There seems to be enough interest in the Branching Out pattern to start up an official knitalong thread. Sign up here if you want to take part :) . The only condition is that you take progress photos and share your experiences in knitting the pattern.

You'll find the Branching Out pattern at Knitty here (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTbranchingout.html).

To give people enough time to choose yarn etc, I'll tentatively suggest that the start date should be next Monday (March 5th), but feel free to start when ever you wish.

I'm in! will get some yarn this week :)

I just have to finish frogging the rest of the needlecase I'd started with one of the balls of Tapestry, then I'm all set too :) .

I've wanted to do this pattern for a while and have a spare ball of KSH, so I'm in too. The only thing is I'll be away for 2 weeks starting Mon 5th, so can't share progress or post pictures 'til I'm back. May take photos showing how it's going at various landmarks and give up all hope of ever being considered sane by my boyfriend. (It was only a small hope anyway, I won't miss it!) :hihi:

...May take photos showing how it's going at various landmarks and give up all hope of ever being considered sane by my boyfriend. (It was only a small hope anyway, I won't miss it!) :hihi:
LOL that reminds me of the Harlot's travelling sock :lol: .

I look forward to seeing the photos. Have a good two weeks off :) .

I'm in too, got to get one done before te 14th!

I'm in - I think. I have tons of yarn upstairs that I bought on cones because I liked the colours but that I have never done anything with. I know I said I wanted to use Rowan Tapestry but I think I may have changed my mind and use up some of my stash. It's really really thin, so I'm guessing maybe 2ply - is that a usual lace weight? Do you think it would work with Branching Out?

...It's really really thin, so I'm guessing maybe 2ply - is that a usual lace weight? Do you think it would work with Branching Out?
Yes, that sounds like lace weight. The Branching Out pattern uses yarn that's thicker than lace weight though, so if you do use it, you won't get a scarf that looks like the pattern picture.

I think it was LisaH who mentioned that she'd seen it done in Kidsilk Haze though, and that it looked good, so it can be done with thinner yarn than that recommended in the pattern. Do a little swatch though and see how you like the look and feel of it

Would it work in Hipknits silk (http://www.hipknits.co.uk/shop.php?crn=235&rn=398&action=show_detail) do you think - how much do we need again?

Would it work in Hipknits silk (http://www.hipknits.co.uk/shop.php?crn=235&rn=398&action=show_detail) do you think - how much do we need again?
I reckon it'd look good in that. I think it's a slightly heavier weight than the Tapestry, though the silk will give it a lovely drape.

The pattern recommends one skein of the yarns it suggests (175 to 205 m).

Oh Im just not sure hmmm Im now wondering whether to follow the croud with Tapestry - not sure whether to go for Rustic or Country

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0591.jpg

Well, I printed the pattern off this evening and decided to give it a go. Hopefully that there above is a picture so far. My first stumbling block was SSK, because I've only ever known SSK as slip stitch knitways. Found out the true meaning from Knitty and off I went. Not decided yet whether to give it to Mum as a Mother's Day present or to my sister who likes that sort of thing. Might even do two. So far, I'm enjoying the pattern - not got it off by heart yet, but probably will very soon. :thumbsup:

Hi, this might sound silly but I don't know what branching out and knitting along are. :rolleyes:
Can someone explain it to me, please?
Thanks. :)

Hi, this might sound silly but I don't know what branching out and knitting along are. :rolleyes:
Can someone explain it to me, please?
Thanks. :)
'Branching Out' is the name of the pattern. There's a link to it in the first post in this thread.

A knitalong is where a group of people decide to work on the same pattern at the same time, share their experiences in knitting it, help each other through any difficulties and post links to photos of their progress :) .

The tentative start date for the knitalong is next Monday (March 5th), which gives those who want to take part time to choose and buy their yarn.

The last knitalong we did was the Clapotis shawl a few months ago. I'll search for the thread and post a link to give you an idea of how it goes.

EDIT: Here's the link (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=130785) to the Clapotis knitalong we did back in August.

Hello Bami, Branching Out is the name of the pattern and knit along is when we do the said pattern all together, ie, I'm doing it, you do it, and uncle tom cobly does it :hihi:

snap :hihi:

Oh thanks Hecate and Wheezy! It's much clearer now. Hehe, I thought branching out was a kind of activity :P
Great to be 'update' now.

Oh thanks Hecate and Wheezy! It's much clearer now. Hehe, I thought branching out was a kind of activity :P
Great to be 'update' now.
You're welcome :) .

Are you going to join in then, eh? ;)

Yes please, sounds nice, the knitalong with Branching Out :D .
Although I'm not a really experienced knitter I'd like to give it a go/try. At least I will learn to knit lace.

Yes please, sounds nice, the knitalong with Branching Out :D .
Although I'm not a really experienced knitter I'd like to give it a go/try. At least I will learn to knit lace.
Excellent :clap: .

The designer describes the Branching Out pattern as a good introduction to newcomers to lace knitting, so I don't think you'll have a problem getting in to it. If you do have any trouble, just post on here and we should be able to sort it out.

Let us know what yarn you're going to use :) .

Excellent :clap: .

<...>Let us know what yarn you're going to use :) .

I will, as soon as I've bought some, probably, this weekend. I think it makes a great present.
Meanwhile I'll learn the abbreviations and knit the pattern - I've never used a charted pattern before.

I will, as soon as I've bought some, probably, this weekend. I think it makes a great present.
Meanwhile I'll learn the abbreviations and knit the pattern - I've never used a charted pattern before.
What helped me was to use a different coloured pencil for each symbol of the chart and colour in each box on the chart accordingly. It makes the chart much easier to read; you just have to glance at the colours instead of having to squint up your eyes to make out the symbols.

I will, as soon as I've bought some, probably, this weekend. I think it makes a great present.
Meanwhile I'll learn the abbreviations and knit the pattern - I've never used a charted pattern before.


I was really worried about charted patterns - then I used one. Boy do they make life simpler (once you remember the symbols its a quick glance at the chart rather than reading a whole line of abbreviations)....dont know why I was worried now;)

I was really worried about charted patterns - then I used one. Boy do they make life simpler (once you remember the symbols its a quick glance at the chart rather than reading a whole line of abbreviations)....dont know why I was worried now;)
I prefer charts too. There can sometimes be a problem with printed internet patterns - especially where the chart is a separate image that's been pasted into the file - with the symbols being a bit fuzzy, and so are difficult to distinguish similar ones. That's where the colouring in helps.

Is everyone getting (or got) just one ball of tapestry for the knitalong?

What helped me was to use a different coloured pencil for each symbol of the chart and colour in each box on the chart accordingly. It makes the chart much easier to read; you just have to glance at the colours instead of having to squint up your eyes to make out the symbols.

I started to knit from the chart and had to start over a few times due to losing counting and having not a clue which square I was looking at. :gag:
Then I started to colour in the different stitches plus after every 5 squares I drew a bold line.
It was amazing but now all went much easier! Thanks Hecate for this good tip!:thumbsup: The funny thing is that I also discovered that stitches were mirrored which made it easier to 'understand' the pattern.

I'm still learning with 'draft' yarn and still knit a wrong stitch sometimes, but I'm hopeful. :cool:

Is everyone getting (or got) just one ball of tapestry for the knitalong?
::checks in stash::

I've got three balls of Tapestry. The length of each ball is 120 m, and the yarn suggested in the pattern is one skein of either 175 to 205 m, so I'd buy two balls at least.

::checks in stash::

I've got three balls of Tapestry. The length of each ball is 120 m, and the yarn suggested in the pattern is one skein of either 175 to 205 m, so I'd buy two balls at least.

Thanx, glad i asked now! :)

Looks like i need some crayons now aswell if i'm going to follow the chart :lol:

2 balls of Tapestry I think.

Right then Ive gone and ordered 2 balls of Tapestry in Rustic and some bamboo needles too (as Im feeling particularly fed up atm and needed some retail therepy). This knitalong will delay the start of Rogue though - hmm (did get rather scared again when looking at the pattern today which is not a pattern like Ive ever tried to follow before - in some places it seems more like a list of suggestions):suspect:

Oh go on then - am still fairly new to all this but as it seems to only involve two needles there's actually a chance I might manage it! Not a clue what i'll be using yet, depends what i can get my hands on at the weekend. Wish me luck!

Oh go on then - am still fairly new to all this but as it seems to only involve two needles there's actually a chance I might manage it! Not a clue what i'll be using yet, depends what i can get my hands on at the weekend. Wish me luck!
Do you reckon you might make a break from the Tapestry theme? I first knit this pattern a good 18 months ago, using Rowan Summer Tweed, which was not the best choice of yarn. It was far too stiff, even with the silk content.

Good luck, and let us know what yarn you go for :) .

OK shouldnt have looked at Get Knitted again - I saw (and ordered) this (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Spaced_dyed_yarns.html) in silk/ wool DK, moss colourway for my Branching out:D Ive got to think of something else to do with the Tapestry now:hihi:

That's gorgeous Lisa! I really can't get any more yarn at the moment, though that is so tempting. Mine's going to be in Kidsilk haze, as I've got a spare ball knocking about.

Are you still making the Dew scarf? :love:

Quick question for the people using Tapestry: What size needles are you using?

That's gorgeous Lisa! I really can't get any more yarn at the moment, though that is so tempting. Mine's going to be in Kidsilk haze, as I've got a spare ball knocking about.

Are you still making the Dew scarf? :love:

I hope its as yummy as it looks when it comes:D Yes Im still going to be doing the Dew scarf - not sure when though as the knitalong kind of took its place:o

Quick question for the people using Tapestry: What size needles are you using?

I was going to use 5mm needles - still will with my sub I think as it supposed to be DK aswell.

Quick question for the people using Tapestry: What size needles are you using?
I'm going to start off with the size suggested on the Tapestry ball band, which is smaller than that suggested by the pattern. If it turns out that I want a more open look after a pattern repeat or two, I'll rip it out and start again with the larger needles.

OK shouldnt have looked at Get Knitted again - I saw (and ordered) this (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Spaced_dyed_yarns.html) in silk/ wool DK, moss colourway for my Branching out:D Ive got to think of something else to do with the Tapestry now:hihi:
Arrggh! More yarn pr0n! You evil woman! :hihi: That Reds and Plums sock yarn iis calling to me...

:| I've typed out the 10 rows of pattern in large print on a single sheet. This helps me to get used to the pattern and also see it easier too.

