Has anybody used this?

I've just been a bit naughty and bought some from Get Knitted. I'd read somewhere that they give a 10% discount for Rowan International memembers (which I am) so woo hoo!

I bought some of the Aslam shade to do another Clapotis!!

Thats the shade that Hecate was going to do hers in. Ive only used the Shephard worsted (well and sock) and thats nice.

LisaHxxx

There's been a change of plan.... they only had 2 skiens in stock so i've had to change the colour and go for watercolour instead. Hopefully it'll be here on Friday

My Zig zig scarf (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/zigzigscarf.jpg) (note its a lot longer than this now) is in watercolour and thats lovely:D

LisaH xxx

Bugger, I was going to ask you to post a pic of the Alsam when it turned up, to see what it looked like in the flesh (so to speak). I never did get around to ordering mine. The Watercolour is lovely though - you can post a pic of that instead :) .

That looks a lovely colour. I'll post pics when it comes:)

Lisa, your scarf pattern is so pretty - is it your own design or is there a pattern I could buy?

Dorothy

Lisa, your scarf pattern is so pretty - is it your own design or is there a pattern I could buy?

Dorothy
Hello Dorothy, and welcome to the Knitting Group (and to the Sheffield Forum too; I noticed that this was your first post) :wave: .

I'm sure Lisa mentioned a while back that her scarf was knit from a pattern, though I must admit I've forgotten where she said she got it from now. I'm sure she'll get back to you later today though.

Are you an experienced knitter or a beginner? Are you working on anything at the moment? Please feel free to jump in with any comments or questions, start new topics or to post any photos you might have of completed projects, works in progress etc :) .

Lisa, your scarf pattern is so pretty - is it your own design or is there a pattern I could buy?

Dorothy

Hi Dorothy
The scarf pattern can be found here (http://www.lloydknitting.com/zig_zag..._and_stole.htm) - its quite easy lace to do and you could use quite a few weights of yarn. There is one typo I think where it tells you to knit 2 before starting the lace but you only knit 1 but other than that its easy to follow. I chose to just do half of the pattern repeat as I thought that would look nicest but the instructions give you the option of doing just the zig (like mine) or a zig zag:)

HTH
LisaH xxx

Lisa, thank you for the link to the pattern - it didn't work unfortunately, I got 'this page cannot be found'. Slight technical hitch? I'd still like it as I think at least one of my daughters-in-law would like it as part of a Christmas present. Hope I'm not too sad thinking of Christmas this early!
Hecate, thanks for your welcome, the e-mail was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. My mum taught me to knit when I was about 5 years old and since I was born 1946 that was a pretty long time ago!. I've been knitting on and off ever since especially when my three children were young, I made pretty well all their jumpers and cardigans. I've never really gone much beyond that though, socks for instance are destined to be a new departure for me when I eventually pluck up enough courage to start the kit I've bought. Having recently acquired my first grandchild I've also made my first ever attempt at very simple bootees which turned out well enough for my DIL to request more pairs. I've just finished my first pram cover too, if I can figure out the photobucket thing I'll post a photo of it. My big thing when the children were all at primary school was knitting rabbits and owls for school fetes - there'll be an owl photo too as when I recently knitted one for DIL number two to give to her nephew my own daughter (age26!) demanded one of her own.
It's nice to have found a local Sheffield knitting forum, I'm actually treasurer of the local Knitting and Crochet Guild which meets the 1st Saturday of every month at the United Reform Church on Chapel Walk at 2pm. We have some very talented ladies - spinners, weavers and dyers as well as knitters and crocheters - but we could definitely do with an injection of younger blood if any of you are interested. I get the impression that a lot of you on this forum are a good deal younger than me - in years if not in spirit, as inside I'm still about 35!

Dorothy

Dorothy, here's (http://www.lloydknitting.com/zig_zag_lace_scarf_and_stole.htm) the corrected link for Lisa's zig-zag scarf.

I'm just rushing off now, but I'll reply more fully to your last message later today :) .

