Halifax Knitting Mamas!!

[inchwormz]

Okay everyone, here it is! The official Halifax Knitting Mommies thread! I think this is a good idea just to keep the :blah about knitting in one spot and so that we don't bore any new mommies (and the regulars!) over in the playgroup thread. Everyone is welcome over here as well, though!

Well, I'm off to buy some new needles. I like the idea of wood but I also :love pink so I may just have to get some pink milk needles (is that what they're called?). I will ask about them when I get there.

So what is everyone working on right now?? Let's get this party started! :jumpers:

[trivett]

OK...I am willing to give this knitting thing a try. I'll be your challenge :). I'm not crafty and not very patient when it comes to this type of stuff but my mom likes those knitted dish cloths (and so do I to be honest) that I am willing to try it out. So...what the heck do I need??? I am close to the Hydrostone Wool Store. When do we next meet and where?

[Alison]

Okay, we've been meeting at my house every second Tuesday. Do we want to continue that? If so, we would meet again on the 23rd at 10:00 am. Can we change the thread name? I am sooooo NOT a mommy! Mum, mama, anything but mommy (my British background coming out, I guess!!!!!).

For starters, if you want to make a dishcloth, I'd go to Zeller's and pay $1.50 for a skein of Bernat handicrafter's cotton and needles that are something like 6mm. You can invest in expensive yarn and needles and stuff for your second project, once you know it's going to "take", KWIM? Plus the Bernat cotton comes with a dishcloth pattern on the inside of the label!

Tamara, wooden needles are less slippy. Also, if you aren't already, you could try knitting your blanket back and forth on a circular needle, rather than on straights. Not so big and heavy that way, it doesn't weigh down one arm, but sits nicely in your lap!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Okay...here I am...feeling seriously displaced...but I suppose I'll get over it. Oh...and I have to second that request to be called something other than "mommy". I guess it's my british upbringing rearing it's ugly head again :LOL

I'm still fighting a loosing battle with the LTK ribby diaper wrap.....Alison, what do you think if I use the XL sizing for the waist band...and then downsize to the L for the rest of the wrap? I love the idea of the trim fit of the wrap....I desperately want this to WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)R

[trivett]

Right...I'll go to Zeller's then :). Thanks for the tip and I'll be there for the next knitting session... :bouncy Please be patient with me!!!!

[Alison]

Robyn, just post a description of the problem and then ask that same question over at the yarn crafts forum. Put LTK in the suject line and Theresa is sure to answer you. I would also suggest not pulling the ribbing in so tight--eg, not going down as many needle sizes or whatever. I think I may have used heavier yarn than you used, I certainly don't remember mine being so out of proportion! Post it and see what others say!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Done!

Love Andrew's bead-head, BTW!

[xian]

the bed head is fab! very dramatic indeed.

i will third the call for anything but mommies: yet more british background! don't worry, van, we'll be gentle with you...:wink

[bluenail]

Yay - can't wait to meet you all in person! What's the weather like? ;)

Hey Trivett - if I can make one suggestion...go and buy some dollar store yarn. It's cheap acrylic, but it's great to learn on. I always have trouble with cotton - it rips up my hands something terrible.

Oh, and Tamara - if pink's your thing...you could always buy wooden needles and stain them pink. :D After inheriting many of my mum's extra plastic needles (she used to be a LYS owner), I've decided to stick with bamboo needles. They're lighter (dang carpal tunnel syndrome) and "stickier"...

[trivett]

What about the "Halifax Knit and B*tch" forum..that's what we do anyway right? :LOL

[Alison]

Vanessa, shame on you!! We're very nice and don't b*tch about anybody! More like Halifax Ladies Yarn and Tea Social Club (if I could just convince you all to drink tea while you were there, rather than just water!). No, well, okay, maybe we're not that nice ALL the time, but I hate the title stitch and b*tch. It just sounds so catty and unpleasant, a bunch of knitters cackling away or something! I'm okay with Halifax Knitting mommies, just say Halifax Knitting Mamas instead! Mama is a very MDC way of describing yourself anyway!

Alison

[trivett]

BTW I was just joking......:) Didn't think I would be taken so seriously :wink You are a lovely group of women but just could not resist.

[Alison]

Not taking you seriously at all! I just can't be bothered using smilies! Assume there are silly smilies in pretty much everything I write, and you'll get the right idea.

Anyway, I still want a ball winder and yarn swift for Christmas. For those of you who know what they are! And if I get them, you're all welcome to bring your wool to my house for ball winding parties!

Alison

[inchwormz]

Okay, we're back from the yarn shop! I got some really cool wooden (bamboo?) needles that have painted tops on them. Just the thing to get me motivated to start knitting again! I got a pair of small ones...perfect for a dish cloth :) and a longer pair for future projects. They were all out of the pink :( . I think Lesley got the last ones but I will check back with them again in a few weeks!

So let's come up with a great and creative name! I'm not stuck on mommies at all, I just didn't want to use mommas (mamas?) 'cause that's what the Vancouver group used. We could all post a name or two and have a vote on our favourite. What you all think? I think we can agree that the stich & ** is probably out, so let's brainstorm!

BTW, tea would be perfect in the winter, but too hot for right now! :LOL And Alison, if you want to have a break from your house sometime, I can offer my place up, it just may not be as convenience 'cause I'm *way* over here in Dartmouth (jk!). Actually, I'm right at Mic Mac Mall so it may not be that inconvenient, but let me know!

[inchwormz]

Anyway, I still want a ball winder and yarn swift for Christmas. For those of you who know what they are! And if I get them, you're all welcome to bring your wool to my house for ball winding parties!

They make a ball winder??? :jumpers: (I ask as I sit here winding my yarn!) I *have* to see that! So cool!

[lesley&grace]

A ball winder sounds fabulous!

Yes, my place will shortly be open for meeting, and hey Tamara we can gather over Alison's book and work on stuff since we live close by to each other (I'm nearby Dartmouth's other mall, Penhorn). I am going to go back to my purl sample, I know I can figure it out, given practice.

[lesley&grace]

Ok experienced knitters, I have no idea what I am doing wrong with purling, but I can't get all my bumps on the one side of the swatch I'm am practising on. So in the meantime I will work on my fancy scarf and maybe at the next meet someone can show me where I am going wrong.

Meanwhile I looked at the directions for the scarf Cameron wants to me make, all it says is Cast on 106 sts, Knit 11 rows and bind off. Am I to make this design sideways?? This is the pattern that came with the funky yarn he choose, and I am thinking I may do it differently, but 106 sts to cast on? that seems like a lot! I have to get some bigger needles before I attempt it anyway, it calls for 12.75mm needles.

Oh, and one more question: how do you know how long of a "tail" to leave when you are going to cast on? I never quite get it right, twice I didn't have enough or I have this long piece hanging off the end. Is there a formula to this that I missed when looking at the book?

Thanks ladies!

[rbeaufoy]

Lesley...it sounds like the pattern for the scarf will have you making it "sideways". Feel free to do it the "long way" though....I hate knitting scarves sideways personally! Just cast on alot less stitches (try it out a few times until you get a width you like) and go from there. Is it just knitting? No fancy stuff? If it is just knitting, then it won't matter which way you make it.

As for casting on....I don't know of a formula for figuring out how long a tail to leave....I guess you just get better at guessing as time goes by. Does anyone else know of better way to estimate?

I just bought some more wool to make a couple more diaper wraps....now that i've figured out how to make them fit Mika!

Knit on!!!!!!!!!!

[xian]

i read somewhere that you need 3 times the finished width of whatever you're casting on. but i just have a long tail, and sew it in later. i find that much easier on the brain. :wink

[Alison]

Lesley, for long tail cast ons I've heard the rule of thumb that you should leave three times the width of what you are knitting. Try that and let me know if it works!

For purling:

1. have your working yarn IN FRONT of your knitting
2. Put your RHN (right hand needle) through the 1st stitch on the LHN from right to left, coming out IN FRONT OF your work.
3. Wrap yarn counterclockwise around your right needle, pull it through, and pull the stitch off your LHN.

Video at:

http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/purl.php

if it helps to actually see someone do it! If the bumps are coming out on the back and not the front, then you're actually knitting, instead of purling!

Hope that helps some at least!

For your scarf, you could easily knit it longways instead of sideways. Try maybe 12 stitches? You'll know it's time to finish when the yarn you have left is only 4 times the width of the scarf. That's enough to make sure that you can cast off! With needles that size, I'm guessing that's pretty chunky yarn! Isn't Tangled Skeins just sweet? I can't remember the woman's name though--was it Cheryl?