...Then I started to colour in the different stitches plus after every 5 squares I drew a bold line.
It was amazing but now all went much easier! Thanks Hecate for this good tip!:thumbsup: ...
You're welcome :) . I've just dug my copy of the pattern out of my folder and I'd forgotten quite how fuzzy the symbols were (though I think in my case the cheap paper I used to print it out on didn't help, as the ink spread a bit). The colours really do help.
The funny thing is that I also discovered that stitches were mirrored which made it easier to 'understand' the pattern.
Ah, I remember that now! It seems to help in remembering the stitch pattern after a few repeats too; you sort of know to expect a certain stitch, as well as actually remembering what it is, if that makes sense.

I'm just finishing off another doll jacket for the appeal, then I'll wind the semi-frogged ball of Tapestry and I'll be ready for Monday :) .

Arrggh! More yarn pr0n! You evil woman! :hihi: That Reds and Plums sock yarn iis calling to me...

As if I would entice you with desirable yarns :insert innocent smiley: :hihi:

Just had notification that my Fyberspates has shipped - but Im now in a dilemma as the bamboo 5mm are being shipped later and Im using the metal ones I have atm for Dew:suspect:

Just had notification that my Fyberspates has shipped - but Im now in a dilemma as the bamboo 5mm are being shipped later and Im using the metal ones I have atm for Dew:suspect:
Do you know how long they'll be getting to you? I'll have to double check, but I may have a spare pair of bamboo 5 mm needles. I bought a shed load from Ebay a while back. It'll probably take me all weekend to sort out the mess that's currently my study enough to be able to get to the knitting needle stockpile to check, but if there's a pair of 5 mm's in the pile, you're more than welcome to them if yours are going to be a while getting to you.

I didn't follow the chart, just the written instructions....

Do you know how long they'll be getting to you? I'll have to double check, but I may have a spare pair of bamboo 5 mm needles. I bought a shed load from Ebay a while back. It'll probably take me all weekend to sort out the mess that's currently my study enough to be able to get to the knitting needle stockpile to check, but if there's a pair of 5 mm's in the pile, you're more than welcome to them if yours are going to be a while getting to you.

I do have some 5mm addi turbos and obviously the Boyes so I can cope:D Thanks for the offer though;)

:| I've typed out the 10 rows of pattern in large print on a single sheet. This helps me to get used to the pattern and also see it easier too.

:gag: Still problems with the lace pattern... as soon as a stitch drops I have to start all over again as I don't know yet how to 'repair' the dropped stitch. I still don't have enough insight apparently.

I might try your idea as well, Wheezy. I think it will help me to keep my eyes on the right code. :suspect:

:gag: Still problems with the lace pattern... as soon as a stitch drops I have to start all over again as I don't know yet how to 'repair' the dropped stitch. I still don't have enough insight apparently.

I might try your idea as well, Wheezy. I think it will help me to keep my eyes on the right code. :suspect:


I find I follow words easier than charts and funny squiggles. Do you want me to pm you a copy of my instructions, I've double checked them - honest! :D

:gag: Still problems with the lace pattern... as soon as a stitch drops I have to start all over again as I don't know yet how to 'repair' the dropped stitch. ...
What you need to do is insert a lifeline. It won't prevent you from dropping the stitches in the first place, but it means that you only have to rip back to the life line and not the whole thing.

A lifeline is basically a long strand of yarn (preferably something smooth like cotton and of a bold colour), that you insert into one row of knitting. These links explain it better than I can:

Here's a link to a tutorial (http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/lifeline.shtm) on lifelines.

Here's a link to a video (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/misc.php) demonstrating them (scroll down to the 'Fixing Mistakes' section, and it's the last video in the list).

I find I follow words easier than charts and funny squiggles. Do you want me to pm you a copy of my instructions, I've double checked them - honest! :D

Thanks Wheezy, for the copy. I am going to print it and use it as well! :thumbsup:

What you need to do is insert a lifeline. <...>
Here's a link to a tutorial (http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/lifeline.shtm) on lifelines.
Here's a link to a video (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/misc.php) demonstrating them (scroll down to the 'Fixing Mistakes' section, and it's the last video in the list).

That's indeed a great help! Bless the person who invented it :love:
I looked at both sites and understand the principle. It's surprising how easy the best solutions are - you just have to know it (or be very creative).
Thanks Hecate.

I did a lifeline for the first one too, I took it out every 10 rows. Its a great help!

Well i started this scarf three times yesterday and had to keep ripping it out because its so hard to go back with lace. I eventually gave in and started inserting lifelines every 10th row...very very necessary! I think i'm on the 4th or 5th repeat now and it looks lovely! :D I ended up going with Pot Pourri (due to limited choice in John Lewis) and it is very nice i am happy with it. :) Will have to post a photo after the weekend.

I have now received my yarny goodness (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture004-2.jpg)for this project. I am in love with the Fyberspates scrumptious which is indeed scrumptious:D It is the most beautiful soft unscratchy in the slightest yarn I have ever come across and it has the most beautiful sheen:love: I also like the rustic Tapestry but am going to make my Branching out in the Fyberspates:D

:cry: I went to Hobbycraft today to get some Rowan Tapestry because last time I was there, they had a massive range of Rowan stuff - and guess what, they've stopped doing it. I was soooooo annoyed, especially as I had £20 of gift vouchers to spend too.

It's too far for me to go to John Lewis or The Wool Baa now so I am well and truly peed off.

I have some Sublime Extra Fine Merino Dk that feels nice and silky which I suppose I could use, but it is already knit up into a scarf I hate so I could rip it out but the yarn may be all crinkly and might not look good in lace.

I also have some Sublime Kid Mohair which could look good but I only have 50g of it which would be about 240 yards I think - would this be enough?

If I don't use either of those then I will have to sit tonight making gauge swatch for the tons of yarn I have that aren't labelled so I don't even know what weight it is or what fibre it is. Argh!

At least if I'm not using Tapestry mine will look slightly different from everyone elses!

Opinions on what to do please?

I have now received my yarny goodness (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture004-2.jpg)for this project. I am in love with the Fyberspates scrumptious which is indeed scrumptious:D It is the most beautiful soft unscratchy in the slightest yarn I have ever come across and it has the most beautiful sheen:love: I also like the rustic Tapestry but am going to make my Branching out in the Fyberspates:D


Lisa, those colours are so YOU. They look all shiny and scrumptious. Can't wait to see your Branching Out as it progresses. Good luck to you all as I'm sitting out on this one.

:cry: I went to Hobbycraft today to get some Rowan Tapestry because last time I was there, they had a massive range of Rowan stuff - and guess what, they've stopped doing it. I was soooooo annoyed, especially as I had £20 of gift vouchers to spend too.

It's too far for me to go to John Lewis or The Wool Baa now so I am well and truly peed off.

I have some Sublime Extra Fine Merino Dk that feels nice and silky which I suppose I could use, but it is already knit up into a scarf I hate so I could rip it out but the yarn may be all crinkly and might not look good in lace.

I also have some Sublime Kid Mohair which could look good but I only have 50g of it which would be about 240 yards I think - would this be enough?

If I don't use either of those then I will have to sit tonight making gauge swatch for the tons of yarn I have that aren't labelled so I don't even know what weight it is or what fibre it is. Argh!

At least if I'm not using Tapestry mine will look slightly different from everyone elses!

Opinions on what to do please?
Looking at the pattern I think the 220y of Kid mohair should be enough - the yarn Im using has 220m (Im sure the 2 suggested in the pattern had 175y or 225y)

I would like to have a go at this in Colinette's Parisienne. Not sure when I can fit it in though but I will try to make a start asap.

I have now received my yarny goodness (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture004-2.jpg)for this project. ...
Beautiful yarn! I've received my refund from the cancelled order, so a skein or two in the Reds and Purples colour are going to find their way to Leiestershire too. Still torn between that and the sock yarn in the same colour though. Watch this space...

...I have some Sublime Extra Fine Merino Dk that feels nice and silky which I suppose I could use, but it is already knit up into a scarf I hate so I could rip it out but the yarn may be all crinkly and might not look good in lace.

I also have some Sublime Kid Mohair which could look good but I only have 50g of it which would be about 240 yards I think - would this be enough?...
I wouldn't use yarn that's been knitted up for a while for a lace pattern. You'd probably find that the blocking process would even out any problems with the end product being a bit crinkly, but personally I'd find it fiddly to knit with. The crinkliness of the ripped out yarn might throw the stitches out a bit too, especially if you're a loose knitter.

I'd agree with Lisa; the length of Kid Mohair you have should be sufficient, given the yardages quoted in the pattern.

:cry: I
I have some Sublime Extra Fine Merino Dk that feels nice and silky which I suppose I could use, but it is already knit up into a scarf I hate so I could rip it out but the yarn may be all crinkly and might not look good in lace.



When you get round to unpulling the hated scarf, skein the wool up (wrap it around the dining table or a bread board), soak it (half an hour in hottish water) and you should find that when it has dried the crinkles will have disappeared.

So then how many of you have started - is it only me waiting until Monday (although I did wind my scrumptious into a ball today).

Mine is about 3' at the mo! :thumbsup:

So then how many of you have started - is it only me waiting until Monday (although I did wind my scrumptious into a ball today).
No, I'm waiting til Monday too :) . Though at my usual rate, it'll more likely be Wednesday before I pick up the needles :hihi: .

Its just that I have really got into this Dew scarf - Im going to have to park it though so I can use the needles for Branching Out:( I will have to get BO done quite quickly as its intended for Mothers Day and it will need to be posted down (although saying that she has a birthday in July):o

I changed my mind and ordered some Tapestry from Get Knitted so hopefully it will be here for Tues/Wed so I will be starting late. Can't wait!

I re started the one for MIL tonight and have done about 5" so far.

I would like to have a go at this in Colinette's Parisienne. Not sure when I can fit it in though but I will try to make a start asap.

Do you have this in stock? What's it like? :wave:

This is what it looks like so far: http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0688.jpg

That looks fab! What yarn are you using again?

This is what it looks like so far: http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0688.jpg

Very nice - so how long has it taken to do that much? Just interested as I can only really get 1-2h knitting time a day and Im not sure I will get it finished in time:D

That looks fab! What yarn are you using again?

Don't know! Will nip down to the garage and have a look if I've got a band!! :suspect:

Very nice - so how long has it taken to do that much? Just interested as I can only really get 1-2h knitting time a day and Im not sure I will get it finished in time:D

Well...... don't know. :suspect: Sat down about 3 evenings worth, maybe 1-2 hours tops each evening - whilst watching telly and Lewis didn't help much last night! Went wrong on row 9, got to last 4 stitches and found I couldn't knit 4! Took the row back to find in the middle two stitches floating in mid air (what's all that about??!!) :huh: Panicked, thought I'd got the stitches back, but it didn't look right, thought my head was going to explode, told kids and hubby not to talk to me till I lifted my head. :help: Three rows taken back I was back on track and quite pleased with myself for it too. :thumbsup: Anyway, hoping to do more this evening. :)

Don't know! Will nip down to the garage and have a look if I've got a band!! :suspect:

It's Wendy Double Knit Courtelle :D

Well i cheated and started on Friday (i think) but i'm allowed because i'm usually one of the first to start and last to finish :P

Heres (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/Knitting/BranchingOut.jpg) my progress so far. (Ignore the yellow thread...lifelines!)