Thanks Hecate, pattern is safely printed off - another excuse to visit WoolBaa! Incidentally I was in Bakewell this morning and the Patchwork shop is closed - pity as I'd gone especially to investigate it. Oh well, win some,lose some.
Apparently I can't link to photos until I've posted 15 times so you will all have to wait to see my masterpieces I'm afraid! Is there a way to make the blue link words appear? At least it will give me time to suss that out.

Dorothy

Hi Dorothy, just wanted to say hello too. I'm still a bit new here too but liking it so far!

...Hope I'm not too sad thinking of Christmas this early!...
Of course not. With knitting, it pays to plan in advance. Although in my case that simply means adding more items to my ever-increasing list of 'stuff to do'. I've made the decision that this year no one is going to get large knitted items, because I always end up running out of time and the Christmas presents occasionally turn into New Year presents or, even worse, Valentines Day presents... Sorry, but this year it's going to be socks or nothing :hihi: .
...My mum taught me to knit when I was about 5 years old and since I was born 1946 that was a pretty long time ago!....
So you've been knitting just a little bit longer than me then ;) . I hope you're prepared for folk on here to pick your brains about knitting. You can't possibly admit to that much experience - and the Knitting and Crochet Guild connection - without expecting to be be besieged by questions :) .

Age is irrelevent though really, isn't it? What counts is the experience you're willing and able to share with fellow knitters and the desire to learn new techniques. Though the rate my sock knitting using the Magic Loop method is going, I'm starting to think I should draw the line somewhere with the 'learning new things' lark :hihi: .

Speaking of the Knitting and Crochet Guild, is it ok to post the details of your meetings in the 'recommended links' section? Several people have asked about knitting group meetings, and this sounds like just the sort of thing that would be of interest. I'm an ex-pat (though only in Leicestershire!), so I won't be able to make it to the meetings myself, though I should probably look up the details of a local group myself.

I'm glad we've got another potential sock knitter on board. I'm a fan of knitting them on DPNs, though both LisaH and turra21 have had great success using the Magic Loop method. Both have posted links to photos of the completed projects on here, and you'll find some of mine in the thread called 'Hecate's Guide to knitting socks on DPNs'.

I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures :) .

...Incidentally I was in Bakewell this morning and the Patchwork shop is closed ...
Oh no! That's a shame. Thanks for letting me know; I'll remove the details from the 'recommended links' section.

EDIT: I've just checked their website. They've relocated from Bakewell to Darley Dale. I've updated their entry in the 'recommended links' section with their new details.

Apparently I can't link to photos until I've posted 15 times so you will all have to wait to see my masterpieces I'm afraid! Is there a way to make the blue link words appear? At least it will give me time to suss that out.

Dorothy
That's the second time in as many days that I've forgotten about the restriction on posting links til you've got 15 posts. You'll have to get busy posting :) .

When you say 'make the blue link words appear', I'm not quite sure what you mean. Do you mean the links that others have posted, or links you'd want to post yourself?

If you mean others' links: place the cursor over the link and look in the task bar at the very bottom of your computer screen. The full link should be displayed there.

If you mean links that you'd like to post yourself: you could try just typing out (or copying and pasting) the link directly into your message (instead of using the 'link' button). Like this: http://www.google.com. I'm not sure if the requirement for 15 posts is applicable to this too.

Oh Hecate are you really having that much trouble wit the magic loop - you might do if you knit tight:S Im considering trying knitting on 2 circulars - in fact my Cat Bordhi book should be coming soon - with sensational knitted socks, the historical socks one and the travelling one - all paid for by work:D

LisaH xxx

Im glad you got the link to work in the end - my fault for doing a paste from the other post I made instead of doing it properly. Its never too early to think about doing Christmas pressies - I should start thinking about Christmas 2007 now as I knit so slowly:D I would love it if someone made me a Zig Zig scarf - shes a lucky girl.

