Halifax Knitting Mamas!! - Page 9

[rbeaufoy]

Okay...they're done! I can try them on the little man in the morning, but i added 2 new pics to the link I posted earlier today, if you want to check them out I'll add a picture of him wearing them tomorrow!!

Nightie-night R

[Alison]

Originally Posted by inchwormz

I'll be bringing mine, but Rayne won't be getting messy so I should be safe!

So, do you have to do a swatch test for every new pattern??

You're supposed to, yes. I will often just start part of the pattern and check gauge after I've worked on it for a while. Then start over if gauge is way off.

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Ack!!!

Okay, the soaker is SUPER cute on Mr. Mika...but the stupid thing wicked moisture right through to his clothes (and ours) within 20 minutes or so.

So talk to me about Lanolin...where can I buy it locally?

Also...any yarn recommendations for a super soaker???

I"ll post pics soon R

[Alison]

You can get it at grocery stores and pharmacies, just use the stuff you get for breastfeeding. Or you can certainly buy Eucalan wool wash at the yarn stores. I just use the Purelan I have left over from when I started breastfeeding Andrew! Dissolve in a bit hot water, dilute with warm water, and pour it over your soaker, roll soaker up in a towel to soak the water up, then let dry flat.

Alison

[Alison]

Also, you could try the Ottobre pattern for a soaker, it uses chunky yarn, or even roving. Or you could try knitting an extra layer for the danger zone--Aristocrats are two layered in the centre, aren't they?

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Good idea re: the Danger Zone! I may try using a different yarn just in that area...or maybe try a different stitch. Have you tried using garter or seed stitch in a soaker? I'm wondering if they are more absorbant?

[inchwormz]

I think even Zellers has Lanolin. I know Toys R Us does and Shoppers for sure. I don't think just the wool wash would be enough. It's great for cleaning and light lanolizing, but I'd use lanolin for the first time and then maybe whenever you notice it wicking more.

If you do want to try wool wash, I can hook you up . I gave a few samples to Lesley the other day and I meant to bring some to knitting this past week. Next time I see you, remind me. I'll stick them in my diaper bag!

[rbeaufoy]

I actually have some of the wool wash you sell, but i ordered it online, so I was happy to see that you sell it. I know where to go when I run out!

Hey, I updated the photo album to include Mika modelling the finished soaker! SOOOO cute (in my humble opinion) and a bit too big, which is good as far as I'm concerned Check it out, and tell me what you think.

[Alison]

Robyn, it IS cute on! The Ottobre pattern is knit with chunky yarn in garter stitch. It is a thicker fabric, both because of the garter stitch and because of the chunky yarn. You could knit with two strands through the danger zone, or you could do garter or seed stitch, I think either would be more absorbant, or knit a second layer. I think that was one of the ideas behind the ribby wrap as well, that the ribbing would make a tighter heavier fabric through that area.

I'm STILL working on the same burgundy sweater (just got the neck to finish then graft the underarms) and you're knitting longies and soakers enough to cloth many babies! I wish I didn't have to work!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

I am OFFICIALLY in LOVE with LANOLIN!!!! My hands have never been SOOOOOOOOOOO soft, never mind that the Mystery Soaker may now actually repel some moisture

I also purchased some Peace Fleece from TS today...it felt a bit "lanoliny", I figured it might help to start with some wool that hasn't been processed too much, and then do a lanolin bath when I'm finished knitting....a double lanolin whammy!

I do seem to be knocking projects out these days, honestly though, I only knit at night after Mr. Moo is in bed. It helps that Gabe is knitting a beanie right now...and can't talk and knit at the same time.....keeps him out of my hair so I can get down to some serious knitting :LOL

I think I'm going to try using 2 strands through the Danger Zone...see if that improves things.

R

[Alison]

For cheap lanolin-y options, Briggs and Little is pretty chock full of lanolin. It's a little scratchy for some people, but Andrew always wears his briggs and little soaker with no problems. And it's cheap to buy. Wait til I get my ball winder and umbrella swift, and I'll wind all my skeins of Briggs and Little into lovely centre pull balls!

