Today we'll start to talk about teaching new knitters to cast on. But first, enjoy my new sock yarn. Perhaps they aren't the most splashy, but they have much subtle beauty. Both are from Knitivity.com, hand dyed in Houston, Texas (which meant I paid sales tax, which I would only do if I really liked something).
The one onf the right is "Hiding" and is supposed to be desert camoflage coloring, but I see the river rocks where the river meets the sea in Ireland, with the tans, grays whites and bits of black. The other is "Redwood," and is supposed to look like, well, redwood. It does, but when I saw it, it was much more "red" than I thought it would be from the website. And there is more gold than brown. This is all most excellent to me. The colors remind me of the warmth of the media room we just decorated in our house--the walls are a deep red and a dark gold.
I'd love to see either of these in worsted weight (I will tell Ray, I promise). An afghan with the Redwood and a denim color would perfectly coordinate with my media room, and I can see that Greenjeans cardigan I want to make so badly in the Hiding colorway--it would go with any neutral.
So, Which Cast-On to Teach?
Hey, you! Your feedback is most welcome here--I'd love more ideas to incorporate, so do not hesitate to suggest additions in the comments, or give me your opinions. I'd love them!
Some people don't teach new knitters to cast on. They cast on for them, and often they knit the first row for them.
If I were using the backward loop cast-on I'd probably do the same. It is so hard to knit the first row after backward-loop, and I usually knit into the back of the stitches on that row, too, so that would confuse a new knitter.
But, I don't use the backward loop cast-on. Why?
1. It's hard to knit the first row.
2. It is very hard to cast on loosely enough to not affect the finished product.
3. I don't like the way the edge looks very much.
4. it doesn't build the new knitter's confidence.
Some people like to teach one of the long-tailed cast-ons. Now, this is the one I use most for myself, but I don't teach it first. Why?
1. Guessing how much yarn to reserve intimidates new knitters.
2. It LOOKS so complicated (though later I will share my "easier" way of doing it).
3. It is also pretty easy to do tightly, though easier to get a good gauge than backwards loop.
I like to teach a knitted cast-on (that's what I call it, anyway). Why?
1. It starts them right off using the needles.
2. It is fairly easy to get a loose gauge.
3. Most important: it's a lot like actual knitting! Once they get how to do this, they are almost knitting already--it builds success.
Next: teaching the knitted cast on (I am out of time today, sorry).
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sockilicious Knitting Weekend
I got more done on the Silver Leaf Reflections Walking Away Sock (what a mouthful) over the weekend, since I was away from home a lot and couldn't work on my bigger project. This sock looks teeny tiny when it isn't on a foot, since the whole front is ribbing and the back has ribs, too. But as you can see it fills out nicely.
I am loving the color of this Seacoast Panda yarn, and as always I love bamboo in sock yarn. Feels light as feather when it's on and is thin enough I will be able to wear it with nicer open-back shoes than my extra casual Birkenstocks and clogs. My previous pair is in sport weight wool, so it's thicker.
I enjoyed helping a lot more people at the yarn shop on Saturday, even if none of last week's students returned (one did call, though). I got to teach 3-needle bind off and got a nice teen girl going on a scarf. Plenty of knitting also occurred at a high school football game, waiting at a restaurant, watching football on TV and during an extra-long church service, the highlight of which was my son playing tuba.
I'll be posting more beginning knitting teaching tips later in the week so stay tuned.
I am loving the color of this Seacoast Panda yarn, and as always I love bamboo in sock yarn. Feels light as feather when it's on and is thin enough I will be able to wear it with nicer open-back shoes than my extra casual Birkenstocks and clogs. My previous pair is in sport weight wool, so it's thicker.
I enjoyed helping a lot more people at the yarn shop on Saturday, even if none of last week's students returned (one did call, though). I got to teach 3-needle bind off and got a nice teen girl going on a scarf. Plenty of knitting also occurred at a high school football game, waiting at a restaurant, watching football on TV and during an extra-long church service, the highlight of which was my son playing tuba.
I'll be posting more beginning knitting teaching tips later in the week so stay tuned.
Surplice Top Progress Report
Regular readers probably remember me promising to get back to this project, the Surplice Lace Top, from Nashua Handknits American Designer Collection, in Natural Focus Ecologie Cotton, logwood colorway. I started it in June then went on a sock binge.
This week I finally managed to get the back complete. I don't get much of a thrill out of long stretches of stockinette--feels like it will never end. But the way this natural dye makes mottled effects certainly makes the tedium worthwhile. Thank goodness for football games! As of last night, I am well into the third repeat of the lace panel for the front.
I am glad I found encouragement for knitting the back and front each in one piece, rather than attaching the lace panel later. It looks just fine.
Of course, I messed up and had some challenges--that's the way knitting goes! I think I used the smaller needle rather than the larger one on the top, but the size is only off a quarter inch. Then I tried to use one of my new KnitPick harmony needles on the second lace pattern, but my size 4 set has one defective needle--it won't screw all the way in. Grr. Now I will have to test them all to be sure they work and return the ones that don't work.
I must say the new Kntipicks needles are pretty. They are quite slick compared to bamboo, but not so much as their metal needles. I am questioning my decision to get the smallest sizes in 16-inch models, thinking I'd use them on little projects. They still give my hand a cramp. Wah. I will order 32-inchers too.
