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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Knitting woes  |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 07:19:05 AM
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Well, I have knit 3 hats so far. They are not perfect, especially the tops. But not bad for a first timer.
So last night I sat down to start a pretty pink hat for my 8 year old granddaughter. I used a little thicker yarn and used a size 8. I cast on the 69 stitches and had the hardest time getting it all to stay stright so I could get started. Such a hard time. Like I need 4 hands. I was so frustrated. I finally got it straight so I went ahead and started knitting and purling. Had a really hard time figuring out how to join the first stitch together too. Did about 5 rows and noticed that it was twisted. Yep, twisted. Nothing to do but take it all out. So I tried again and for the life of me could NOT get that first row straight. I just don't know how I did those other 3 hats. Why is is so hard now? Maybe it's the yarn? Or just me not having a good night. So I quit.
I will have to wait now til next week and my little get together to pin my friend down for her to help me get it started. And I have about 4 I want to make before Christmas.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 07:22:49 AM
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Sometimes you just have to put things down, Kris--or at least I do, anyway. When knitting becomes frustrating, take a step back because, like baking, it shouldn't make you cuss. I'm always hesitant to give someone something I've made when it was so frustrating to produce--bad "juju" or something.
I'm proud of you for going off with a start and knitting up three hats already! That's awesome! My husband still wears the very first hat I ever made (dropped stitches and all). He says it's his favorite!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 10:40:34 AM
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Sometimes, I cast on holding two needles together and then pull out the needle I don't need....it makes the cast on row easier to handle plus - gives that edge a nice stretchiness -- which depending on the hat is nice to have.
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 3:20:47 PM
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Jonni, how did you know I cussed? Was I that obvious? Yes I did. It is frustrating. And I did put it down. I crocheted some dishclothes instead. Can't go wrong with them.
Starletta, I can't seem to get what you mean. You put 2 of the needles together and cast on then take one off?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Prairie Gypsy
True Blue Farmgirl
823 Posts
Tammy
Wolford
North Dakota
USA
823 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 7:39:50 PM
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When things like that happen I tear out and stop for the night. Otherwise it never fails that the mistakes continue and get worse. Hopefully this timey post won't have
wierd symbols from posting from my phone.
Farmgirl Sister # 2363
http://twilightburrough.blogspot.com/
Warren, MI
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2011 : 7:55:58 PM
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That's so smart Starletta. I am doing sort of that method with separate needles. I cast on to one size larger size needle, work first row onto correct size needle and then use another correct size needle. I was wondering how to do that with circular needles. Great tip!
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2011 : 06:05:37 AM
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@Kris, I've been there, sister! That's how I know ;)
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2011 : 06:25:31 AM
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Kris, are you using a long-tail cast on? Casting on using a bigger needle works too just like Julie said. But, I just hold the two needles and cables together and cast on loosely and then just snake the extra needle/cable out - having everything looser keeps it easier to both see when you are getting twisted and to straighten it out -- at least it does for me.
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2011 : 5:25:51 PM
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I tried again today at the skating rink of all places. I got it going. I am using a size 11 and it's 16" long. I still need to be all by myself to actually get it to be knit 3 and purl 1. But it is looking good so far.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Dec 18 2011 : 06:01:05 AM
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starletta, love that hint. Thanks!
kris, just hang in there!
marianne |
Edited by - rough start farmgirl on Dec 18 2011 06:01:36 AM |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Dec 19 2011 : 06:02:11 AM
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Hey Kris,
I teach knitting classes in my town. One thing I tell my students is to never knit when you are tired. If you get frustrated, put it down. Sounds like that was happening with you. Knitting should be fun, and if you feel pressured to get something knit by a deadline, it can zap the fun right out of it. Hope you have a better time this time around. Wish we lived closer, I'd help you!
Big hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 1:57:41 PM
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Kris, please give us an update...are you finished with the hat?
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are." EE Cummings
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 8:23:03 PM
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Yes, I did just finish it last night. I have got to figure out the ending part. And why does it look prettier on the inside than the outside? All the ribbing is on the inside? Are all patterns this way? I want to turn them inside out but the bottom wants to curl up. Anyway, it looks good enough for an 8 year old.
I found another pattern I want to make for my daughter that's more a looser hat. I will have to have help with this one. Lots of intricate parts. I will for sure have to have total quiet to do this one. And lots of markers I think.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4178 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4178 Posts |
Posted - Dec 24 2011 : 04:38:27 AM
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Kris there are a million patterns out there, keep looking for one that works for you! Sounds like you are doing great, for just learning! keep up the good work
Michele |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 24 2011 : 06:32:49 AM
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Thanks, Michele. It's the pattern where you knit 3 and purl 1. Then go 9" and start decreasing doing 2 knits all the way across then purl a row. That is so hard to do, the 2 knits with there being a purl in there. Then I go to 3 double pointed needles. What fun! Then get to 9 then pull all together and that's that. SHould be so simple.
The lady at this fabric-yarn store where I took my first lesson, made her husband a hat and it was perfect. Even the top looked so pretty. All tight and together. You can see the sky through mine. One day they will be like hers. I think the yarn has alot to do with how they look in the end as far as uniformity and all. But I will get there, I know I will.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Knitting woes |
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Knitting woes