The problem with meeting in Dartmouth for me is that I have to be at work by 1pm. And I can't go straight to work, cause I can't park here, so I have to walk in! So it would be easier for me to keep meeting somewhere near to home or work. Having said that, end of September I'm back to work at Tantallon, which means I would have to drive to work, so could just take the car to Dartmouth and go straight to work in it from there. So could we stay at my place til end of September? That would be awesome for me anyway!

Ball winders--Tamara, ask her to wind your yarn for you next time you go into the yarn store. Then you can see the thing in operation. It's AWESOME!!

Alison

[lesley&grace]

So, a little advice...next time you are trying to learn from a book, read ALL the instructions before moving on: I read it over again and realized where I was going wrong, I now have a lovely little swatch with all the bumps on one side...turns out I was trying to do stockingette stitch, without knitting :blush

Next up: ribbing!

[Alison]

So, let me get this straight--you were purling perfectly all along??

For ribbing, the thing to be careful off is to make sure that when you bring your yarn from back to front and front to back, that you don't go OVER your right hand needle, but that you go over your work under the tips of the needles. And always make sure to switch your yarn from back to front or front to back. You're going to be fine, I'm sure, especially since now you know to read all the instructions carefully!

Alison

[lesley&grace]

Yup, I can purl like a champ. Well, almost. :LOL

[inchwormz]

There's lots of knitting chatter going on in here!

Any ideas on what you would like to re-name the thread?? I could just change it to mamas if that makes everyone happy?

Not one creative idea amoung us? :raz

[rbeaufoy]

I was perfectly happy with the "bit**es"....but that may have something to do with my overall mood this week :angry I'm trying to be happy, I swear I am! Yes..."mamas" is fine with me.

I did some yarn shopping therapy this morning...found a super yummy buttermilk colored wool for a diaper wrap.

Hey ladies....congrats on making it to page 2 of our thread!!

Oh and Lesley, I was thinking.....the bear hat/monkey hat that we talked about is really only a combination of knitting, purling, increasing and decreasing (plus some ribbing).....seems like it might be a great next project for you?????

:)R

[inchwormz]

:grouphug Don't worry Robyn! Things will get get better!

[xian]

the damn evil sweater is almost finished :yawning: just....can't.....stay.....up....... must .....sleep.............. :zzz

[lesley&grace]

Xian, I understand completely. I haven't gone to bed before 12:30am since I started knitting!

I have mastered ribbing, worked on the seed stitch, and last night was working on the Heart practice pattern in the book from Alison, I was doing quite well until it slipped off, unravelled a bit and I was too tired to save it. Thankfully I was only 3 rows into the heart shape! I think I will work in increasing and decreasing today, I have a pattern for a bathmitt that calls for a lot of each and I want to be able to make a few for xmas presents.

Oh, and I know now why the S'nB lady recomends a small bottle of handcream in you knitting "toolbox", my hands are so dry they hurt!

Oh, she also mentions a row counter...does anyone use one of these little items and are they very useful? Just wondering before I go out and buy one.

[rbeaufoy]

I keep track of my rows on a post-it-note stuck to whatever pattern I'm using.....but that's just me.

ETHICAL QUESTION......

At what point does a pattern become your own? For example....I often work, re-work, and re-work a pattern again until I get it the way I like it. These diaper wraps are a perfect example. So at what point does it stop being someone elses pattern, and become "mine"???

I've often thought about this in the wee hours of the night.

:)

[Alison]

Robyn, they have just been discussing this over on the wool soaker yahoo group. There was an article in knitty written by a lawyer regarding this issue. i think that the consensus was that no matter how much you rework a pattern, you need to start from scratch with paper and pencil to call a pattern your own. Try this article and see if it helps. Also, you could check out wool_soaker_group at yahoogroups.com and sign up to read their archive--someone brings up the issue of copyright there every so often, and there's been some great information come through.

Here's the knitty article:

http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall03/FEATcopyright.html

Alison

[Alison]

Lesley, I never use row counters any more. In fact, at this point in time, I'll figure out where I am by counting on the knitting or measuring (sweater patterns tend to say knit til it's 9 inches from beginning or something like that). If you want a row counter, you can have one of mine, they aren't very expensive. I used to absolutely rely on them til I learned to "read" my knitting.

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Wow...that article made my head hurt.....I have completely lost interest in creating my own designs!

[lesley&grace]

Thanks Alison, that'd be great.

[Alison]

Sorry Robyn! I guess it's a pretty complicated issue, and they can get really worked up about it on the wool soaker group. You might want to look at that yahoo group, actually, if you're interested in that sort of thing.

Alison

[inchwormz]

Wow...that article made my head hurt.....I have completely lost interest in creating my own designs!

What about just picking up the needles and starting to knit based on what you know? If you have a good idea of what you are doing, couldn't you just go for it making changes along the way? If you kept notes as you went along, I don't think it would be too difficult (coming from someone that would have no idea what she was doing! lol!). Just an idea. I know my grandmother used to do this all the time. Not all of her creations were pieces of art, but they functioned! If they had been tweeked along the way they might have been much better.

How many rows are typically casted (cast?) on for a dishcloth? I started with 50 and it's *way* too many! :LOL So I'll be taking this one apart and trying again!

I guess I'll change our name to mammas unless anyone's got another idea? I'd be nice to have something different than the Vancouver group, but hopefully no one will mind if it's the same. If you think of anything let me know!

[Alison]

Tamara, dishcloth, you knit diagonally from corner to corner. Cast on 3 stitches. Then you work each row like this:

k2, YO, k to end

until you get the size you want

Then start to decrease by making every row like this:

k1 k2tog YO k2tog knit to end

until you have three stitches left, cast off by k3tog and then pull the last stitch really long and just cut it.

Just change our name to Halifax Knitting Mamas. I don't see why anyone would care! If they do complain, we'll change it later!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Hey all you who have been to tangled skeins recently....does she have any organic cotton, cotton/hemp type yarns? I'm going to make up some diaper liners (garter stitch rectangles, basically) and it's been recommended. Softer on the tush than a wool liner would be, i guess!

[Alison]

Can't remember, but you could call her and ask!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Yes, I could....but i"m being lazy! I guess it's easier to type than to pick up the phone :o

[lesley&grace]

I got a really cool yarn, it's really soft, I'm making a striped scarf for my Nan for her upcoming b-day. She's in a Red Hat group (which I am totally joining when I am old enough, those red hats are awesome!) and I am making the stripes red and purple to match her outfits on meeting days.

I am so excited about this knitting thing, I have projects in mind for almost everyone in my family for christmas....I should probably get them started soon...

[rbeaufoy]

I'm digging your new sig Lesley!

[inchwormz]

Thanks for posting those instructions Alison, but I am *totally* confused now! :nut

I think I may have to wait until Tuesday to start it! :LOL Is everyone meeting this week?

[rbeaufoy]

Please, please....can we, huh mom? Please?

[lesley&grace]

When they told me knitting is like "another language" they were not kidding at all! Alison told me how to finish my dishcloth and I swear she spoke in tongues :LOL When you have someone demonstrate it, it is much easier! Once I had the initial lesson, and figured out some lingo, it made the directions much easier!

I would love to meet this tuesday,we can meet here if you guys want, it might give me motivation to get the final boxes upacked!

PS I won't be upset if we don't meet here, I am totally flexible

Oh, and Robyn thanks for noticing my sig, I like it too! The dancing broccoli was super perfect for my veggie monster!

[inchwormz]

I think Alison said it was easier for her at her house...at least until September because of work. So if she wants to do it this week...I'm there! :bouncy

[Alison]

Why don't we meet this week? I'm going to miss you guys at playgroup on Monday, so knitting would be nice. Tamara, when I gave you the dishcloth pattern, maybe I should have described it in words maybe? Rather than knitting shorthand? You work a dishcloth from one corner, not straight. so it gets wider and wider as you go, then narrower and narrower, like working two triangles really. Here's some links:

http://knitting.about.com/library/blbabyaf4.htm
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/crafting/article/0,1789,HGTV_3352_1820467,00.html
http://majorknitter.typepad.com/photos/patterns/dishrag_and_magazine_photo.html

Maybe one of those will help, when you can actually see a picture! It's a basic YO increase (yarn over, it makes a hole in your knitting when you work the next row) and a knit two stitches together (K2tog) decrease. You can make baby blankets the same way, you just keep going longer so you get a bigger square!

Alison

[lesley&grace]

I think Alison said it was easier for her at her house...at least until September because of work. So if she wants to do it this week...I'm there! :bouncy

Right, right, it's all coming back to me now....

Well, I went on my worst "knit binge" last night...it was almost 2:30am when I finally put it away! The sad part is I could have easily stayed up to finish, but I know Cam would want to see me work on his scarf. I ended up buying the 12.75 mm needles in the circular type and doing the scarf according to the pattern, which is sideways. It is going well, I only have 3 rows left until I finish, of course that's 3 rows with 106 sts....