I know I will really enjoy wearing this, so I will work hard to finish it. My other motivation is that I bought enough of my favorite Cascade 220 hand-dyed for making that beautiful little cabled one-button cardigan Greenjeans from the new Knitty (see previous post). It has jumped to the front of the queue, because I both love the pattern AND the black/red Cascade yarn that looks like dying embers.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Color Meme and Knitty Review
First, yay, I finished the Disco Colori socks. You can see their lovely matching heels and the large amount of leftover yarn in this picture. I think I will make my sister wrist warmers out of the leftover, even if they aren't often worn by the over-60 set (much older sister, hee hee). The sparkling silver will make them sort of jewelry-like.Color Meme
This color meme came from a blog by Kristi. I think it's interesting, so here are my answers.
1. What is your current favorite color? Violet
2. Had your favorite color changed over the years? No, it's been purple most of my life.
3. Is your current favorite color one that is currently trendy? (Do you see it in the fashion rags or on the clothes rack or in the linen aisle right now? How about 5 years ago?) I just bought a shirt in my exact favorite shade, which is a good sign. I see lots of purple linens, so I think it's still in fashion. The apricot and mint scheme I loved in the 80s for home decor is gone, though.
4. What is your favorite color combination? Black and red (wear) or purple and green (look at)
5. Is that combination a popular one? (Is it use in prints you see in the stores and catalogs and magazines now? How about 5 years ago?) There tends to always be black and red stuff to wear, and for the last few years there has been a lot of purple and green home decor stuff. We just got a lot of new items for the guest room in that combo, and painted the walls subtle versions of them.
6. What is your favorite way of using color in your knitting? (Are you a stranded knitter? Do you prefer simple stripes? Do you prefer just accents at the hems/collars?) I like to knit things that subtly change color, or are all mottled. I like stripes, but other than on socks they aren't my best look. I like slip stitch patterns and stranded items a lot. The combo of black with a variegated yarn always looks neat to me.
7. What colors look good on you? In my "normal" hair I look good in deep versions of colors like red, black, dark purple, and blue. Things with more of a bluish tinge. With my colored hair, I can wear a lot more stuff with more orange.
8. What colors look bad on you? Tan that is close to my skin color, pure white, greenish yellow, mauve (muddy colors), lilac (which is too bad because I like the color).
9. Do you wear colors that don’t look good on you just because you like them? For a long time I kept buying lilac yarn and knitting with it, only to see that it didn't look good on me. Same with tan. I did stop doing that. Sometimes I wear a color that doesn't look good on me, though. It's not the end of the world. I am not a supermodel.
10. What is your favorite neutral color? black
11. Is there a sweater pattern that uses more than one color that you’d like to make, but you wish to change the colors from what is published? If yes, which one? Whoa, I rarely make anything in the color it is published in. Lots of sweaters show up in colors no one should wear!! The fact that I am knitting my current top in the color in the picture shocks me--but it's the colorway that looked best on me! I am pretty confident in my ability to pick a good color for a garment. And my LYS friends will let me know if I stray.
Knitty Review
Time for another Knitty review! Overall it's a dandy issue, though whoever coded the apostrophes might want to check out their HTML. I may add to this as I get time, but here are my first reactions to the patterns in the Fall 2007 Knitty, listed in order of what I'd most like to knit:
- Mr. Greenjeans: this is already printed out and I am hoping the LYS has the yarn the designer used. If not, I already have ideas for options. This has everything I like. One piece construction, cables, raglans, wearability at work. Woo.
- Diamond Waffle: OMG, what a cool sock!!! It has all sorts of interesting construction details--the gusset, the toe, the main pattern! I just flew over to Knitivity and ordered Ray's new Redwood colorway to make it in. Maybe for a dude. Maybe for me.
- Back to Basics: I like the interesting techniques in this one as well, especially the way the ribbing starts, and bet it will show up on my needles at some point.
- Muir: Well, I like Muir Woods, and I like lace. It's a bit "holey" but looks like it would be fun. It's on my long list of lace things to make, fer sure.
- Totally Autumn: on this one I liked the photo with the feet sticking out, and loved the pattern, though I think the yarn colorway detracted a bit (yarn looks great to touch, though). That said, I'd probably pick a yarn like that, too, 'cause that's what I like to buy. But, well, I am trying to be mature and realize that not all variegated yarns go with all laces. (I am sure many folks think my pink/gray/white lace shawl was a bit much, so I am not claiming I am such a great lace yarn picker.
OK, there are a couple of patterns I probably would not ever make but I have comments on:
- Flower Power: the model is the cutest baby! Click the link just to see that precious face!
- Q: that is a really interesting sock done in a very interesting technique. But it's too busy, complicated or something for me. I will enjoy seeing other people wear it, though!
- Cinderella: again, a great idea that will make all those people who don't like circular knitting but want to make socks very happy. But, I don't really like the way it looks, and I am not sure why. Perhaps the yarn is too thick?
And last, here is a sneak peak of my next sock! Seacoast Panda wool/bamboo sock yarn in Silver Leaf. Walking Away Socks, by Joanne Clark, Reflections version. It's a Fiber Trends pattern, so you can get it wherever those are sold.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Excessories! and Before You Teach...
I made myself laugh just now by commiserating with someone in an email message about having "too much" sock yarn. I said that now my yarn consists decorative accessories in lovely baskets, some of which may be socks some day. Only when I first typed it, I said "excessories" instead of "accessories." What an EXCELLENT mental slip, if I do say so myself!!
