Knitting
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17534
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Topic: Knitting
Posted By: MissCandice
Subject: Knitting
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 2:50pm
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I wish i could wake up and just know how to knit! I want to knit Kylah stuff.. And scarfs lol How can i learn without having to go to nana classes lol ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Replies:
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 2:56pm
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My MIL showed me how to knit. I started knitting a scarf last month, it's now about 15cm wide and 10cm long.
Have you googled? There might be an online knitting class/video you can watch. -------------  
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:03pm
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Heaps of non-nana knitting groups around!
I learned to knit online - http://www.knittinghelp.com - www.knittinghelp.com and now we have a bit of a Friday night knitting club going on which sometimes involves wine but mostly just good food! Then I go to a Sunday afternoon 'Crafternoon Tea' which is with a couple of chicks who don't have kids and we plan subversive knitting stuff like http://www.knittaplease.com - Knitta Please |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:04pm
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Andddd when you really get into it there is a whole internet database full of patterns where you can see heaps of projects - http://www.ravelry.com - Ravelry
I'm such a knitting geek  
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:07pm
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lol, my nana taught me how to knit when I was little. I know how do do the basic pearl stitch and thats it haha.
She knitted us 4 outfits for Caden  With mittens and booties and beanies etc------------- |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:10pm
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We got a huge box full of beautiful knitted stuff from DH's aunty before Michaela was born and MIL knits heaps for her. I love knitted clothes.
I keep telling MIL she should knit more baby stuff and let me sell it online. As for me knitting it's really not going too well. Once I get started with my scarf I'm ok but I have a hard time finding the time - hence the short length. -------------
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:40pm
| My MIL2B has already started knitting - she already has an entire outfit (cardigan, tights with footsies, mittens and bonnet) ready to go. No pressure or anything!! LOL I've already told her she can knit as many woollen singlets as she likes, and mittens....they're so gorgeous!!! |
Posted By: Tiff
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 3:47pm
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I can show the basics if you like Kandice ('cos that's all I really know!) and then it should be relatively easy to oick up the rest - I've just never bothered to learn more as I have other hobbies (quilting etc) and both my mother and MIL are prolific knitters. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 8:05pm
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Oh Tiff.. Iv been dying to make Kylah a quilt, but i want to personlize it HEAPS. Like with peices of her fav clothing, blanky and if you can put photos on material that would be sooo cool. Would you teach me the basics in knitting? One day no pressure? ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 10:30pm
We could start our own wee knitting group. I can help too I've only just learnt but am on my third project 
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 6:54am
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Oh really rach, awesome. I think i know how to do it i just dont know how to start it. I remember my teacher showing me at school. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 9:14am
There is quite a good website - www.knitting.co.nz that I use when i can't remember what a stitch is (or last night because I couldn't for the life of me remember how to cast off ).
The other thing is to start off, I found a great little beginners kit at the warehouse to make a cardigan for Sam. It was quite easy and came with everything apart from the buttons  It was only about $12 too.------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 10:19am
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nikkiwhyte! That learn to knitting site is really good. Im going to try it today! ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 1:36pm
I love love LOVE knitting, gives me something to do with my hands when I'm not glued to the computer, or chasing DD around!  Just finished a pair of longies for her, did them while I was away overseas so that was five days - a record for me.------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 1:48pm
| Yay - glad you found knittinghelp good. I learned everything I know from those videos! hehe |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 3:08pm
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Am i supposed to get a certain type of knitting needles? I just stood there and done eenie meanie miney mo lol ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: Tiff
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 3:16pm
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Sounds like you're not going to need my help!! But the offer is definately there if you do, just let me know where and when would suit.
Yeah I love quilting, not that I've done anything much since Rohann's been born  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 3:23pm
| I think 4mm are the most common?? I use 3.5mm |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 3:24pm
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Yeah the ones i landed on were 3.5mm ok so iv started my 'cast on' ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 4:05pm
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Wow, it takes ages! think iv done two rows lol plus the cast on row. Yay that website is good.