[Alison]

One more question to run by you guys. After the end of September I will be working on Thursday evenings instead of Tuesday. Can we switch our knitting to Thursdays then? And then after Christmas, I work Wednesday nights instead of Thrusday or Tuesday. Is it a problem to switch knitting days to fit with me, since I think I'm the only one working right now? However, we're good on Tuesdays until the end of September, so no need to worry about it right now!

Alison

[lesley&grace]

I don't have a problem with that. Cam will be in a lunch program at school. so my days will be open.

[trivett]

OK..are we meeting this Tuesday at 10:00am? Olivia has swimming until 9:30 so by the time we get out of the pool and make our way to the South End from the "Deep North" :wink we will be late. I don't know if I can get a car so we may have to bus it. Also, can someone recap very clearly what exactly I should bring as a VERY beginner knitter? There were a few things recommended and I want to make sure I get the right stuff. Thanks!

[lesley&grace]

ok, you will need size 8US needles and grab the Bernat cotton stuff, it comes with the dishcloth pattern, or hey ya know what? You can use some of my stuff and I will pass the newbie torch to you...help you as I was helped last week!

[inchwormz]

Is it a problem to switch knitting days to fit with me, since I think I'm the only one working right now?

If I'm not working right now I'm doing something wrong 'cause I'm only getting 3-4 hours sleep every night! :zzz

I am blessed to have flexibility over my schedule so I am happy to work around everyone else! ;) Which ever day works best is fine with me!

[rbeaufoy]

You can use some of my stuff and I will pass the newbie torch to you...help you as I was helped last week!

Each one teach one....soon the we'll have the whole world knitting!

[Alison]

If I'm not working right now I'm doing something wrong 'cause I'm only getting 3-4 hours sleep every night! :zzz

I am blessed to have flexibility over my schedule so I am happy to work around everyone else! ;) Which ever day works best is fine with me!

Hey Tamara. I meant Working Outside the Home With a Fixed Schedule. You're not the only one working from home in the group. I'm just too lazy to type working outside the home with a fixed schedule every time. Although having said that, I've just typed it twice!

Alison

[Alison]

ok, you will need size 8US needles and grab the Bernat cotton stuff, it comes with the dishcloth pattern, or hey ya know what? You can use some of my stuff and I will pass the newbie torch to you...help you as I was helped last week!

Yuck! US sizes! :( Stick with mm, they just make so much more sense! So for a dishcloth, it would be 6mm? 6.5 mm? Something like that will do, and I probably have needles to share, since Lesley is probably done with the ones I lent her, now that she has fancy PINK needles!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Hey Alison....can I borrow a pair of teeny tiny double pointed needles on Tuesday? I need to finish something up really quickly, but don't have the right size (grr....living out of boxes....grrrr.....) here. I won't need to take them with me, I just need 15 minutes or so.

:)R

[inchwormz]

Hey Tamara. I meant Working Outside the Home With a Fixed Schedule. You're not the only one working from home in the group. I'm just too lazy to type working outside the home with a fixed schedule every time. Although having said that, I've just typed it twice!

Alison

:raz I know, lack of sleep is just catching up with me is all! Thanks for the links, BTW. Haven't had a chance to check them out yet but as soon as Rayne is asleep!

[trivett]

Yuck! US sizes! :( Stick with mm, they just make so much more sense! So for a dishcloth, it would be 6mm? 6.5 mm? Something like that will do, and I probably have needles to share, since Lesley is probably done with the ones I lent her, now that she has fancy PINK needles!

OK...so am I buying 8US or 6mm or 6.5mm? Or am I borrowing and just bringing the yarn?? You are talking to someone who knows NOTHING about knitting and want to go into the store with some knowledge. In terms of the yarn, am I looking for the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton? I went to their website and this is what they recommended for a very complicated looking dishcloth (which I'm sure was very easy but this is coming from a nervous novice!) :confused:

[Alison]

OK...so am I buying 8US or 6mm or 6.5mm? Or am I borrowing and just bringing the yarn?? You are talking to someone who knows NOTHING about knitting and want to go into the store with some knowledge. In terms of the yarn, am I looking for the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton? I went to their website and this is what they recommended for a very complicated looking dishcloth (which I'm sure was very easy but this is coming from a nervous novice!) :confused:

Vanessa, bring nothing. I have bernat coming out my ears, as well as knitting needles. A US 8 is actually a 5.0 mm needle. You'll find when you go shopping here that most of the needles will be labelled in mm. You can find needle size charts all over the internet. Don't worry about any of that right now, we'll fix you up tomorrow!

Robyn--what size you looking for? I have them right down to 2.0 mm I think.The only problem would be if you want the ones that are in my sock right now!

Alison

[Alison]

Right, right, it's all coming back to me now....

Well, I went on my worst "knit binge" last night...it was almost 2:30am when I finally put it away! The sad part is I could have easily stayed up to finish, but I know Cam would want to see me work on his scarf. I ended up buying the 12.75 mm needles in the circular type and doing the scarf according to the pattern, which is sideways. It is going well, I only have 3 rows left until I finish, of course that's 3 rows with 106 sts....

They have t-shirts for people like you! here (http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com/misc/miscpics/1115.jpg) (it says "time to go, just one more row...) and here (http://www.cafepress.com/knitty) they have a whole bunch, I really like "chicks with sticks" myself!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

not sure exactly....the smallest thing I can knit icord with, with worsted weight yarn! I'll just play around with a couple different sizes, see what works...if that's okay with you?

I was looking at those t-shirts....I want a baby just so I can buy the "yarn ho" onesie!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

ohmigod we made it to page 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alison]

Robyn, they make t-shirts in toddler sizes:

http://www.cafepress.com/knitty.22561613

Heck, they even make the onesie in 2T!

http://www.cafepress.com/knitty.22561608


Alison

[trivett]

I'm feeling rotten tonight...tired, upset tummy etc. Hope it will get better by morning or I'll have to miss knitting :(. Will keep you posted. Just a reminder that we will be late anyway since Olivia has swimming until 9:30am then I have to wait for my mom to get home so I can have the car. Where's the best place to park Alison? I normally would walk but with the 6 year old it is hard to walk 50 minutes one way with no complaints!!! Must look at one of those standing boards for the back of my soon to come NEW stroller!!

[trivett]

Gee..will I ever be a "Yarn Ho"???? :wink That's hilarious!!

[lesley&grace]

I have a pounding headache, I think I need to stop knitting for the night and sleep a bit or I'll be dozing off during knitting tomorrow! Just one more row... :zzz

[inchwormz]

Could someone please pm me with the address for tomorrow (today)....thanks!
See you all then!

[Alison]

Vanessa, if you come park in the driveway. To the left of the house, which is sixty thirty South Street, although I think you have actually been here before! I can fit two cars in the driveway if the first one pulls in far enough.

Alison

[inchwormz]

:bouncy I had so much fun knitting today! And the fact that my dish cloth is actually *looking* like a dish cloth is amazing! Thanks again guys!

I worked on it on the bus, and dh and I just came back from the beach where he swam and I sat knitting (and Rayne watched!). I am working on the k2tog thing and I think I have it...we'll see if it turns out but it seems to be taking shape. I might actual have my first completed project today! Yea!

[lesley&grace]

Exciting isn't it? I was so happy when I finished my first dishcloth I pinned it to my head and wore it!

[Alison]

:bouncy I had so much fun knitting today! And the fact that my dish cloth is actually *looking* like a dish cloth is amazing! Thanks again guys!

I worked on it on the bus, and dh and I just came back from the beach where he swam and I sat knitting (and Rayne watched!). I am working on the k2tog thing and I think I have it...we'll see if it turns out but it seems to be taking shape. I might actual have my first completed project today! Yea!

Tamara, as long as you put the needle through the 2nd stitch on your left hand needle and then through the 1st stitch, then knit them, you should be doing fine!

Anytime anyone gets stuck on something, there are wonderful videos at www.knittinghelp.com to demonstrate things.

Alison

[inchwormz]

Tamara, as long as you put the needle through the 2nd stitch on your left hand needle and then through the 1st stitch, then knit them, you should be doing fine!


So let's say hypothetically that I have been putting the needle through the first and then the second stitch on the left (then knitting together), what would this do? :wink

[rbeaufoy]

Then I think you would be (hypothetically of course!) purling 2 together, not knitting. I'm going to try it out to double check.

Okay....I tried it out. If you are knitting them the way you mentioned (hypotheically, of course) and doing it by putting the right hand needle into the front of the 2 stitches...then you are purling. If, on the other hand you are putting the right hand needle into the BACK of the 2 stitches, then you would still be knitting.

Does that help at all?

