February Knit Wits [Archive] - CookingLight.com Community

pschambers

02-05-2007, 11:56 AM

I did not see a thread so I thought I would start one since I have a question.

My LYS sells the Denise Interchangable Needles (http://www.knitdenise.com/) and I have some extra money that I have earmarked for some knitting supplies. I think I am going to get these. I checked some past knit wit threads and there have been a few people who got these a couple years ago. I was wanting to know if they seem to hold up well after several uses or if the connections wear out?

I should have my scarf I mentioned last month done today and then I need to really work on my socks. I have some felted clogs I want to start and maybe some fingerless mitts.

Patti

DeeK

02-05-2007, 12:15 PM

I'm still working on my Asherton Reversible scarf. I should be done either tonight or tomorrow.

Then it's on to socks. I've join Sock-A-Month-3 and I need to get going if I hope to have my TOFUtsies socks done by the end of February.

(Pictures can be seen on my blog if you are interested in seeing what I'm talking about.) :)

mcgeiger

02-05-2007, 12:17 PM

I personally don't use interchangeables (because none of them are bamboo), but I know people who have them and like them. The most positive reviews are those I've seen for knitpicks version.

I finished two sets of oven mitts, a ski mask (antifreeze from Winter knitty) and am almost done with one of two Jaywalker socks. Oh-and I'm taking a cables class.:D

LakeMartinGal

02-05-2007, 12:24 PM

I've got the Boye interchangeables, and have mixed reviews on them. I finished the ruffled purse in Pursenalities, and I'm starting on a vest, but the yarn twisted on the interchangeable needles.:(

Arete

02-05-2007, 02:21 PM

pschambers - I have the Denise interchangeables. I got them about three years ago and use them for about 1/2 my projects. They have held up very well and in general I like them. But with some yarns, it seems like the yarn doesn't slide along the cables/cords (whatever they're called) very easily. I've never tried any other interchangeables to compare with. If you like something like the addi turbos (metal, very slick/slidey), then I think you wouldn't like the feel of the Denise, but if you find the addi turbos too slippery, then these might be a good choice.

scudgal

02-05-2007, 02:55 PM

I second the recommendation for the Knit Picks Options interchangeables. Love them, love them, love them! I've had the Boyes and also the Denise - but these are far superior in my opinion. The connections are snug - and secure. The needle points are sharp and I feel like I'm knitting with Addi Turbos with a sharper point. The only thing I need to adjust to is to not "push" on the needle tip each time I knit a stitch - but this is a habit that seems easy enough to break. I liked my Denise set but the connections did wear out after a while and also the yarn didn't flow easily on these circulars - they seems to catch on the cords.

Anyway, I'm so glad I found the Knit Picks Options set - I plan to order more over time because I'm notorious for having several projects going at once. This way I can get duplicates of sizes I use the most - ie. 10.5 US

Leslie

Jazzmatazz49

02-05-2007, 04:51 PM

I like the Denise. I do think I might like the KP Options better. I have some of the little KP Options DPNs for socks, and I am so in love with them. They are really sharp and really slippery. I think having some kind of interchangeables helps you out sometimes, even if they aren't you needles of choice. At least you can get started on just about any project without running to the store.

Tangerine

02-06-2007, 05:36 AM

McGeiger, I've been thinking about knitting that ski mask pattern. The only thing is, and I don't know what's wrong with me, but when I cover my nose I cannot breathe. Literally. I have to quickly pull whatever it is off my nose. Yesterday, I absolutely had to cover my face and nose with my knit muffler as it was 12 degrees with a wind chill. But I just could not breathe, and had to pull it down and hold my mitten-ed hand over my nose.

I've gathered some quick and easy wrist warmer patterns last night, and tonight am going to choose one and start a pair. That tiny area between mittens and sweater, underneath the sleeve of my coat, can get chilled.

My LYS has been interviewing some knitting stars--Sat. was Lily Chin. Prior to that, they interviewed the Knitting Harlot. She had such a fabulous idea for that immense stash that's too big to find any more storage space for. She stores yarn in the opening behind the pedals on her piano!! She says there's a huge space in there.