Do you have this in stock? What's it like? :wave:

I have a few shades left. It's similar to Kidsilk Haze but without the silk....
Take a look here
http://www.colinette.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1545ec11555b2d7/shopdata/0020_yarns/0002_other+yarn+types/0010_parisienne/product_overview.shopscript

Well i cheated and started on Friday (i think) but i'm allowed because i'm usually one of the first to start and last to finish :P

Heres (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/Knitting/BranchingOut.jpg) my progress so far. (Ignore the yellow thread...lifelines!)
That's gorgeous! I love the colours.

Did you go for the 5 mm needles or the smaller ones? Did you find that once you'd done a few repeats you got into the pattern?

Well i cheated and started on Friday (i think) but i'm allowed because i'm usually one of the first to start and last to finish :P

Heres (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/Knitting/BranchingOut.jpg) my progress so far. (Ignore the yellow thread...lifelines!)

I really love those colours. :love:

That's gorgeous! I love the colours.

Did you go for the 5 mm needles or the smaller ones? Did you find that once you'd done a few repeats you got into the pattern?

Thanx, i like the colours too :D Very happy with the yarn!

I went for 5mm needles and i have got into the pattern quite a bit now. Though sometimes (because i'm doing it by a chart - with colours as recommended by you - good tip btw!) my eye wanders to the wrong row in the chart and i start knitting a bit of the row below or above :rolleyes: I do prefer doing it by chart though. Have you started yours yet?

Here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/madstitcher2000/411533302/) is mine so far. I started it again yesterday with a new ball as I wasn't happy with the other ball at all.

I did about 5" last night, but my hands were starting to ache by the time I was ready to put it down. I've done another 2 repeats today but put it down again now and I'll do another couple of repeats later.

I don't know why its curved up at the bottom? I'm using 4mm needles this time cos thats what it says on the band. They're lovely Lantern Moon needles.

...my eye wanders to the wrong row in the chart and i start knitting a bit of the row below or above :rolleyes: I do prefer doing it by chart though. ...
Get some large post-it notes and use them to cover up the lines of the chart that you've completed, moving it up as you complete each row. The sticky strip on the back prevents it from sliding all over and losing your place.
...Have you started yours yet?
No, but I think I'll make a start on it tonight though :) .

Here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/madstitcher2000/411533302/) is mine so far. I started it again yesterday with a new ball as I wasn't happy with the other ball at all. ...
Did you have knots in the other ball?

I really like how the Tapestry knits up with this pattern. Mine's the blue 'Whirlpool' colour, so I'll be interested to see how that compares to the other colours. It has a very dark blue to a pale blue/grey variation, so I'm hoping that the darker shades don't overwhelm it too much :suspect: .

The curve at the bottom is due to the stitches that make up the pattern. It looks to me like the centre 'stem' is a little tighter than the leaf sections on either side (not how you've knitted it - the pattern itself). Blocking will sort most of it out, though I found that there was still a little curviness left afterwards. I think that was because the yarn I used with the last one was quite heavy and relatively inelastic.

Here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/madstitcher2000/411533302/) is mine so far. I started it again yesterday with a new ball as I wasn't happy with the other ball at all.

I did about 5" last night, but my hands were starting to ache by the time I was ready to put it down. I've done another 2 repeats today but put it down again now and I'll do another couple of repeats later.

I don't know why its curved up at the bottom? I'm using 4mm needles this time cos thats what it says on the band. They're lovely Lantern Moon needles.

I love them there colours too! :love: Have got to treat myself to some posh wool!! :D Do you think it goes up in the middle because the stitches are pulling it? :suspect: I keep tugging at mine! :rolleyes:

Get some large post-it notes and use them to cover up the lines of the chart that you've completed, moving it up as you complete each row. The sticky strip on the back prevents it from sliding all over and losing your place.

No, but I think I'll make a start on it tonight though :) .

I agree - Postit notes are brilliant for charts:D I too am going to cast on tonight:wink:

Right thats me done for tonight (Ive had a hard day and am knackered:( )- Ive only done 2 repeats though:o Still like the yarn and its looking nice in this pattern. It will most definitely need some severe blocking (more than it appears on everyone elses efforts) as it looks quite scrunched up:suspect: Will do a photo when there is more to it and I can hold it out flat:hihi:

Hi, I knit with Parissienne too, in this colour (http://www.colinette.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1545ec96a17a070/shopdata/0020_yarns/0002_other+yarn+types/0010_parisienne/product_details.shopscript?article=0010_Parisienne %2B-%2BNew%2BStorm%2B%3D28PAR%2B-%2B4%3D29), bought in Jill's shop. On the webpage it looks a little bit more blue though than in real.

It's sooo thin! :o I'm knitting with needles 4mm and the result is so different than the results I've seen so far on the photos, so fragile, almost like a cob web! The pattern looks so different too. Nice and light though.
I made three repeats but in the 8th row of the last repeat I had two stitches short! I thought I forgot 2x YO and added them. Fortunately you can hardly see the spot of this micro drama :)
When I knit this lace pattern, I really need to be totally alone because as soon as someone starts talking to me, I'm lost. Therefore it wont be a fast project.
I'll take a photo when I'm a few repeats further.

Hi, I knit with Parissienne too, .....

It's sooo thin! :o I'm knitting with needles 4mm and the result is so different than the results I've seen so far on the photos, so fragile, almost like a cob web! The pattern looks so different too. Nice and light though.

I have decided to use the Burnt Sienna colour. As I am a very tight knitter anyway I will use at least 5mm needles for the Parisienne. Be interesting to see if it looks different to yours, Bami.

I have decided to use the Burnt Sienna colour. As I am a very tight knitter anyway I will use at least 5mm needles for the Parisienne. Be interesting to see if it looks different to yours, Bami.

Yeah, I've heard a few say you're tight :hihi:

I've pinned my scarf together with a large safety pin to stop it twisting when I turn. Just thought I'd say...... :thumbsup: :rolleyes:

Yeah, I've heard a few say you're tight :hihi:


Remind me - was it you that made enquiries about half-price magazines.....?

Remind me - was it you that made enquiries about half-price magazines.....?

Is it true your cats are as mouthy as you?? :D

Your cats are lovely though.......

Your cats are lovely though.......

That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.




Er....actually that's the only nice thing you've ever said to me :confused:

That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.




Er....actually that's the only nice thing you've ever said to me :confused:

Now now Jill, think hard, :suspect: I sing your praises highly, ask anyone! :love:

GL Note: Ahem, ladies, can we stick to the topic please? We'd like to keep this thread as the Branching Out knitalong thread, and not for general chat which would be better suited to PM or the chat room. Thanks :) .

Well my progress is that the Rowan Tapestry came today and it's lovely....but I'm too lazy to cast on tonight.

Well my progress is that the Rowan Tapestry came today and it's lovely....but I'm too lazy to cast on tonight.
Which colour did you go for?

I've cast on and completed the first repeat with the Tapestry in Whirlpool (shades of blue/grey). As predicted, I didn't get time to start it last night.

I really like the pattern. Having knit it a couple of times before, I've found that the memory of the stitch pattern is still lodged in my brain, so it's been quite easy to get back into starting to remember it.

The Tapestry is a bit of a bugger to knit with. I found it quite splitty when doing stocking stitch, and if anything it's worse with the lace pattern. It's certainly slowing my knitting down, as I have to keep pausing to re-insert the needle when I manage to stick it through a few strands.

Photos to follow once I've done a few more repeats.

I went for the Moorland shade - it's kind of like a dusky blue/grey with gold/beige. Very delicate and antique looking, I love it!

I went for the Moorland shade - it's kind of like a dusky blue/grey with gold/beige. Very delicate and antique looking, I love it!

Ooh Gem i like that one! I nearly picked that over 'Pot Pourri', but John Lewis only had one ball. I am pleased though as 'Pot Pourri' has knitted up lovely :love:

Hi, I knit with Parissienne too, in this colour (http://www.colinette.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1545ec96a17a070/shopdata/0020_yarns/0002_other+yarn+types/0010_parisienne/product_details.shopscript?article=0010_Parisienne %2B-%2BNew%2BStorm%2B%3D28PAR%2B-%2B4%3D29), bought in Jill's shop. On the webpage it looks a little bit more blue though than in real. ...
Parisienne is a gorgeous yarn in a lovely range of colours. I need to get a grip and restart 'River', as Parisienne in Rapheal would be perfect for my mum. Knitting with such very fine yarn is a odd experience though; it's almost like knitting air, as there's such little weight on the needles.

Looking forward to seeing what Branching Out looks like in Parisienne :) .

I'll take photos this evening, but a quick progress report on my Branching out. I've completed 13 pattern repeats, which seems to be about three quarters of the first ball of Tapestry.

I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single knot (yet, touch wood). It's been hellishly splitty though, with the tiniest of snags on the bamboo needles catching and pulling at the fibres. It's almost like knitting with fine, unspun roving, the fibres are that loosely spun. In places, the strand had come almost completely unwound, such that it had the texture of a strand of cotton wool. It isn't unpleasant to knit with, but it isn't the easiest of yarns to knit quickly with.

I'll take photos this evening, but a quick progress report on my Branching out. I've completed 13 pattern repeats, which seems to be about three quarters of the first ball of Tapestry.

I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single knot (yet, touch wood). It's been hellishly splitty though, with the tiniest of snags on the bamboo needles catching and pulling at the fibres. It's almost like knitting with fine, unspun roving, the fibres are that loosely spun. In places, the strand had come almost completely unwound, such that it had the texture of a strand of cotton wool. It isn't unpleasant to knit with, but it isn't the easiest of yarns to knit quickly with.

You've nearly caught up with me! :o I'm on my 17th repeat.

I haven't had a knot yet either :touch wood: i haven't experienced the same problem as you with the snagging as i'm knitting with aluminium needles or it becoming sort of unwound...very strange! It's strange i quite like the yarn as its a bit silky i find it nice and easy to keep it wrapped around my fingers as i'm knitting if you know what i mean. Could the quality of yours have anything to do with it being previously knitted up and undone?

...Could the quality of yours have anything to do with it being previously knitted up and undone?
No, because I couldn't be bothered to finish ripping out what I knitted with the first ball, and just got another from my stash.