[Alison]

As long as your needle goes in from front to back, then you'd be knitting them but you'd be knitting through the back, and that would twist the stitch the other way. It would still be knitting though, just twisted, and would therefore just slant the other way than knitting two together the regular way. Probably won't even be noticeable when you're done. It's called k2tog tbl (knit two together through back loops). Hypothetically, it doesn't matter at all in a dishcloth! Would be more noticeable in a sweater or in a sock, where you want you decreases to slant a certain way.

Alison

[trivett]

I'M THE CAST ON QUEEN!!! :bouncy I worked really hard when I had a chance later tonight casting on and suddenly it just clicked! I was soooo excited!! What took me almost 1.5 hours today I did in 5 minutes tonight!! Love the "Stich and Bitch" book! I attempted the Continental Knitting method and am not sure if I am on the right track or not. I unravelled everything a bunch of times just to practice. I will continue to practice and maybe that will click too. Thanks for being so patient with me today :) I'm so excited to have learnt something new. YEAH!! Forget the 4 cover letters I have to type out tonight...I'm knitting!!!

[lesley&grace]

That book is great, isn't it? Baby Bonus comes in on Friday and I am totally buying my own copy, I miss it already! I got the Complete Idiots Guide from the library and I am just not loving it the way I love the SnB book. And you're right, once it clicks you'll be knittin like a champ!

[xian]

congratulations lesley and vanessa!!!!!! :jumpers: it's so great that two have learned in two weeks! :thumb at this rate, world domination will happen in no time! mwah hah ha ha........... :firedevil

[trivett]

OK...it's getting bad...I was flossing my teeth and was attempting to visualize the floss as wool and trying to cast it on my fingers!! EEK!! I forgot I have a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble in the USA...going to order SnB!! YEAH!!!! It's only $13.00USD :)

[xian]

a hah, it's all going to plan. soon you will be :knit kniting a gorgeous sweater for dan, and your children will be sporting fabulous creations (my favourite kid hat is a no pattern four or five needle one that ends up baing a tri- or quad- corn. you can even add bells or tassles [depending on if you want to hear them coming :LOL ])....the world is ours!!!!!!! :demon :bgbounce

[xian]

ok, i'm wondering about dates for our housewarming. i thought trevor would be home for more of september, but he won't. so, i'm trying to figure out a good day. either september 3, or october 8 or 15. i was hoping to have camping as well, but there's always the whole house to crash in, if need be. so, seeing as everyone here is probably 90% of the people i know, what's the best date?

[rbeaufoy]

YEAH!!!! It's only $13.00USD :)

I SERIOUSLY miss US book prices :(

[Alison]

I SERIOUSLY miss US book prices :(

*cue evil laughter*

even US book prices don't compare to library/bookstore staff discounts!

[rbeaufoy]

You are evil.

Oh wait, I understand... you're offering to share that discount with your favorite knitting friends!!! How sweet :LOL

[Alison]

I have, on very rare occasions, been known to share my discount. Mostly I use it to buy presents for people!

Alison

[trivett]

As yes..the staff discount. My husband orders stuff all the time. We're going to miss that when he leaves :(. Hopefully he will get a job that still offers those great discounts!

[rbeaufoy]

Spent way too much at Tangled Skeins today.

You know, I was thinking...it would be to her advantage (and ours) to offer our group some sort of discount, or promotional deals. I wonder how to subtley make that point?!

Anyway, I am now the proud owner of two new hanks of merino wool....one for some pants for Mika, and the other for a hat for Gabe (who is threatening to knit it himself....we'll see!).

:)R

[Alison]

We should ask her about a frequent shopper programme. I have referred so many people to her and some of them mentioned my name (thank you Lesley!), so maybe she'll feel kindly towards me when I do actually spend some of my own money!

Which merino did you get? Celestial, or the Tangled Skeins merino, or something else?

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

She knows you are our "missing link" so to speak....she mentioned you and said "a bunch of other women have been here in the past couple of weeks"...I told her about our knitting group. So....maybe you should carry the torch across the bridge and put a bug in her ear (okay, I count at least 3 cliches in that paragraph!)


One skein of Celestial Merino (Gabe wants that one for his hat), and another in navy blue for Mr. Mika's pants....Shelridge Farms in Ontario, it's called Soft Touch W4. And I am supremely happy to say that they are both machine washable....wahooooo!

Now, if my left hand would stop hurting, I could start knitting.....

[Alison]

Robyn, you need to see a doc about your hand. Does it get worse at night when you're trying to sleep? That's pretty common with tendonitis or carpal tunnel, it's one of the ways you know that's what you've done.

Alison

[lesley&grace]

Robyn, about your hand...my mom had really bad carpal tunnel and ended up having surgery on her right hand to try and correct it (it was so bad that occasionally her hands would just let go of whatever she was holding...20+ years of office work) and recently she started going to a chiropractor for issues with her neck and back...turns out her "carpal tunnel" was actually a neck issue, something about the tendons in her neck affecting her wrists. My Aunt, an avid knitter, had very simliar issues and corrected them with exercise. Since mom started seeing her chiropractor she hasn't had any issues with her hands, except weakness from the surgery!!

I guess my point is, how's your neck?

[rbeaufoy]

I've been seeing a chiropractor for at least 10 years....so it's not my neck. Actually, I know it's not carpal tunnel either....it's something wierd with one of the bones and tendons between my pinky and ring finger. Sometimes it hurts for days and days, then not for months and months (whether I knit or not) Advil helps. I'm just waiting for it to mellow out again.....can you tell I HATE doctors?

[lesley&grace]

Well, at least you know what's wrong with it...but it still sucks that it hurts.

OK, a knitting question: those of you who were at Alison's tues saw the yarn I made Cam's scarf out of. I'd like to make him mittens to match. How do I do this, does anyone have a pattern I could use and should I pick up more yarn so I have enough and possibly enough for a hat too?

[trivett]

Well, after being the casting on queen, I realized that my slip knot was not right so back to SnB I go to have another look. Got that sorted out. Then did the casting on again and attempted Continental knitting. Took me awhile but I managed to do one really nice row. Then I went to start on the second and f***ed it up! :irked: So...took it all apart and am going to start again. I'm getting better and SnB is definitely my friend. And Robyn...I realized it is only $10 on Barnes and Noble..not $13!! Even better!

[rbeaufoy]

I'd like to make him mittens to match.

Hey....I used to give my students a great mitten pattern I found online. You knit them flat, and then sew up the side seam afterwards. Easier than knitting in the round on double-pointed needles. UNLESS.......you are ready to tackle knitting in the round on double-pointed needles????? In which case, I have a cute pattern for that too that might work with that orange wool ;)

I'll have to track down the one on-line, shouldn't be too hard with a google search. Let me know what you think!

[Alison]

Vanessa, I'm going to recommend that you stop taking it apart and just keep going. Eventually you'll see nicer and nicer knitting, and you'll be able to compare the beginning to the end and see how much better you've become. Plus you won't have the frustration of having to start over again and again!

Alison

[inchwormz]

I finished my dishcloth!!! :bouncy And it actually looks like a dishcloth! I'm so pleased with myself! Rayne didn't give me much of a chance to work on it yesterday, but all together it really only took about 3 (4?) hours! I know that's probably a very long time to you super fast knitters, but considering I've been working on a blanket now for almost a year, it feels good to actually have completed something! I think I will make a few more. Then I will feel really productive and ready to tackle a new project!

[lesley&grace]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Feels really good doesn't it? I just washed my dishes with a cloth I made myself, I kept stopping to admire my work!

[inchwormz]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Feels really good doesn't it? I just washed my dishes with a cloth I made myself, I kept stopping to admire my work!

Washing dishes is actually my *least* favorite chore so anything to make it more fun! I've started a second one already! Rayne has been very fussy lately and is only happy in mamas arms so I'm not getting to far with I think I will have it done by Sunday which means I'd have completed two projects this week! Yay!

[rbeaufoy]

Hey, hey HEYYYYYY!!!!

Go here : http://knitting.about.com/library/blbabyindex.htm/

LOADS of free patterns....and alot of them are pretty cool! I've tried out quite a few of them over the years, so if you have questions, let me know :)

[trivett]

Vanessa, I'm going to recommend that you stop taking it apart and just keep going. Eventually you'll see nicer and nicer knitting, and you'll be able to compare the beginning to the end and see how much better you've become. Plus you won't have the frustration of having to start over again and again!

Alison

I agree with you here but the problem seems to be that when I go to knit from the other side after finishing one row something funky happens and as I keep on knitting the second row I get a large loop of wool hanging out and the knitting almost looks like it is twisting. Hard to explain but it makes it very hard to knit. I also notice that the last stich on the row (first stitch of the new row) looks to be not very well stiched and the loop is quite large and it never knits right. Don't know if this makes any sense but the next time we meet I can show someone and maybe can see what the problem is. I'm going to try again and keep going and save my results for playgroup on Monday if someone can have a quick look :).

