The Knitters Thread

Keiss_21

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Been AWOL as been busy crafting the past few months. At the moment I'm knitting socks for DH's nephew (bday) next week...but still don't know what size feet he has!!! I have knitted both socks to about where I think I should start reducing for the toes...he's either a size 7 or 8...I think, so have knitted 7" so far. We should be in touch with him/his mum (in Canada!) in the next day or two, so I should get them finished in time for his birthday next week (he lives in London). Talk about leaving it fine!!!

Have a great 2013, and may you get enough time to make as many wonderful items as you want xxx

Fay

Hi everyoneI am very new to knitting-I had knitting equipment for my birthday at the beginning of December but only started knitting on x-mas day. I felt I needed someone with me and my mum is a good knitter. Anyway, I am quite hooked. I have so far knitted a scarf and a phone cover. The scarf was from a pattern my hubby bought me and came out quite good (obviously not perfect!). phone case was adapted from a pattern I found on line and is not great-but works. I am going to keep practicing this one! hope you can see the pics.I am starting a baby blanket for a friend who is pregnant and I have all the wool, pattern and right size needles but...in the wool shop they said my straight needles would be fine, but should I use the ones with the wire/loop between them? The needles I have do not seem very long to me and the blanket should end up 24 inches wide. Could anyone advise me please?

Raksha

Looks like you're doing fine. I prefer to use the double ended needles on almost everything I knit as they are better balanced for the way I knit. But I never was one for following the rules. Would love to see the finished blanket

Fay

Raksha wrote: »

Looks like you're doing fine. I prefer to use the double ended needles on almost everything I knit as they are better balanced for the way I knit. But I never was one for following the rules. Would love to see the finished blanket

Hi Raksha and thank you. So if I only have normal length needles, approx 20-25cm long, would I be able to do the blanket on them? Or not? I am happy to buy the loop needles.

judexx

Fay wrote: »

Hi Raksha and thank you. So if I only have normal length needles, approx 20-25cm long, would I be able to do the blanket on them? Or not? I am happy to buy the loop needles.

I'd definitely get a circular needle (ie loop/wire needle) as I think you'll find it much easier with something that wide. Otherwise you'll have a constant battle with stitches falling off the needles.

Circular needles come in different lengths (measured from tip to tip). I'd get a 60 or 80cm one, though longer will be fine.

A quick tip - if the plastic section of the needle remains coiled, when you take it out of the packet, then heat can help relax and straighten it. Either put it over a radiator for a while, or - for metal needles only - pour very hot water on the plastic cable.

Like Raksha, I love circular needles, and knit most things on them.

HTH

Fay

judexx wrote: »

I'd definitely get a circular needle (ie loop/wire needle) as I think you'll find it much easier with something that wide. Otherwise you'll have a constant battle with stitches falling off the needles.

Circular needles come in different lengths (measured from tip to tip). I'd get a 60 or 80cm one, though longer will be fine.

A quick tip - if the plastic section of the needle remains coiled, when you take it out of the packet, then heat can help relax and straighten it. Either put it over a radiator for a while, or - for metal needles only - pour very hot water on the plastic cable.

Like Raksha, I love circular needles, and knit most things on them.

HTH

Thank you I will definitely get myself some-I need 2 pairs as the pattern uses 2 different sizes. Now, bamboo, plastic or metal. Decisions, decisions

Raksha

I prefer plastic as they aren't as cold as metal and also appear to have a sharper point which makes for more accurate placing of the needle although this can mean more split threads. Bamboo needles don't slip as easily as metal or plastic imho

judexx

Fay wrote: »

Thank you I will definitely get myself some-I need 2 pairs as the pattern uses 2 different sizes. Now, bamboo, plastic or metal. Decisions, decisions

That's really a 'Courses for horses' choice. It's really a matter of trying different materials and seeing what you like.

I knit quite tightly, and like metal needles as my stitches slide more easily on them. If you knit more loosely, then bamboo or plastic might be better. But having said that I do have (and use) metal, bamboo, wood and plastic needles !!!!!

timehastoldme

I bought some amazing glittery plastic dpn's with a voucher today, I'm completely baffled but fairly determined, got to finish off this scarf tonight then will maybe use left over wool to try mittens if I can overcome new scary needles fear.

It'll be fine.

[Deleted User]

I think I have a wool problem. I have had to get one of those plastic crates to store my wool and needles in as my knitting bag was far too full. Every time I see pretty wool in a shop I tend to cave and buy some! Oh dear!