Tangerine

pschambers

02-06-2007, 12:43 PM

Arete - I don't think I would like the Knit Picks if they are slick. I like bamboo needles and some plastic.

I did get the Denise and so far I am very pleased. I cast on for the fingerless mitts I have in mind to make. There is so much you can do with these needles that I had not even thought of! They are warm and flexible and the cord is very firm but flexible. Does not "curl" up and can be shaped however you want. I really like having all these sizes at my disposal for those times when I "must" cast on something new to work on :D

Patti

imloulou

02-10-2007, 09:51 PM

Hey Knitwits!
This thread must have passed by me...I missed it.

I have a set of interchangeable needles but I don't like them because they come unscrewed. Even when they are tightened the yarn catches at the join. I am thinking they are the Boye brand because I got them at JoAnn's and they are the same colors as my aluminum needles. I prefer to use straight needles. But for the times that I have to use circulars I want to try the KnitPicks interchangeables...I'm glad to hear the good reviews!

My LYS has been interviewing some knitting stars--Sat. was Lily Chin. Prior to that, they interviewed the Knitting Harlot.

Tangerine...you lucky dog! I would love to hear Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Did you get to see her in person? How fun. A friend of mine lent me At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much. It is the funniest book. There are so many great quotes and stories. I am going to buy a copy for myself so I can write in it and dog-ear a bunch of pages.

I finished the January square for my Year Long Afghan...woohoo (I'll post a pic soon... I can't find my USB cord for my camera:eek: )...The January square was a quick knit...February is not quite as easy...yet. It is a "mosaic knitting" pattern and I am in the process of trying to figure out how to do this. Seemed easy when I read the pattern but once I got it on the needles it was a bit more difficult. I messed up, frogged it, tossed it, and picked up my Central Park Hoodie and continued on that pattern. I am almost finished with the back.

I plan on picking "February" up again mid-next-week. I think I can...I think I can...LOL:D

Tangerine

02-14-2007, 03:32 PM

Well, I finished my wrist warmers, and I'm in love with them. They're gorgeous, and fit like a glove! It's the A Little Twist pattern, with twisted cables the length of the wrist warmer. They couldn't be easier, and quick, too.

ImLouLou, she wasn't there in person, but some other very famous knitting maven is coming in to do a workshop sometime soon. I can't remember who it is. But I will be going, and will give you a COMPLETE report!

Today, I wore Valentine pink to work. I wore the lacy pink cardigan my aunt knit for my mom when they were both still single. It's so beautiful, and she used tiny globular pearl buttons, and even sewed pink grograin ribbon backing behind the rows of buttons, and behind the row of buttonholes. There is a satin label at the neck, "Hand knit and fashioned by...", and a set of knitting needles.

Pinned on one side, I wore the pink double-ruffled flower I knit. I added a little bit of purple organza ribbon between the ruffles on top, and sewed a tiny purple ribbon flower in the center. To top off the outfit, I wore the blush dusky pink socks I knit last year. I looked very Victorian, except for um, my Bass loafers!

Tangerine

imloulou

02-18-2007, 07:59 PM

Paige...Paige...are you still knitting? (615Bride)

I have a question about your Lady Eleanor. It is so pretty! I want to knit it but I want to make it as a scarf (half as wide)...how do you think that would look? I have not bought the book yet but I am going to (I love scarves). It looks like the original pattern calls for Noro Silk Garden. I looked at your past post and pics and see that you used Noro Kureyon. Is that correct? The Kureyon is about 2 1/2 bucks cheaper per skein and yours is BEAUTIFUL!

Just wondering how you liked the Kureyon...and if you have any other yarn suggestions to use.

(I'll PM ya if you don't see this post)

Thanks!

cniles

02-19-2007, 06:11 AM

Hiya knitters!

I've finally finished my Openwork scarf from Tahki yarns. It was a great first project to learn cables. It was very doable!!:D And it looks fabulous!

I'm now working on a throw/blanket for my son - very basic pattern sts - blue and white (for Penn State!). I've just learned my neice is going to have a girl - so I need to run to my LYS to get baby yarn to knit a blanket. The shower is in June so I need to get going!!!