[Alison]

Stitches at the ends are never completely happy stitches. Think about it--a happy stitch is all in a row holding hands with a friend on either side. The stitch on the end is holding hands with one friend in a row, but then has to reach up or down to the friend in the row above or below! Feel sorry for those poor first and last stitches and treat them gently! You get better at them too. Look at them really carefully before you knit them and make sure you're knitting them through the right way.

Alison

And no, I can't take credit for the happy stitch analogy, that's one of Lucy's (www.tradewindknits.com). She was a piece of yarn in a former life!

[trivett]

OK..I just tried again and now I notice that when I start knitting the second row, as I go along I notice that it looks like the yarn is all overlapping and there seems to a piece of yarn kind of hanging. It gets to the point that I can't knit anymore because it gets all tangled. Ugh! It's not the tail since that is at the bottom of the needle so not sure what the heck it is. If it was not for the that I would have made a scarf by now!!

[rbeaufoy]

Stitches at the ends are never completely happy stitches. Think about it--a happy stitch is all in a row holding hands with a friend on either side. The stitch on the end is holding hands with one friend in a row, but then has to reach up or down to the friend in the row above or below!


sniff....sniff :(

[xian]

the evil sweater is sewn! now it's just the button band left! :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy does anyone know where i can get decent grosgraine for backing on the button band?

[lesley&grace]

So there it was, all lovely, pink and white, almost striped but not quite. Fancy edged, knit to perfection. We washed with it, it was like a dream.

Until...

An ill placed knife was swiped, cutting several stitches down the middle. The dishcloth couldn't cry out, so no one noticed until the dishes were done and on the dry rack. By then, a gaping hole had spread as the yarn, freed from the loops that bound it, unravelled.

And so we say farewell to pink dishcloth. You served us well in your first run, conquering a massive pile of dishes from a 3 course meal, including several crusty casserole dishes. Perhaps from your remains another can be made, for now we mourn.

[Alison]

Lesley, I have dishcloths like that and still use them. Just tie some knots! And be careful drying knives!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

And so we say farewell to pink dishcloth. You served us well in your first run, conquering a massive pile of dishes from a 3 course meal, including several crusty casserole dishes. Perhaps from your remains another can be made, for now we mourn.

:crying ...and she was such a good dishcloth too...what a shame :(

[trivett]

Wahhh....I just want to be able to knit a dishcloth!! :irked:

[lesley&grace]

Wahhh....I just want to be able to knit a dishcloth!! :irked:

Have faith Vanessa, you too shall knit a dishcloth!

[inchwormz]

Does anyone have a really easy (and I mean *really* easy!) longies pattern? I want a pair of wool pants for Rayne for this winter and I would love to be able to make them myself! :LOL I figure if I start them now, I might actual have them done by the time it's November!

Also, are we knitting this week or is it going to be every other week? I'm fine either way!

And, does anyone crochet?? I have a few patterns in a book that I bought to try to make dishcloths a few years ago and now that I know how :bouncy I don't need it anymore. If anyone wants it, let me know! Otherwise I will just give it up on freecycle.

[rbeaufoy]

Funny you ask Tamara....I'm just about finished making a pair for Mika, and I love the pattern I'm using. It's nice because you take Rayne's measurements and then plug in the numbers to figure out what to cast on. (don't be terrified, it's actually really easy, I'll show you how!) They'll be a custom fit :)

You'll need to use circular needles, which I actually prefer....I can show you how to do that too if you want. Let me know when you're ready to go, and I can tell you more specifically what you'll need.

I'm game to knit on Tuesday...but I don't have a house to offer up. My parents condo is NOT child friendly! It's a miracle that Mika hasn't destroyed any heirlooms yet :flipped

:)R

[trivett]

I'M KNITTING!!! :bouncy After plugging away at it for 2 hours today I finally managed to make a decent looking square! YEAH!! I did try and do a purl stitch..not very good but I still have a square! I am so excited to have taught myself something new. I'm DEFINITELY game for knitting on Tuesday if we find a place or if we want to meet Thursday I'd be happy to offer my place. It is kid friendly since we can meet downstairs and have access to the backyard etc. I am in the North End on the #7 bus route.

[lesley&grace]

And, does anyone crochet?? I have a few patterns in a book that I bought to try to make dishcloths a few years ago and now that I know how :bouncy I don't need it anymore. If anyone wants it, let me know! Otherwise I will just give it up on freecycle.

I'd like to take a look at that pattern book if you don't mind.

And I am also game for meeting this week if everyone else is and my place is always open, but I know it's easier for Alison to get to work from her place...let me know what we decide.

Oh, and Robyn I too am interested in Grace clothes that I can make, I am starting to get tired of scarves and dishclothes, I am ready to branch out into mittens and maybe even a sweater!

[rbeaufoy]

I am ready to branch out into mittens and maybe even a sweater!

ooooooo...then check this out! http://www.minidata.co.nz/major/freepatt/patt01.htm

Really easy, knit all in one piece so you don't have to fight with sleeves, super cute, and YES, you can do it 5 (or so) hours! I've made at least 30 of these things over the years in various different sizes.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (where's the cheerleader smilie?)

[Alison]

Hi folks. I don't think I can knit the Tuesday, so go ahead and arrange it wherever you want! I basically got nothing done this weekend, and NOBODY is allowed to come into my house looking like it does!

Tamara, the easiest longies are made by finding a wool sweater at Value Village and using the sleeves. Seriously, it's amazing, especially if you have a sewing machine (I do not, I did mine by hand!). Here (http://www.babyluv.net/store/) are the instructions (click on make your own wool longies link). Of course, you could always knit them, and I have lots of longie patterns as well. I haven't tried these (http://www.littlebellesoakers.com/doodlepantspattern.html) yet, but they are said to be quite easy. And they're terribly cute too.

Have fun tomorrow ladies.

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

That link for the Aubrey Doodle longies is basically the pattern I"m making for Mika right now. Really cute! I like them because the leg is straight, as opposed to tapered at the ankle....lots of room in the heiny for cloth diapers too :)

[Alison]

Which pattern are you using Robyn?

Oh, I forgot to add this one (http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/PATTcargo.html) from the latest issue of knitty. She made them in cotton in that pattern, but you could substitute wool. And when I went to the designer's blog, her son (the little guy modeling the pants in the photo) is cloth diapered, so these ought to fit over cloth bums!

BTW, any of you guys sew? I got three fuzzi bunz at an insanely good price but it turns out it's because the leg elastic is gone! Anyone able to replace elastic in something like this?

Alison

[inchwormz]

These look like pretty simple patterns. I think that as long as I've got you guys to help me get started ;) I might actually be able to do something like this! I love the little cargo pant look...so cute! I'll have to go through my supplies and see what I can come up with. I may need to make another trip to the knitting store! :love

Lesley, could you post the starting instructions for the dish cloth? I tried using the instructions Alison posted but I think there was an error in them 'cause it's not looking quite right! Thanks!

Alison, I wish I could sew! lol! Actually, I've owned a sewing machine in the past but gave it to my sister during a move of mine once as I had no where to store it and never got it back. Turns out she gave it away. :irked: If anyone is every wanting to get rid of one I'd be happy to take it! If I don't find one by the spring I will probably bit the bullet and buy one because I really miss having one and now that Rayne is here I'd love to be able to make my own things for her.

Do you think you could sew up the elastic by hand? I would think it wouldn't be too difficult. I do most repairs by hand now. They're not as pretty but it works!

[Alison]

Tamara, I think my instructions said cast on three, and the instructions on the label from the cotton are to cast on 4. then knit 2, yarn over, knit to end, same for every row, should do it. It won't look right if you cast on three like my instructions said though. Well, it will look right eventually, but it'll always look a little funny at the very beginning!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

So we decided to knit at Lesley's tomorrow....for those who are able. I think she is going to post later and let us know what time is best.

:)

[lesley&grace]

OKay, we can meet here at 10 or thereabouts at my place, Cam is waiting until tomorrow am to decide about going to daycare: on tues they go swimming at the commons if the weather is nice.
I will pm Robyn and Tamara with my address, I think that is everyone who needs it, if I've missed anyone, let me know.

And Tamara the instructions for the dishcloth are what Alison said.