So, here we have a photo of some of my excessories in a lovely basket.
Before You Teach
Now for the second part in my series on teaching beginners to knit. Today I'll focus on things to talk a bit about before casting on the first stitch. (This information is also useful to fill time waiting for a latecomer, or for someone to pick out their yarn.)
Now, this IS important stuff, so if someone misses it, it's good to slip some more of this info in during the class or series of classes.
I like to talk in general about the ingredients of knitting, because I have found that if I don't talk about this stuff, I'll get asked about it anyway! You can do the topics in just about any order.
Needles
Types: show them single pointed, double pointed and circular needles, plus a cable needle if one is handy. Let them know that circulars are probably the most versatile, but that most people end up using all of these for different projects. Explain why they are using the shorter single pointed needles (if that's what they have). Mention that some "throwers" like longer needles, because they can rest one in their lap or under their arm. Promise to demo that later.
Materials: reassure them that all materials are appropriate in different circumstances, and that individuals will have different preferences. Talk about wood (bamboo, ebony, birch), plastic (Bryspun, clear, old solid ones, light-up), metal (steel, coated, brass) and the importance of smooth joins and flexible cables in circular needles.
How to Choose: Point out that slippery yarn often benefits from needles with a bit of texture, while smooth yarn knits really quickly on slicker metal needles.
Yarn
I could talk about this for a long time so I try to be brief!
Content: point to the wool, bamboo, cashmere, mohair, cotton, hemp, corn, soy....and say that it didn't use to be like this! I act like an old lady and reminisce about long ago only being able to get acrylic in mod 70s colors.
Textures: Emphasize that they are knitting with smooth yarn, but that there are all kinds of weights and textures and constructions to choose from. Point to the eyelash, the thick-and-thin, the sock yarn, the laceweight and so on.
Quality: go into detail about how good yarn may cost more, but in most cases is worth it. Tell them when a cheap yarn may be fine. Remind them that they will be touching the yarn for many hours, so be sure you like how it feels.
The Label: show them all the brilliant information there is on a yarn ball. Have each person look at the label from their yarn. Have them see if they are using an appropriate needle for their yarn. If not...switch. Tell them you are guessing, since they don't yet know if they are tight, loose or average knitters. This will lead you to...
Gauge
Give them their very first little chat about gauge and why it matters. No doubt it won't be their last. Let them know that every knitter is different, and that's why you can't say that Yarn X should always be knit with Needle Y. (If I personally did that, I'd have many overly large items.)
Where to Buy Yarn
The Local Yarn Shop: If you are in a yarn shop, extol the virtues of the yarn shop up and down. Well, it is TRUE. The LYS is a wonderful thing. Remind them of the friendly helpful staff, the wonderful classes, the ability to see, touch and smell yarn before buying (hey, Schaeffer yarn smells like vinegar, ya know). Mention that you can see many patterns knitted up, and browse patterns easily at the LYS. Remind them that the shop is there to hang around in, if that is true. Point out the wonderful friends you can make there (hug one, if available). If there are other yarn shops in town, let students know it is not a sin to shop there. Usually there are things in one place that aren't in another. And you may be more comfortable with the staff in one place than in another--there are a lot of factors that go into choosing your favorite!
The Internet: Do not deny the lure of the Internet. When the LYS doesn't have enough of the yarn you want, or you can't find something locally, the Internet is your friend! And there are many indie yarn dyers and other vendors whose merchandise is not available in a shop. Mention your personal friends by name, hee hee. Reveal that there are FREE patterns on the Internet! And caution that you sometimes get what you pay for, too! You might want to let them know there is good refresher information out there if they forget something you teach them, and that there are many cool books they can order via the Internet, to expand their knowledge.
Big Box/Discount/Hobby Stores: Be nice, and remember some of your students may simply not have the funds to buy $37.50 dishcloth yarn like YOU did. Just caution that some of the yarn in discount stores and the like may not be of great quality, which may lead to a disappointing product, but that some of the places have much improved selections, and you can't go wrong if you are looking for crochet cotton or dishcloth cotton. Even yarn shop employees get some of their stuff there! If you are careful, you will help the students with limited funds feel better, yet give them the idea that it might be worth their while to get less yarn of better quality than tons of inexpensive stuff.
I try to fit all this information into ten minutes. Good luck with that. The part on where to buy yarn can also be interspersed with your other instruction, and makes good "chatting" fodder while they are knitting away and you are hoping they mess up so you can help them learn how to not make that mistake again.
Have fun!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Teaching Knitting: Getting Started
(First let me say how hard it was to find a picture of something simple that I had knitted! This is the hat pattern I hope to teach ladies next Saturday, if they show up and still want to knit a hat. Of course, they won't be making it in kettle dyed Malabrigo wonderfulness!)So, as I was saying yesterday, I really enjoy teaching knitting. People keep saying they are impressed at how much I know about beginning knitters, and my reply is that it's just a matter of observing them--I am sure there are many, many instructors out there with similar hard-won knowledge, and I am glad they exist. It's a lot easier to embark on a lifetime passion for knitting if you have a teacher who helps you avoid certain pitfalls and learn to correct mistakes easily and simply, right from the start. I am sure I am not the best beginning knitting teacher in the world, but I seem to be pretty good at getting folks started!
