January Knit Wits

**lisas3575** · 01-06-2008, 10:11 PM

Hi knitters! Hope everyone is busily click clacking away. I've taken a bit of a break from knitting because I haven't had time to pick a new project. I have a turtleneck sleeveless sweater that I started months ago and lost steam. I should pick it back up so I can wear it this spring.

Can someone educate me about knitalongs? I've seen a ton online and I'm not sure how they work. Does everyone start at the same time or are they perpetual? I'm not sure how I'd find out about one in time to join if everyone starts at the some time.

Pictures, please!

(Hi Wendy, if you're out there!)

**erinl** · 01-07-2008, 06:37 AM

Hi Lisa! I've never participated in a knitalong either, so I can't help.

I've been a busy knitter--mostly socks, and I'm pretty socked out right now. I knit the same pattern (with minor variations for fit, etc) for DH, my mom and my dad. These are my mom's socks.

I still have one of DH's socks left to finish. It shouldn't take more than a week and a half, but I just don't want to do it. I'm currently working on a baby sweater and I'm contemplating the matching hat. A neighbor asked me to make her a couple of dishcloths, so I'm working on those sometimes, too. I'm looking forward to getting all of these things done so I can make something for myself. I got Sensational Knitted Socks and a knitted angels book for Christmas, so I'm considering those, but I've also had some yummy yarn in my stash for a while that has really been calling to me. So many possibilities!

**DeeK** · 01-07-2008, 08:00 AM

Most knit-alongs generally have a start date. Some have a finish date, but you work at your own pace.

Here is a link for some 2008 knit-alongs ---http://knitalongs.xaviermusketeer.com/

Knit alongs like the Mason-Dixon one are more "free-form" --- you knit as you please and just post your finished goods.

Dishcloth knit-alongs are good to start with because the committment to a project is relatively short. You can see if you like it on a small project (about a month or so).

As for what I'm knitting? I'm still working on my G. I. Dennis sock. You can see a photo of it in progress on my blog (blog entry for January 1). It should be finished today or tomorrow. I have one each of the pattern repeats to do (34 rows) and the toe decreased and kitchnering. That's it ... very close to the end.

**ErinM** · 01-07-2008, 08:05 AM

I've been quite busy! I finished my mom's blanket, did a stuffed teddy bear for my cousin's new baby over the holidays, and currently have my first hat on the needles, knitty's halfdome. I'm getting to the point where I need to switch it to a larger needle and do magic loop, but I've never done that, so I need someone to show me how I make that happen. I have about 12 more rows to go and it will be finished. I'm going to run out of yarn, though, so I'm going to have to finish with red. And since I promised the recipient two hats, it'll be back to the yarn shop for me!

After this hat is done, I have three more hats to make with one having an intarsia image of mooninites. Never done that before either, so that should be interesting!

THEN...I may do my first sweater! Or a bag I've been wanting. We'll see.

Lisa - I've never done a KAL either. But I believe for most of them you can join whenever you want, and there are some that are just once. The thing to do may be to email the moderator of the KAL you're interested in and inquire.

Erin - pretty socks! I plan to try my hand at socks again. My friends were adamant that I was not allowed to start socks on New Year's Eve, because I then tend to have problems with finishing.

I have some nice grey sock yarn that one of my friends gave me for babysitting her son, with the caveat that I must make socks out of it in the next five years or I have to give it back. With my sock history, I need to get started on that!

**VALERIEA234** · 01-07-2008, 06:34 PM

Anyone Have A Pattern Or Two For A Tea Cup Terrier...the Cute, Goes Out Side To Sprinkle And Needs A Warm Sweater Or Coat....it's A Girl "tea Cup". But Only In Knit A I Am Not Good At Crocheting...
Thank You,
Val

**Jazzmatazz49** · 01-07-2008, 07:21 PM

Val, there are quite a few pet patterns and even books full. I don't have pets so I don't have the books. Sounds like a QUICK knit, though!