[inchwormz]

:jumpers:

[trivett]

Hey folks - I'm going to be late for knitting tomorrow. Olivia has swimming until 9:30 and by the time I walk home and grab the car I will be aiming to get there for 10:30am. Hope that is OK :)

[Alison]

Okay, for you newbie knitter out there, go to http://www.craft-design.ns.ca/courses.html. Click on download the fall course brochure and look at course number 8, Getting to Know Your Stitches. This is something you should definitely take to learn to read your knitting. It's only one evening and it's only $23 (believe me, that's a bargain for a course from Lucy, you should see what it costs in the US to go to something by her--this is subsidised by the province!). Anyway, it's absolutely worth taking. I should warn you, these are sometimes hard to get into, I usually do the in person registration on the Sunday, if you want to guarantee that you get in. I've taken this particular course, and it was even worthwhile for an experienced knitter!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Hey all -

My aunt just sent me this pattern...I've never come across it before, and I thought I had seen all the ones online! Has anyone tried this?

http://www.dunmani.plus.com/knitting/patterns/soaker.html

Bought a wrist brace this afternoon...and am THRILLED to say I knitted with it on tonight and NO pain!!! Between the brace, my chiro, and the B6 I'm hoping to nip this in the bud quickly.

[lesley&grace]

Well, I decided to take a crack at the wool pants project, and I am pleased to announce I have achieved waistband! Well, I have almost gotten the waistband done, a few more rows to go. It's not "pretty", but pretty will come when I have more practice at it. For now I am pleased that it's in a circle, ribby and holding together!!

[lesley&grace]

OKay, so it's now 3 am, and I have gotten as far as the short row back on my baby girl's "pants". I mastered the short row back, thanks to the helpful demo video, but my question is this:
The instructions say:
"when you reach stitch marker B, work a short row back (doodles.thoughtline.com/knitting101/shortrows.html)
when you reach stitch marker (A) turn back around and continue knitting for 3 rows.
repeat a short row set from marker (B) back to (A) and on again.
knit 3 rows
repeat one more short row set from marker (B) back to (A), remove markers and knit on until your body measures your needed rise."
Does this mean I knit, then row back for 3 rows (do that bit 3 rows then move on), OR do I knit around the whole thing, go back at the stitch markers, then continue knitting around for 3 rows?
This doesn't even make sense to me as I type it. I'm off to bed, perhaps someone can tell me what I'm supposed to do, or the directions will make sense after some sleep.
Goodnight! :zzz

[Alison]

I'm going to guess that you do a short row as she describes on the bit between the markers, and then you knit three rounds all the way round. Then you work another short row just on the bit between the markers and then knit three rounds all the way round. Short rows just make the back a bit more spacious to go over the cloth bum by having more rows on the back than on the front. If you just kept going back and forth, you'd end up with a flap, you don't want a flap, you just want extra rows on the bum.

Alison

[Alison]

Hey Robyn, you can make that pattern and then sell the soakers. she give you express permission to do that right there in the first paragraphs! Get knitting girl, and then start selling them on ebay!

Alison

[inchwormz]

I love the ribbed cuffs on the soaker. Looks like it would make for a bit of a better fit. I'm going to stick to the pants right now so that I will have a few (now I'm being optimistic!!) ready for this winter but once they're done it will be all about the soakers for the spring! :)

[rbeaufoy]

Hey Robyn, you can make that pattern and then sell the soakers. she give you express permission to do that right there in the first paragraphs! Get knitting girl, and then start selling them on ebay!

Alison

yup, if I could just make sense of her pattern! I feel like I'm reading a different language, although she is from the UK, so I guess I am :LOL
I even have my aunt trying to help me figure this one out! She thinks you're supposed to knit it with DK weight yarn doubled.....what do you think?

Also, she makes no reference as to what SIZE the stupid thing is!

[Alison]

3mm needles are just about right for DK wool. Why does your aunt think it's doubled? Also, I didn't realise that it's knit from the leg cuffs up! I'm used to knitting top down for soakers. You're right though, no mention as to size. Oh well.

Alison

[lesley&grace]

Ok, so I have done all the short rows back to make the tushie space, and i am now at the part where you knit until it's as long as it needs to be to cover her bum (?). I'm guessing that you knit so it will fit from her waist to her crotch, then move on to the next step. Is this right? And what is the best way to figure that out, measure her or just slip it on and see if it fits?

[Alison]

You could slip it on if she'll let you. Or measure her, with her diaper on. You're really taking to this knitting thing, aren't you?

Alison

[lesley&grace]

You're really taking to this knitting thing, aren't you?

Alison

It's really relaxing, and as an added bonus if I'm knitting while watching TV I'm not munching all night. I think I may have lost a few pounds since I started keeping my hands busy!

[rbeaufoy]

I measured Mika with a tape measure, and his diaper on....the measurement is called "rise". To measure the "rise" of your baby you put the tape measure in the middle of their lower back (where the pants will sit), and then run it down through their legs, and back up to the height you want the pants to be in the front (did that make sense?) Then as you're knitting you can use the tape measure to check the "rise" of your work in progress to see if you're getting close. I would still try them on her though, just to be sure.

And yes Alison, 3mm is just about right for DK, so I"m not sure why she thinks it's doubled...do you think DK is "heavy" enough for a super soaker like Mika? I'm not convinced. I may try to convert the whole thing to worsted weight. We'll see.....

[inchwormz]

Okay, so I've got a couple questions now that we've returned from TS today.

Their needles were very expensive...like $15+ for the circular ones. So, please tell me I can get away with what I found at Zellers for $6?? They are way longer, 31", but I was going by memory and I think they had shorter ones so I will exchage them tomorrow. I think the shorter ones were still 24" though. Will these be okay??

They only had size 8 at Zellers so I have to keep looking for the size 6. I will try to get to Walmart this weekend...hopefully they have them there.

And what the heck is DK??

I got some pretty wool today!! I can't wait to get started on my longies! :bouncy

[rbeaufoy]

Unless you know how to do the "magic loop", which I can't explain to you (Alison?)...you really do need them to be 16". 24" won't work because your work will be all stretched out. I think Lesley got her 16 inchers at Walmart though...check there...i don't remember them being expensive either.

DK....well I've heard it used to mean one of two things...either double knit, or designer knit...so, it really depends on the context of what you're talking about I guess. Basically though, it's a weight of wool, like worsted is a weight of wool. DK is smaller...requires smaller needles (smaller in diameter, that is)....and that means you have to cast on a bazillion stitches, which makes me crazy!

Speaking of which...I'm about to start what I have dubbed "The Mystery Soaker"! I THINK I have figured out how to do it with worsted weight wool and still have it fit Mr. Mika...we'll see! I finished my longies this morning....YEAH!!!!

[lesley&grace]

I got the 16" circ needles for $5.37, at Wal-Mart. I was there earlier today buying up a few little items to stock my knitting bag, and I went into the area with the express purpose of buying a tape measure since I can't find mine. Well, I got a dishcloth book, a gauge measure, crochet needles and on impulse a yarn threader...no tape measure. So now I have to include another craft section trip in tomorrow's errands. Sigh.

Well, I'm off to knit some more of my pants. Hopefully I won't be up all night :LOL

[Alison]

Tamara, for longies, I agreee with Robyn, you really will need the 16 inch ones. Or you could use double pointed needles (DPNs). However, you'd still need to buy those, and they don't tend to sell the nice ones at Walmart or Zellers! I don't know magic loop--tried it, found it annoying--so I can't help there!

Anyway, I might have some I could lend you, if you give me the size in mm, and NOT in those silly US numbers, cause they make no sense to me whatsoever!

Oh, and for the legs, you'll need to get some DPNs as well, since you won't be able to do the legs on 16 inch circulars, unless Rayne has HUGE elephant legs that we just haven't noticed!

Alison

[inchwormz]

unless Rayne has HUGE elephant legs that we just haven't noticed!


Nope, no elephant legs here (that I can tell!). I will probably try to get over to Walmart in the next few days and pick up the smaller ones. Hopefully I really take to this knitting thing and end up making Rayne a few pairs of longies. I bought enough wool to make her at least two pairs for this winter so it will be worth it to spend the $15 on needles. I just can't bring myself to spend $40 when I can get them at terrible Walmart for more than half the price. I know, I'm an awful person for shopping there, :o but I have to cut corners where I can to stay home with Rayne! :bouncy

[Alison]

Just wanted to point out that the needles at TS are addis, and they really are way better than the Walmart ones. As a beginner, you really wouldn't notice the difference, and the expense is a bit much when you don't know if you're going to stick with it. For me, I'd buy the addis from the yarn store now, but that's with years of knitting behind me! I agree that you should start with walmart needles, I just wanted to let you know that there is a reason the yarn store needles are more expensive!

Alison

[inchwormz]

K, so what's the difference?? Now I need to know! :LOL

[Alison]

Addis aren't painted. The join between the needle and the cord is smooth as silk. Because of these things, they're fast! They're called Addi Turbos for a reason! I'll let you try a pair of mine next time we knit here, then you'll see! However, really, I wouldn't invest until you know you're going to be a knitter for sure. Then, you can get them for less on e-bay and stuff.