So, I thought I'd add a series of occasional posts here in the blog with some tips as to what works for me, in case you ever get the chance to start a newbie on the road to knitting addiction and want to ensure they are successful. It's important to note that the way I do it is NOT the only way to do it, nor necessarily the "best," but it works for me. All teaching ideas posts will come with the label "teaching ideas" so you can search for them easily.
Equipment
Before getting your student started, be sure that he or she has good starter knitting equipment. Here are options that work for me:
- Needle material: either bamboo or high-quality plastic (I like the Bryspun needles with the extra pointy tips that make the first pokes through the stitches easier. I like bamboo because it feels good for tactile learners and is not slippery.)
- Needle length: usually shorter ones. They are less awkward to hold, which is especially good for younger knitters.
- Needle size: appropriate for the yarn chosen. I know a lot of people use large needles, but it's hard to see stitch definition if the fabric is really loose and lacy, and I've seen students very disappointed in how their output looks if the yarn is too thin for the needles.
- Yarn type: wool or cotton that is smooth and does not easily come apart. You need smooth so that the new student can learn to identify what a good stitch looks like, and you need something tightly spun or solid, to reduce the frustration from splitting the yarn. Sometimes you will need to compromise on this, of course. Wool is my favorite, because it has bounce and is a bit more forgiving of uneven stitches. However, many people like to start making dishcloths, which aren't really "wool" items. A nice quality cotton is fine for dishcloths. I find Sugar and Cream splits a bit, but hey, that works, and is a bargain.
- Yarn size: generally worsted to bulky weight. Super bulky is too hard to manipulate (though I demo on it, so folks can see what I am doing). And thinner yarn works, but doesn't show much progress--new knitters need to be able to see that they've accomplished something fairly quickly, to maintain interest.
- Yarn color: this is up to the student, but I have found that self-striping, pooling or otherwise variegated yarn is useful for a couple of reasons. For one, having the yarn you are knitting with a different color from the yarn you are knitting into lets you see what you are doing more easily. Also it can be easier to count rows if the color changes. And for those who are discouraged easily, striped yarns provide encouragement. You can see you've done two or three colors. Or you can knit hard, hoping for the pink section to show up. Knitting five feet of a tan garter stitch scarf could bore anyone, even an eager knitter who really wants a tan scarf. I've had a lot of success with young people on yarns that slowly change color. They are fun.
- Pattern: it's nice to have whatever you are teaching written in a very simple pattern. It will get folks scared of patterns a chance to break one down into its components and learn that it is their friend.
What Not to Choose
There are some choices that make teaching more difficult:
- Shiny aluminum needles: these are slippery, are often a bit too long, and make irritating noises. People often proudly bring them in to learn on. Often they buy bamboo before they leave, when they see that the other students are having more success that way. Of course, if a student feels they can't afford new needles, they CAN learn on shiny aluminum!
- Poorly made acrylic yarn: I am not 100% anti acrylic--I liked that Sirdar Toddler Aran I knit with last week, for example. But, the worsted weight stuff that comes in giant balls in Big Box stores is not a great choice for a new knitter. Why? Well, it feels awful. You spend many hours with your first knitted project--it helps if you spend many hours feeling lovely wool or high quality cotton. Your finished product will last longer and look better if made from nice materials, as well. Poor quality acrylics are very uncomfortable in a scarf or a hat, for example.
- Novelty Yarn: you can't see what you are doing in novelty yarn, so you can't tell when you have made a mistake. Promise the student that a shiny or fluffy scarf can be their third project. Thankfully, that trend is passing, anyway.
Next: What to teach before casting on a stitch!
Remember, the above is just what works for me, and not "rules." These are guidelines, which means you can change them if you find something else works better for you!
Monday, September 10, 2007
More Productive Knitting Weekend!
In addition to going on about my weekend,
I'm also sharing the excitement of my friend Katie's Finished Object--beautiful lace-edge pantaloons, or lounging pants, or something. I have other photos in my Flickr set from my knitting friends, if you want to see what the whole thing looks like (I didn't want to put Katie in her lounging attire directly on the blog). As Katie points out in the comments, the pattern is Unmentionables, from Knitty.
Katie was incredibly patient knitting long stretches of stockinette, then VERY long stretches once the ruffle started. But she got to touch wonderful Cathay yarn for all that time, and now has the most luxurious lounging attire of anyone I know! Katie will no doubt tell me where the pattern came from in the comments, which will be helpful since my mind has blanked it out, even though I knew it perfectly well at one time.
Note: For some reason I keep spelling Katie's name like the Houston suburb of Katy, and not like her "real" name. I wonder how many times I will have to tell myself to stop doing that? Anyway, sorry, Katie.
My Knitting Fun
As the blog entry title hints, I had a better knitting weekend than last week. I did sock #2 for Lee's dad really quickly, thanks to a very long ride on a hot school bus and a lot of time at the yarn shop on Saturday. I'm just glad all that jumping up and down to cheer didn't get the stitches messed up. But, sock #2 is as sturdy, brown and utilitarian as sock #1!
I got well past the heel on the second Disco Colori sock by Sunday afternoon. I am very proud of the toe, which is a thing of beauty and smoothness, as well as the heel, which pretty much exactly matches the patterning on the first sock. I was not sure if the yarn would line up that well, but it did. Yay, I will have identical twins, not fraternal.