I'm making the Bartholomew's Tantalizing Socks from Cat Bordhi's new book. I just finished another of her patterns, Salish Sea Socks, that were my last Rockin' Sock Club shipment. She makes a lot of sense. I'm sure my next project will also be socks.

**wallingjan1** · 01-08-2008, 06:52 AM

I'd like to join in this group. I haven't been able to knit while I've been pregnant because it makes me queasy, but I've been doing better this last week. Of course, I have less than a week to go so it's about time! I'm working on mittens for myself. I lost my old ones and I'm trying to get these done during our short warm spell. After that, my daughter is pestering for a "purse". But her six year old choice of yarn makes me cringe so I've been stalling. Maybe it would be better to get it over with.

Pam

**guttergrrl** · 01-08-2008, 08:29 AM

Well, I finished a Calorimetry, but neglected to check my gauge, and ended up with a headband that would fit Shrek.

I'm hoping to cast on again and make one that will actually fit soon.

**erinl** · 01-08-2008, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by guttergrrl

Well, I finished a Calorimetry, but neglected to check my gauge, and ended up with a headband that would fit Shrek.

I'm hoping to cast on again and make one that will actually fit soon.

I don't think it is necessarily your gauge--it's just a weird pattern. Check out this thread on craftster. Just about everybody has to cast on fewer stitches and possibly fewer repeats.

Erin, thanks! Those socks were a super quick knit, as far as socks go. They used worsted weight yarn and size 5 or 6 needles.

I'm almost done with my Peapod sweater--just need to attach the sleeves and block. I don't think I'm going to bother with the hat. The pattern is oddly written and I don't feel like deciphering it. I still have a ton of matching yarn leftover, so I may make a different hat.

**doggerham** · 01-08-2008, 10:23 AM

Hello fellow knitters,

I am currently working on 2 baby blankets, for babies that came in December. One is the Moderne from Mason-Dixon Knitting, done in Amish colors (black, red, purple, and blue). The second is a 2-color baby block pattern from one of the many Leisure Arts books out there. Both are about 75% done, and are getting a little tedious.

Other projects include a scarf for my brother (late Xmas present) from Scarf Style -- the balloons scarf. This is done in a nice soft brown alpaca. I'm on repeat 9 of 10, so almost there. I seriously underestimated the amount of yarn and had to buy some from a friend who had bought the rest of that particular dye lot. Luckily, she's generous!

I cast on my second pair of the Embossed Leaves socks from Interweave's 25 Favorite Socks. I like to have a small project I can carry with me, and the baby blankets are now too bulky, and the scarf requires I read a pattern. I'm doing these in a varigated brown in Araucania Ranco. I made these socks for a friend in a solid yellow, and just enjoyed knitting them so much, I decided to make myself a pair.

Lastly, I still have on the needles a lace shawl from almost a year ago. The body is done, and I finally got started on the border. Once I get these 2 blankets done, I hope to spend time on that project. Unfortunately, its a bad project for nighttime because its dark, requires concentration and good eyesight!

**615bride** · 01-08-2008, 01:11 PM

Hi Knitters! Thanks for getting us started Lisa! I'm spending most of my time on Ravelry these days. Who else?

I have finished an Imogen Jacket (love it), hats, mittens, socks and am about to add the buttons to a Presto Chango (love this too). I'll try to put up pics later!

Paige

**615bride** · 01-08-2008, 01:13 PM

Here are some recent FO pictures:

**lisas3575** · 01-08-2008, 02:26 PM

Beautiful stuff, Paige!! What is the imogen jacket and presto changeo? I loooove that hat.

You knit beautifully.

Is Ravelry fully functional yet? I checked it out before (when it was invitation only) and I can't remember if I requested membership or not.

Between work and family, my knitting and Internet time is much reduced.

**DeeK** · 01-08-2008, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by 615bride

Hi Knitters! Thanks for getting us started Lisa! I'm spending most of my time on Ravelry these days. Who else?