LisaH xxx

Oh Hecate are you really having that much trouble wit the magic loop - you might do if you knit tight:S Im considering trying knitting on 2 circulars - in fact my Cat Bordhi book should be coming soon - with sensational knitted socks, the historical socks one and the travelling one - all paid for by work:D

LisaH xxx
I really do hate you :hihi: ;) .

I must admit to not having given it another go since the last attempt about a fortnight ago. It just didn't feel right. I shall persevere though. I've got to get some knitting finished for Lizzmobile's new babies, and then I'll be on it. Well, unless I order some yarn for Fetching before then...

I really do hate you :hihi: ;) .

I must admit to not having given it another go since the last attempt about a fortnight ago. It just didn't feel right. I shall persevere though. I've got to get some knitting finished for Lizzmobile's new babies, and then I'll be on it. Well, unless I order some yarn for Fetching before then...

Tee hee and Ive got the 6 week school holiday off to play - work agreed to a termtime contract wen I returned after Maternity leave. Shame they pay so badly or it would be a perfect place to ork for.

LisaHxxx

Hecate, I'm sure it will be fine to post the Knitting and Crochet Guild details in the links, I'll mention it at the next meeting and if they object I'll just let you know and you can remove it again. Since presumably the object is to attract new members though, it's unlikely that will happen.
I'm really pleased to hear that Patchwork Direct has just relocated, must plan a visit to Darley Dale now! Are they still stocking wool?
As to being able to answer questions about knitting - I really am not that knowledgeable in spite of all the years I've been doing it. In fact I've just discovered that the way I knit is dreadfully no-no and the absolute wrong way to do it. Apparently I throw the yarn - I thought that was how everyone did it! One thing is for sure, there's not much hope of me changing now. It would explain why I'm finding knitting with four needles so hard though - as my mum would have said, I look (and feel) like a duck with no arms!! :D

Dorothy

Thanks, Dorothy. I shall add the details of the Knitting and Crochet Guild's meetings to the 'recommended links' section this afternoon. I think I might also do a separate sticky thread (one that stays at the top of the page) with the details of the knitting groups I have to date. More folk are likely to notice them that way.

As for Patchwork Direct, they're still listing knitting products on their web site, but I haven't checked to see if they also stock them in store. I should imagine that they do, but it might be wise to give them a ring just in case. The contact details are in the 'recommended knitting links' section.

Oh, and in my opinion there are no 'wrong' ways to knit. Whatever works for you is how you should knit. I've made a few modifications to the way my mum taught me to knit, just with the aim of trying to keep my tension constant, but I'm sure I don't knit in the most efficient way.

And knitting with four needles? Everyone feels like that at the start; I suspect it's meant to be difficult, rather like a knitting rite of passage :D . I found that it was like wrestling with a spiky octopus at the start, but then it just 'clicked'. For a while, though, I could only knit with DPNs while in bed with a pillow on my knee. Not sure why :suspect: :hihi: .

That makes me feel better, I've cast on a hat for my grand-daughter before reading your how-to instructions. I've only struggled through a few rows and I think I'll undo it and start again using your extra stitch method which makes sense to me - there is a definite gap where I've joined the two ends.
Glad to hear that there's no wrong way of knitting - as I said, my chances of changing now are nil and since my tension is pretty even it doesn't affect the end result - though I do tend to knit quite tightly which may be because of that. It was only when I started reading one or two of the learn to knit articles that I realised I was doing it 'wrong'. For the last 55 years I've been living in blissful ignorance:D

...For the last 55 years I've been living in blissful ignorance:D
LOL that sounds like me and knitting socks. I was quite happily knitting away on my bamboo DPNs til LisaH and turra21 starting tempting me to take up the circular needle... Arrrgghhh! I can't rest until I've cracked the magic loop method!