I wandered around the room thinking about what socks to knit next for a while yesterday afternoon. I eventually settled on the Silver Leaf colorway Panda yarn from Seacoast, because it is shiny from the bamboo, and so silvery and green. And not turquoise or brown. I went through a number of decisions on what socks to knit, but settled on the Walking Away Socks pattern from Fiber Trends. I've made the center pattern already (see this blog entry for info). This time I will make the one on the left, if you know what the pattern looks like. Everyone really seems to like my socks with interesting back views.
After that, I will go back to gift socks, because I found at the LYS on Saturday Austermann Step in a subdued orange and blue colorway that I can use to make "Go Gators" socks for my sister, who is in Gainesville. It'll be a two-sock holiday for her!
Non-Sock Knitting at Last!
But, I did it! I knitted something other than a sock! I unraveled the cast off on the lace panel I'd done on the surplice top, and started up the back in lovely stockinette. The yarn, which is Nashua Natural Focus Ecologie Cotton is lovely the way it shades slightly, but it sure likes to come apart. It's very loosely wound and consists of what appears to be ten or twelve very thin strands, and it is very easy to miss a strand. So I do have to pay attention. I will love wearing this, though, so I will march forward more rapidly now, I hope.
KnitPicks Needles
Wow, have those new KnitPicks needles started a lot of discussion on various boards and such. People either love them or loathe them. I guess those beautiful rainbows that seem so fun to me really bother others (yet I have read about people who find the metal ones "too shiny" so it takes all kinds, I guess). When I got to the yarn shop on Saturday, Amy was there to teach a sock class. Turns out she had done just what I did--opened her email, saw the needles and ordered ASAP so she'd get some before they sold out. We laughed at our own predictability.
Class
I taught a pretty big beginning knitting class, all but one of whom really weren't beginners, but that's OK. They were all progressing rapidly enough that they ended up making basketweave scarves, and once the realization that you have to move the yarn between knitting and purling was clear, they were going like gangbusters. Almost all of them were using Smile yarn on large needles, so a lot of knitting happened. What I liked best was that they were so enthusiastic that most of them are coming back next week to learn more! I had a request for how to knit a simple hat, so that should be fun to show them. As tired as I was from the long bus ride the night before, their enthusiasm was contagious! Teaching knitting is probably the most fun work I've ever done.
I'm also sharing the excitement of my friend Katie's Finished Object--beautiful lace-edge pantaloons, or lounging pants, or something. I have other photos in my Flickr set from my knitting friends, if you want to see what the whole thing looks like (I didn't want to put Katie in her lounging attire directly on the blog). As Katie points out in the comments, the pattern is Unmentionables, from Knitty.
Katie was incredibly patient knitting long stretches of stockinette, then VERY long stretches once the ruffle started. But she got to touch wonderful Cathay yarn for all that time, and now has the most luxurious lounging attire of anyone I know! Katie will no doubt tell me where the pattern came from in the comments, which will be helpful since my mind has blanked it out, even though I knew it perfectly well at one time.
Note: For some reason I keep spelling Katie's name like the Houston suburb of Katy, and not like her "real" name. I wonder how many times I will have to tell myself to stop doing that? Anyway, sorry, Katie.
My Knitting Fun
As the blog entry title hints, I had a better knitting weekend than last week. I did sock #2 for Lee's dad really quickly, thanks to a very long ride on a hot school bus and a lot of time at the yarn shop on Saturday. I'm just glad all that jumping up and down to cheer didn't get the stitches messed up. But, sock #2 is as sturdy, brown and utilitarian as sock #1!
I got well past the heel on the second Disco Colori sock by Sunday afternoon. I am very proud of the toe, which is a thing of beauty and smoothness, as well as the heel, which pretty much exactly matches the patterning on the first sock. I was not sure if the yarn would line up that well, but it did. Yay, I will have identical twins, not fraternal.
I wandered around the room thinking about what socks to knit next for a while yesterday afternoon. I eventually settled on the Silver Leaf colorway Panda yarn from Seacoast, because it is shiny from the bamboo, and so silvery and green. And not turquoise or brown. I went through a number of decisions on what socks to knit, but settled on the Walking Away Socks pattern from Fiber Trends. I've made the center pattern already (see this blog entry for info). This time I will make the one on the left, if you know what the pattern looks like. Everyone really seems to like my socks with interesting back views.
After that, I will go back to gift socks, because I found at the LYS on Saturday Austermann Step in a subdued orange and blue colorway that I can use to make "Go Gators" socks for my sister, who is in Gainesville. It'll be a two-sock holiday for her!
Non-Sock Knitting at Last!
But, I did it! I knitted something other than a sock! I unraveled the cast off on the lace panel I'd done on the surplice top, and started up the back in lovely stockinette. The yarn, which is Nashua Natural Focus Ecologie Cotton is lovely the way it shades slightly, but it sure likes to come apart. It's very loosely wound and consists of what appears to be ten or twelve very thin strands, and it is very easy to miss a strand. So I do have to pay attention. I will love wearing this, though, so I will march forward more rapidly now, I hope.
KnitPicks Needles
Wow, have those new KnitPicks needles started a lot of discussion on various boards and such. People either love them or loathe them. I guess those beautiful rainbows that seem so fun to me really bother others (yet I have read about people who find the metal ones "too shiny" so it takes all kinds, I guess). When I got to the yarn shop on Saturday, Amy was there to teach a sock class. Turns out she had done just what I did--opened her email, saw the needles and ordered ASAP so she'd get some before they sold out. We laughed at our own predictability.