Are you using a centre pull ball, or from the outside of the ball? I'm using a centre pull. I wonder if the problems I'm having are due to that? the strand is so loosely spun that it doesn't take much to 'un-spin' it to an untwisted strand. If you take the strand from the opposite end of the ball (as in my centre pull ball), you're essentially working against the twist, so the act of wrapping it around the needle might help it to untwist further.

I've sanded the tips of my bamboo needles with some very fine sandpaper, and a nail buffer, which has helped the snagging problems. I think I'm just being a bit too haphazard about how I insert the needle into each stitch too, which isn't helping with the splitting.

Are you using a centre pull ball, or from the outside of the ball? I'm using a centre pull. I wonder if the problems I'm having are due to that? the strand is so loosely spun that it doesn't take much to 'un-spin' it to an untwisted strand. If you take the strand from the opposite end of the ball (as in my centre pull ball), you're essentially working against the twist, so the act of wrapping it around the needle might help it to untwist further.

Outside of the ball. I didn't even know there was a difference...interesting :)

Just looked at mine and from the centre the strands do look very loose and not very knitting friendly ;)

...Just looked at mine and from the centre the strands do look very loose and not very knitting friendly ;)
Yes, it could just be that the strands in the middle are bit looser than the others, but as I'm just about over three quarters of the way through the ball, and you've done more repeats with your ball, I would have thought that it would have evened itself out by now.

Thinking back, I used the first ball from the outside in for the project I'm frogging, and I found it a bit splitty then too. Mmm. Maybe I just need to knit a bit more carefully :lol: .

I've just put a new pic on my blog if you want to have a look.

I don't know how many repeats I've done though. I've been doing between 2 and 4 repeats a day, sometimes more. I find my hands hurting after any more than that.

I've put some stitch markers on the bottom of it, hoping to weigh it down a bit to stop it curling when I turn and the bottom bit to stop arching. I don't know if it'll help but worth a try.

Heres (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture.jpg)my progress so far - Im way behind most of you at only 5 repeats ... but its not a competition is it (maybe all that Coldplay has frazzled my brain:hihi:):wink:

Heres (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture.jpg)my progress so far - Im way behind most of you at only 5 repeats ... but its not a competition is it (maybe all that Coldplay has frazzled my brain:hihi:):wink:
Of course it's a competition! You must have missed the post where I announced it ;) . As for Coldplay; you're lucky I don't banish you from the knitting group for that :hihi: .

I like your Branching Out more than mine. It's certainly much neater :( . Are you using smaller needles, or am I just getting the impression of a smaller gauge from the distance the photo was taken?

What's the yarn like to work with? I never got around to ordering from Get Knitted at the weekend, so I'm still undecided between that and the sock yarn in the same Reds and Purples colour.

Heres (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture.jpg)my progress so far - Im way behind most of you at only 5 repeats ... but its not a competition is it (maybe all that Coldplay has frazzled my brain:hihi:):wink:

:love: That is looking loverly! But how are you knitting it with all those pins stuck in it ;) :P :lol:

It looks very neat, if your using 5mm needles i'm wondering why mine doesn't look that good! EDIT: just remembered your not using tapestry, so that might have something to do with it.

Hecate are you using 4mm needles?

Of course it's a competition! You must have missed the post where I announced it ;) . As for Coldplay; you're lucky I don't banish you from the knitting group for that :hihi: .

I like your Branching Out more than mine. It's certainly much neater :( . Are you using smaller needles, or am I just getting the impression of a smaller gauge from the distance the photo was taken?

What's the yarn like to work with? I never got around to ordering from Get Knitted at the weekend, so I'm still undecided between that and the sock yarn in the same Reds and Purples colour.

Why thankyou:blush: Im using 5mm needles - its width in the piccy is 7 inches (as thats what it said it should be in the pattern). It helps it look nicer when you pin it out I think as it looks very scrunched up otherwise:) I think that the Scrumptious might be a little thicker than the Tapestry (but not that much). Its another one thats very loosely wound - but its still a very lovely yarn:D

...Hecate are you using 4mm needles?
No, I'm using the 5 mm needles too. I cast on using the smaller needles, and did a repeat before realising that it was going to knit up a little too narrow for me. It wasn't that much of a difference, but enough to cause the perfectionist in me to rip it out and go for the larger needles. It doesn't help that I'm a tight knitter, so that would have helped to narrow the scarf too.

I think I'll be casting on tonight or might leave it for the weekend. Should really finish something before starting new stuff.

Its such a lovely pattern - thinking of making it out of a mohair type yarn.

Well I could show you a picture of my progress.... but all you would see is two fully wound balls of Tapestry complete with ball bands.

Oooops.

Well I could show you a picture of my progress.... but all you would see is two fully wound balls of Tapestry complete with ball bands.

Oooops.

You show me your balls of Tapestry and I'll show you mine :hihi:

Well I could show you a picture of my progress.... but all you would see is two fully wound balls of Tapestry complete with ball bands.

Oooops.


I feel slightly ahead of you then as I too have a wound ball - Parisienne complete with band - but - I did wind it off the skein :D I then felt obliged to cast on the right front of a cable cardigan (Sofia) from Debbie Bliss's Pure Cotton book
http://www.laughinghens.com/knitting-pattern-page.asp?patternpageid=5659

You show me your balls of Tapestry and I'll show you mine :hihi:

Ooooh well with an offer like that littleblue how can I resist!! :hihi:


This has to be the laziest knitalong going. I have a half day at work tomorrow and then 5 whole days off for my birthday so hopefully I'll start it then!

Well I could show you a picture of my progress.... but all you would see is two fully wound balls of Tapestry complete with ball bands.

Oooops.
As I recall, the first photo I posted in the Fetchings knitalong was a picture of the pattern, the needles and the Cashmerino all arranged artistically on my desk :lol: .

Ok progress so far...i'm showing off :P

Close up (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/BranchingOut2.jpg) and partly pinned (because i was bored and curious)

and length (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/BranchingOut3.jpg)

The colour looks funny on the length one, it's not got such contrasting stripes as that.

Ok progress so far...i'm showing off :P

Close up (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/BranchingOut2.jpg) and partly pinned (because i was bored and curious)

and length (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/BranchingOut3.jpg)

The colour looks funny on the length one, it's not got such contrasting stripes as that.
Right, well now I'm well annoyed, because yours looks neater than mine too :mad: . Will everyone please stop posting closeups, because you're making me feel bad :hihi: .

I was going to post a photo tonight, but the ones I've taken aren't of it pinned out, so I'm going to do that and take some more. Hopefully, it'll look a little neater after that.

Right, well now I'm well annoyed, because yours looks neater than mine too :mad: . Will everyone please stop posting closeups, because you're making me feel bad :hihi: .

I was going to post a photo tonight, but the ones I've taken aren't of it pinned out, so I'm going to do that and take some more. Hopefully, it'll look a little neater after that.

Lol, oh mine looks nothing like that (well it does resemble it obviously :P) when its not pinned out.

I am now officially part of the knitalong:D 9 rows........

Well done ladies, they are all looking good. Keep the piccies coming ... and
Hecate, when are you joining in?? (Ooops that could earn me a slapped wrist :))

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0726.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0733.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Wheezy_photos/DSCF0732.jpg

I've finished! It measures 72", and took almost 100g of DK. I really enjoyed doing it, and am going to start another one, perhaps in a finer yarn. Quite pleased with the end result for a first attempt. As you can see above are three pictures of the end result. I haven't soaked it, blocked it or pinned it yet. Hope my Mum likes it as a Mothers Day present. :)

Well done ladies, they are all looking good. Keep the piccies coming ... and
Hecate, when are you joining in?? (Ooops that could earn me a slapped wrist :))
LOL Listen, matey, I've done 15 repeats now and that's with a knitter's lump on my middle finger, which is blumin' painful! :lol:

I took photos yesterday, but as they looked a bit rubbish I decided to take some more today with it pinned out a little. I'll post some later this afternoon - honest :) .

I've finished! ...
Very nice :) . You'll have the next one done before I'm even half way through the first at this rate!

Wheezy, that's lovely, I like the colour of the yarn. Your Mum will love it I'm sure and if she doesn't you could always donate it to a cold northerner around the Aberdeenshire area:o :D :rolleyes:

I've looked back at the thread but can't see what yarn you used. Was it Tapestry like the others or just a generic DK?

Whatever you used it's lovely!!

Wheezy, that's lovely, I like the colour of the yarn. Your Mum will love it I'm sure and if she doesn't you could always donate it to a cold northerner around the Aberdeenshire area:o :D :rolleyes:

I've looked back at the thread but can't see what yarn you used. Was it Tapestry like the others or just a generic DK?

Whatever you used it's lovely!!

Plain old Wendy Double Knit! Nice enough though, with the odd change in colour here and there. Nice and soft too :)

Looks lovely! Well done!:thumbsup:

Well done on finishing so quickly:D It doesnt look like its going to need to much in the way of blocking. Im not looking forward to finding a long enough place thats cat/ boy free for blocking mine:suspect: How many repeats was it approximately - Ive only done 8 so far:o

Well done on finishing so quickly:D It doesnt look like its going to need to much in the way of blocking. Im not looking forward to finding a long enough place thats cat/ boy free for blocking mine:suspect: How many repeats was it approximately - Ive only done 8 so far:o

51 repeats - i think :suspect: Probably won't soak or block actually, never blocked a thing in my life (apart from a corridor). I think my Mum will like it actually, and I'm going to leave it to her to bung in the washer with the rest of her smalls :hihi:

actually edited!

Seen so many nice results now from you! Beautiful to see how different yarn makes all unique results.
I'll definately knit another one with thicker wool when I've finished this one. After all I start to get a kind of familiarity with the pattern :)
Here's the result of my knitting until now (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl.jpg), including lifeline. The shawl is still small but I get more pleasure now as I recognize a pattern. Hecate, you're right: knitting with Parisienne is almost like knitting air.
I'm confident to finish it off before Mothers Day too as it is for my partners mum.

About the lifeline: it gives me so much confidence and it's less work than I though to pull the line through the stitches.

Seen so many nice results now from you! Beautiful to see how different yarn makes all unique results.


Your scarf is beautiful! It looks soooo delicate. Keep up the good work, look forward to seeing it finished ;)

...Here's the result of my knitting until now (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl.jpg), including lifeline. ...
That really is beautiful :) . It's like a cobweb, it looks so delicate.

Ok, I think everyone should stop knitting until I get a chance to start!

They all look so gorgeous though so I am slowly getting motivated.

Ok, I think everyone should stop knitting until I get a chance to start!

They all look so gorgeous though so I am slowly getting motivated.
Don't worry. I've paused on mine for a little while due to sore lump on my middle finger :( . I'm going to wait a few days for the inflammation to go down before picking up the needles again.