I love reading about everyone's projects!!!

BTW Lisa - we're headed down to Venice and then Orlando area in early April - any good yarn stores to try to convince my family we need to stop in?!!;)

Jazzmatazz49

02-19-2007, 06:21 AM

Lady Eleanor is such a gorgeous thing. I've not tackled one yet! I'm such a sock nut, but I have ordered yarn for http://interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/Galleries/bonus/spring_2007/dollar.asp
which is the Dollar and a Half Cardigan from Interweave Knits, current issue. The yarn is backordered, so I don't know when I'll get to start. I'm working on socks at the moment, and it's the first time I've used size 0 needles. It doesn't seem to be taking that much longer than size 1's and the fabric looks much better.

pschambers

02-19-2007, 07:40 AM

I finished my wrist warmers and I love mine also! I had some of the Cleckheaton Country Naturals left over form the scarf that I made them out of. I used the Fetching (http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html) pattern from Knitty (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/index.html)

I have finished one sock and almost finished the other. I did get some Addi turbos in smaller sizes for sock knitting and I must admit that I do like them. I was hesitant since they are slick but they are not like the "old" aluminum needles. I learned the Magic Loop method of knitting small items on one long circular and it goes so fast! Next I will try 2 socks on one circular. If that works well I will be knitting lots of socks!!

Tangerine and imloulou - I love Stephanie Pearl McPhee! I have her books At Knits End and Knitting Rules and I check her blog daily. She is so funny!

Patti

DeeK

02-19-2007, 08:28 AM

BTW Lisa - we're headed down to Venice and then Orlando area in early April - any good yarn stores to try to convince my family we need to stop in?!!;)

I'm not Lisa, but I can give you a heads up on the yarn stores in the Orlando area.

KNIT!
900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 106
Longwood, FL 32779 407-767-5648

This is north of Orlando. Marny (the owner) carries a nice selection of yarns. Marny and Ruthie are very helpful. Quite a bit of specialty scarf yarns. A good selection of Cotton classic. Some sock yarn and some of the yarns used for felted handbags.

Sip & Knit
150 N. Swoope Avenue
Maitland, FL 32751
407-622-5648

Also north of Orlando. Doni (the owner) carries an extensive variety of finer quality yarns and accessories. Some really unique stuff along with a great variety of sock yarns (my personal favorite). It's tucked away on a back street so call for directions.

Black Sheep
Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL

Black Sheep is in an area of exclusive shops. It is mostly needlepoint, but there is some yarn. The main focus is needlepoint though.

Knit and Needle Nook
112 W. 5th St.
Mt. Dora, FL
352-383-4811

Lora Hall has recently bought this shop and is in the process of making some much needed renovations and restocking. If you come after April 1 she will be reopened in her new digs.

The town itself is worth the trip to see the lake (Lake Dora) and the surrounding shops and restaurants. Lots of antiques and "uniques" in the shops including a local winery (Ridgeback Winery) with some really good wines and a cool shop pet (Roscoe the Ridgeback).

As you know, renovations can be delayed so call before stopping in. I was there for her big clear-out sale and her plans sound wonderful for the new shop (which WAS a huge disaster when she bought it).

There is another yarn corner in a dress shop in Celebration (down by Disney), but I can't remember the name of it. I do remember that it was right next door to "Soft as a Grape". There wasn't much yarn. Certainly not enough yarn to make anything. I have been there 3 times and each time have been told that what I'm looking for is "coming in soon". :rolleyes: On the other hand, if you happen to be in that area for something else, it might be worth stopping in.

So, that's my rundown on the local shops. Hope you'll be able to visit some of them.

DeeK

02-19-2007, 08:31 AM

Has anyone here made the Dublin Bay socks?

I started them this weekend, but they look HUGE! It's 72 stitches on size 1 needles. I only did the ribbing on the cuff and it looks like it will be too large, but I know with lacey socks sometimes you need that extra for stretch, but on the other hand ... the lace is only up the side.

Anyone go down to size 0 needles on these?

Any suggestions or helpful tips?

erinl

02-19-2007, 04:55 PM

Sorry Dee, no help here. I'm a sock newbie, but I'm totally hooked.