Alison

[Alison]

http://www.livejournal.com/community/punk_knitters/110889.html

Robyn, the person who owns this pattern says lower down in reply to a question that she doesn't mind if you make and sell from her pattern. It's pretty cute, and you could always ask if she minded if you did the same thing!

Alison

[inchwormz]

That's a really cute pattern too. I love the little cuffs!

So my dh picked up some needles for me on his way home from work. These are completely different than the ones from Zellers. They say 5mm US 8 and 4mm US 6. Are these the right size? They just seem so thin and tiny??

[rbeaufoy]

Sounds right, as long as they are 16" circulars?

There are 2 (3?) systems for measuring needles (think of it like celcius..how do you spell that... and farenheit). So basically, US 8's are the same thing as 5mm's. The conversion doesn't really make sense, so don't spend too much time thinking about it!

:)R

[lesley&grace]

Yup, those are the ones that Robyn helped me pick out.

back to knitting her pants!

[lesley&grace]

Sounds right, as long as they are 16" circulars?

There are 2 (3?) systems for measuring needles (think of it like celcius..how do you spell that... and farenheit). So basically, US 8's are the same thing as 5mm's. The conversion doesn't really make sense, so don't spend too much time thinking about it!

:)R

That's why I bought a gauge measure, it also has holes to measure the size of needles.

[inchwormz]

That's why I bought a gauge measure, it also has holes to measure the size of needles.

Hey, I actually have one of those!! I should go find it! I know it's somewhere in my box of yarn (way, way at the bottom!). Yeah!! I can't wait to start my pants!

[Alison]

Sounds right, as long as they are 16" circulars?

There are 2 (3?) systems for measuring needles (think of it like celcius..how do you spell that... and farenheit). So basically, US 8's are the same thing as 5mm's. The conversion doesn't really make sense, so don't spend too much time thinking about it!

:)R

There are three systems, cause they use numbers in the UK as well. however, their numbers work the opposite way to US numbers--ie one goes bigger needle bigger number, the other goes bigger needle smaller number. And the only one that makes any sense is the mm system, which is what Canada and the rest of the entire world use!

Alison

[rachelsmama]

Yeah, I'd be lost without a gauge measure. I inherited a big pile of needles and a lot just have a number, and I have no idea which system the number refers to.

[Alison]

Yeah, I'd be lost without a gauge measure. I inherited a big pile of needles and a lot just have a number, and I have no idea which system the number refers to.

Yeah, I keep meaning to use the needle guage to figure out what all my inherited needles are in mm and then label them with a sharpie. I just haven't got around to it yet!

[rbeaufoy]

Okay...here's some pics of the finished longies, and the Mystery Soaker in progress (plus a close up of the interesting gusset feature). I don't think the soaker is going to end up fitting Mika, but I am happy to see that it's turning out to be proportionate...which means I just have to do some more math and make a bigger one....

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rlbeaufoy/my_photos

:)R

[Alison]

Those are low rise longies! He looks very stylin' in them!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

They do actually go up quite a bit higher...I think I needed to tighten the drawstring a bit!

[inchwormz]

They look great! I can't wait to get started on mine!! So if I can figure out how many stiches to cast on, what does join circular needles mean? Just knit 2, purl 2 for 8-10 rows?? I wanted to start!! :bouncy

[lesley&grace]

They look great! I can't wait to get started on mine!! So if I can figure out how many stiches to cast on, what does join circular needles mean? Just knit 2, purl 2 for 8-10 rows?? I wanted to start!! :bouncy

Before you begin you're gonna want to do a swatch to test your gauge, I did mine by casting on about twelve stitches then knitting a few rows, until I had like a little rectangle. Then you cast off, and measure how many stitches you get to an inch. Then measure Rayne around her waist, or above the diaper. Then cast on as many stitches as you need to get around her waist: the pattern's gauge is 5sts to an inch, meaning for 19inches you need 95 stitches, then add enough to make the number divisible by 4 (the example uses 96). Then start knitting, and keep going in a loop as you knit and the pieces will join in a circle. Knit 2, purl 2 for 8-10 rows, and because your using circular needles it will do the ribbing for you. I'm not sure if they are supposed to slant the way mine did, that may be an original Lesley design :LOL . If you have any questions about how I started mine, call me, I think you still have my number.

Hey experienced knitters, how'd I do?

[rbeaufoy]

:thumb :twothumbs :clap

I think that about covers it!

[Alison]

If anybody wants to risk bringing knitting to a Messy Party, we can certainly share our knowledge!

Also, this is a very pretty dishcloth pattern, if anybody wants to go back to dishcloths:

http://www.knittingknonsense.com/DW_cloth.html

Alison

[inchwormz]

If anybody wants to risk bringing knitting to a Messy Party, we can certainly share our knowledge!
Alison

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??

[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]

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]

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 :wink . 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]

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]

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]

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]

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! :bouncy

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.....

[lesley&grace]

Cam keeps calling the pants I'm working on "Grace's skirt". The more he says it the more I think, this would make a pretty cute skirt...I think after I make the pants I'll make her a skirt!

[Alison]

Yeah, I'd probably do about 2 inches in rib for a waistband as well. You can always fold it down as well if you want a low rise look!

Robyn, here's a link for an alternate waistband to plain old rib. http://www.curlypurly.com/pattern.html

I haven't tried it, but I've heard rave reviews. It's supposed to hold pants up better etc. Anyway, she claims you can use it with any pattern, just replace the regular waistband with it.

Alison

[Alison]

Lesley, this is the pattern you want:

http://www.littleturtleknits.com/

It's the pattern right on the front page. You knit a soaker and a skirt to go over it, all in one. Very, very cute!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

"Just kidding Robyn, I'm not really after your soakers! I would check to make sure that your diapers don't have any buildup, just in case they're not managing to absorb, so that's why the soakers soak through so quickly, since they're trying to do the diaper's job as well!"

Thought I'd bring this topic back where it belongs....Alison and I were doing a bit of thread-hopping earlier! So....Alison, by buildup do you mean detergent? Or something else?

:)

[Alison]

Detergent! Not something we've experienced lately, since I stopped using as much detergent, but I couldn't believe how slowly a diaper absorbs when it has detergent buildup! In our case, the pee basically ran off the dipe and pooled in the PUL cover, before eventually being absorbed by the diaper. Crazy! And don't over-lanolise either, or you'll get sticky covers.

I started a pair of doodlepants today. For the short rows do you slip and wrap the stitch before or after to the marker? As in knit to the marker and wrap the stitch beyond it? Or knit to the stitch before the marker and wrap it? It don't think it makes a big difference really, just wondered how everyone else interpreted it? I'm leaning towards slipping and wrapping the stitch after the marker.

Alison

[lesley&grace]

:crying
So I was about to make the switch from my body to the legs, when I discovered a stitch that was knotted! I couldn't get it to knit properly, I don't even know how it happened! I decided to unravel a bit and fix the mistake, but I couldn't get the stitches back on the needle. I decided, after a bit of a cry, to unravel the lot and start fresh, thereby fixing the countless mini-mistakes I made along the way.
I was SO CLOSE!
:bawl

Ok, bright side: I have learned from my earlier errors and I will do better this time. Dry my eyes and get knitting!

[inchwormz]

Don't feel so bad, Lesley. I'm looking at my waist band and thinking I will be re-doing mine as well. If Alison or Robyn will look at it at playgroup tomorrow I will know better, but I'm pretty sure I missed a few stiches along the way. I'm just not happy with my first attempt. I know I can do better! :LOL

[lesley&grace]

I'm just not happy with my first attempt. I know I can do better! :LOL

That's how I felt. I have some of my new waistband done and it looks much better than my last attempt. It's just that I was almost to the next step! I was about to transfer some to the stitch holder!! :(

Oh well, this time it will be gorgeous. :thumb

[Alison]

Tamara and Lesley, I'm sure that you will both have beautiful next attempts. Tips when picking up stitches when ripping back--rip back to just before where you want and then use a smaller needle to pick them up than the size you had been using. Then you can "unknit" the last bit--more controlled than ripping. Which by the way is called "frogging"--you know, "rip it, rip it, rip it" :LOL I can show you how to unknit or deknit if you like tomorrow! BTW, I'm working on pants too, so hopefully that means I'll be able to help, since I'll know exactly what you're talking about.

Well, Andrew fell asleep in the mei tai on the way home before we even got to the bottom of South Street! And I got him down on the bed asleep with ease after we got home! He did seem to get heavier when he was asleep though!

