast on method. Some specify thumb method, some don't specify so presumably the two needle method.

Any of you folk advise please as about to start a new cardigan and not sure what is the best method.

I knit a lot of toys and always use thumb method for them.

I have the answer! Suddenly remembered I had a copy of Complete Home Knitting Illustrated (reprinted 1947!). I turned the loft out this afternoon looking for it - also found ancient Patons Woolcraft and Bazaar Knits books! A trip down memory lane.

Thumb method - this is generally accepted as being the most satisfactory as it produces a firm but elastic edge that is not noticeably different from the rest of the fabric.

To think that at the ripe old age of 61 I will need to revise my knitting methods! Cardigan started last night completed with cable cast on thereafter thumbs up every time!

pink.1970

Hi all,

I always use the two needle method, as I have never been able to get a hang of the thumb method, but then again I cant get the hang of crochet either as I always want to hold the wool the way i knit if you see what I mean. On another topic do any of you use different needles than specified for the pattern? I ask as I am looking at knitting a baby blanket for my first granchild due in May, it says to use chunky wool and size 6mm needles, but I want to use up some of my wool stash and when I tried to use the 6mm ones with DK it was very holey and I didnt like then look of it. Any suggestions as to the size of needles I could get away with using?

Any help much appreciated.

Kazz

OrkneyStar

pink.1970 wrote: »

Hi all,

I always use the two needle method, as I have never been able to get a hang of the thumb method, but then again I cant get the hang of crochet either as I always want to hold the wool the way i knit if you see what I mean. On another topic do any of you use different needles than specified for the pattern? I ask as I am looking at knitting a baby blanket for my first granchild due in May, it says to use chunky wool and size 6mm needles, but I want to use up some of my wool stash and when I tried to use the 6mm ones with DK it was very holey and I didnt like then look of it. Any suggestions as to the size of needles I could get away with using?

Any help much appreciated.

Kazz

With DK wool I generally use anything from a 3.25 to a 4.5 (a 5 if a lacey pattern sometimes). What does it say on the ball band of the wool ? It might be easier to get a pattern designed for DK yarn. There should be loads of free patterns on ravelry.com.

pink.1970

OrkneyStar wrote: »

With DK wool I generally use anything from a 3.25 to a 4.5 (a 5 if a lacey pattern sometimes). What does it say on the ball band of the wool ? It might be easier to get a pattern designed for DK yarn. There should be loads of free patterns on ravelry.com.

I didnt even think to look at the band on the wool!.... I got the pattern from Patons online sight, I was thinking maybe a 4mm would work, I really dont want to buy anymore wool if I can help it although I am looking on Ebay at some at the mo. Will have alook on Ravelry.

Thanks Kazz.

Keiss_21

OrkneyStar wrote: »

The scarf I really didn't enjoy knitting but love it now it is done!

Lovely scarf Orkney, is it the dropped stitch/sea foam pattern, difficult to tell without my glasses . Will go and check on Ravelry....yup, I was right...who needs glasses! :rotfl:

Today I started back on a jumper I started knitting for DH 2 years ago (:eek:!!!). I'm more than half-way through the sleeves, having already knitted the front and back, no idea why I stopped knitting it!! Will post piccies once I have finished it. I'm using a lovely green Wensleydale wool I got in Leeds, from Baa Ram Ewe, the colour there isn't quite the same green I don't think, though you neer know, it's close though!!

Also been trawling the 'net for ideas of what you can make with a knitted rectangle, a possilbe idea for the knitting workshop I am giving in 4 weeks time. I'll take a few things I have already made, but will knit up a few more to give folks ideas what you can do as a beginner knitter. At this rate, I could be making a handbag, with a purse and phone cover, to go with the usual scarves; headbands; fingerless gloves; cowls; dishcloths etc....that will reduce my stash a bit! I musn't take too much though, I could go over my limit for the plane!!

Have a lovely evening folks..a bit chilly here now, though been a lovely day, shame I spent most of it indoors!