I have finished an Imogen Jacket (love it), hats, mittens, socks and am about to add the buttons to a Presto Chango (love this too). I'll try to put up pics later!

Paige

I'm on Ravelry --- DeeK there too.

I finished the knitting on my G. I. Dennis socks. Now I just need to kitchener the second toe closed. Pictures will be on my blog later tonight.

**DeeK** · 01-08-2008, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by 615bride

Here are some recent FO pictures:

LOVE the hat!!! So cute. The purple of the mittens is really striking. Good job.

**Jazzmatazz49** · 01-08-2008, 04:04 PM

I love Ravelry! I feel as if I'm cheating on Knitty, but Ravelry is so much easier to browse. I haven't done much at all about using their cool features for WIPs and stash, etc., but maybe one day...

**615bride** · 01-08-2008, 04:33 PM

Thanks! The hat is the Rainbow Marley from Itty Bitty Hats. The gloves are simple gloves made out of Manos del Uruguay (LOVE that stuff). They were a gift to the Scooter's preschool teacher for Christmas.

Lisa- You can check out Imogen here. Great pattern.

I'll put up a picture of Presto Chango a little later.

Jazz- I hear you on Ravelry. I've found it very useful and my queue is getting looong but it's so fun!

Paige

**ErinM** · 01-08-2008, 08:15 PM

Anybody on ravelry who can check out my favorites will see that I have a huge long list...I put everything there, then when I'm serious about something it then gets moved to my queue....

**lisas3575** · 01-08-2008, 10:20 PM

Wow, Paige, that website is a treasure trove. I love the imogen jacket. Did you buy the whole kit or just the pattern. I covet those felted hats (almost as much as I covet the bucket hat model's hair!!). Thanks, I've bookmarked it for future reference.

I've reserved the book Fitted Knits at the library. Anyone tried anything from it? I'm eager to flip through it and see what the different patterns are.

**LaraW** · 01-09-2008, 08:16 AM

Hi everyone-

I'm still working on my sweater...that I started sometime nearly a year ago. I am done with the front and back, and have only about 2 inches left to do before I cast off the sleeves. I took some long breaks in there and made a scarf for DD for Christmas for her dress-up box.

I'm excited about getting closer to finishing this sweater but at the same time, I'm nervous about having to put it together and actually wear the thing.

Not sure what is next in the queue. I had a scarf I had casted on for DH a while back but I don't really like it that much so I may frog it and find a new pattern.

I signed up for Ravelry a while back but have not had time to really look around there.

Paige, your pictures are amazing. I love that hat!

**erinl** · 01-09-2008, 08:31 AM

Paige, love the pictures! Everything looks great!

I'm itching to do a bigger project like a sweater, but I'm totally intimidated. I'm not a very fussy person, so most of the patterns I like are small gauge and miles of stockinette. I KNOW I'd be bored silly. I do really like Central Park Hoodie, though... Then, I'm really focusing on losing weight this year. I don't want to make something that won't fit in a year, and I don't want to make something small and not reach my goal. So, I guess I should put that on hold.

Last night I cast on for Queen of Diamonds Fingerless Gloves. It's knit on size 0's and 1's, so they will take a while.

**LaraW** · 01-09-2008, 08:37 AM

Erin, my sweater came from a book called Big Needle Knitting. There are some fun patterns in there and they are all done on size 10 or bigger needles. That might be a place for you to look. My sweater is knit on 11's or something and with bulky yarn, but it doesn't look like it (to me anyway).

**emily** · 01-09-2008, 11:15 AM

Hi ladies!

I've been very busy knitting this winter break, but I'll have to wait until I'm back home to post any pictures as I didn't bring the cord for my camera with me. However, I made myself a lovely pair of fingerless gloves, a hat made of equilateral triangles (boy, what a PITA! I knit up 18 triangles and then had to sew them all together). I've made two scarves recently as well.

I think I'll head back to ravelry to check it out some more. I'm TravelingEm on there.

I love all the pictures and being inspired by what y'all are doing! I still have the socks I started on the needles, but they're soooo boring.