Don't worry. I've paused on mine for a little while due to sore lump on my middle finger :( . I'm going to wait a few days for the inflammation to go down before picking up the needles again.

Mwaa ha ha ha -I may still beat you then (not that its a competition of course):hihi:

Wheezy, that looks great and the pattern looks that clear it doesn't look like it needs blocking unlike mine knitted in tapestry. :rolleyes:

Bami, that looks lovely. I've got some rowan kidsilk haze i need to use which seems simillar to the yarn your using in that its like knitting with air (to be honest whenever i try knitting with it i hate it!) But yours looks so lovely that when i've finished the one im doing in tapestry i may give branching out another go in kidsilk haze, especially now i'm familiar with the pattern.

......
Here's the result of my knitting until now (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl.jpg), including lifeline. The shawl is still small but I get more pleasure now as I recognize a pattern. Hecate, you're right: knitting with Parisienne is almost like knitting air.
I'm confident to finish it off before Mothers Day too as it is for my partners mum......

That is beautiful Bami - so glad you chose that colour...:D My Burnt Sienna is a tad difficult to see on bamboo needles later on at night when my eyes are tired!

Here's the progress so far. In this (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-1.jpg) photo, it reminds me of the direction signs you find on roundabouts :hihi: .

Here's (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-2.jpg) a hastily pinned out close-up. You can see where the yarn has untwisted into roving-like thicker bits on some of the stitches.

Overall, I'm not too keen on it. I think the dark blue is a little overwhelming for the rest of the colours. My mum loves blue though, so hopefully she'll like it more than I do.

Here's the progress so far. In this (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-1.jpg) photo, it reminds me of the direction signs you find on roundabouts :hihi: .

Here's (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-2.jpg) a hastily pinned out close-up. You can see where the yarn has untwisted into roving-like thicker bits on some of the stitches.

Overall, I'm not too keen on it. I think the dark blue is a little overwhelming for the rest of the colours. My mum loves blue though, so hopefully she'll like it more than I do.

The dark blue is quite contrasting but does it look as overwhelming in real life as it does on the photo? Because the darker sections on mine look quite overwhelming on the length shot when they don't look that bad when i'm looking at it properly. :lol: Lol at the direction signs at roundabouts btw!

I think it looks lovely in the close up shot, very neat.

No, it's not quite so overwhelming in the flesh, though the dark blue is still pretty dark. It looks better pinned out, as the lacy holes dilute the colours. I think I'd go for a variegated yarn next time, and not a striping one. Having said that, the colours on everyone elses' Tapestry Branching Outs look less contrasting than they do on mine.

Hecate,
Welcome to the party *cringes as she dodges Hecate's hand slap* That looks lovely to me. You definitely win the crown for the queen of perfection.
Are you the sort of person who, once they take a dislike to something, it doesn't grow on them?

That is beautiful Bami - so glad you chose that colour...:D My Burnt Sienna is a tad difficult to see on bamboo needles later on at night when my eyes are tired!

Oh I know what you mean! When there's a bit of red in 'my' yarn, it's very hard to see it as well, especially on the bamboo colour. Wish you good luck :D

I might use this pattern too in both fronts of a cardigan which I was intending to knit with the green King Cole smooth dk. I think it will come out nicely.

Hecate,
Welcome to the party *cringes as she dodges Hecate's hand slap* That looks lovely to me. You definitely win the crown for the queen of perfection.
Are you the sort of person who, once they take a dislike to something, it doesn't grow on them?
It's definitely not perfect.

I think it'll grow on me. It does look less dominated by the dark blue in reality, and it's much better once it's pinned out so that the lace becomes the interesting thing, not the colours. It's going to get a serious blocking.

It's for my mum though, so it isn't too much of a problem if it doesn't grow on me that much. My mum loves blue, as well as lacy things, so I'm sure she'll like it :) .

I printed out the pattern today although I haven't actually retrieved it from the printer yet :)

I've just updated my blog with the latest pic of my scarf on....

OK its half done (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture030.jpg) - 49g to go. So far I have learnt that pony needles do not have sharp enough points to make lace knitting easy:hihi: Think mum is going to need an IOU pressie for Mothers Day though as I would need to finish the actual knitting bit by Wednesday so I would be able to block it and post it in time - ho hum luckily she wont mind:D

OK its half done (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture030.jpg) - 49g to go. So far I have learnt that pony needles do not have sharp enough points to make lace knitting easy:hihi: Think mum is going to need an IOU pressie for Mothers Day though as I would need to finish the actual knitting bit by Wednesday so I would be able to block it and post it in time - ho hum luckily she wont mind:D

Very nice!
I have the same worry about Mothers Day i need mine done for Friday, mines about half done, but i've got a 3000 word essay to be in this week :help: and it will need blocking before then too....:( Also i've ordered as a present from my sister to mum a mug from Klick, one of the ones you put photos on so theres a pic of me and my sister on it and that might not be here before Friday...i've really made a pigs ear of this Mothers Day! :rolleyes:

Looks good, looks the same shade as mine too I think. I was hoping to get it done for MIL's birthday on Wednesday, but I don't think thats going to happen now

That's looking lovely, Lisa :) . I'm going to have to get a serious move on if mine's to be done by the end of next week and still have time to block it.

Looks good, looks the same shade as mine too I think. I was hoping to get it done for MIL's birthday on Wednesday, but I don't think thats going to happen now

I looked in your Blog and yours is coming on really nicely too:D I didnt use tapestry in the end - ordered some Fyberspates Scrumptious and it is exactly that:love:

Does everyone else hate the sl2 k1 p2so stitch? I find it really difficult:(

Does everyone else hate the sl2 k1 p2so stitch? I find it really difficult:(

No, because I think of slipping 2 stitches is a way of getting rid of two stitches fast which means I get along the row quicker! :hihi: :loopy:

...Does everyone else hate the sl2 k1 p2so stitch? I find it really difficult:(
I don't find it difficult as such; more fiddly to get it to look 'right'. It involves pulling it around a little to get the stitch to sit neatly (or at least it does with my funny-textured Tapestry).

Thanks for noticing Lisa. Funny the colours look similar!

I don't find it difficult as such; more fiddly to get it to look 'right'. It involves pulling it around a little to get the stitch to sit neatly (or at least it does with my funny-textured Tapestry).

I just find getting hold of the 2 stitches to pass over quite difficult - I also find the k3tog a little difficult too.....probably these very blunt needles Im using:)

I just find getting hold of the 2 stitches to pass over quite difficult - I also find the k3tog a little difficult too.....probably these very blunt needles Im using:)
Yes, blunt needles are anathema to lace kitting. It's a compromise though; the sharp ones hurt my fingers and I tend to split the yarn a little with them (they'd be hellish with the splitty Tapestry), while the really blunt ones are hopeless for moving the stitches around.

The Knitpicks needles are meant to be meant to be on the pointy side. Some have apparently found them too sharp for comfort though.

I have a set of Knitpicks needles, I think they're the best needles I've got. They are very pointy, but I don't find them too pointy myself:)

I've just updated my blog with the latest pic of my scarf on....
I really like the colours of your shade of Tapestry. It reminds me a little of the 'Aslan' shade of Lorna's Laces.

Are you finding that your Tapestry has a slightly uneven texture, with sections of it much thicker than others where it's unwound a little? The way that the change in thickness in mine throws off the look of the stitches of my Branching Out in certain areas is really starting to annoy me now :mad: .

I have a set of Knitpicks needles, I think they're the best needles I've got. They are very pointy, but I don't find them too pointy myself:)
I've read loads of reviews of them and they've nearly all been wildly enthusiastic, especially the join between the cable and the needle. They are very, very tempting...

I gather that the kit doesn't include the really small diameter needles, but you can buy those separately as non-interchangeable ones?

I'm not a big user of circular needles, though it would be nice to have them there for when I do use them... I'm a fan of the Addi Turbos, though I see from the reviews that the Knitpicks ones are just as good, with the only major difference between them being the pointiness of the tips.

Just a quick update on the Branching Out progress (or lack thereof).

I paused for a day or two due to a poorly finger, and since then I've made a start on the Lake Park Hat and haven't picked up the Branching Out needles at all :o . I must carry on with it this afternoon though, if it's to be done and blocked by next week.

I know, I'm procrastinating; but the yarn is really irritating and I've found that I'm not enjoying knitting the pattern as much as I did with the previous attempts. I will certainly use an alternative yarn if I make another.

Here (http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Needles_Options.aspx) is the link to the needles. You can create an account with them but they don't ship to the UK, so, I have a good friend in Texas who I can get stuff sent to then she sends it me:D

They work out about £30 which is about the same price as a set of Denise's but I much prefer the Knitpicks one to the Denise's.

My knitting progress has slowed down too, I just haven't had chance to do any since Friday and we're back at work tomorrow after a week off so it will be slowing down.

I'm nearly at the end of my first ball. How long are people making it? So far, mine is about 31"

Here (http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Needles_Options.aspx) is the link to the needles. You can create an account with them but they don't ship to the UK, so, I have a good friend in Texas who I can get stuff sent to then she sends it me:D

They work out about £30 which is about the same price as a set of Denise's but I much prefer the Knitpicks one to the Denise's.

My knitting progress has slowed down too, I just haven't had chance to do any since Friday and we're back at work tomorrow after a week off so it will be slowing down.

Of course you could do what I have done and asked the lovely Jill to get me some in a couple of weeks when shes over in the States:D

I havent done any today at all:( Mums definitely getting an IOU for a pressie:o

Of course you could do what I have done and asked the lovely Jill to get me some in a couple of weeks when shes over in the States:D ...
I've already asked her to get me far too much yarn. She'll have a fit if I ask her to order anything else :hihi: .

Oooh i didn't know that! I've just done another order actually for some yarn, my friend and me are going to do another scarff :suspect:

I started mine...finally! I started on 4mm needles, the same as the Tapestry ballband says, but it just wasn't working so I moved up to 5mm and I like the result much better. I had to frog 2 times for various mistakes but it seems to be ok 3rd time around. I've done 7 pattern repeats and so far all is going well.

I did want to try reading it from the chart as I've never really done it before, but to be honest I find reading the written instructions much easier.

I HATE the k3tog. It's one of the most fiddly stitches for me. As Hecate mentioned I have found a few areas of the yarn that are coming untwisted but nothing too bad that is affecting the work.

I would take pics but I can't find any batteries for the camera, I really really really like the colourway though!

It's really funny how people see the chart differently. As I'm knitting Branching Out, I don't think 'oh, I've now got a run of five knit stitches, followed by a series of YO's' and knits, I see the stitches as the colours I've used to colour in the chart. So, the first line is a yellow, a red, five blues, a series of five red and blue pairs etc.

