Major Knitter

Froggy Island

Thanks for all your great tips and explanations about the SWTC Oasis yarn and pooling.  I decided in the end to frog it.  I really like this Oasis yarn and want to make the perfect item with it.  I considered alternating yarns like many of you suggested, but I wanted something so mindless that I didn't even have to think.  Just Knit.

 

I'm going to knit it into a chemo cap.  I think the soy silk fibre will be the perfect light weight combination for indoor wear year round.  This time I even like the pooling.  It's actually giving the knitting a spiral effect.

I really do love these colors together.  I never in a million years would have combined them, but I find them to be pleasing to the eye in a surprising sort of way.  Since the company name is South West Trading Company - I can almost picture the Mojave Desert with a brilliant blue sky set against some purple mountains with the desert sand.  Are you feeling the heat?

Center Pull or Outer Pull

While I was in Carlsbad, California, Nancy asked me if it was better to pull from the center of the skein or the outside.  I have always believed it was a matter of preference.  Nancy told me that in sewing, there is a right and a wrong, because the thread wraps around itself when pulled the wrong way. 

This got me thinking.  Is there a right and a wrong way?  What do you think?  I'd love to hear your answers.  I generally prefer a center pull, but Nancy got me paying attention and sure enough, the yarn wraps around itself when I choose to knit from the center.

Stripes in the Round

I stopped by Knitting Central for some supplies for my Fair Isle sweater - namely more Turbo Addis - US Size 1 needles in 14 and 24 lengths.  Sally also gave me a refresher course on how to knit colorwork in the round without having a jagged edge at the beginning of each row.  Here's my sample waistband (with only 26 sts) in sock yarn:

The white pin is where I made my mistake.  I forgot to carry the blue yarn in the center of the knitting, so it ended up on the right side of the work.  When it was time to use the blue again, it had be pulled across 3 rows and was evident to all who could see.  Yet another good reason to make a practice swatch.  Now I'll remember to carry the yarn on the inside of the work for the real sweater.

OK - now I have my swatches, my measurements, and my extra Turbo Addis.  I guess I'm all ready to begin knitting the Fair Isle Vest.

NOTE:  BF had to go on a business trip today.  As I was zipping his bag shut this morning, I realized I hadn't tucked any notes or mementos inside his bag, so I grabbed the closest thing available to make him think of me - the ABCD Orange Crayola swatch and put it right on top of his clothes.    : D

Center Pull Hand Wound Ball of Yarn

Last month at Saturday kNit Live, Marcia showed us how to wind balls of yarn by hand into neat litte center pull balls.  See?  It's not as quick as winding them with the swift and ball winder, but this little trick using your forefinger and twisting the ball on your forefinger every few wraps, sure does the trick when you're on the train, plain or automobile.

Domestic Engineering Disaster

Today, I was quite proud of myself.  I managed to make 3 different hot breakfasts for the men in my life, make a pot of coffee (I probably should have listed that first), clean the dishes, make one bed, start a load of laundry, and get the boys to school on time.  When I came home, I finished putting away the camping gear from the weekend, I did some requisite emailing, did more laundry, made one more bed, folded clothes, hung up the winter jackets in the storage closet, and straightened up a bit.  I was really on a roll.  So, I decided I should clean my handknit socks.  I got out three pairs of my socks and the delicate detergent and started to fill the sink.  I decided to let the sink fill just a bit and stepped out of the laundry room.  Why?  I don't even remember anymore.

That was my mistake.

When I came back (some twenty minutes later) the faucet was still going and water was all over the laundry room and mud room floors and was seeping down into the basement and threatening my YARN STASH.  Thank goodness I keep my stash in plastic bins or all would have been lost. 

I spent an hour an a half mopping, cleaning, wringing out drenched rags and cleaning up the mess.  In the end I had these three very clean socks, and my laundry room got a thorough spring cleaning out of the deal.  At least my socks are clean.

Morale of the story - Keep your yarn stash in plastic containers.  I know, you thought it would be to not leave the faucet running. But what's the point in that.  You really only need to learn that lesson once. 

Getting Rid of the Ladders in the Magic Loop Socks

Yesterday I went to visit Molly and meet her new baby.  Both looked dazzling.  Of course, after Molly's bundle of joy fell asleep, talk soon turned to knitting.  I showed Molly my Magic Loops socks and talked about my gap problem on the turn.  Lucky for me, Molly is a whiz at socks and favors the Magic Loop method.  She gave me this tip that I want to pass on to you. 

When you switch from the back to the front of the sock, knit the first stitch very loosely (do not pull).  On the second stitch, give a little tug.  This should eliminate the ladder effect.

Look closely at the rib column that starts at the spot where the needles join.  I fixed the ladder issue in the last half inch.  Hopefully you'll notice how it's nice and tight there and looser the rest of the way.  This knitting tip worked like a charm for me.  Maybe it will work for you, too.

Another Great Knitting Idea from Wal-Mart

I'm just full of knitting tips this week.  Jenn brought her massive amounts of yarn to SNL in a Jumbo Ziploc Big Bag.  It's a great way to keep your extra large projects portable and dry.  Thanks Jenn.

I Never Knew That

While at my Magic Loop Sock Class last week at Knitting Central, storeowner Cynthia caught me measuring my Turbo Addi circular needles with my Susan Bates gauge.  She taught me this little trick.

This Susan Bates Knit Check gauge is appropriate for dpns and straight needles, but not for circular needles.  I never knew there was a difference.  But I tested it and it's true.  My Turbo Addi size 1 circular needle doesn't fit in the Susan Bates Knit Check size 1 hole.

