Progress
Kaitlynn's blanket is now about a sixth of the way done - yay for progress! Since I'm such a novice knitter, I'm wondering whether I should have done this on circular needles or no? It seems like I'm running out of room on the needles, but maybe that's just normal and I'm not used to it since I've only done small projects before? (And yes, all of you experienced knitters can chuckle at my stupid questions! I'm self-teaching myself, remember?)Speaking of knitting, doesn't this look like a simple and fun old-fashioned knitting project? I think I may have to try it soon!
But what I really want to try my hand at, thanks to Shannon, is red work. I love embroidery and vintage stuff so this is the perfect combination.
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:54 AM
20 Comments:
Very pretty and looks so soft, Crystal! Oh...be sure to search google or eBay for info and vintage feebie or freebie patterns on: redwork, greenwork, bluework, blackwork(type as all 4 words or separately). These days, any color might do(lavender anyone?)! Mrs. Burrows
Crystal, I would love to learn how to knit. How are you teaching yourself? What book/program are you using? The blanket looks absolutely beautiful!!! Melissa
I'm working on a blanket for Liam right now, and I started it on circular needles - mainly because that is what the knitting book I'm using called for! If you have a yarn store nearby, stop in and talk with them - I bet they'll help you transfer your blanket from straight needles to circular ones if you want! Good luck!
Yes, you might want to switch it to circulars...it would make it easier. Are you doing this like the dishcloth pattern, only larger?
Cathy
I took my knitting needles out too, a couple of days ago, and I'm now working on a simple project. I love both knitting and crocheting.
It's actually quite easy to transfer from straight to circular. Make sure (obviously) to get circular ones that the same size, and then on your next row, instead of taking your empty straight needle in your right hand, use one of the needles on the circular set, and knit onto the circular set, rather than onto the empty straight one. Once you've done that, you're set to use the circular set!
Oh I tell ya circular is the way to go. I knitted a pretty basket weave blanket for someone and it would have been horrendous to do it on Straight needles.
It flows smoothly and the only thing you have to be careful about is in the beginning not to twist your stitches when you join your work.
It really wouldn't be difficult just as the other's said to put your work on circulars.
Circs are easier for blankets because not only do you run out of room but the project gets heavier as you go! You've really inspired me to try to take out my knitting again, despite the seemingly constant nursing. :) I love that shawl! So simple but so pretty. And great for nursing! Thanks for sharing the link!
I would switch to circulars if you have them, they make it so much easier to keep all the stitches on the needles and they are much easier on your wrists too. It looks really pretty!
How beautiful!
Dear Crystal,
Be sure to post a picture of the it when it's completed.
That blanket is going to be beautiful!! I taught myself the basics of knitting, too . . . when my now-3-year-old was a baby. Alas, I haven't picked it up in probably close to 2 years!! I really should get back to it. And I want to learn crocheting, too. But right now I am really into sewing, making clothes for my little girl and me. :)
I had a quick question for you--I've been sort of interested in taking the supermarket savings course, but we are still in the dark ages with dial-up. Would that be a problem? I thought the description included audios that need to be downloaded and that might take forever . . . Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Good work, Crystal! I'm a fan of all things vintage myself, so I enjoyed taking a peep at Shannon's blog.
I've just started at my hubby's suggestion, trying to teach my 5 yr old simple crochet. I'm way out of practice & it's not easy, but it's lots of fun as she attempts to do her chain stitch. We are doing about 20 mins once a week till she gets the hang of it. I think it's great to pass on practical skills to the next generation, even if it means retraining myself.
Claire
I saw Shannon's feature on red-work and have been contemplating how to learn it as well!
Circular needles are the only ones I use now...except double pointed ones for socks. They are so much easier on your hands than straight needles! I found that my hand would cramp using regular needles and that stopped when I switched over to circular. Invest in bamboo needles. They are lightweight and feel so much better than plastic or wood.
~Anna
Crystal~That looks just like the blanket I recently made up for Liam! I started out on straight needles, but soon found circular was the way to go:-0 When you get to the end of a row, instead of using your other straight needle use one end of a circular and they will transfer to them. Easy as that!
The shawl that Rosie posted at Eyes of Wonder, is pretty much the same(if not exactly the same)pattern as the blanket I made for my little man. So, you just don't do the decreases!
I plan on doing that soon:-)
Lots of love,
Sommer
I would switch to circulars! You can hold a lot more on and it's easier on your wrists, not so weighty.
Just get the same size needle on circulars and on your next row, you use the circular to knit with, then, voila! you have it transferred!
It looks soft & yummy so far!! GREAT job!!
God Bless,
Shannon
I taught myself to knit when I was pregnant. I made some of the cutest little sweaters and booties.
My children are older now and don't want to wear knitted sweaters. Because I find it so relaxing to knit. I knit afghans and send them to the Victory Junction Camp. They give one to every child who attends the camps. It allows me to do something I enjoy with a purpose and I know it brings joy to a sick child
I've made this same blanket and you just keep pushing the stitches onto the needles. It will get hard toward the middle, but right when it seems impossible you'll get to start decreasing. If you need one on one help let me know. Your only a short drive away.
This is a wonderful website for those of you wanting to learn to knit! I am learning too! Nice job Crystal!
To learn with videos, try out:
www.knittinghelp.com
Post a Comment
<< Home