At first, I had to remind myself what colour was which stitch, but now it's automatic. I've found it's easier to remember the sequence as colours rather than as stitches.

Well its now 38 inches long (unstretched) and I have 31g or yarn left now - dont think its going to be finished is it:(

Ah well should think about blocking......its going to need somewhere long isnt it - not sure I have anywhere:suspect: I was thinking of threading something round the edges and tensioning that (with some pinning) to make sure it blocks straight rather than fanned between the pins(IYKWIM) - will embroidery floss do the job?

I block long and very large items on towels on the floor (remembering to firmly shut the door behind me so that small paws can't 'investigate' it).

I really need to get some of those lace blocking pins for long edges, though with the bumpy garter stitch edging to the Branching Out, I didn't have too much of a problem with the last couple (I used lots of pins though). Having said that, the heavier yarn I used didn't require a firm blocking, which minimised the edge fanning anyway.

The embroidery floss idea sounds good, though with the scarf being so long, you'd need quite a lot of tension at each end to keep it taught (and the pins securing each end of it would need to be really firmly secured to take the strain).

Would you be relying on the floss on its own to keep the edges straight (with it just anchored at either end), or pinning along its length (anchoring the floss along its length with pins)?

I block long and very large items on towels on the floor (remembering to firmly shut the door behind me so that small paws can't 'investigate' it).

I really need to get some of those lace blocking pins for long edges, though with the bumpy garter stitch edging to the Branching Out, I didn't have too much of a problem with the last couple (I used lots of pins though). Having said that, the heavier yarn I used didn't require a firm blocking, which minimised the edge fanning anyway.

The embroidery floss idea sounds good, though with the scarf being so long, you'd need quite a lot of tension at each end to keep it taught (and the pins securing each end of it would need to be really firmly secured to take the strain).

Would you be relying on the floss on its own to keep the edges straight (with it just anchored at either end), or pinning along its length (anchoring the floss along its length with pins)?

I noticed with the small bit that I pinned out with pins approx 1 inch apart that I was still getting some fanning so Im going to need to do something:) I was thinking of threading the floss (or something else) through and anchoring either end but still using pins to hold it out but hoping it will make any fanning less noticable - does that make sense?

I noticed with the small bit that I pinned out with pins approx 1 inch apart that I was still getting some fanning so Im going to need to do something:) I was thinking of threading the floss (or something else) through and anchoring either end but still using pins to hold it out but hoping it will make any fanning less noticable - does that make sense?
Yes, that makes sense :) . I'll be interested to see the result, because my Branching Out is going to require a serious blocking too, such that the fanning you describe is likely to occur on mine too.

Yarn Harlot (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html) has had a similar idea.

And here's the lace blocking wires (http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/cart/dressing_wires.php). String is cheaper though!

And here's an example of blocking using stainless steel welding rods (http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/blocking.shtm).

Yes, that makes sense :) . I'll be interested to see the result, because my Branching Out is going to require a serious blocking too, such that the fanning you describe is likely to occur on mine too.

Yarn Harlot (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html) has had a similar idea.

And here's the lace blocking wires (http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/cart/dressing_wires.php). String is cheaper though!

And here's an example of blocking using stainless steel welding rods (http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/blocking.shtm).


Id seen blocking wires before but couldnt find any when I was looking before:) Im wondering whether I can use acrylic 4 ply (I have loads of snuggly after a baby project) or would that be too stretchy?

Id seen blocking wires before but couldnt find any when I was looking before:) Im wondering whether I can use acrylic 4 ply (I have loads of snuggly after a baby project) or would that be too stretchy?
That could work as long as you got most of the stretch out of it with the pin tensioning. Something like the embroidery cotton you suggested earlier might be better; something with minimal stretch to start off with.

I use the colour chart the same way as you Hec.

I've found what you mean about Tapestry now....i'm on my second ball and in places it has been so thin i was scared it might snap! :mad: There was also a knot right near the end of ball one!

I'm determined to get it finished in time...it may need blocking at mums but never mind!

...I've found what you mean about Tapestry now....i'm on my second ball and in places it has been so thin i was scared it might snap! ...
Yes, I've had that too! Just come to the end of the first ball (no knots to report), and sections of it - particularly towards the end of the ball (or rather the beginning, as I was using a centre-pull) - have been as thin as embroidery thread. I think the problems I've had with Tapestry have more than made up for the lack of knots :hihi: .

Latest update: I've just finished 26 repeats and the scarf is about 36 inches long, unstretched. It'll block out to much longer though.

I've just started the second ball of Tapestry, so given the progress so far, I think about half way through this ball will give a scarf of about the right length for my mum.

I've switched to a sharper pair of bamboo needles too (no idea what brand they are), which is really helping with the more fiddly of the stitches.

When you block, are you going to soak it in water? Or spray it? I've never blocked anything before so I don't know what to do

When you block, are you going to soak it in water? Or spray it? I've never blocked anything before so I don't know what to do
For this one, I'm going to soak it in water. I'm also going to follow the method suggested by Lisa for keeping the edges nice and straight, for which this (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html) article is going to come in useful.

For wet-blocking, I use just over luke warm water with a little drop of fabric conditioner in it. I soak the item in the water, being careful not to swish the water around too much if I think there's a risk of any felting (if anything, I'm probably too cautious about that, but I'm paranoid about spoiling what I've knitted). I give the item several gentle squeezes while it's in the water to get all the air bubbles out and let it soak for at least five minutes to ensure that it's really thoroughly wet, and the water's penetrated everywhere.

After that, I carefully kift it out of the water and give it several careful squeezes to get most of the water out. I sort of roll/fold it into a manageable shape while it's still in the water to make sure that I'm not dragging any of it out of shape with the heaviness of the water.

I then put it onto a big towel, and roll the item up in it. I give the towel roll several squeezes to get most of the water out, then wrap the item in another dry towel. It then goes off to be blocked.

For blocking, I use a cork board or two, depending on the size of the item, covered in a light towel. It helps if the towel has stripes, or if you have a straight edge like a long metal ruler, if you're blocking something that has straight edges.

I use lots of stainless steel, glass-headed pins for blocking. I always get the best-quality pins to prevent any marking of the fabric (the cheaper pins don't so much rust (though that has been known), but I've had experience with pins leaching out a black residue :o). The glass-headed ones are useful because you can see them in the fabric, and they're essential if you're steam-blocking with an iron, as the plastic-headed ones could melt.

I very carefully arrange the item into the desired shape and size, following the size specifications given in the pattern. The lace can stand a fair bit of pulling around so as to get the lace pattern properly displayed, though make sure that when you're pulling and blocking further down the scarf, after you've finished blocking a section, that you're not putting too much strain on the bits you've already pinned, as you're very likely to get scalloping around the edges where the fabric pulls inwards against the pins.

I leave the item until it's absolutely 100% dry, then unpin it, and that's it!

I'm wanting to avoid mine today...

Last night i was doing the silly knit-while-tired-and-had-a-drink thing :o and i firstly managed to lose a stitch....but i found it to my joy (usually a no no with lace) though i could have actually 'created' a stitch as it does look a little different to the rest (not noticeable enough to bother me though) well anyway i did a bit more but now i've got an extra stitch :huh: so i'm gonna have to sort that out...or do a k2tog somewhere and hope it doesn't stand out to much... :help: :mad:

Silly me got a bit confident with the pattern and thought i could stop putting lifelines in :|

Silly me got a bit confident with the pattern and thought i could stop putting lifelines in :|

You're only human Rooty, I'm sure you'll be back on track soon! :thumbsup: If you do do a knit two tog, it adds to it's uniqueness - sureley? :suspect: :D

I'm wanting to avoid mine today...

Last night i was doing the silly knit-while-tired-and-had-a-drink thing :o and i firstly managed to lose a stitch...
I did more or less the same thing last night. After I'd PM'd you at whatever silly time it was, I went to bed with the knitting and a DVD as I'd convinced myself I wasn't tired (despite having to be up early).

First of all, I added a YO after the three K stitches and before the first SSK on the first two rows. In both cases, I'd completed the purl row before noticing. I had to unknit it stitch by stitch as I wasn't using a lifeline.

Then, as I was unknitting the second mistake, I dropped a stitch :o . Fortunately, I managed to jam my needle in it before it went too far, but there was much fiddling to get it back into the right place.

Well.... :(

I've had another go at it and it ain't looking good! :(

I've had a go at trying to fix it but i've realised i must have bodged it a couple of rows before i'd noticed anyway as it's off centre. The line that runs through the middle of the scarf vertically doesn't look very clear on the section i'm on and the diamond like shapes either side of the 'line' seem off too.

I'm tediously going through it line by line hoping for a "oh thats where i've gone wrong moment" though i don't really see that happening! lol!

I haven't got time for this! Needs to be done for friday!!! :| :lol:

Well.... :(

I've had another go at it and it ain't looking good! :( ...
Try going to just above the top of a section that you know is alright, then inserting a fine needle through the stitches (use a row with the most K stitches), then ripping back as you would to a lifeline. When you get to just above where the needle it, rip the stitches slowly, stitch by stitch, watching how each stitch pops up, and sticking it on another needle as soon as you see it.

Try going to just above the top of a section that you know is alright, then inserting a fine needle through the stitches (use a row with the most K stitches), then ripping back as you would to a lifeline. When you get to just above where the needle it, rip the stitches slowly, stitch by stitch, watching how each stitch pops up, and sticking it on another needle as soon as you see it.

Hmm, thats a good idea! Will try that later. Thank you. :)

Oooh this blocking lark sounds complicated! I'm scared!

Try going to just above the top of a section that you know is alright, then inserting a fine needle through the stitches (use a row with the most K stitches), then ripping back as you would to a lifeline. When you get to just above where the needle it, rip the stitches slowly, stitch by stitch, watching how each stitch pops up, and sticking it on another needle as soon as you see it.

ok i've done a variation on a theme, i ran a needle and thread through like a life line. I had to copy the one previous lifeline i had (which btw is halfway down now :mad:) which was an absolute swine...as was undoing the knitting - tapestry does not 'un-knit' very well at all! I think its worked though, only just done it and i need to step away from it for awhile before i throw it off the balcony! But i do have 25 stitches on my needle and it looks right so we shall see..!

Oooh this blocking lark sounds complicated! I'm scared!
No, it's not, honest! I haven't used the string method described by the Yarn Harlot in the link either, so that'll be a first for me.

As long as you remember make sure you give the piece a thorough soaking, handle it with TLC when soaking wet, and don't unpin it til it's absolutely dry, it's very difficult to go wrong.

Just make sure you've got loads of good pins, as you always end up using more than you think.