But, it's too small for the size 2 hole.  It falls somewhere in the middle.

Cynthia told me that I should only use the Skacel Collection Turbo Needlegauge for circular needles.  Fortunately, I had both gauges handy.   Sure enough, my US size 1 fits perfectly in the size 1 hole on this gauge.

 

So now you know, too.  Susan Bates for dpns and straight needles.  Turbo Needlegauge for circulars.  Everyone at SNL had the AHA moment.  This is just another example of why you shouldn't mix needle brands and types (dpns, straights, circular, bamboo, aluminum, plastic, wood, etc) on the same project.  Thanks Cynthia.  That was a great lesson to learn.

Best Appliance a Knitter Can Own

Jodi raved about the wonders of the Jiffy Steamer when I first met her.  So after SNL that day, I went online and ordered one.  It came.  It sat in the box (and sat and sat and sat).  Finally, I opened the box and assembled the steamer.  It sat (and sat and sat and sat).  I was beginning to get a bit embarassed.  After SNL I begged Jodi to show me how to use it.  Of course, I was unable to open the instruction pamphlet that came with the steamer and learn on my own.  I needed a hands on demonstration.  So the lovely Vanna White came out and displayed the steamer.

What?  She's blocking the Mets Cable Baby Blanket?  I know.  You thought I gifted this in the summer.  I was supposed to.  It's been sitting in my UFO pile just waiting to be blocked.  Now I'll finally be able to send it to Abigail before her first birthday.

Vanna is showing us how easy it is to steam just about anything.  Everyone at SNL probably went home and bought their own steamer.  I know mine will finally get some daily exercise.

TLC for that Slippery Novelty Yarn

Have you ever bought a skein of novelty yarn and brought it home only to discover that it had fallen out of the skein and was now one big blob with no hope of ever being straightened out again?  If you've had that experience before, you know what I'm talking about.  If it hasn't happened to you (YET), you must be a purist who only knits with natural fibers and have never tried to buy a hank of eyelash.

Here's my recommendation which I originally learned from Tara of SNL. 

First you need these two common household items.

Then, gently wrap the eyelash yarn or other slippery novelty yarn around the toilet paper roll.  Remember not to wind too tight as you might stretch out the yarn.

Don't forget to put the label inside the toilet paper tube.  Trust me on this one.  If you don't stash it inside the yarn, that will simply guarantee that you will need to know what type of yarn it is at some future date.  Just be safe.  Keep the label.  It can't hurt, right?

Finally, so as not to undo all your hard work, put the newly, and loosely wrapped skein, in a plastic bag so that it doesn't come unwound and end up in knots.

If you have a helpful hint that you'd like to share, please email me.  I'm sure everyone would love to learn some tips from experienced knitters. 

Angst

I had a few moments alone this afternoon and was waiting for our guests to arrive.  I had already put away all my knitting and cleaned up for our visitors, so I decided to pick up the Yarn Harlot's book again.  I read the chapter entitled "The Wedding Sweater Saga" and felt the anxiety setting in as I wondered if Stephanie would find another skein of yarn, or if the sweater would ever stop growing, or if the entire sweater would unravel like Sylvester and Tweety Bird.  I started to twirl my hair and worry.  The more involved in Stephanie's dilemna, the more I pulled my hair.  Would our heroine get out of her predicament unscathed?  Pull.  Tug.  Ouch!  Talk about getting into your reading!  Yikes!  I guess it's good to know that we're not alone out there in our knitting drama.  I also love to read Stephanie putting her thoughts on paper that I'm sure many of us have thought ourselves from time to time.  I think that's why I like blogging so much.  We get to share our trials, tribulations and triumphs as well as give and get advice, tips and support from everyone in kniterati-land.

If you haven't bought Yarn Harlot - The Secret Life of a Knitter - what are you waiting for?  Go.  Get your copy now.  If you thought you knew Stephanie from her blog, think again.  You'll have to read her book to learn more about Stephanie, and yourself, in the process. 

Knitting Tips

We share so many wonderful tips and ideas at our weekly Saturday kNit Live ("SNL") that I really thought I should share some of these ideas with everyone.  This week, my favorite tip was from Jodi.

Recycle those nice clear plastic bags the next time you purchase new linens (sheets, pillow shams, blankets, etc.) and use the bags to keep everything for your knitting project in one easily identifiable knitting bag.  Wow!  What a great idea.  I really like this tip.  She even said that you don't have to spend a dime on this tip.  You can generally visit your local store and ask them for any that they have on hand.  GREAT TIP!  Thanks Jodi.

Knitting Tips from a Teenager

On Sunday, I went to hear my brother Brad and his wife Debbie sing at their church.  They're incredibly talented, particularly in the musical department, and together they're the music ministers at their church.  It was quite a nice Christmas Carol sing-along session.  After church I met Apriljeen - a teenage girl who mentioned her love of knitting.  While we were chatting, she explained that she just hates it when "it curls".  I mentioned that stockinette stitch always curls and it's the "only stitch that you can't use for a scarf" (as was told to me by Cynthia C.).  Apriljeen taught me that if you iron the stockinette scarf with waxed paper it will lay flat.

Have you ever heard of that?  I think I'll keep it in mind if I ever need it in the future.  What do you think?

Kitchener Stitch

Well, I've put it off for long enough now. I have mentioned that I hate sewing, and my two pairs of socks have been ready for over a week now, just waiting for me to sew the toes shut. I used to be great at it. Then I "forgot" how to do it. I just found this link with great pictures to help me remember how. Maybe it will help you, too, if you're having the same problem.

Good luck! (That's partially for me, too.)