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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Any knitters out there?  |
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BloominGA
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Sherri
Warner Robins
Georgia
USA
51 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 06:54:46 AM
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| I started knitting about 4 years ago, and it has been a great stress reliever for me. I'm just curious to see who else is out there, and what you guys are working on. Right now, I have the straps to finish for a felted purse and the back just about completed for a summer sweater. |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 07:19:04 AM
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Hi Sherri!
I'm a knitter and agree about it being a great stress reliever. I learned about 5 years ago. In the beginning, I was really focused on the finished product and getting it "just right." But now, I'm much more relaxed about it and just enjoy the actual process of knitting. Don't get me wrong, I do love the finished sweaters, scarves, hats and such and love to give them as gifts, but I don't mind having to take things apart and re-do them to get the guage just right anymore (in fact, I expect it!).
I'm currently working on a little pair of pants for my son:
'Course, I'm also working on a baby blanket for my nephew due in October, a vest for Jackson, lace scarf for me and a few other things. Can knitters really just have one project going at a time?
How is your felting going? I've haven't felted yet, but I know you can make such adorable things by felting.
Happy knitting!
Catherine
* Proud wife of Dan * Jackson's Mom * Still missing Lucy the Cat... * |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 07:30:48 AM
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Knitting is a great stress reliever - unless your ripping out because you just found a mistake you made 10 rows back!!  We have a little knitting group that meets once a month, The Knit Wits. We've been together a year now and really have a great time. To me, that is one of the best gatherings- sitting and knitting and talking with friends!!
Karin |
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susan kate
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
susan
Western Washington
109 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 08:25:54 AM
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Hi Sherri,
I took a beginning knitting class a couple years ago. I am not a prolific knitter, but so far I have finished several scarves and a beautiful felted tote bag from the book 'Felted Knits' by Beverly Galeskas. I wish I had a digital camera to send you a photo, but I'm not there yet! Before I felted that bag it was big enough to wear as a skirt!
Have you ever felted anything before? I really loved doing that project. I did mine in a zippered pillow case to keep the fibers out of the washing machine workings. At least that's what the book says. And there were lots of fibers.
Thanks for starting this topic. I will have to think about starting another project!
susan kate
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BloominGA
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Sherri
Warner Robins
Georgia
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 08:37:57 AM
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| Hey everyone! Ripping out doesn't seem to bother me too much anymore either. I suppose that's why I like felting because it hides so many mistakes except you have to make sure you don't have any holes before you start to felt! I've felted coasters, slippers, and purses. You really must try it if you haven't. Today I am going to a sewing/knitting store to get some more needles, and I think I may pick up a needle felting kit. Has anyone tried her hand at that? When I get home I may have to post pics of my projects...That is if I have time since I have to start TWO baby sweaters! I'm hoping they won't take long since I am using the pattern from One Skein. |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 08:38:17 AM
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I cant really call myself a kniter yet but I am trying I have knitted 200 scarfs last year for christmas but that was a simple drop stitch for the girls and straight knitting for the boys. I can do the basics but not the stuff I want to do like increase and decrease fancy holes in it to make lace and things like that but I am trying my grandmother tells me I don't need one more hobby. Funny she likes it when I get a new skill and send her something that I made.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe |
Edited by - sunshine on Jun 30 2006 09:01:30 AM |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 08:59:06 AM
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I love to knit..learned when I was 7 from an aunt. I mostly knit socks and dish cloths..things I can take along places with me. I have been in a quilting phase the last few months..but always have the stuff for knitting a project ready to go. My next project is some socks for my husband in a nice wool blend for winter. Maybe for his birthday in October I will have them done. I do knit baby things and sweaters and stuff sometimes too, but I just love to do socks.
Jenny in Utah
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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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 11:51:53 AM
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Sunshine, if you were to give up your crocheting, lace-making, tatting, and quilting and just focused on knitting, I'm positive your work would be incredible! You DO have a lot of hobbies and you're amazing at each one (loved seeing your creations on the "Handmade by Sunshine" thread!).
Aunt Jenny, I also love to always have a dishcloth going...easy to knit a few here and there. Do you have a favorite pattern for men's socks? I've knit women's socks, but haven't yet found a good pattern I like for men.
Happy knitting!
Catherine
* Proud wife of Dan * Jackson's Mom * Still missing Lucy the Cat... * |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 12:31:07 PM
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I know how to knit but haven't done a lot of it for some while. I joined a local group but these ladies evidently have bottomless bank accounts because I could NEVER afford to make some of the things they were working on.