Class
I taught a pretty big beginning knitting class, all but one of whom really weren't beginners, but that's OK. They were all progressing rapidly enough that they ended up making basketweave scarves, and once the realization that you have to move the yarn between knitting and purling was clear, they were going like gangbusters. Almost all of them were using Smile yarn on large needles, so a lot of knitting happened. What I liked best was that they were so enthusiastic that most of them are coming back next week to learn more! I had a request for how to knit a simple hat, so that should be fun to show them. As tired as I was from the long bus ride the night before, their enthusiasm was contagious! Teaching knitting is probably the most fun work I've ever done.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Grab Your Credit Cards!
OMG! Even a headache and arthritic hands couldn't stop me from buying a lot o' merchandise before my first cup of coffee was finished this morning.
KNITPICKS HAS NEW WOODEN NEEDLES!
Run! Quick! You know they'll sell out!
THEY ARE ALL COLORFUL AND RAINBOW-Y!
And they are birch, with fairly sharp points. Oooh, that sounds nice. I think my knitting life may now be complete. I will have circulars in 0-3 including all the wonderful "in between" sizes we sock knitters love, plus 4-11 interchangeables in this beautiful new needles. Heck, who cares if I like to use them or not. They are PRETTY.
I think my morning email from Knitpicks was the most exciting thing that's happened in many a week.
Oh happy day! Since I have been missing out on things by dawdling (like Ravelry and the Cat B. sock book), I figured for ONCE I'd get my stuff in time. It's only been a few hours since the email came in, and many people sleep in on Saturdays...maybe I will actually get the needles!
In My Own Less Hyperventilation-Inspiring Knitting News
I did get down to the gusset on the second brown sock between the bus and lulls in the high school football game, which, by some miracle, our high school won. We were WAY the underdogs. Off to the yarn store to shriek about the new raibow needles and finish that one and get moving on the Disco #2.
KNITPICKS HAS NEW WOODEN NEEDLES!
Run! Quick! You know they'll sell out!
THEY ARE ALL COLORFUL AND RAINBOW-Y!
And they are birch, with fairly sharp points. Oooh, that sounds nice. I think my knitting life may now be complete. I will have circulars in 0-3 including all the wonderful "in between" sizes we sock knitters love, plus 4-11 interchangeables in this beautiful new needles. Heck, who cares if I like to use them or not. They are PRETTY.
I think my morning email from Knitpicks was the most exciting thing that's happened in many a week.
Oh happy day! Since I have been missing out on things by dawdling (like Ravelry and the Cat B. sock book), I figured for ONCE I'd get my stuff in time. It's only been a few hours since the email came in, and many people sleep in on Saturdays...maybe I will actually get the needles!
In My Own Less Hyperventilation-Inspiring Knitting News
I did get down to the gusset on the second brown sock between the bus and lulls in the high school football game, which, by some miracle, our high school won. We were WAY the underdogs. Off to the yarn store to shriek about the new raibow needles and finish that one and get moving on the Disco #2.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Calm Your Enthusiasm
Yes, my period of not making the most visually exciting products continues, with a photo of one each of the two pairs of socks I am working on.
I must say that the brown acrylic worsted-weight socks came out more handsome than I'd imagined. And besides that, they appear as if they will be very warm and cozy on cold winter days. The soft Toddler Aran by Sirdar really IS soft, too! Making them on size 3 needles created a slightly more compact fabric than the navy socks had, so they will be better for Lee's dad. Lee actually likes the navy ones from last week just as they are, because he wants them to "breathe" (they're wool; they'll breathe).
At the last minute I decided to "gussie up" the Fortissima Socka Disco Colori socks for my sister and added a garter stitch crenelated top border to them. The top treatment is from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks for Warm Feet, and I used it on another pair of socks I gave away a few years ago. It looks nice both folded down and standing up. The challenge now will be to see if I can get the heel on the second sock to come out like the first one. The symmetry looks very nice, even if it wasn't exactly planned! I'll be sure to break for the heel on a blue row and hope for the best! Gosh, wouldn't it have been SMART of me to write down how many center stitches I left? Hmm, I think there were 11 wrapped stitches. I'll just have to count!
I have a long bus ride followed by two days without too many planned things to do this weekend. Hoping to get the second socks mostly done during that time. I look forward to posting more "exciting" photos soon.
I must say that the brown acrylic worsted-weight socks came out more handsome than I'd imagined. And besides that, they appear as if they will be very warm and cozy on cold winter days. The soft Toddler Aran by Sirdar really IS soft, too! Making them on size 3 needles created a slightly more compact fabric than the navy socks had, so they will be better for Lee's dad. Lee actually likes the navy ones from last week just as they are, because he wants them to "breathe" (they're wool; they'll breathe).
At the last minute I decided to "gussie up" the Fortissima Socka Disco Colori socks for my sister and added a garter stitch crenelated top border to them. The top treatment is from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks for Warm Feet, and I used it on another pair of socks I gave away a few years ago. It looks nice both folded down and standing up. The challenge now will be to see if I can get the heel on the second sock to come out like the first one. The symmetry looks very nice, even if it wasn't exactly planned! I'll be sure to break for the heel on a blue row and hope for the best! Gosh, wouldn't it have been SMART of me to write down how many center stitches I left? Hmm, I think there were 11 wrapped stitches. I'll just have to count!