Any idea where I can get some decent pins online? I know it sounds daft, but I'm not going to get chance to go and look for any so buying online will be quicker! I thought about Hobbycraft, but I won't be able to get there till Sunday at least....

Its ok, found some here (http://www.sewandso.co.uk/index.html). Beter get ready for work......byeee

I'm back in business! :D Yey!

It worked, and i've now done two repeats and it looks normal. I now also have a lifeline inserted to avoid the same dillema!

I'm back in business! :D Yey!

It worked, and i've now done two repeats and it looks normal. I now also have a lifeline inserted to avoid the same dillema!
:clap:

I've just finished mine and cast-off. I'll check the number of repeats I did later. Although I had not a single knot in the first ball of Tapestry, the second more than made up for it. I had to cut out three knots in the space of three pattern repeats :o .

I'm going to weave in the ends tonight and investigate further the Yarn Harlot's string blocking method. With a bit of luck, it might be done for Mother's Day!

:clap:

I've just finished mine and cast-off. I'll check the number of repeats I did later. Although I had not a single knot in the first ball of Tapestry, the second more than made up for it. I had to cut out three knots in the space of three pattern repeats :o .

I'm going to weave in the ends tonight and investigate further the Yarn Harlot's string blocking method. With a bit of luck, it might be done for Mother's Day!

Ooh get you, first to finish! (im not jealous or anything :P )
How long is it unblocked Hec?

Ooh get you, first to finish! (im not jealous or anything :P )
LOL No, Wheezy finished hers a little while back, and I think Lisa said she'd finished too.
How long is it unblocked Hec?
It's roughly 135 cm/53" measured with absolutely no stretch. There's a hell of a lot of blocking to be done though, so the final length will be a fair bit longer. I did 36 repeats and used just under a ball and a half of Tapestry.

LOL No, Wheezy finished hers a little while back, and I think Lisa said she'd finished too.
Oh yeah, i forgot Wheezy finished hers first i think its because she started early and finished so fast! and i hadn't realised Lisa had finished...must pay more attention!

It's roughly 135 cm/53" measured with absolutely no stretch. There's a hell of a lot of blocking to be done though, so the final length will be a fair bit longer. I did 36 repeats and used just under a ball and a half of Tapestry.
Thanks for that will count mine up sometime soon and measure though im not far into the second ball so i've got a bit to go yet.

...i hadn't realised Lisa had finished...must pay more attention! ...
Actually, now I think about it, I'm not she she has finished. Maybe she just mentioned blocking and that she was nearly finished. Oh dear, the memory's going already :rolleyes: :hihi: .

Actually, now I think about it, I'm not she she has finished. Maybe she just mentioned blocking and that she was nearly finished. Oh dear, the memory's going already :rolleyes: :hihi: .

Lol!

I've just counted my repeats i have 26, so i'm not far off where you've finished off.

LOL No, Wheezy finished hers a little while back, and I think Lisa said she'd finished too.

It's roughly 135 cm/53" measured with absolutely no stretch. There's a hell of a lot of blocking to be done though, so the final length will be a fair bit longer. I did 36 repeats and used just under a ball and a half of Tapestry.

Well done:D

No Ive not finished yet 18g to go ...its 32 repeats and 46 inches long now- Mums getting a bit of yarn sellotaped to her card with an IOU:blush:

I've just finished pinning mine out. I threaded some cotton yarn through the edges and used the Yarn Harlot method to help with the straight edges.

The scarf is too long to get sufficient tension in the cotton to ensure that I didn't need any pins along the long sides. However, the cotton provided a very firm edge against which to place pins less frequently, such that I don't anticipate a problem with any scalloping along the edges (the pins are placed against the threaded cotton, not the knit fabric).

It's blocked out to roughly 180 cm/71", by the way, so it's added nearly 50 cm/20" with blocking!

Do we get a photo of it pinned out? :P and wow it has added alot to the length hasn't it. *thinks...hmm where am i going to block it* Has much dye come out of the yarn?

Do we get a photo of it pinned out? :P and wow it has added alot to the length hasn't it. *thinks...hmm where am i going to block it* Has much dye come out of the yarn?
Yes, I'll take one now. It's pinned out on the floor behind me. You'll have to excuse the cat hair covered and fabric dye splattered study carpet though :lol: .

I didn't notice any dye coming out of the yarn. I soaked it luke warm water (with a little splash of fabric conditioner) for about 15 minutes, and the water looked fine once I'd removed it.

Yes, I'll take one now. It's pinned out on the floor behind me. You'll have to excuse the cat hair covered and fabric dye splattered study carpet though :lol: .

I didn't notice any dye coming out of the yarn. I soaked it luke warm water (with a little splash of fabric conditioner) for about 15 minutes, and the water looked fine once I'd removed it.

Thats good about the yarn and no dye coming out! Its just the carpet here throughout is cream (which is silly..nice but silly) and i really want my bond back when we move out! :lol:

I took a photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-3.jpg) of a little section just to show how I'd threaded the cotton yarn through the edge stitches before soaking.

And here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out4.jpg) it is blocking on the study floor. It's a bit wonky in places, but it's opened up the lace pattern well, which is what my intention was.

I'd put some towels down on that cream carpet, Rooty, just in case!

I took a photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out-3.jpg) of a little section just to show how I'd threaded the cotton yarn through the edge stitches before soaking.

And here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out4.jpg) it is blocking on the study floor. It's a bit wonky in places, but it's opened up the lace pattern well, which is what my intention was.

I'd put some towels down on that cream carpet, Rooty, just in case!

That looks brilliant! The detail in the pattern looks lovely.

Don't worry, towels are still in the plan! :lol:

EDIT:did you thread the cotton widthways and lengthways?

That looks brilliant! The detail in the pattern looks lovely.

Don't worry, towels are still in the plan! :lol:
Ta very much :D .

It should be dry by tomorrow so I can get it wrapped in time for Mother's Day.

...EDIT:did you thread the cotton widthways and lengthways?
I did. I threaded the cotton along all four sides, using four separate lengths and securing each end individually with three pins.

Thats looking good Hecate:) I couldnt decide whether to thread the 'string' along the very edge like you or to thread it just where the garter stitch meets the lace:suspect: Did you thread the strings through before wetting the scarf - thats what I was planning. I was talking about blocking way before I got there - bit of a worrier you see and like to make sure Im well prepared:wink:

Thats looking good Hecate:) I couldnt decide whether to thread the 'string' along the very edge like you or to thread it just where the garter stitch meets the lace:suspect: Did you thread the strings through before wetting the scarf - thats what I was planning. I was talking about blocking way before I got there - bit of a worrier you see and like to make sure Im well prepared:wink:
I did do the threading before wetting the scarf. I'd be scared of pulling the wet fabric about too much if I did the threading after it'd been in the sink.

I actually didn't give any thought to where I threaded the string. I just looked at the photos on the Yarn Harlot's link and did it according to those. I reckon it'd work just as well if you threaded along the edge of the lace/border.

That's looking really beautiful Hecate. Really long but beautiful.

:mad: i'm fed up. I did one repeat ok tonight, but I've spent an hour starting the next one and just can't seem to get it right. I've put it down and at the moment can't face going back to it:(

:mad: i'm fed up. I did one repeat ok tonight, but I've spent an hour starting the next one and just can't seem to get it right. I've put it down and at the moment can't face going back to it:(
Don't give up! :) . Lace knitting does take a bit of getting in to, but the results are well worth it. Come back to it tomorrow and see how it goes.

Which bits are causing the most grief? It might be that something like a change of needles could help (blunt-ish ones can be a pain when doing th K3 tog etc).

Everything has been fine up till now. I've done about 40" so far. I'm thinking if i should cast off now.

The needles are quite pointy, they're some Lantern Moon ones, decisions decisions!

I have cast off - hurrah:D 34 repeats - although I could have got 1 more out it seems but I wasnt sure so cast off then (turns out I have 9g of yarn left). The only unfortunate thing is that its still not going to be blocked in time for posting tomorrow (Mum lives on a narrow boat most of the time atm so I would need to post it to her work):( Ho hum.

Everything has been fine up till now. I've done about 40" so far. I'm thinking if i should cast off now.

The needles are quite pointy, they're some Lantern Moon ones, decisions decisions!
Sorry Jules. For some reason I'd got it into my head that you'd only just started. God knows where I got that from :roll: . In my defence, I'm coming down with a cold or something so my head is bunged and fuzzy and it's clearly affecting my thinking. That's my excuse anyway :lol: .

I have cast off - hurrah:D 34 repeats - although I could have got 1 more out it seems but I wasnt sure so cast off then (turns out I have 9g of yarn left). The only unfortunate thing is that its still not going to be blocked in time for posting tomorrow (Mum lives on a narrow boat most of the time atm so I would need to post it to her work):( Ho hum.
:clap: Excellent! I look forward to seeing the new piccies :D . Are you going for the string blocking too?

:clap: Excellent! I look forward to seeing the new piccies :D . Are you going for the string blocking too?
Course I am - it was my idea:suspect:

Course I am - it was my idea:suspect:
Quite. I'd just been looking at the post where you suggested it and said you were thinking about using that method. I just wondered if you'd made up your mind...

It's finished! Blocked and now wrapped up ready to give to my mum :D . Here's a final (pretty poor - sorry) photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out5.jpg).

It's finished! Blocked and now wrapped up ready to give to my mum :D . Here's a final (pretty poor - sorry) photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Branching-Out5.jpg).


That looks really lovely - the colours seem to have mellowed. Did the stringing come out relatively easily and how long did it take to dry? Not going to get to block til Saturday (was going to do it this week but Robin decided to work from home so I cant pin it out where I wanted until Saturday) but Ive got my string and Im ready to thread:)

So my next dilemma - do I finally finish my River Rapids or do some more Dew - got a couple of weeks before swearing about whos stuuuuuupid idea it was to do Bayerische socks:hihi:

I'm still plodding along. I think I am on the twenty-somethingth repeat. I am so not looking forward to blocking.

That looks really lovely - the colours seem to have mellowed. ...
Ta very much :D . The blocking has made a huge difference to the intensity of the colour blocks, though it's still a little too stripy for me. The blue Tapestry really wins the prize for 'most over-whelming colour changes'.
...Did the stringing come out relatively easily and how long did it take to dry?...
The string came out easily. I used some smooth cotton yarn, so I was able to pull the lengths out very smoothly, with no snagging or tugging at all.

I pinned it out yesterday afternoon, and unpinned it about midday today, by which time it was completely dry. The room is quite warm though.
...So my next dilemma - do I finally finish my River Rapids or do some more Dew - got a couple of weeks before swearing about whos stuuuuuupid idea it was to do Bayerische socks:hihi:
I vote for the socks, to get you into the mood. If the Bayerische socks turn out to be hellish, I will take it upon myself to ensure that you certainly don't forget whose idea it was :hihi: .