What do you mean by throwing the yarn Dorothy - I think I might be guilty of that too:D My knitting style doesnt look like anything in a book but it seems to work. Did try continental a little while ago and just knitted too tight so probably wont do that again:o I generally stick to what seems to work - it may not be perfect but it looks ok to me:)

LisaHxxx

Hi Lisa, I think it means that I take my hand off the right needle completely to loop the yarn round to make the next stitch. I work with the right needle tucked under my arm and the left one free. That would explain why I'm having trouble with the short dpns as I've nowhere to support the needle so I'm sort of pushing it into my tummy to keep it steady. This does not make for a quick and graceful knitting action :hihi:

Hi Lisa, I think it means that I take my hand off the right needle completely to loop the yarn round to make the next stitch...
That's how I understand it too, and it's the way I used to do it. I used to let the right-hand needle drop completely, then use my thumb and forefinger to wrap the yarn. The working yarn passed over my palm, so that I was essentially gripping it.

The 'non-throwing' way is to guide the yarn around the needle with the tip of your forefinger, which is what I do now - in a fashion.

OMG. It seems I too throw the yarn:o I wrap the wool over the third finger of my right hand and then loop it around the forefinger. I then let go of the right hand needle to wrap the yarn around the needle tip with my forefinger.

:suspect: It seems that our Mothers didn't know how to knit after all. How on earth did they manage ALL that knitting:huh:

I'm on the verge of pressing the order button on some LL Lion and Lamb in 'Irving Park'. Quick, someone tell me how fantastic the Clapotis is going to look so that I don't feel physical pain about spending £48 on three skeins of yarn :o .

EDIT: And I'm off to John Lewis in Milton Keynes tomorrow to check out the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for Fetching :D .

I'm on the verge of pressing the order button on some LL Lion and Lamb in 'Irving Park'. Quick, someone tell me how fantastic the Clapotis is going to look so that I don't feel physical pain about spending £48 on three skeins of yarn :o .

EDIT: And I'm off to John Lewis in Milton Keynes tomorrow to check out the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for Fetching :D .


Hecate just press the damn button - It's gorgeous just what clapotis needs.

I have the yarn under my forefinger, over the middle finger and sort of sliding between my little finger and my palm and use my forefinger to loop it round with- works for me:D I've been looking in Simply Knitting at the how to knit part where it shows how to hold the needles - I might try a little experiment tomorrow, I'm too tired tonight and rather fed up with having to unpick two rows of mohair wool which involves big loopy stitches achieved by wrapping the wool round three times on each knit stitch. On the next row you knit the 3rd`stitch and pass it over the first two, same with the 4th stitch then knit the first two, I got to the end and found one stitch too many so will have to backtrack until I find it. Daren't actually unravel it when it's mohair and it's a nightmare to unpick. :( I'll finish sorting it out in the morning.

Dorothy

Hi Lisa, I think it means that I take my hand off the right needle completely to loop the yarn round to make the next stitch. I work with the right needle tucked under my arm and the left one free. That would explain why I'm having trouble with the short dpns as I've nowhere to support the needle so I'm sort of pushing it into my tummy to keep it steady. This does not make for a quick and graceful knitting action :hihi:

Yep thats me too:D Got on OK with DPNS after the first few rows though - keep trying I had to have about 2 inches on te needles before I was comfortable
LisaH xxx

Oh no! Unpicking mohair! :gag: .

Do I remember you saying that you're a tight knitter too? I have all sorts of trouble because of that; mainly with the Magic Loop method, but also with the Blackberry baby hat that I'm knitting at the minute (not the one that turra21 has just finished; this is the pattern from Knitty called Baby Tart).

The blackberry pattern is formed by working bobbles (lots of bobles) on a reverse stocking stitch background, so there are lots of K3 togs - hellish when you knit tightly).

Fortunately, the yarn is a chunkyish wool, so I don't have the added problems of the dreaded hairy mohair.

The wrap is back on track thank goodness, I'm knitting and watching the golf with occasional computer breaks - also posting at any opportunity in order to reach 15! My knitting isn't desperately tight in my opinion and I'm afraid I never knit tension squares :blush: so I don't really know how I compare to the average. Perhaps it's a habit I should start getting into as I could always make them up baby blankets with them I suppose.