Thanks tiff for the offer, its really quite easy. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 4:14pm
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4mm is good (common too) if you're using 8ply, but depending on the yarn you pick, it will usually recommend what size needles to use on the ball band - which is the bit of paper that goes around the wool.
I LOVE bamboo needles, but will knit with metal or plastic if I have to, at the moment I am loving knitting anything with circular needles! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 6:04pm
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I love bamboo as well!!! I hate using metal or plastic now. I ended up getting a set of knitting needles ranging in size which I have found invaluable.
Must admit, still haven't gotten my head around circulars...really must find time to master them some time! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 6:19pm
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Circulars are easy peasy once you get the hang of it, I am so addicted! IMO good to invest in some Addis though, much easier to knit with than the Birch brand ones. Would *really* love to get a set of interchangeables one day.
Currently doing a hat for Erin in hand dyed 100% merino, but it's 4ply so I am knitting double stranded. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 7:20pm
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I use circulars but knit normally if that makes sense lol. All my circulars are too long for what I want to knit so am going to invest in some 30cm ones.
I so want one of those kits as well Jax then I can tackle a few bigger things. Don't worry Kandice once you've got the hang of it you speed up heaps. |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 8:39pm
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Try holding your tonuge on the other side when you knit.....I'm sure that is why I am so slow I have just bought some wool off TM so when that arrives I will attempt my first longies. I have enough for them and probably a little jumper or something. My knitting is basic. I can knit and purl and combinations of that! I did knit a little panda for Tom while I was pregnant and he sleeps with that every night. If you dont look closely it is pretty good....and it hasnt fallen apart yet! He has slept with it almost every night. |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 8:58pm
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nzpiper - what pattern will you be using for your longies? ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 9:34pm
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um, the one kiwivic recommended in the cloth nappies thread?
and here is Panda and a very young Tom "talking". http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/nzpiper08/?action=view¤t=Peanut048.flv"> |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 7:46am
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Im just knitting a long thing ill call a scarf lol! How do you knit stuff lol.. like longies?? Spose i would have to see a pattern and i would proberly get it then ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 9:16am
| yep! the pattern tells you when to increase stitches etc and how many rows to knit blah blah blah. |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 10:44am
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You can do longies on 'flats' (ie regular needles) but IMO it's much easier on circulars, and then the only sewing up you have to do is for the gusset (crotch).
My fave pattern is the Picky Pants one! Am on track to finish the hat I started yesterday, today. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 10:47am
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I loooooooooove circulars. I have the Knit Picks set and knit absolutely everything on them - circ projects and flats.
(Sorry for the brag - I'm just still very much feeling the love) |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 10:50am
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I'm not jealous at all, not in the slightest! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 11:11am
| I do still have Harmony tips envy though. I want some! |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 3:36pm
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Hmmm just looking at a pattern.. what the heck does it all mean lol. Maybe im looking at a foreign one, would that be different?
For example.. With 3.75mm needles (UK 5, US 9) cast on 33 (37) sts. (1) (K1, Inc 1, K13 (15) sts, Inc 1,) twice K1. (2) Knit. (3) (K1, Inc 1, K15 (17) sts, Inc 1, ) twice K1. (4) Knit (5) (K1, Inc 1, K17 (19) sts, Inc 1,) twice K1. (45-49 sts) Work 8 (9) rows Garter st. (every row Knit) Next Row: K26, (29) sts, K2tog tbl, turn. (1) Sl 1, P6 (8) sts, P2tog, turn. (2) Sl 1, K6 (8) sts, K2tog tbl, turn. Repeating the last 2 rows work until 33 (37) sts. Sl 1, Knit right across row. Purl 1 row. Change to 3.25mm needles.(UK 10-11, US 3-4) (1) K1, *(yon, K2tog) Rep from * to end. Purl 1 row. Work 6 rows K1, P1 rib. Cast off loosely. Make twisted cord for ties. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 4:34pm
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Welcome to knitting language!