Did you figure out your mock cables?

Alison

[Alison]

Are we knitting Tuesday? I'm up for it if you guys want to come over. Anyone?

Alison

[lesley&grace]

I'm up for knitting tues, I figure by then I'll be on the legs of Grace's pants, so I'll probably need some help!

[inchwormz]

Originally Posted by rbeaufoy

I am OFFICIALLY in LOVE with LANOLIN!!!!
R

And here in lies the reason I LOVE washing my wool every week, as someone was wondering! :LOL

I'm in for knitting for sure! I have almost got my 96 stiches cast on (I know, I haven't had my hands free to do much knitting!) and I think I can handle the K2 P2 for 8-10 rows but then I will need help! When I start the K2 P2 should the seam be joining or does that come later? I seem to recall Lesley's looked like it was joined as she was knitting each row?

[rbeaufoy]

Originally Posted by Alison

For cheap lanolin-y options, Briggs and Little is pretty chock full of lanolin. It's a little scratchy for some people, but Andrew always wears his briggs and little soaker with no problems.
Did you figure out your mock cables?
Alison

I can barely stand to knit B & L, let alone make Mika wear it...but that's just me...I have BAD memories from childhood of being forced to wear my aunt and mom's ITCHY wool creations!

Peace Fleece was $9 at TS....not too bad. It's 75% wool, 25% mohair, which means I"ll probably need to keep it in the freezer when I'm not using it. It tames those little mo's so they don't make me sneeze :LOL

Yup, figured out the mock cable rib, thanks. I'm thinking about making a pair of pants based on the short soaker I just finished (with longer legs, obviously), and maybe will use the mock cable rib for the waist band.

Off to play with the Peace Fleece.

Oh, and YES, I'll be at knitting on Tuesday. I'll definitely need a break from the "off limits" baby!

[rachelsmama]

Originally Posted by rbeaufoy

I can barely stand to knit B & L, let alone make Mika wear it...but that's just me...I have BAD memories from childhood of being forced to wear my aunt and mom's ITCHY wool creations!

I think some colours of B&L are a little less scratchy than others, but it could be my immagination.

I'm definitely in for knitting Tuesday, maybe I'll finally finish that sweater.

[Alison]

Originally Posted by inchwormz

And here in lies the reason I LOVE washing my wool every week, as someone was wondering! :LOL

I'm in for knitting for sure! I have almost got my 96 stiches cast on (I know, I haven't had my hands free to do much knitting!) and I think I can handle the K2 P2 for 8-10 rows but then I will need help! When I start the K2 P2 should the seam be joining or does that come later? I seem to recall Lesley's looked like it was joined as she was knitting each row?

http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/advanced_techniques/ and watch the circular knitting video. Basically, Instead of turning around and going back the way you came as you would after casting onto straight needles, you bring the two circulars ends together, and keep knitting in the same direction. So yes, you join it right away, and then just keep knitting row after row after row in the same direction. Watch that video in the link above if you can, and you'll see exactly what to do.

See everyone Tuesday. If 10 am is too late or you have to leave early, then feel free to come at 9:30!

Alison

[trivett]

I'm in for knitting. Since I know how to knit and purl, I'm ready to take the dishcloth plunge. What exactly should I be buying again? (too lazy to backtrack on the posts) Once I master that I'd love to try and make an item of clothing or something a little more useable than and square! One thing at a time.

[inchwormz]

That link is great, Alison! Thanks! I'm on my third row already!

Edited because I answered my own question!!

[rbeaufoy]

yup! And forget the 8-10 rows bit....go until you have a waistband that is as wide as you want it. I find a wider one helps to keep the pants up better.....I go about 1.5-2 inches. But Mika also moves around more than Rayne at this point, so maybe it won't make a difference for her yet? Dunno.....