I'm a Knitter
I first started learning to knit about a year ago now. I haven’t done a ton of projects, but I seem to keep at least one project on the needles at all times. I’m enjoying it thoroughly and while sewing will always be my first love, knitting is here to stay. I believe that I can now say that I am a knitter.
I finished this scarf a few days ago and I’m fairly pleased with it overall. I should have taken a better photo to show off the lacey look of it, but I think you can get a general sense of it here. This will be a Christmas gift and one I believe that will be well received. I may even make one like this, in a different color, for myself.
I’ve started working on my first pair of socks. I hope these will be done by Christmas but I’m not holding my breath. Wow, those needles and that yarn are so small. It takes forever to see any real progress. Those of you who make handknitted socks on a regular basis, have always amazed me but now that I’m trying it myself, well consider me intimidated and even more impressed and amazed.
I’m also working on a few hats that knit up very quickly thanks to bulky yarn and size 10 needles. I hope in the next year to tackle more intricate projects but I still need to get a handle on my tension which is anything but uniform and usually too tight. Any of you more experienced knitters, have any advice for me and my tension issues? Practice makes perfect and practice I will.
LOVE the scarf. It is beautifu!.
Socks are really fun to make.I love using a worstered weight wool/nylon blend from Briggs and Little called Tuffy. It makes my guys some rugged wool socks.
As for your tension…what method of knitting are you using, Continental or American. Do you carry the yarn in your left hand or do you hold in your right and drop it in between stitches. Maybe switching from one method to another will give you the consistency you hope for.
If your tension is off, but not too bad, sometimes you can take care of it after blocking. When I first started knitting my purl row was looser than my knit row. I could get a smooth fabric after I blocked the work.
I do carry the yarn in my right hand but I don’t drop it between stitches. I look into switching methods – thanks for the tip!
That scarf is gorgeous!
Tension issues? I find yoga helps. *ducks and runs to get her own knitting needles so we can have a duel*
You getting into knitting was one of the pushes that got me to try it. Still very much a beginner who hasn’t tried anything “in the round” yet, but I’m loving it.
That was very funny! A duel would be fun, no?
I have been knitting for about 2 years. Scarves and hats are fun (like you said especially with bulky yarn), and my favorite is baby blankets.
I highly recommend the “Big Book of Knitting Stitches” and a membership to Lionsbrand website. The project ideas are endless.
I do check out the lionsbrand website often. I am going to check out that book – thanks for the suggestion.
There is nothing better and warmer than hand knit socks in the winter. Ever since learning how to knit them, I’ve been totally addicted to them. My goal right now it to replace all my store bought socks with handmade ones. Got a ways to go…
That is quite a goal Anke. At my current pace that would take me forever and a day to accomplish…
I am working on my first pair of socks. Oy! It is fun though and I will definately make another pair. Looks like you are using a circular needle so I have to ask what pattern or book are you using? I’m working with 4 dpn (a learning experience) but do not like how it can create a ladder if the tension is not right.
Keep us posted! =)
I’m using two circulars – its a similiar technique to using double points. I notice most of the folks who knit at the yarn shop I frequent use this method, but not all. The great thing about doing it this way is that you tighten up that first stitch on the cord, not the needle eliminating the ladder problem (most of the time).
I’m using a pattern that was recommended by a gal at the yarn shop – it was in one of the giant binders of patterns – a simple, basic sock – so they say
I was so excited when I could officially say “I am a knitter”.
Congrats. Are you on Ravelry? Look for me meadowlarkgurl
Wine helps with the tension. No, seriously!
And Annette, do you cast on one extra and then knit two together to start? It helps. OK, not with socks because you know I have not accomplished a single sock yet. So in THEORY it would work.
I am registered on Ravelry but rarely spend any time there…
Wine helps with most everything, in my experience
I think we’re related
I LOVE the scarf.
Learning to knit is on my goals this, year, I’m optimistic I’ll learn a little before the year is out.
Love that scarf–so pretty!
I’m finally getting a handle on my tension issues. What worked for me was just a ton of practice–I find that if I’m having to concentrate really hard to figure out what I’m doing, I end up making my stitches too tight (so sometimes the beginning of a new project is tighter than the rest…I’ve frogged a few and started again). If I’m doing something I’m familiar and therefore comfortable with, my hands are relaxed and my tension stays pretty even.
Not sure if that’s at all helpful, but it’s what’s sort of working for me.