I finished my first pair of socks! DD loves them, but they are pretty thick, so there is only one pair of shoes that she can wear them with. I've got some lighter yarn that I intend to play with next.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_NqcDGPRkPT4/RdopEQ1Z2YI/AAAAAAAAAB0/H42pxFxTAU4/s200/two+socks.jpg

I've currently got 4 rows done on my rectangular cover shawl (http://www.knitpicks.com/Projects/itemid_50473220/projects_display). It's going to take me a while. I also picked up some yarn today to make a calorimetry for a neighbor's birthday.

Jazzmatazz49

02-19-2007, 05:06 PM

Another sock addict...but it's a good addiction. Congratulations on your first socks! I buy clogs and other backless shoes a tiny bit bigger just so I can wear and show off my handknit socks every day in cool weather.

DeeK

02-19-2007, 07:13 PM

I've currently got 4 rows done on my rectangular cover shawl (http://www.knitpicks.com/Projects/itemid_50473220/projects_display). It's going to take me a while. I also picked up some yarn today to make a calorimetry for a neighbor's birthday.

That shawl is lovely. Hope you get lots of good knitting time! :)

doggerham

02-19-2007, 09:42 PM

Hello knitwits!

The cotton candy shrug I made for my niece seems to be a hit -- her mother reports she wore it to school the next day! I have yet to receive a picture though :(

On other knitting fronts: I am almost done with knitty's Namaste yoga mat bag. I just need to decide how I want to do the shoulder strap. Pictures will be forthcoming!

I've also joined a lace knitting sub-group of our guild for a KAL from "Victorian Lace Today". The only lace-ish stuff I've done is in dishcloth cotton, so working with what is basically THREAD is a real change. Here's a link to the shawl we're doing:

http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/archives/vlt/vlt07.jpg

Mine is in a dark aubergine (sounds more elegant than purple, no? ;)) After about 50 starts and tearouts (literally) I have finished the first 18 row repeat and am half way through the second. Now its starting to be enjoyable.

Socks on the needles are a bamboo blend, which I like a lot. However I've cast this sock on 3 times, because the first time I didn't like the pattern, the second version, I didn't like the pattern by the time I was almost done with the gusset decreases, and then because I can't count, I've had to start at least 2 more times. I get a lot of entertainment from not much yarn, no?

Hopefully I'll have pictures before too much longer.

imloulou

02-19-2007, 09:43 PM

Hiya knitters!

BTW Lisa - we're headed down to Venice and then Orlando area in early April - any good yarn stores to try to convince my family we need to stop in?!!;)

Hi Charisse! I live in Pensacola so I don't know any knitting stores in the Orlando area. We have one LYS here. It is called King's Sewing and Knitting. I'm sure that Orlando has many more...those lucky dogs...LOL! Have fun in Florida!!!!

Margaret- I love that cardigan! I got my new Interweave Knits but just flipped through it because I have so much other stuff going on. I am going back to dog-ear that pattern that is exactly my style!

erinl

02-20-2007, 06:37 AM

Wow! Everybody has some beautiful projects going. I think I may have to buy a copy of the spring Interweave Knits. I liked a lot of stuff from the preview.

615bride

02-20-2007, 07:52 AM

Oops, sorry imloulou I haven't visited this thread in a few days! I think the Lady would be great as a scarf. In fact, I'm pretty sure a few blogs had pictures posted of their half wide Ladies. Let me see if I can find some! The Kureyon was a joy but not the softest wool. The colorways are perfect for this project IMO. I did find it annoying that halfway through some skeins the yarn was broken and tied together with another color....

LakeMartinGal

02-20-2007, 11:35 AM

I just finished the ruffle purse from Pursenalities. I made it in black, grey and red for my friend's birthday (3 weeks late:o ). Now I'm working on a sleeveless vest in an ombre of browns and robin's egg blue. By the time I finish it, the colors will be so 'last year', but they're colors I like, anyway! ;)

cniles

02-20-2007, 02:00 PM

LaraW

02-20-2007, 03:01 PM

Everyone's projects look so nice!