So, at this point, I'm a broke and frustrated knitter.
Jana |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 12:55:13 PM
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Hey Jana! You're not far from me up here in the Midwest!
I totally hear you on the expensive yarn thing. Sometimes I splurge, but more often than not these days, I need to find deals and recycle stuff. Have you tried recycling sweaters from second-hand shops to use the yarn for new things? Super easy. Also, if you're not above knitting with acrylic (I knit with all kinds of fibers these days!), Jo-Ann's sells a "pound of love" skein of yarn for $5. That's right, $5! I made a baby sweater, bonnet, booties and blanket all from one skein of this stuff for my neice-on-the-way. And acrylic is actually great for babies since it's machine washable!
You can also check your second-hand shops/goodwill shops or even eBay for bags of "old" yarn. I known I've come across little stashes like this here and there.
Good luck finding the deals!
Catherine
* Proud wife of Dan * Jackson's Mom * Still missing Lucy the Cat... * |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 3:51:49 PM
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Cathrine: The pattern I like best for mens socks is Called Iowa crew cruise socks. It is in a little booklet..crud..can't think of the name of the company and I have all their patterns I think!!
Cottage creations I think.
Jenny in Utah
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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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 5:23:35 PM
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I love knitting, and weaving, and spinning - today I attended the HGA conference "convergence" in Grand Rapids - tomorrow is the last day. Textiles of all types to DYE for (Ha! pun intended) and buttons - Oh my gosh, such beautiful buttons... beads, baskets, I was in heaven.
Since my stash is in pretty good shape I bought mostly books - I may never get all the yarn I have knit up. Most of it is on cones for machine knitting. I did get a tool for my sister's loom.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
Edited by - brightmeadow on Jun 30 2006 5:25:57 PM |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 9:35:21 PM
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| When I am really stressed, knitting is my drug of choice...I always feel so much better after knitting a few rows, but sometimes I get caught up and have to "just finish this row" and before I know it, the whole sock is done! Or dishtowel, or sleeve etc... |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2006 : 11:36:52 PM
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If you do find old yarn on ebay or elsewhere, if the color is really ugly, you can overdye it and make it a beautiful yarn color.
shirley |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2006 : 09:23:34 AM
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I love to knit! Learned when I was about 9 so I've been at it for 40+ years or so. I mostly knit socks because they are small, portable and fast...well not always[;)
Right now I'm supposed to be knitting an Aran sweater for myself but I'm not sure where it is....................the danger of too many projects.
[quote]Originally posted by cmandle
Aunt Jenny, I also love to always have a dishcloth going...easy to knit a few here and there. Do you have a favorite pattern for men's socks? I've knit women's socks, but haven't yet found a good pattern I like for men.
I'm not Aunt Jenny but my favorite men's sock to knit is Ladder of Life socks. It's available free on the internet somewhere. Just Google it.
It's a great pattern and fast because it's made with worsted weight yarn.
Marcia who's trying to go to Farm Fair today.
"I suppose the pleasure of country life lies really in the eternally renewed evidence of the determination to live." Vita Sackville-West
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BloominGA
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Sherri
Warner Robins
Georgia
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2006 : 5:07:28 PM
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| I'm so glad to hear that a lot of you like to knit socks! I made my son some socks and now that's all he wants to wear! I'm starting on some for my 2 yr. "baby" as soon as I get the gifts finished. Knitting can be so expensive, and then so can sewing. It all depends on where you get it and how much you want to put into it. I love the Web though because I can always find somewhere cheaper to get the yarn. However, that can make me feel guilty because I'm not supporting a local business..... |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 07:58:09 AM
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I am a knitter with no projects right now mainly because I am moving. But I agree that knitting can be so relaxing. Last year I knitted enough dishclothes to take care of the entire county. I could zone out and relax while I knitted them.
I'd also like to try making socks but I'm not fond of double pointed needles. Has any one seen or tried Socks Soar on two Circular Needles. I can't find this locally and i really hate buying a book without looking at it.
Also if I decide not to buy this book can any one give me a tip on how not to get a little gap at the end - beginning of every round. No matter what I try there always seems to be one.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Mountain Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
JoAnn
Colville
Washington
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 10:46:00 AM
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Hi, I'm not an experienced knitter but I did take a class on knitting socks on two circular needles. I had never knit socks before. Our teacher told us to use this method http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/twocirculars.html This is a great site with pictures. JoAnn
I've always been called a dreamer, but I never listened. I did what others dare not do--lived my dream while they watched. Unknown |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 11:37:49 AM
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That is something I would love to learn. I have always used either 4 or 5 double points.