K = knit however many it specifies. Inc 1 = increase one stitch. You can do this a number of ways but the easiest is to knit into the front, then don't take the stitch off the needle and knit again into the back of the loop. k2tog tbl = Knit two together through the back loop - to decrease. You knit two stitches together at the same time by putting your needle through the back loop instead of the front. May be a tad tight! P2tog = Purl two together. Yon = I dunno. YO = yarn over so maybe yarn over needle? You bring the yarn from the back, over between the needles to the front. Eeeeek I've just realised this has short rows. hrmmmm. What pattern is it? |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 4:37pm
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Annnnnd - the different number in the brackets is a different size IYGWIM.
(1) (K1, Inc 1, K13 (15) sts, Inc 1,) twice K1. The bold bit is the other size. On and S1 = slip one. You pass the stitch straight from the left needle to the right. |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 8:09pm
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Whenever I'm lost I check this wee http://www.yarnstandards.com/knit.html - website
What are you knitting Kandice? |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 8:13pm
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Oh im not knitting it i was just looking around to see whats 'in' a pattern if ya get me. It was a pattern for booties anyway :)
Im just practising on a small scarf type thing first. Then im going to try a pattern, if i can get around this knit talk. Good thing is nikki, that website tells me how to do all those things you just said, YAY im going to be a pro in no time ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 1:21pm
| Try some baby leggings I'm nearly finished some for Caprece and they are so easy. |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 3:39pm
| Yep - try something easy to get your head around all the terms and work up to baby booties I think. That pattern sounds a tad complicated |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 3:40pm
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What are circular needles? How do the work? ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 6:38pm
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A circular needle is so you can knit 'in the round' which means you can knit tubes.
For straight knitting you knit one row and purl the other to make a flat piece which you can then seam up to make a garment. Circular knitting means that you can knit in one piece (depending on the pattern) to minimise the seams you have to do at the end. And you don't have to purl... you just knit and knit and knit and knit round and round and round and round. |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 6:39pm
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Just a futher example... for pants on circulars you start at the top and knit a tube for the waist down to the crotch, then split for the legs and knit two tubes down from there to make legs. Ya get me? Very easy.
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 27 May 2008 at 9:14pm
| Hey Nikki how much would you expect to pay for a set of interchangeables? Do they come with the little ones so you can do legs? |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 28 May 2008 at 5:02pm
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For a set (well, the one I bought) I paid around $90 by getting it from the US. The cheapest I have seen them here is $110.
TBH, I'm not convinced buying a set it the best idea as it works out basically the same price to buy them individually. You do get the free case but meh. If you buy interchangeables individually you get the sizes you will need and are still able to change the cables etc. - but if you factor in postage from individual purchases it works out more. Am I making any sense??! And the knit picks don't come with small sizes. I use magic loop for that. I bought a small addi turbo (30cm) for small stuff. |
Posted By: blondie
Date Posted: 28 May 2008 at 7:20pm
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After reading this thread I have been out and got books on how to teach my self to knit my DH called me a nana so i'm gonna give it a go...
thank you ------------- 
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 28 May 2008 at 8:49pm
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Ok I might just buy a small one. I got a whole heap of different sizes for $2 each at a spotlight sale so I might be best just to buy some separate stitch holders and a couple of smaller length ones. Thanks
and Yay Blondie its so fun and addictive
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 7:48am
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My DF calls me a nana too.
1 Question, how do you all find the time to knit! Im strggling to do 2 rows a day! ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 8:26am
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I mostly do it at night when DD is in bed, unless I am at a friends place where DD can play and us mummies sit and chat and knit!
Edited to add a photo of my latest completed project, longies for DD.  ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:21am
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Those are awesome Jax!!