I've been knitting the Columns Scarf (http://www.knitpicks.com/Projects/itemid_50544220/projects_display)for DH. I have about 5-6 inches done. I have my yarn for my sweater, but sheesh, that is a lot of yarn to wind. I haven't started in on it yet, but maybe I will do that this week.

DeeK

02-20-2007, 03:23 PM

Thanks so much Dee (and Lisa too!):) I'm going to have to work on my arm twisting technique - the stores sound great! DH's aunt actually lives in Winter Park - we're doing SeaWorld one of the days so I think my family will owe me some time!!:D

The Maitland Store (Sip & Knit) and Black Sheep will both be really close to you then. If you only have time for one do the Sip & Knit store. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Tell Doni I sent you. ;)

erinl

02-22-2007, 12:23 PM

Okay sock knitters, I have questions! I would really like to knit Hedera from Knitty, and I know at least a couple of have made that. The listed finished measurements are a 7" leg circumference. My leg is like 12" where I expect the top of the sock to fall. Will it stretch that much??

Question 2: I adore the loopy socks (http://www.knitpicks.com/Projects/itemid_50395220/projects_display) from Knitpicks, and I'd like to make them for DD. How do I go about resizing them for a 4 yo?

Thanks! I just finished my 3rd calorimetry using Caron Felt-It. It's a really cool (I think) yarn for a measly 2.99. I felt bad using such cheap yarn because it's for a gift, but I really liked the colors.

LakeMartinGal

02-22-2007, 04:44 PM

Jazzmatazz49

02-22-2007, 05:06 PM

I love the purse, and love that book. I made the Not-so-vintage bubble bag from it, also another one that I can't recall the name of...

I made Hedera and it should stretch just fine. Are there two sizes to that sock pattern? If so, I am sure I made the larger size. It is a fun and easy pattern and has a lot of stretch.

Tangerine

02-23-2007, 08:46 PM

Today I wore the new wrist warmers I just knit, and my friend was ga-ga over them. She said they were gorgeous, and couldn't take her eyes off them, so of course I'm going to have to knit her a pair. I really did love them. And, boy did they do their job when I was waiting for my friend in the coffee shop later in the afternoon. I was sitting in the sunny window, but there was a draft, and I was trying to do some writing. Finally, I was so chilly I reached into my tote for my wrist warmers, and put them on, and instant coziness and no more chill. I was able to write away!

I was knitting in the hospital waiting room, and each time I looked up, I could see people watching me. And men, too! So, I thought you'd get a kick out of this--people walking by would ask me what I was knitting. I really didn't think it was too romantic to say, "I'm knitting a dish cloth!" so I started saying, "Oh, I'm knitting a pretty little doily!"

I find that the dishcloth pattern is fabulous for taking places to do some knitting to fill time. I use SHORT needles so I don't stab anyone nearby, and the pattern is easy to memorize, and the ball of cotton is small, so a tiny little containter for all supplies is all I really need. I can pick it up quickly and toss it in my tote and be on my way. Needless to say, I always have a little supply of pretty dishcloths for emergency gifts.

Tangerine

doggerham

02-27-2007, 05:32 PM

Hello Knitwits,

I've got a bad habit of knitting something, then sending it off before getting a photo of it. Something to do with "its gotta go in the mail TODAY" or "she's going on maternity leave TOMORROW!" and just not getting ahead of the game.

So here are pix that I actually got before the items got wrapped. For the record, my friend declared them to be "stinkin' cute" (very high praise), and the baby kimono "ride home from the hospital attire". I am very flattered! Both patterns are from Mason-Dixon Knitting. The kimono is in Blue Sky Organic Cotton (very very very soft) and the bib is in Sugar N Cream.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pca952cee188ef174a49ec2db60f25099/ea7eb275.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p1e346eda800eafe5e374e32d2994496e/ea7eb259.jpg

Obligatory cat pic:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8872114151cbdb16f18dfa1130f81eab/ea7eb2af.jpg

OTN: a sock using one of the soy blends, the shawl I posted about earlier.

This week is finish up projects week, including putting the straps on my Namaste bag and blanket binding on the blanket that disinigrated in the wash.

Amy