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Stitching & Crafting Room:  New Year Knitting  |
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sewingwoman
Farmgirl in Training
49 Posts
Giovonnia
Astoria
New York
USA
49 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 1:27:16 PM
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Hi Farmgirls:
Happy New Year!
It's new year and new projects and challenges await!
When I went back to knitting about 6 or 7 years ago, I can't remember exactly, I started out making items for myself. I tried making a sweater for myself but it turned out all wrong. I was very upset even though I followed the directions and did a test swatch. After this heartbreaking experience I never knitted an adult sweater. But my skills have increased in the last few years and I feel confident to try my hand at sweater making again.
I'm also working a shawl from the book, Folk Shawls. It has pockets on it and I know my mom would really love it. At first the pattern gave me a little trouble but then I realized I was reading it the wrong way.So I just slowed down and read the pattern out loud to myself. It's coming along very well and I'm really proud of the progress I'm making.
I feel like a real knitter now. Before when I couldn't get thing right or make the patterns I really wanted, I would feel awful and give up. But this year has filled me with hope and renewal. Just to let everyone know there is hope, even in knitting.
What's your new year projects? Remember it's never too late to learn or try something new. Keep the yarn balls rolling.  |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2009 : 2:51:32 PM
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Hey Sewing woman
I know what you mean
I crochet and knit.
My dear deaceased Grandmother taught me to crochet when I was like 9 or so.
She never learned to read crochet.
I so wanted to learn to read crochet;
but it looked like a strange lanuage to me.
Any ways
I didn't learn to read crochet till I was married.
While hubby went to work;
I went to work learning to read crochet.
I taught my self to knit years ago.
I am knitting another prayer shawl
I have that book I think that you are talking about
That is a really pretty shawl
I am sure your Mom will love it. hugs Sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com |
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janiee
True Blue Farmgirl
820 Posts
Janie
Shawnee
Oklahoma
USA
820 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 07:02:28 AM
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hey sewing woman....this is the year I learn to knit (again). when i was in college (many many many years ago) my roommate taught me to knit and I knitted a pillow for a Christmas present and have not really knitted since. My sister found me a set of knitting needles in a case at an estate sale last month and I have been wanting to get started. May a prayer shawl would be a good first project for me?
janiee
farmgirl #390 |
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City_Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Christina
Omaha
Nebraska
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 07:54:24 AM
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I learned how to knit about 2 years ago but I vowed to myself to never make my own full fleged sweater (with sleaves and all). I just knew the stress of it would be way too much for me to handle. I mainly knit and felt purses and bags. Of course there is the occasional scarf. I think that it is great that you are trying to tackle that sort of project again. Post pictures when you get it done!!
Janiee, I think that a prayer shawl would be a great first project!
Hugs~
Christina
Farmgirl Sister #195
http://justacitychick.blogspot.com/
Although no one can go back and make a brand new start; anyone can start from now
and make a brand new end.
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 09:00:58 AM
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I started learning to knit about 4 years ago and started with the easiest projects possible. Every fall I take one or two classes that teach me a new technique - short row shaping was this year. I know I could figure them out on my own but there is comfort in the community of the classroom. I think i will work myself up to a sweater in 2 more years, I don't want to invest time/$ and then have it not work out. So this year, I think, I may learn socks, or fair isle - that will be after garden season though
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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carolbrigid
True Blue Farmgirl
263 Posts
Carol
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
263 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:44:20 PM
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I learned how to knit some years ago too, but just learned the basic stitches. I really can only cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. So I joined a group on Yahoo Groups called Monthly Dishcloths. Each month they do two knitalongs for dishcloths. The beginning of the month is an easy one. Even I could do it, LOL! It was cute with an ice skate design on it. It is a "mystery" as to how it will look when finished, so that's part of the fun of it. The mid-month dishcloth is more complicated. I might try it. They are starting the mid-month dishcloth on January 16th. Each day they send you about 9 or 10 rows to do, so you do a little each day. I thought this would be a good way to learn knitting, and learn some new stitches, plus they are small projects. But my goal is to keep knitting and eventually make a sweater when I get brave enough!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Carol
Farmgirl Sister #222
Member, Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 12:58:37 PM
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hmm.I wish I could learn to knit but no matter how hard I try I just can't seem to get the hang of it. I used to be able to do dishcloths, but have since lost that knack. I find crocheting so much easier for me, that I kind of just gave up. Maybe I will try again some time later. :)
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present , nor things to come ,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 1:28:23 PM
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That's funny Jessie because I feel the same way about crochet that you do about knitting. I finally took a class this year and sort of "got it" but I ended up with such a cramp in my hand I don't know if I could do it for very long:(
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 4:56:42 PM
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| I'm knitting away too. I just finished a pair of fingerless mitts to wear in my chilly office when I work. Have a beautiful pair of mittens on needles that are mohair and wool blend. My bag was on the table and the dog got into my bag, to get my knitting bag!!!! Needless to say, I'm frogging one mitten and I have to get new needles! Those wonderful birch needles that feel so warm and comfortable in my hands are not so good when they are being mouthed by a 90 pound lab/german shorthair mix! He seems to really love yarn balls as well. I also just bought some wonderful baby yarn in blues, yellow, and coral to make 4 of those 5-hour baby sweaters. (Now someone online said hers took 17 hours.....but..) My two nieces are expecting and a dear friend is expecting twins! I also got excited about playing with some bulky wool and made one (2nd on needles) purse to be felted that looks like an acorn...cute. And then there's my son's boot socks, oh and a pair of bulky house socks for a dear friend in KY. OK....I guess if I'm going to win the lottery so I can stay home and knit, I better buy a ticket or two.... |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2009 : 11:02:28 PM
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| I have been knitting for a long time - I learned as a kid but didn't do much with it. I did a lot of crochet in high school but decided to finally settle down and master the knitting when my kids were small. Now I have been knitting for about 24 years (sounds like a long time when you write it down...). I like to knit socks, hats and all kinds of sweaters. I also like to knit lace. I prefer to work with the finer yarns rather than the bulky. Right now I have a pair of lacy socks nearly finished, a lacy baby bunting at the sewing stage, and a hat all going at the same time. I tend to have several projects going at once. I started spinning my own yarn about a year ago and really enjoy it. I am still trying to master the ultra-fine single so I can ply lace weight to fingering weight yarns. I got hooked on the spinning enough to buy my own little flock of sheep. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 12:49:38 AM
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I am knitting some socks right now..almost done. I learned to knit from an aunt when I was 7, but have always liked other crafts too and kind of do knitting in fits and starts. I knit mostly socks and smallish things, but have done a couple sweaters. I hope to knit a scandinavian style cardigan for myself sometime soon. I hope. My next project is a flap cap for youngest daughter..to match her winter coat..green and pink.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2009 : 06:29:08 AM
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I am knitting a baby sweater for our little one due in February. Unfortunately, the pregnancy has caused some severe carpal tunnel issues in my fingers and I can't seem to even grip the needles right now (can't make a fist, and it also hurts!) so I'm going to hope for the best after delivery. The doc says my hands SHOULD go back to normal. At least I elected to make the 9-12 mos. size :) Good forsight on my part!