Erin, I've done the magic loop. Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. I'll try to explain. You take your stitches and divide them in half. The stitches you're working on are on the front needles. The back stitches are just hanging out on the cord connecting the needles - it's like your circular needles are folded in half. When you finish all the front stitches, you pull the needles so that they're sitting on the cord and turn it so they're in the back and pull the new front stitches onto the needle. I don't know if that made any sense at all

em

**ErinM** · 01-09-2008, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by emily

Hi ladies!

I think I'll head back to ravelry to check it out some more. I'm TravelingEm on there.

Erin, I've done the magic loop. Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. I'll try to explain. You take your stitches and divide them in half. The stitches you're working on are on the front needles. The back stitches are just hanging out on the cord connecting the needles - it's like your circular needles are folded in half. When you finish all the front stitches, you pull the needles so that they're sitting on the cord and turn it so they're in the back and pull the new front stitches onto the needle. I don't know if that made any sense at all

em

I added you!

I understand how the magic loop works...I think. What's got me stymied first is how I'm supposed to get the hat from the 16 inch circular it's currently on to the longer one (from my options set, whoo hoo!). Do I divide the stichest first then put half on the first needle and half on the second? How will that affect my stitch markers? I can't see just using one needle to slide them all on...I don't know. I'm confused. My work group has a knitting group and I'll be going there tomorrow since I missed my other knitting group last night. I think Kari will be able to help me there!

**swquilts** · 01-09-2008, 01:38 PM

OK, I just learned how to knit/purl at Christmas courtesy of my MIL. So far I've done 2 scarves and now I'm working on a throw using 4 strands of Lion Homespun and size 35 needle. I now have a "stash" going and I need my head examined!!

At least I have a couple of friends at work who knit too and can help me "unknit" my mistakes!

I'm still learning tho, totally confused at reading patterns. I'm more of a visual learner than reading....

Hope to hang out more with you all.

**DeeK** · 01-09-2008, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by swquilts

Hope to hang out more with you all.

Welcome to the super-addictive world of knitting! We stand by as your enablers!

**615bride** · 01-09-2008, 02:23 PM

Yay for new Ravelry friends (Dee I added you and see you added me back!) and new knitters. Welcome!

Here's the Presto Chango although honestly, the picture is so unflattering compared to her cuteness in real life, I hesitate to post it. For some reason it was really hard to get a good picture of the lace panel.

This pattern is a contest winner from Jimmy Beans Wool if anyone is looking for it!

Paige

**helios7** · 01-09-2008, 02:55 PM

You guys are really inspiring.

I'm about to bind off (as soon as I remember how

) on Wavy . I didn't "quite" finish, but it's long enough for my purposes. So, onwards and upwards. I have plans to start a pair of fingerless gloves called Fetching because I want to try cabling, and also a dishtowel pattern that I got online. Trying to be green and all!

I too am on Ravelry.... Helios7. I'm so shockingly creative.

And in my final knitting news, I signed up for a 3 week intro crocheting class at this awesome Knitting/Craft store near me. There's not much in my neighborhood... but there is this wonderful store.

Erinl - I too dream about the Central park hoodie. If the crocheting class goes well, I might take a "project" class and use that as my project. I don't think I can go it alone!

swquilts- I too am a very new knitter. I tend to knit, take a few weeks off, knit some more and take more time off. I'm impressed by your output in the few weeks since Christmas! Glad to see another new knitter join in!

ETA - I added Emily and DeeK as Ravelry friends. Hope you don't mind! Did I miss any other Ravelry identities?

**DeeK** · 01-09-2008, 03:00 PM

Well, Paige, it looks mighty cute in that picture. I love the hot pink color!

**615bride** · 01-09-2008, 03:25 PM

Dee- I just left you a message on your blog! The picture looks lot more "hot pink" than it really is. It's more of a raspberry in real life!

I'm 'paperstarfish' on Ravelry, by the way!

Paige

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