Alison

[inchwormz]

AND... (I know you're thinking, how could there possibly be more?) any knitters in the group (I'm too lazy to go post this over on that thread, sorry) have been invited to the Tangled Skeins Stitch and Bitch, which meets on Wednesday nights at 7:30, at Uncommon Grounds (1030 South Park St.) There are 5 +/- women who meet there and do basically what we do on Tuesdays. I explained that we all have kids, so may not be able to get there regularily, but thanked them for the welcome anyway. I may try to get out there at least once or twice before Gabe leaves.

I don't think we'd be able to make it for awhile. Rayne still needs me to nurse her to sleep and I am not pumping (ever!) if I can help it. I've gone this long without the need to pump, I just can't bring myself to try. Breast pumps look scary!! ;)

[rbeaufoy]

I've gone this long without the need to pump, I just can't bring myself to try. Breast pumps look scary!! ;)

I think they're scarier than they look...I had to pump for many months because of Mika's reflux (unfortunately they couldn't figure out a way to get rice into my boobs to thicken things up...so to the bottle we went!) We survived. Obviously if you don't have to pump, then why would you?! But if you're looking for a night out, don't be too scared. You have to wonder though....who sat around and thought the "breast pump" up? :LOL

-R

As an after thought...this should probably go on our other thread...once again, too lazy!

[rbeaufoy]

Detergent! I'm leaning towards slipping and wrapping the stitch after the marker.

Alison
That's what I've done. Don't think it would make a difference though...your short rows would just be 2 stitches shorter, that's all.

Hey...can you "lanolize" something that is 75% acrylic and 25% wool?

[rbeaufoy]

:crying
I decided, after a bit of a cry, to unravel the lot and start fresh, thereby fixing the countless mini-mistakes I made along the way.
I was SO CLOSE!
:bawl

Ok, bright side: I have learned from my earlier errors and I will do better this time. Dry my eyes and get knitting!

This still happens to me sometimes...I think its the universes way of telling me to fix the mistakes!

[lesley&grace]

I don't think we'd be able to make it for awhile. Rayne still needs me to nurse her to sleep and I am not pumping (ever!) if I can help it. I've gone this long without the need to pump, I just can't bring myself to try. Breast pumps look scary!! ;)


I have a Gerber massage manual pump, and it's not so bad. They retail for about $50, but gerber is fabulous about replacing parts that break, even if you drop them! They've replaced our entire pump because I dropped it and cracked the part where the bottle screws on. I pump b/c I mix EBM with Grace's cereal, she won't have anything to do with a bottle!!

As for the knitting thing, that sounds kinda cool. Maybe when she's a bit older I can check that out.

[Alison]

I know this belongs on the other thread, but oh well. Tamara, I pumped only because I wanted to have a stash for emergencies. We never had an emergency, thank goodness, but still. I used an Avent Isis, and it was no big deal. Not uncomfortable at all. Mind you, back then I would let down at the drop of a hat, so maybe that's why pumping was no big deal!

Anyway, maybe I'll see if I can get to the knitting thing on Wednesday. Not sure, cause Andrew is more an 8 o'clock bedtime guy. Hey, Tamara, there's no reason you couldn't just bring Rayne with you, she's not even six months yet, is she? I still took Andrew everywhere at that age!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

I used an Avent Isis, and it was no big deal. Not uncomfortable at all. Alison

Me too...loved that padded bit...can't remember what it's called... But it rocked!

[inchwormz]

Hey, Tamara, there's no reason you couldn't just bring Rayne with you, she's not even six months yet, is she? I still took Andrew everywhere at that age!


I know, but she gets very cranky after 7pm. It's her witching hour! :LOL I think I'd wait until she was a bit older and I could leave her alone with daddy. I may have to do a few short practice runs with this first (more for me than for her!) before I'm really comfortable. :)

[Alison]

Tamara, if you want to try a pump "just in case" you can borrow mine. The entire pump can be sterilised in boiling water for as long as you like--its parts are all silicone and I still have the box and the instructions etc. Just thought I'd offer!

Alison

[trivett]

I loved my Avent Isis! Give it a try. I pumped alot with Olivia because I went back to work full time when she was 6 months old and never gave her formula. With Lily I was home but still pumped to keep a stash in the freezer just in case and I also mixed it with her cereal etc. OK..I won't be at knitting today...we had a late night since it was my grandparents 59th wedding anniversary and the kids are still sleeping at 9:06am!! Plus I don't seem to get much done with the older one saying "I'm bored" every 2 minutes!

[lesley&grace]

No worries Vanessa, all you missed was Grace bawling her head off. Poor baby is not feeling very well and she was having a hard time sleeping. I think she is teething along with her cold. She had an hour+ long nap after we left knitting group and is in a better spirits (of course as I type she is beginning to fuss!).

[Alison]

Poor Grace! I did feel sorry for her!

Robyn, I don't know if I'll be able to make tomorrow night. I called home at about 7 to see how things were going and Andrew was wailing and I think Jeff felt like wailing too! I don't think it makes this week a good idea, but maybe I'll be surprised. Somehow I doubt it. :irked:

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

No worries....I've been in the same boat before! We can try again next week :thumb

If I get brave, I may go by myself...but that's not likely :shy

I'm busy working on that Ottobre pattern...I found some HUGE Brown Sheep Co. yarn (almost roving...it's 2.5 sts. to the inch)that is hand dyed and beeeeuuutiful. I'm excited to see how it turns out. My plan is to felt it a bit....we'll see!

Oh, and no, I haven't finished the pants yet...I just needed a break...well, either that or I have ADD :LOL

:)R

[trivett]

Alison - Thanks so much for posting that link to those online videos. They are GREAT! I am learning alot more from that than from a book. I am psyched to fix all my mistakes :).

[lesley&grace]

:crap :yikes: :hopmad :cuss :splat

These and plus a screaming-and-pulling-out-hair smilie which needs to be invented describe how I am feeling about these :cuss pants right now!!!!!!

I made an error in my short-rowing. I did it in the wrong blessed spot. Then I tried to just go back and fix that row, but decided to go back furthur to correct the messy short-rowing I had done earlier since I figured out how to make look nice. Well, I wasn't paying attention :duh and went too far. All the way to my ribbing in fact. So I tried to put it back on the smaller needles, and lost a bunch of stitches as I went along :crap

So I am back to square one. Phil wakes up as I am sitting winding the ball back up, a pile of wrinkly yarn beside me, and he says "Oh, did you make a mistake?" I couldn't even talk about it, I just said "nevermind".

So, I go to bed now. Hopefully this project won't look so bleak in the morning.

I WILL CONQUER THESE PANTS!!!!!!!

[Alison]

Robyn, the Ottobre pattern is wierd. You end up decreasing and increasing for twice as may rown as it says (it says decrease at each end of 6 rows, but it means decrease at the beginning of 12 rows or something like that). I think it's cause something is lost in the translation, I think theyr'e using row to mean there and back again, ie one ridge, or something like that. Anyway, I figured it out, I'm sure you will as well! I was thinking maybe I could go for a walk with Andrew in the stroller this evening and just drop by the stitch and bitch. You interested?

Lesley, third time lucky, right? What are you using as stitch markers? I use bits of yarn and use a different colour for beginning and end so that I don't end up doing short rows or whatever in the wrong place--eg I used a purple marker at 3/4 and a white one at 1/4, so I knew to start the short rows on the purple marker.

Vanessa, glad you're enjoying the videos!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Sounds good Alison...let me check in with you later though....in the event of something traumatic happening in either of our days! Mika is napping peacefully at the moment, and he went down without any drama which bodes well for tonight! (can I brag for a moment? right before he napped he "asked" me to pick him up, then made the signs for "milk" and "blanket"...essentially he asked me to put him down for a nap!!! That's a first, and it will probably be WEEKS before it happens again, but I was so excited!)

Anyway, off to seam up my Ottobre soaker, which is HUGE....time for me to figure out how to felt!

:)R

[Alison]

Okay, I don't get it, everyone says their Ottobre soakers are huge. Mine isn't, it's really quite reasonable, and fits Andrew quite nicely now! I'm still not sure what I did wrong there!

Alison

[rbeaufoy]

Dunno...something to do with gauge maybe? Mine was 2.5 sts. to the inch...it has felted down nicely though, and turned into the ULTIMATE SUPER SOAKER!!!! It doesn't fit Mika, but will fit #2 when he/she who-has-yet-to-be-concieved is about 18-20lbs. Seriously, you could wear this thing through the night and have no leaks!! Yipeeee!

[lesley&grace]

Lesley, third time lucky, right? What are you using as stitch markers? I use bits of yarn and use a different colour for beginning and end so that I don't end up doing short rows or whatever in the wrong place--eg I used a purple marker at 3/4 and a white one at 1/4, so I knew to start the short rows on the purple marker.
Alison

I am using stitch markers, and I used two different colours, but I had put in an extra so I could count how many stitches I had