I have a long bus ride followed by two days without too many planned things to do this weekend. Hoping to get the second socks mostly done during that time. I look forward to posting more "exciting" photos soon.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Two Socks in Progress
Yes, I am caving in and letting you see my two socks in progress, aka SIPs. That's quite the exciting duo, isn't it? Not Suna's usual glaringly bright output.
But, elderly farmers with cold feet will appreciate a lovely brown top-down sock come fall (whenever that "falls" in Texas). That sock is now ready to have its toe done, since I got quite a bit more done after I took the photo last night and today as I listened to the Eggmen, a Beatles cover band, entertain at lunch (every once in a while paid employment has perks). If you're in Austin, check them out--they are one of the best Beatles cover bands in town (are there only two now?).
And below that is the one for my sister in Fortissima Disco Colori. You can sort of see the silver highlights gleaming in the flash. Odd colors, aren't they?
This is fairly tedious stuff, but I figure I will not feel guilty for switching to "me" projects if I get at least two holiday gifts out of the way (three if you count the navy ones I gave Lee). My hope is to be back at that surplice top I keep threatening to return to by the end of the weekend. Go me!
At least no other garment projects are tempting me. I actually want to work on the ones in my queue!
But, elderly farmers with cold feet will appreciate a lovely brown top-down sock come fall (whenever that "falls" in Texas). That sock is now ready to have its toe done, since I got quite a bit more done after I took the photo last night and today as I listened to the Eggmen, a Beatles cover band, entertain at lunch (every once in a while paid employment has perks). If you're in Austin, check them out--they are one of the best Beatles cover bands in town (are there only two now?).
And below that is the one for my sister in Fortissima Disco Colori. You can sort of see the silver highlights gleaming in the flash. Odd colors, aren't they?
This is fairly tedious stuff, but I figure I will not feel guilty for switching to "me" projects if I get at least two holiday gifts out of the way (three if you count the navy ones I gave Lee). My hope is to be back at that surplice top I keep threatening to return to by the end of the weekend. Go me!
At least no other garment projects are tempting me. I actually want to work on the ones in my queue!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Lost Weekend
Well, it feels like a lost knitting weekend to me. I planned to work on two simple socks, and my pentagon bag. I thought I'd get a lot done on a three-day weekend of easy knitting.
HA! I was so wrong! But, that brings me to why I started this blog. I didn't want to be one of those "look what a great knitter" I am people who churn out stellar designs right and left at a prodigious rate. I wanted to chronicle the ups and downs of a good knitter, but not necessarily a great knitter. I thought I'd enjoy reading later how I progressed on some things, and perhaps learn from my mistakes or challenges. And thought others might learn, too. So, this post will tell about some mistakes and what I did about them.
The Disco Cololori Sock
So, I have mentioned working on socks for my sister in Fortissima Disco Colori. Here is a link to the yarn and colorway if you want to look. I am making them at 68 stitches, because she has a wider foot than I do. I thought I ought to put in a gusset, since she also gets swollen ankles/feet, so they would go on easier. I made a ten stitch gusset, knitted a very deep short-row heel as a result, then decreased. And when I put it on...ooops, it was for perhaps a size 10, not a 7.5-8 US women's shoe. And it was big. So, I ripped out the whole heel. Sigh. Then I knitted a heel from the point where I started the gusset before. Oops. Now it was too short. Then I read, duh, that the foot should be around 6.5 inches before starting the heel, not 6. So I ripped again. Then I said, "Hmm, maybe I should try this other way of doing short rows..." which resulted in holes. So I ripped a third time. the fourth heel HAS to be fine, because the poor yarn is TIRED and getting a bit frazzled looking.
But, as you can imagine, this all took a lot of time. I feel like I actually only accomplished one heel in three days.
The Man Sock #2
At the same time, I also started the second pair of Man Socks, the one that really WILL go to Lee's dad. I am again using worsted weight yarn and the Thuja pattern from Knitty. I decided the gauge was a bit loose for my taste, so went down a size in needles to US 3. I thought maybe that would make them too tight, so I added a repeat, to 48 stitches around instead of 44. I knitted the ribbing and about two inches of sock. Then, hmm, they looked big. Lee tried them on. Argh. Big (and his dad is a skinny farmer fellow). So, I ripped them out and started again. Now they are fine. But again, it doesn't LOOK like I made much progress for a 3-day weekend!
All the wrapping of unraveled yarn caused me to actually look at the ball band, which I had not done when I found the yarn hiding in the 50% off rack at the back of the LYS. I had mostly noticed it was a manly medium brown and it was pretty soft. And it said it was "Aran" weight. I did NOT see the word "acrylic" on the label. I figured we didn't sell that stuff, ha ha. However, I only spend $2.80 on it when my discount kicked in. And it IS soft and a nice color. Here's a link to its information--Supersoft Toddler Aran by Sirdar. Says it is "100% Courtelle" on the website, whatever THAT is.
I decided it's fine--acrylic keeps you very warm, and Lee's dad's feet get very cold. So, another lesson learned: please read the yarn label even on sale yarn.
The third yarn I chose for his socks is a medium blue and made from wool. I'll post what exactly it is, later. There isn't as much of it as there is the Cascade or Toddler Aran, so I will do those toe-up in a simple 2x2 rib and stop when I get to the end of the yarn!