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 05:38:22 AM
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| Good luck with your carpal tunnel FebruaryViolet! I had the same with my first. I RAN to the doctor for a cortizone shot in my wrist when I almost dropped my newborn because of the pain and lack of grip. I kinda got my thumb turn just-so in the blanket and it felt like I'd pulled it out of the socket! ouch! That nasty stuff does make it so difficult to do almost anything when it flares! Take care. I'm sure that sweater will look adorable on your new babe next fall/winter!!! |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2009 : 05:39:46 AM
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| OH and BTW, I'm now frogging that second mitten. Big Black Psycho Dog strikes again. I guess it's a "no knitting zone" around my dog. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2009 : 1:04:35 PM
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Starmeadow, are you sure you're not at my house?
I have 4 big wool eating psycho dogs who just CANNOT stay out of the knitting bag. Our German Shepherd actually ate a hat that I made down to just a little *burp* of thread....I kept thinking, "gosh, this little piece looks soooo familiar...wonder what it's from?" Then, when I couldn't find my newly knitted hand dyed indigo hat...well...dum dum dum dummmmmmmm!
You mentioned something about your thumb....mine gets "locked" in position, like a trigger. It hurts like the dickens to get it unlocked...is that part of the carpel? |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2009 : 7:25:50 PM
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FebruaryViolet....Yep on the lock. That was what sent me to emergency! -- I gave my beast an old quilt...well, he actually "claimed" it as his own, and I came home today to find little tufts of fluff all over the dining room. He's balled up what's left and is completely covering it now, asleep! I needed to do a little "mindless" knitting tonight so I whipped up one of those knitted sponges that I read about somewhere in the forums. Turned out really cute. I did one the other day out of some leftover cotton and then crocheted the edge (something that is really hard for me...good thing it's a sponge) but this time I just did a buttonhole stitch around all the edges. Turned out fine. That poster (wish I could remember who/where that was) is right, those things are great! No more sponge buying for me!
Jenny, how are those socks coming along?
sewingwoman, have you finished your shawl? It sounds similar to a pattern I bought a while back by Lisa Knits called Reader's Wrap. It's a 20" x 60" shawl. Mine uses about 900 yards of an aran weight yarn and a sz9 needle. It has pockets too. I tried this yarn for a holiday project from Hobby Lobby called I Love This Yarn...(and I do) so I bought some in a blue-teal to make my shawl. Haven't started it yet. Can't wait to see photos of yours though. |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2009 : 08:54:06 AM
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My new knitting project is a blue and orange afghan for hubby for his birthday (see the pattern on the knit-a-long thread). The pattern uses a few colors, but since DH is a U of Illinois grad, a Bears fan, and an Oswego HS grad (our colors were blue and orange, too), he bleeds blue and orange!
I'm feeling ready to try something new with my needles, and this has shaping elements to it, to get the diagonal stripes. I've got the yarn, now I just need to finish a couple SWAPs. Then, it's onto knitting!
Ann in Oswego
http://suburbanprairiehouse.wordpress.com
Times may be tough, but farmgirls are tougher!
Craft Fasting since October 21, 2008 |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2009 : 3:36:41 PM
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Okay...okay...I'll learn to knit...lol
A friend knits and she thinks I can get over the fact that the needles don't have hooks (I crochet) so I'm learning to knit. She gave me some bamboo needles and plain acrylic yarn to practice with.
Don't know what my first project will be but probably the traditional scarf with chunky wool.
Not that I'll need one in a month here in Arizona, but maybe I can barter it or something!
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com & www.wayofthewife.blogspot.com |
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kpaints
True Blue Farmgirl
1564 Posts
karen
cheney
wa
1564 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 12:40:31 PM
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Star Meadow, you are full of good ideas, can I learn a couple from you? What is the pattern for this sponge you make out of cotton? And the 5 hr. sweater for babies? Where can I find these patterns? Thanks.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/http://www.kpaints.etsy.com |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: New Year Knitting |
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New Year Knitting