I'm still plodding along. I think I am on the twenty-somethingth repeat. I am so not looking forward to blocking.
Honestly, the blocking is easy. Having a straight edge to work against really helps (using a stripy towel, or pinning a tape measure next to the long edges as you're blocking).

Just take it slowly, alternating between each side as you go. If you block it on the floor as I did, keep getting up and looking down on it. Doing that makes it easier to see if you're starting to get it a little out of shape.

I finally cast mine off tonight. Its a bit late to be taking a photo now, I'll try tomorrow. I've decided I'm not going to give it anybody cos I'm not entirely happy with it. I'll try and block it at the weekend, I still haven't got any decent pins to do it with.

Just finished mine as well, 40 repeats - when it's in shape I'll take a photo.

Am I so slow? Every repeat cost me about 20 to 25 minutes with this ultra thin yarn and that's only about 3 cm!
Can't wait to knit this pattern in 'normal' wool, maybe for a cushion ... :) Surely that will grow faster.

I finished mine this morning...due to coursework deadlines and the rush to get it blocked for tomorrow afternoon/this afternoon (look at the time) i think i only ended up with 32 repeats, but its long enough! I didn't block it the way Hecate and Lisa have/are doing though because i really didn't have time to thread all the way through it. I tried to get boyfriend on board to do it but he was having none of it. So lots of pins were used which unfortunately means i have some stretched stitches (it really didn't wanna stretch to 7 inches across!) but generally it looks ok...i'm pleased with it (it helps that i'm not one of the perfectionists ;)) Will try and take some photos later but its 2.30am i'm leaving for mums tomorrow afternoon and i've still got 700 words to write for my essay :rolleyes:

I finally cast mine off tonight. Its a bit late to be taking a photo now, I'll try tomorrow. I've decided I'm not going to give it anybody cos I'm not entirely happy with it. I'll try and block it at the weekend, I still haven't got any decent pins to do it with.
Why aren't you happy with it? :(

Just finished mine as well, 40 repeats - when it's in shape I'll take a photo.

Am I so slow? Every repeat cost me about 20 to 25 minutes with this ultra thin yarn and that's only about 3 cm!
Can't wait to knit this pattern in 'normal' wool, maybe for a cushion ... :) Surely that will grow faster.
No, you're not slow. Working with that very fine, airy yarn means that your progress is never going to be as quick as those who're working with yarn that's more easy to handle, but that's more to do with the yarn than the pattern itself or how you're knitting.

I look forward to seeing it when it's finished - the yarn you're using is gorgeous.

Parisienne is structured like Rowan KSH, isn't it? Which means you're knitting the equivalent of sewing thread surrounded by a fuzzy haze. It's hard work - I know I threw in the towel with the KSH and haven't gone back yet - even someone I know who knits professionally says that this yarn structure is extremely slow and frustrating to work with. But the results are gorgeous and it will be worth all the work.

Opinions please ladies! Using Rowan Tapestry, how many repeats should I do to ensure a good length after blocking. Lengthwise I'm looking for long enough to wrap round the neck once and each side being about boob length!

Right, well this is very rough as our knitting tensions will differ, but my Branching Out with Tapestry was roughly 180 cm after (quite heavy) blocking and 36 repeats in total. If you take off about 6 cm in total for the border at each end, that's just under five cm (4.83 cm, to be exact) per repeat.

So, get the tape measure round your neck and see how long you want the scarf to be (minus the border), then divide that figure by 5 (or 4.83!) to get the rough number of pattern repeats.

Bear in mind, this is rough, so don't blame me if it goes horribly wrong :lol: .

You could, of course, always get a small section of your own scarf of say two or three repeats, and pin it out as if you were blocking it, then measure how long one of the pattern repeats is and do the calculations based on that.

Parisienne is structured like Rowan KSH, isn't it? Which means you're knitting the equivalent of sewing thread surrounded by a fuzzy haze. It's hard work - I know I threw in the towel with the KSH and haven't gone back yet - even someone I know who knits professionally says that this yarn structure is extremely slow and frustrating to work with. But the results are gorgeous and it will be worth all the work.

Do you mean this? (http://theknittinggarden.com/ro-kidsilkhaze.htm) It looks similar indeed. It was not really frustrating to knit but it went so slow and my bamboo needle started to split three times! (New once are ordered - clover takumi's).
But I really liked the fact to have made something I normally wouldn't choose (learning factor) and I like the result although it's not 100% perfect.
I cheated twice (adding a stitch or knit 2 together) and very funny/silly, all of a sudden I noticed I was knitting on the purl side. But as I could not find where I went wrong, I continued knitting. After all, it's hard to see for someone else. :D

My scarf is ready to be wrapped for mothers day :cool:
It weighs 22 grs and the length is 180cm (70 inch).

Here are the photos:
the scarf, (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl-1.jpg)
a close-up (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl-close-up.jpg) and
a 10cm/4 inch piece (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p99/bami_photos/shawl-10cm-4inch.jpg).

It was quite an experience to work with Parisienne and to knit a lace scarf. It taught me reading charts and understand English knitting terms such as k3tog :) And tomorrow it will give me a lot of satisfaction when my friend's mother gets it. :P

Bami, that's absolutely gorgeous! :love: . I love how the fine yarn enhances the little flower motifs in the centre. It really does look beautiful.

Oooooh that's so pretty and delicate. I'm starting to wish I had used kid mohair now. Am I the only one still knitting Branching Out!?

Oooooh that's so pretty and delicate. I'm starting to wish I had used kid mohair now. Am I the only one still knitting Branching Out!?
I think Jill's still knitting :) . No rush though.

Did you sort out the number of pattern repeats to do?

I think Jill's still knitting :) . No rush though.

Did you sort out the number of pattern repeats to do?

I certainly am still knitting. Inbetween daughter and son-in-law visiting from London and rampaging granddaughters I had to start over twice! Tonight I took it out of my bag to get on with and pulled off all the stitches. It is impossible to frog so - 4th time lucky....I am determined to finish it this week - especially as I recommended it to Bami!!! Her's looks so beautiful :)

I'm up to 30 repeats now and I think I'm going to cast off at 36 which I am aiming to finish tomorrow. It's starting to drag a bit with me now so if I don't finish it soon it will just become one of those projects that never gets done!

I think it has taken me longer as I haven't had a specific deadline to aim for, such as giving it for mothers day.

I certainly am still knitting. Inbetween daughter and son-in-law visiting from London and rampaging granddaughters I had to start over twice! Tonight I took it out of my bag to get on with and pulled off all the stitches. It is impossible to frog so - 4th time lucky....I am determined to finish it this week - especially as I recommended it to Bami!!! Her's looks so beautiful :)

:D I know how you feel, Jill, whilst pulling off all stitches. That's how I started and I thought I would never be able to knit one block until I used the lifeline. It must be very difficult for you though with the colour that you chose. My scarf's colour is clearer with artificial light.

Thanks for recommending me Parisienne by the way, it's so soft and light, like candyfloss. I hope you will be able to finish yours soon. :thumbsup:
Funny, I remember you knitting with those broomstick needles - quite a big contrast with the lace.

Oooooh that's so pretty and delicate. I'm starting to wish I had used kid mohair now. Am I the only one still knitting Branching Out!?

If mothers day wouldn't have been tomorrow, mine would not have been finished either. Besides I had not many other things to do last week so i was blessed with more time.
Success with your scarf, am looking forward to seeing it. :)

All the scarves I've seen so far on the photos are so nice! Definitely I'll try this pattern with another yarn as well.

I've done about twenty repeats of mine in the ksh so far, but it was for a holiday project, and my holiday was exhausting!

I love the look of the ksh so far, though it'll be uch nicer when blocked. Don't like the ssk though, k2togtbl is easier for me, then again I've heard other people say the opposite. If mine looks half as good as Bami's once I've done I'll be happy. :thumbsup:

I've done about twenty repeats of mine in the ksh so far, but it was for a holiday project, and my holiday was exhausting!

I love the look of the ksh so far, though it'll be uch nicer when blocked. Don't like the ssk though, k2togtbl is easier for me, then again I've heard other people say the opposite. If mine looks half as good as Bami's once I've done I'll be happy. :thumbsup:

You're back :D (how was it?)

I love the SSK, I hate k3tog and the passing slipped stitches over bit.

Well here's (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/finishedbranchingout.jpg) mine when i'd finished it. Mum loved it, she was very impressed :D Though she politely said she found the yarn a bit itchy, which is true!

I apologise it's not a very good photo.

Well here's (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/finishedbranchingout.jpg) mine when i'd finished it. Mum loved it, she was very impressed :D Though she politely said she found the yarn a bit itchy, which is true!

I apologise it's not a very good photo.
It's lovely! Your colour scheme isn't overwhelmed by one colour either. It's blocked out really well too, even though you were up til the wee small hours with the pins.

Branching Out with this yarn really needs a good blocking to finish it off. Some of my stitches looked a bit duff til I'd pulled and pinned them into shape.

Are you ready for the two circulars and the Bayerische socks then? ;)

Well here's (http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/rooty2/finishedbranchingout.jpg) mine when i'd finished it. Mum loved it, she was very impressed :D Though she politely said she found the yarn a bit itchy, which is true!

I apologise it's not a very good photo.


Oh I love the colours and the yarn!

Thank you. Everyone's done a lovely job on this knitalong i think! They all look really nice...there's been some lucky mums today :)

I was up til the wee hours doing the essay because i spent a little too much time on the scarf during the day...but i really wanted it finished and blocked in time which is why i did it anyway. (Though i'd really like a 2:1 degree too, lol! :huh: )

I need to order the circulars and yarn (there better be some burgundy left :suspect:) then i'm ready, and quite looking forward to doing them as well. We're starting April Fools Day and i've got 2 weeks off for Easter so i'll have a bit of time to spend on them too.

My mum really loved her scarf and when she unwrapped it, promptly put it on! I had a lovely Mother's Day too, hope all you other Mummies did.:thumbsup:

My mum really loved her scarf and when she unwrapped it, promptly put it on!

So did my friend's mother. Nice isn't it? She's an addicted knitter too for years and we often knit together whilst on a visit at each other.

Whoops Ive just realised that I had forgotten to put a picture in of the final article ..... so here (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture031.jpg) it is :D

Very nice Lisa! Its blocked really well hasn't it. How did you find the method you used for blocking? I wanted to do it the way you and Hecate did it but didn't really have time to. Though mum was still impressed....she doesn't know any better :lol: ;)

It looks great, Lisa. I like the photo with the black background too - very arty! How long did it block out to in the end?