Jenny in Utah
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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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 11:54:54 AM
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Oh Catherine!
I'm definitely not above knitting with acrylic. I have tried to work with some wools that were as terrible to handle as the cheapest synthetic, so its all about how yarn 'feels' to me.
I rummaged around and found 2 skeins of Lion Brand homespun in the color 'nouveau' and started a bias knit scarf. I found several patterns on the web and once I got the idea of what others were doing, I worked out my own pattern. So far I love it!
Jana
p.s. what is your fav yarn shop in the cities??? |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 5:44:10 PM
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Thank you Joann. That is what is so wonderful about this forum, you ask a question and someone has an answer that you never thought of and usually it's less expensive then the one you thought of. And less hard on mother earth then the normal ones.
I'm anxious to try socks. I have read the patterns and I have to admit that every time they said to turn the heel, I thought you turned the knitting around and went in the other direction or something. I have finally found a couple of web sites that show you knitting socks step by step. Finally I know what turning the heel means. 
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Mountain Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
JoAnn
Colville
Washington
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2006 : 6:24:22 PM
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Hi I hate turning the heels. I love the ribbing, love the stockinette stitch part but hate to do heels. I only finished the one pair because the teacher was sitting next to me when I was doing it and guided me through every step. I find it very stressful sooooo since I want wool socks, I'm going to try a tube sock made with wool. Has everything I like to do but not the stress! Let ya know how they turn out. JoAnn
I've always been called a dreamer, but I never listened. I did what others dare not do--lived my dream while they watched. Unknown |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
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BloominGA
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Sherri
Warner Robins
Georgia
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2006 : 12:42:49 PM
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| Yes, you must try knitting socks. The previously mentioned website of royea.net has the easiest pattern ever for making socks! I could never get them started because the yarn and the needles were so small, but her sock pattern calls for worsted weight yarn and size 5 needles. It made it soooo much easier. |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2006 : 2:56:02 PM
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Jenny and Marcia: Thanks for the tips on men's sock patterns. I can't wait to check them out! I have just the yarn for Dan and would love to start in a pair for him for fall.
Jana: I'm a big fan of "Depth of Field" yarn store in the Cedar-Riverside area in Minneapolis. In fact, I should probably say that that's "my" yarn shop since I rarely go anywhere else. BUT, with baby on board and the budget getting tighter lately, my yarn shop has turned into my closet! I mean, I have to STOP before I run out to BUY yarn because I probably already HAVE what I'm looking for in my CLOSET! :) I do frequent Jo-Ann's of late too, as I mentioned with that "Bundle of Love" acrylic yarn. I agree about the yarn just having to "feel" good in your hands. And boy, that layette set for my sister's babe was adorable, $5 yarn and all!
Can't wait to hear how turning heels goes for everyone! My good friend (and soon to be farmgirl!) Laura also hates doing socks on double-points (I love it!) and I was about to offer her up for suggestions on doing it with two circs. Sounds like you've all got it covered.
Happy knitting!
Catherine |
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lcelmer
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Lana
Woodburn
OR
37 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2006 : 07:22:29 AM
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I knit when I'm not sewing or quilting. My favorite pattern is the Incredible, custom fit raglan sweater. It is knit in the round using circular needles. http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html
Yarn is pretty expensive, but I do most of my stuff for my kids, and they are just fine in cheapo yarn. www.Knitpicks.com seems to be a good (and inexpensive) site for wool.
I did the raglan for my 2 year old daughter this christmas with about 2 skeins of redheart varigated. (total cost under $8) It was so fun to work on! There is not much shaping, so a great pattern for working on while doing other stuff. Walking, radio, etc.
I am currently doing more hand piecing for a dolly quilt that knitting, (It's too hot to knit) but I have a pair of socks that I am in the middle of. I really like Cat Bordi's book on knitting socks on 2 circulars instead of DPNs. (the stitches dont fall off as easily, and it seems to go faster for me) These is another site out there http://knitpicks.com/kpimages/pdf/50417220.pdf that has a two at once on cicular needles pattern that I am dying to try. Pretty much the same method as Bordi's but each sock is knit side by side on its own ball of yarn.
Have a lovely Sunday!
Lana C. :-)
Let everthing that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Any knitters out there? |
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Any knitters out there?