Dorothy

Major confession: I don't always knit tension squares either. I have started to do more lately though, as I've become aware of just how tight my knitting can be. I think in the past it's been more good luck than good management that the garments I've made have fit; perhaps because I seem to make more looser fitting things.

I recently made a few baby/child items for a friend, for which I made sure to swatch. I was quite surprised to find that I had to go up a couple of sizes to get the required gauge. Funnily enough, that isn't always the case though; it seems to be dependent on the yarn to some extent, as well as on how I knit with it.

I generally do knit a tension square but if I'm DEAD keen to get started and it's maybe a yarn I'm familiar with I don't either:o When I do, I always wash it in the machine at 30 degrees (if it's a machine washable yarn) just to make sure!! From bitter experience:(

Er...I've never done one :| I've only done scarves and socks and stuff so the size hasn't been that important. I know I ought to though so start telling me off....now!

Do we all resolve to do a tension square when we start our next new project? I will if you will - who knows, it could open up a whole new world for us :wink:

Dorothy

I only knit a tension square if its for someting that needs to fit - e.g. my Samus or something like that. Dont swatch for scarves, blankets and the like as I dont feel its that important. Havent swatched for socks either.

LisaH xxx

Do we all resolve to do a tension square when we start our next new project? I will if you will - who knows, it could open up a whole new world for us :wink:

Dorothy
Well I will do one when I make a start on the lacy top pattern I bought today. Don't hold your breath though, as there are quite a few things to be done first.

I never swatch for scarves, blankets or socks; only for things like jumpers and cardigans.

My LL Lion and Lamb arrived this morning, via recorded delivery no less. Well done to Get Knitted for getting it to me so quickly.

I am now the proud owner of three lovely skeins in the 'Irving Park' colorway. It's absolutely gorgeous; intermingled terracotta orange, warm brown, magenta and purple. The sheen is beautiful too :) .

Glad you got your L&L ok. Mine was recorded too and arrived quickly. Better than some online yarn stores I know but won't mention.

When I emailed them though, they advised me to get 4 skiens not 3:confused: I also got 10% off for being a Rowan memeber :) which is another reason to use them every time!

...they advised me to get 4 skiens not 3...
Well, the pattern recommends three. I'm sure three was fine. I shall have to investigate.

Hecate your new yarn sounds beautiful, just the sort of earthy colours I love. I must take a look at the website and the Lion and Lamb yarns. Will post a couple of photos later today, I did a stall at Chesterfield Medieval market helping my son & daughter-in-law yesterday and am still totally shattered - we did win joint first prize for our costumes though! Totally due to my 3 month old grand-daughter and her little medieval hat I think!
I looked at the clapotis pattern briefly on Mon night and it looks complicated - on the other hand I fancy using some of this is Lion and Lamb yarn - I'll look again when I'm not tired and don't have a thundery headache!:(

Dorothy

Lorna's Laces do a beautiful array of colours. Have a look at their website (http://www.lornaslaces.net/yarns.asp). I can understand why shops like Get Knitted can only stock a small selection (it must be expensive for them to import), but it would be lovely to be able to order any colour you'd like. I wonder if they'd order in a specific colour if you really fell in love with it?

Here's the link (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Lion___Lamb.html) to Get Knitted's LL Lion and Lamb range. It must seem like I'm always promoting them! Absolutely no commission is coming my way, I can guarentee that :hihi: . It's the shop I use most frequently, because of their excellent range and service. Also, I've yet to see another supplier of the Lion and Lamb in the UK.

The Clapotis really isn't that complicated, honestly, though I must admit that the way the pattern is set out in great blocks of text makes it look complicated. If you don't fancy doing it, there's a pattern on Get Knitted for a curly whirly scarf which uses only a single skein and which might be a bit more straightforward.

Congratulations on the first prize! I look forward to seeing the photos :) .