K - you get a lot faster as time goes by. It used to take me hoooours to do anything but now I can knit a hat a day. I do it while watching TV so I'm actually being productive while wasting away time and I also knit on the bus each day, to and from work. Then in the weekend I make sure Hannah has a sleep so that I can knit. hehehe. BUT housework does suffer I look at the washing couch and think "nahhhh... I'll just knit a few rows/rounds"
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Posted By: AngieBabe
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:27am
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OMG I've been lurking in this thread for a while as I'm a bit of a knitter but struggle to finish projects (well, for myself, I seem to manage baby/kids stuff just fine, pity I don't have any... yet!) and this is inspiring to say the least - I am so going to have to try circulars, I have a set but just haven't used them yet! Wohoo, great timing for a long weekend... ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:41am
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Yay for inspiration. Maybe we need a thread to show off the stuff we knit?
I'm knitting hats galore at the moment. Which reminds me... need to chase up Emma for colour and size. |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 5:45pm
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I agree, we need a thread in the photo gallery, I will start one later after dinner unless I anyone else is keen... ? ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: gypsynita
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 6:39pm
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Could we add patterns in with the photos thread?? I find it so hard looking for decent "doable" patterns online... ------------- Anita Mum to Cian (Aug 08), Josh (Jun 10) http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 8:53pm
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Yep sounds good.
Gypsynita - I hope like heck you have signed up to http://www.ravelry.com - Ravelry ! It's genius for that sort of stuff. |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:18pm
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Kandice I do it every time I'm sitting down and putting off something lol. I also do it in bed and after the kids have gone to bed. Like Nikki said you will get faster as time goes on.
I just finished my wee leggings for Caprece and want to make a jersey for her on circs does anyone know of a good easy pattern? Not with buttons down the front or a hood. |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:20pm
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Im knitting now ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 29 May 2008 at 9:21pm
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Iv only done 3 rows in the last 20min. But im eating a twix too. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: gypsynita
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 8:14am
thanks for the link! Just put myself on the waiting list... I'm halfway through some baby legs at the mo, but want to try something a bit more interesting next  - although patterns can be a bit tricky right now cause mumnesia kicks in and i can't remember where i'm up to!! LOL------------- Anita Mum to Cian (Aug 08), Josh (Jun 10) http://lilypie.com">
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nikkiwhyte wrote:Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 9:18am
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Rach - http://thecompletefabrication.blogspot.com/2007/11/seamless-baby-kimono.html
Check out that pattern. It is a wrap around jersey that looks like this: (Sorry the photo/yarn is a bit dark) 
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 9:20am
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There is a bulky version as well that would be heaps quicker to knit up.
You may have to make a larger size - let me know if you need a hand with the pattern to make it bigger. |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 10:31am
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Oh i wish i could do stuff like that. DF says i knit kak handed :( what hand do you hold the yan in that you wrap round the needle if you get me. i hold it in my left hand?? Maybe i need to watch videos again. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 11:14am
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Continental knitters hold the yarn in their left hand. I am trying to learn how to knit like that at the moment.
I knit in the English style where the yarn is held in the right hand. TBH it doesn't really matter how you knit (there are SO many different styles) as long as you are forming the stitches correctly. ETA: You are probably knitting English but with the yarn swapper over. Might be easier if you hold it in right hand - do watch the video again. Oh, and I was knitting backward for a very long time after learning from the video. Still was knitting, was just a lot more difficult than it had be!
And Kandice - you CAN knit stuff like that! That is a really easy pattern. I've only been knitting for about a year and a half.... I'm still a newbie
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 3:05pm
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I've only been knitting for a year? If that? ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 9:17pm
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I hold it in my right hand too. My mum showed me and then I've taught myself the rest. Thanks for that Nikki.
Kandice things just look hard when they are made but if you read the pattern they are easy as. I have a really easy soaker pattern if you want to give that a try? all you need to do is decrease and increase and then sew up the seams. It was the first thing I made. http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/soakers/pattern/ - soaker |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 30 May 2008 at 9:48pm
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Oooh thanks for that soaker link! I might have a bash at that one soon ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |