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Knitting - help and advice super thread!

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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Just do a search on eBay. Loads of knitting accessory suppliers - most are in the UK, and some are Chinese. I use bamboo circulars which are great to use. Nice and light. I got all mine from a very good supplier in China. He was cheap and the postage was free (although slow!!). However, the needles did need to be aired first as they were a bit smelly from the chemicals! Deramores also sell bamboo needles and have an eBay shop.

    If you want the particular seller I used, drop me a PM.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter


    I did the same with a collection of crochet hooks, went down a storm with the person who they were a gift for.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2 Lucyloo


    Aimee rose in citywest sell circular bamboo needles for €3 :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭busymum1


    Hi all, I'm hoping someone can direct me to a (cheap) source of coned 4ply yarn (wool/acrylic/cotton don't mind).
    I need cheap wool to practice machine knitting and for waste yarn, winding balls of 4ply is getting really tiresome.
    I can get 500grm cones from the uk, for about 10 euros each but the shipping is so expensive and I'd prefer to buy locally if possible. I can use parcel motel if the shipping to Northern Ireland isn't too bad but most of the companies I've looked at charge a premium to send to the North.
    I've picked some wool up on the web but I'd like to be able to choose my own colours.
    Please can anyone help?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    Where are you, I might have some extra?

    MAybe we could do swaps for other materials!

    Send me a PM.


  • Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭busymum1


    woo-hoo found it! Springwools in Dublin do them.. No idea about price yet but they're going to email me on a list and they mail order over the phone.. I wish it had been on their website.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    Ah, thats the place I was thinking of. I dont know Dublin that well. They were great to deal with when we bought there.

    I just looked at my sponge bar and its knackered! So anyone know where I can get one?

    Knitmaster 321


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭duckling10


    wmpdd3 wrote: »
    Ah, thats the place I was thinking of. I dont know Dublin that well. They were great to deal with when we bought there.

    I just looked at my sponge bar and its knackered! So anyone know where I can get one?

    Knitmaster 321

    there's a knitting machine repair man in Shannon co clare who has a stock of sponge bars, or at least he had a year ago when I was last out to him, if you want a contact number pm me,
    othrewise it's quite likely the UK you're looking at, and maybe you are going over there on hols?
    liz


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Just looking for some advice...

    I'm making a baby bolero. The rib is 1x1 (i.e. k1, p1 rib), which I think looks a bit boring. Was thinking I'd substitute for either a moss stitch or garter stitch border.

    What do you think? :D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    Whats the body? Stockinette Stitch?

    If I dont need too much fitting for the rib, I usually do garter for baby clothes and then Stockinette Stitch for the main body.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Sorry, yes, the body's in stocking st! It's a bolero so will be fairly loose fitting, except for the sleeves which do look quite fitted. So do you think garter st will be OK?


  • Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭busymum1


    @wmpdd3,
    the man in Shannon has sponge bars for standard gauge knitmasters. I had a new shiny one from him this week for 28 euros. I can pm you his number if you want it.
    The man in the knitting machine/sewing machine repair place in Waterford said he could get them too if you give him a ring it might be nearer to you. He'll only service the machines he sells but said he could source parts if I needed them.
    pm me if you'd like the number.
    Still no word from Springwools about prices or stock, I'll call again tomorrow!
    HTH


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter


    For those of you with knitting machines, what do you make with them? would you recommend them?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    aknitter wrote: »
    For those of you with knitting machines, what do you make with them? would you recommend them?

    I have no patients so I only knit kid clothes by hand, anything bigger on the machine.mine I'd fine Hague so I can only knit chunky at a push.

    I have an item on order with the singer Centre, so I'll give him a bell and ask if he can get a sponge bar for me.

    Thanks again

    I've found a new local knitting group and the i'm going for the first time tomorrow. Can't wait.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    wmpdd3 wrote: »
    Ah, thats the place I was thinking of. I dont know Dublin that well. They were great to deal with when we bought there.

    I just looked at my sponge bar and its knackered! So anyone know where I can get one?

    Knitmaster 321
    sponge only but wouldn't break the bank.
    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Sponge-kit-Sponge-Bar-needle-bar-2-pack-Knitmaster-Silver-Reed-Jones-/330942513545?pt=UK_Crafts_Knitting_Crochet_EH&hash=item4d0db60189

    Wool on cones isn't cheap at Springwools. uk ebay is your best bet esp. if you're looking for the scrap yarn. e.g. I've bought yeoman mohair on ebay for 10eur/cone meanwhile in springwools it's priced at around 30eur/cone.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 111 ✭✭busymum1


    I've ordered some acrylic from Springwools today and they emailed me a price list.

    Sport 500g 100% Wool €39.99
    100% Acrylic 500g €13.95
    Canele 100% Cotton 245g €18.95
    King Cole Merino Blend Wool 500g €27.99
    The cost of delivery within Ireland depends on the quantities you're ordering - our maximum p&p charge within Ireland is €7.

    @j@utis how much do you pay from shipping from the UK, anywhere I looked it seemed to be more than the cost of the yarn! Especially if ordering any quantity, except for colourmart which has free shipping.
    Their yarns are stunning but too expensive and gorgeous for making moshi-monster jumpers for DD1 !

    @ aknitter, I'm only machine knitting since October last year as someone gave me a very simple machine that was destined for the skip. I'm completely addicted and have acquired a proper knitmaster second hand electronic patterning machine in March.
    It's fantastic, anything I can think of pattern wise I can knit. It's fiddly though and can be very frustrating. It allows me to complete really ambitious projects that I would never have finished hand knitting. It's fiddly though and can be very frustrating.
    I've used it to design and make dresses and jumpers for my girls. DD1 loves drawing out a pattern on the graph pattern sheet and seeing it knitted into a real thing. It's like magic! I'm mostly using it for textile art pieces and felting though not clothing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    ^^^^ pics, pics, Pics!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    busymum1 wrote: »
    @j@utis how much do you pay from shipping from the UK, anywhere I looked it seemed to be more than the cost of the yarn! Especially if ordering any quantity, except for colourmart which has free shipping.
    yeah, colourmart yarns are wow. pricey though...
    p&p price from uk has gone up like from everywhere else but bargains can still be found especially for poor quality, ugly color yarn - scrap yarn. I've bought cones for pound or two so they only cost me the price of postage really.
    this is the wool shop in Germany: http://stores.ebay.ie/JOVS-Shop their shipping is expensive for small quantities but if ordering say 12kg - 25eur for shipping isn't too bad. I ordered from them a while back when their shipping price was 5eur lower. yarns are lovely and being "industrial" type, i.e. very fine give you a choice of varying yarn thickness for your projects. you might add 2, 3, 4 or more strands together depending or your needs. I have a proposition here to do a group order, 12kg is a lot for one person, but if someone (pref. from north wicklow/south dublin) would be interested in ordering together to split the shipping costs - I'm very up for it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 472 ✭✭janmaree


    I hope I'm not butting in here but I find Deramores to have great choice in yarns and patterns and they also do the haberdashery side of things as well. As far as I can remember, they offer a 5 Euro p&p charge on all orders over 50 euro and even though their prices are quite good, it's easy to reach 50 euro when buying for a new project, especially using natural yarns. Hope this helps.

    (On double-checking, because I am a plonker at times, I see that it's FREE delivery over 50 euro and 5.95 euro on orders up to 50 euro, which isn't bad really.)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Yes, I use Deramores quite a bit. The range is fantastic and the price and shipping reasonable. I've had to return yarn as the colour wasn't quite what I expected. They took it back and sent me another without question. The customer service is superb too. No wonder they were named Knitting Retailer of the year.

    Love Knitting have the same sort of arrangement with regard to P & P; I use Black Sheep Wools a lot as well. Excellent for discontinued yarns.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,368 ✭✭✭The_Morrigan


    Anyone know of a shop in Dublin city centre where I would pick up darning needles? Coming to the end of the second side of the baby blanket so I will be trying to stitch it all up soon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    Anyone know of a shop in Dublin city centre where I would pick up darning needles? Coming to the end of the second side of the baby blanket so I will be trying to stitch it all up soon.

    Most basic sewing needle packs have 1 darning needle. if not Tesco sell them in the sewing section.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,957 ✭✭✭miss no stars


    aknitter wrote: »

    Ah, thanks for heads up...

    Regarding circular needles... I've gotten the hang of knitting in the round on DP needles... How do decreases on circular needles work? Would the work not get very stretched?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    It works in the same way, whether knitting in the round or not. Don't worry - the work won't be stretched. Keep the stitches bunched up tight, though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter


    If you use the Magic Loop technique it doesn't

    http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2009/09/16/the-magical-magic-loop.aspx

    or youtube a clip. I find that if you heat the wire it helps to smooth out any kinks that may occur making it easier to use.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_33550.htm

    I got a few balls of this a few years ago and it is the best 100% cotton I have ever used, even better than bamboo, imo. I've made hats, vests crochet / knit etc, all turned out really well and wore very well.

    http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_33554.htm

    Also I have the little french knitter and my 2 year old loves knitting along beside me (not a very h&s conscious household!)

    I've never bought any on the non natural fibres.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter


    I've used the acrylic ones, find they are best for bigger projects like an afghan. ?Didn't like the 200g baby wool, went fuzzy easily, not suitable if you want to give a gift imo.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1 teesa


    I'm currently knitting a baby's cardigan but I have a problem with joining the button band to it. The pattern said to cast on a stitch which would be used later for this purpose but I cannot figure out how to do this.Any ideas ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 802 ✭✭✭kiwipower


    teesa wrote: »
    I'm currently knitting a baby's cardigan but I have a problem with joining the button band to it. The pattern said to cast on a stitch which would be used later for this purpose but I cannot figure out how to do this.Any ideas ?

    Have you more information, like a bit of the pattern you could share, so we can see where you are stuck?
    Is it with picking up and knitting stitches for the band?
    or creating the button holes?

    I usually find www.Ravelry.com discussions forms are the best place to get quick & accurate advise with these sorts of challanges.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 714 ✭✭✭ValerieR


    Just a little question ... the last mention of knitting needles and airport security/planes on this thread goes back more than a year.
    Does anyone know whether Dublin Airport/RyanAir (Dublin-Beauvais) allow knitting needles now?
    I'd love to travel with them :)
    Thank you.
    V


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,368 ✭✭✭The_Morrigan


    ValerieR wrote: »
    Just a little question ... the last mention of knitting needles and airport security/planes on this thread goes back more than a year.
    Does anyone know whether Dublin Airport/RyanAir (Dublin-Beauvais) allow knitting needles now?
    I'd love to travel with them :)
    Thank you.
    V

    I think your best bet would be to ring the airport authority and ask them...or email them so you have an answer in writing that you can bring with you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,698 ✭✭✭✭Princess Peach


    I've never had any trouble with needles on a plane, but I always brought smaller sized ones just in case. Mostly they inspect my scissors and let me on anyway :p

    But you might just get a cranky security person on the day and it's all at their discretion. Things you can do is check the airline carry on policy and print it. Also bring some stitch savers to transfer your work on in the case that they do take your needles.

    I have never actually knitted on a plane, but its great if you are going to be sitting in an airport for a while before your flight :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,666 ✭✭✭Rosy Posy


    I always knit on the plane- 40hrs door to door between mine and my parents gaf means you can get stuck into a project. I always use wooden needles and bring some teeny weeny snips and I've never had a problem through many many airports. They did take my son's skateboard tho :(


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭mefynn


    Hi im looking for mans pattern for unusual christmas jumper if any one can help..............thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭duckling10


    try ravelry.com, choose the Patterns tab at top and write in Christmas in the Search box, choose male, etc.
    lots of patterns there, some free, some you have to pay for,
    good luck!
    you could also try knitty.com


  • Registered Users Posts: 11 syberia


    Hi there,

    just found this thread :) I've only been knitting a short while but I love it. I never learned in School or at home so it's all new to me! My kids seem very interested in what I'm doing and my 4yr old keeps asking me to teach him, but I wouldnt know where to start! Does anyone know of a good book or guide to help teach children? or is he too young??
    Also looking to start knitting cables, any advice on tutorials? I've never knitted on straight needles, only circular...not sure if that makes any difference...
    Thanks! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    When I teach kids to knit its usually on short 4mm needles and double knit yarn.

    Just sit her on your knee and let her see what you are doing, once she sees that you are making something, she'll pick it up.

    If she can't, google finger knitting and get her to do this beside you, she'll want to try knit on needles again when she's ready.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭aknitter


    they have kits in smyths, my daughter loved it when she got it for christmas. just put knitting in the search on the website. They do seem to be a bit girly though but you can get good patterns on ravelry and cheap small balls of yarn should be available at your local yarn shop.

    I've not done circular cables so I'm no use to you for that!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 319 ✭✭TreasureBin


    syberia wrote: »
    Hi there,

    just found this thread :) I've only been knitting a short while but I love it. I never learned in School or at home so it's all new to me! My kids seem very interested in what I'm doing and my 4yr old keeps asking me to teach him, but I wouldnt know where to start! Does anyone know of a good book or guide to help teach children? or is he too young??
    Also looking to start knitting cables, any advice on tutorials? I've never knitted on straight needles, only circular...not sure if that makes any difference...
    Thanks! :)


    It would definitely be easier to show him with short 4mm straight needles, as per wmpdd3's post. I'm sending you a PM with a recommendation for children's how-to book and kits. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    I love this:

    http://www.woolandthegang.com/shop/products/cross-my-heart-wrap?variant_options=1-162&utm_source=Wool+and+the+Gang&utm_campaign=aff0bdb3ec-Cross_My_Heart_Wrap8_15_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ab2a39b40c-aff0bdb3ec-

    But could never afford the kit, anyone know of any similar patterns or have any idea how its made. Looks to me like a really hoop of knitting attached at the back and it is pulled over you head like a sleeveless sweater.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,065 ✭✭✭j@utis


    this wrap is my to do list. We were visiting Blarney Woolen Mills last weekend and I saw similar one in their shop - it looked very good and shouldn't be too difficult to make.
    http://www.blarney.com/irish-shop/ladies-aran-cable-wrap-in-wool-cashmere/


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    I think Ravelry might be the place to go for a pattern. I'm nearly sure I saw something similar.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    I'm here trying to do a mock up with a scarf and a 2 year old, it looks so easy but I can't get it to sit properly.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Can you cast off with a larger needle?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,625 ✭✭✭wmpdd3


    I haven't even cast on! I used a large scarf and pins to see if I could mimic the design.

    I have a project on the go at the moment so it would be for next week.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,957 ✭✭✭miss no stars


    I have a pattern for something similar, wont have access to it til after the weekend but I will have a look if anyone wants? I think it was knit in two sections.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 319 ✭✭TreasureBin


    Looks like smaller, snood version I knit a year or two ago. I just knit it as a basic scarf and then sewed the two ends together but turned one end over (back-to-front, as it were) so the right-hand corner of one is stitched the left-hand corner of the other, if that makes sense? It's the twist that makes it sit better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 714 ✭✭✭ValerieR


    ValerieR wrote: »
    Just a little question ... the last mention of knitting needles and airport security/planes on this thread goes back more than a year.
    Does anyone know whether Dublin Airport/RyanAir (Dublin-Beauvais) allow knitting needles now?
    I'd love to travel with them :)
    Thank you.
    V

    Thank you to the people who responded :)

    Just a little note to follow up on my question ...

    Dublin Airport responded to my email that knitting needles were allowed through security and I didn't experience any problem/question going through.
    Beauvais didn't reply to my email - I rang them and the person on the phone told me that, in theory, they are not allowed. He said the rules are normally the same everywhere ... so ... I took a chance (with a copy of the Dublin Airport email in my pocket in case of the need for negotiations ... ) and the Beauvais security let me through too without asking any questions ... :)

    Too glad I was able to progress my work during my break AND didn't have to get my work off its needles :D

    9ff544da-2d81-48fc-b7cf-40b564d9cade.jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 barby_


    ValerieR wrote: »
    Just a little question ... the last mention of knitting needles and airport security/planes on this thread goes back more than a year.
    Does anyone know whether Dublin Airport/RyanAir (Dublin-Beauvais) allow knitting needles now?
    I'd love to travel with them :)
    Thank you.
    V

    Hi,
    Just talking from my experience here. We went to Mexico at the beginning of 2012. No problems bringing my needles through Dublin airport security as well as Gatwick airport.
    On our way back from Mexico though, the Mexican security confiscated my needles :(:(:( Thankfully I was knitting in the round so I just had to remove the points from the cable otherwise I am not sure how I would have handled it.


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