Pentagon
No photos yet, but I am progressing on it. There's just a lot of knitting around and around in the top of this bag (in lovely turquoise bamboo!) so I can only do so much at a time. I think just another inch or two and I will make the drawstring casing. Then I can show it to you.
HA! I was so wrong! But, that brings me to why I started this blog. I didn't want to be one of those "look what a great knitter" I am people who churn out stellar designs right and left at a prodigious rate. I wanted to chronicle the ups and downs of a good knitter, but not necessarily a great knitter. I thought I'd enjoy reading later how I progressed on some things, and perhaps learn from my mistakes or challenges. And thought others might learn, too. So, this post will tell about some mistakes and what I did about them.
The Disco Cololori Sock
So, I have mentioned working on socks for my sister in Fortissima Disco Colori. Here is a link to the yarn and colorway if you want to look. I am making them at 68 stitches, because she has a wider foot than I do. I thought I ought to put in a gusset, since she also gets swollen ankles/feet, so they would go on easier. I made a ten stitch gusset, knitted a very deep short-row heel as a result, then decreased. And when I put it on...ooops, it was for perhaps a size 10, not a 7.5-8 US women's shoe. And it was big. So, I ripped out the whole heel. Sigh. Then I knitted a heel from the point where I started the gusset before. Oops. Now it was too short. Then I read, duh, that the foot should be around 6.5 inches before starting the heel, not 6. So I ripped again. Then I said, "Hmm, maybe I should try this other way of doing short rows..." which resulted in holes. So I ripped a third time. the fourth heel HAS to be fine, because the poor yarn is TIRED and getting a bit frazzled looking.
But, as you can imagine, this all took a lot of time. I feel like I actually only accomplished one heel in three days.
The Man Sock #2
At the same time, I also started the second pair of Man Socks, the one that really WILL go to Lee's dad. I am again using worsted weight yarn and the Thuja pattern from Knitty. I decided the gauge was a bit loose for my taste, so went down a size in needles to US 3. I thought maybe that would make them too tight, so I added a repeat, to 48 stitches around instead of 44. I knitted the ribbing and about two inches of sock. Then, hmm, they looked big. Lee tried them on. Argh. Big (and his dad is a skinny farmer fellow). So, I ripped them out and started again. Now they are fine. But again, it doesn't LOOK like I made much progress for a 3-day weekend!
All the wrapping of unraveled yarn caused me to actually look at the ball band, which I had not done when I found the yarn hiding in the 50% off rack at the back of the LYS. I had mostly noticed it was a manly medium brown and it was pretty soft. And it said it was "Aran" weight. I did NOT see the word "acrylic" on the label. I figured we didn't sell that stuff, ha ha. However, I only spend $2.80 on it when my discount kicked in. And it IS soft and a nice color. Here's a link to its information--Supersoft Toddler Aran by Sirdar. Says it is "100% Courtelle" on the website, whatever THAT is.
I decided it's fine--acrylic keeps you very warm, and Lee's dad's feet get very cold. So, another lesson learned: please read the yarn label even on sale yarn.
The third yarn I chose for his socks is a medium blue and made from wool. I'll post what exactly it is, later. There isn't as much of it as there is the Cascade or Toddler Aran, so I will do those toe-up in a simple 2x2 rib and stop when I get to the end of the yarn!
Pentagon
No photos yet, but I am progressing on it. There's just a lot of knitting around and around in the top of this bag (in lovely turquoise bamboo!) so I can only do so much at a time. I think just another inch or two and I will make the drawstring casing. Then I can show it to you.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Man Socks on Man Toy
These are definitely not the most exciting knitted items I ever produced, but they will do the job. I tried to make them more exciting by posing them on Lee's motorcycle. Scary and manly they are now!
These socks are Thuja, from Knitty.com, which are worsted weight "house socks" for a man. Originally they were to be for Lee's dad, but I made them slightly too long, and Lee loved them, so now they will be for Lee when it gets cold in the winter. I made them in the classic Cascade 220 superwash, so they could go in the washer and dryer. They are navy bluem and have a garter rib pattern for a little interest. They knit up really, really quickly, so they would make a great holiday gift!
I got the yarn to make a brown pair and a ligher blue pair for Lee's dad. I may knit those on a size smaller needle, since these seem loose to me (even knitting on size 4s, when the pattern calls for 6s).
I am knitting a pair of gift socks for my sister in Fortissima Colori Socka Coliri Disco (or something like that) in an odd combo of tan, blue and gray, with silver highlights. I'm doing them in standard toe up with no patterning or anything, and have just about finished the heel. I'll take my time on these and work on other things along with them.
These socks are Thuja, from Knitty.com, which are worsted weight "house socks" for a man. Originally they were to be for Lee's dad, but I made them slightly too long, and Lee loved them, so now they will be for Lee when it gets cold in the winter. I made them in the classic Cascade 220 superwash, so they could go in the washer and dryer. They are navy bluem and have a garter rib pattern for a little interest. They knit up really, really quickly, so they would make a great holiday gift!
I got the yarn to make a brown pair and a ligher blue pair for Lee's dad. I may knit those on a size smaller needle, since these seem loose to me (even knitting on size 4s, when the pattern calls for 6s).
I am knitting a pair of gift socks for my sister in Fortissima Colori Socka Coliri Disco (or something like that) in an odd combo of tan, blue and gray, with silver highlights. I'm doing them in standard toe up with no patterning or anything, and have just about finished the heel. I'll take my time on these and work on other things along with them.
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