Knitting - help and advice super thread!

shhling · 15-11-2019 3:11pm

scarepanda wrote: »

Have you had a look at ravelry.com? It's usually a decent place to have a look and there are good few free patterns as well. I crochet rather than knit, but I've always found it handy.

Thanks. I'll check it out

now online · 15-11-2019 3:26pm

shhling wrote: »

Hi all,
Just wondering if you can point me in the right direction. My mum used to knit when we were little and was quite proficient at it, knitting us clothes and jumpers for herself. I'm expecting my first baby and my mum wants to knit a cardigan for baby, however I ordered a couple of patterns and they are not as straightforward as she would like.
Where could I get or buy a very simple pattern? I've looked but they may as well be double Dutch to me and require skills she has not used in years.

Woman's own sometimes do patterns. Home focus at hickeys do them and most craft shops sell them too. You can also have a look at you tube there are some free and printable patterns there too.

Congrats in the baby btw!

Jellybaby1 · 15-11-2019 9:49pm

shhling wrote: »

Hi all,
Just wondering if you can point me in the right direction. My mum used to knit when we were little and was quite proficient at it, knitting us clothes and jumpers for herself. I'm expecting my first baby and my mum wants to knit a cardigan for baby, however I ordered a couple of patterns and they are not as straightforward as she would like.
Where could I get or buy a very simple pattern? I've looked but they may as well be double Dutch to me and require skills she has not used in years.

I also recommend Ravelry, you'll find reviews of patterns and wool and also any updated corrections which is great. Another thing I like is that other knitters/crocheters upload photos of their projects too, so all good. I'm more into crochet though. Congratulations on the happy event. Just to say when I was preggers with my first I did a lot of crochet whilst keeping my feet up! It just might be a good opportunity for you to learn from your mum!!

shhling · 15-11-2019 10:53pm

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I also recommend Ravelry, you'll find reviews of patterns and wool and also any updated corrections which is great. Another thing I like is that other knitters/crocheters upload photos of their projects too, so all good. I'm more into crochet though. Congratulations on the happy event. Just to say when I was preggers with my first I did a lot of crochet whilst keeping my feet up! It just might be a good opportunity for you to learn from your mum!!

That's the plan. Although I'm have been told to practice ðŸ˜‚ I never knit before so I'm just learning to knit and purl. I'll have a good look at ravelry tomorrow so hoping to find something.

yellowlabrador · 16-11-2019 12:31am

the site I like for baby patterns is Garn Studio. Their patterns are for all skill levels and all free.

scarepanda · 16-11-2019 11:17am

Practice with stuff your interested in. I learned how to do basic crochet in school, I loved it, but never kept it up. That was till I was pregnant with my first and took a notion that I wanted to make her something, she got a baby blanket she still loves. When that was finished I also made a cardigan, hat and mittens for her going home outfit. Now I can't leave the crochet hook down (although time is short) and I've made similar items for my second child, blankets for friends babies and I took a notion to make stuff for our wedding. I managed to make all 4 bouquets, button hole thingys for all in the wedding party, table centres and my eldests Cardigan she wore for the wedding. I'm currently trying to make some Christmas decorations. Almost every project is an opportunity to try a different stitch, pattern, method or try my hand at free handing something. It can be addictive ;-)

ShaShaBear · 16-11-2019 8:39pm

Be warned though - the art of knitting or crochet comes hand-in-hand with the secondary hobby of yarn hoarding :pac:

looksee · 17-11-2019 11:32pm

Yarn hording, or wool lust, is a skill all on its own. You can successfully acquire boxes full of yarn that will never become a garment or object, and a real sign of the genuine horder is the presence of single balls of gorgeous yarn that you just had to have one of, even though one ball is rarely enough to do anything useful with.

LoonyLovegood · 18-11-2019 12:49pm

looksee wrote: »

Yarn hording, or wool lust, is a skill all on its own. You can successfully acquire boxes full of yarn that will never become a garment or object, and a real sign of the genuine horder is the presence of single balls of gorgeous yarn that you just had to have one of, even though one ball is rarely enough to do anything useful with.

This is why I'm a sock knitter! You can generally get two socks out of a ball of yarn, it just means teeny tiny needles

ShaShaBear · 18-11-2019 4:18pm

LoonyLovegood wrote: »

This is why I'm a sock knitter! You can generally get two socks out of a ball of yarn, it just means teeny tiny needles

I may have to take up this skill for appearances sake. I made up a little knitted shawl kit as a gift to someone going through a rough time and when my husband asked where I got the yarn because hadn't seen it before, I hadn't the heart to tell him I bought it on our honeymoon.

We're married three years.

iamwhoiam · 18-11-2019 4:35pm

looksee wrote: »

Yarn hording, or wool lust, is a skill all on its own. You can successfully acquire boxes full of yarn that will never become a garment or object, and a real sign of the genuine horder is the presence of single balls of gorgeous yarn that you just had to have one of, even though one ball is rarely enough to do anything useful with.

I knit cardigans for babies and use my left over yarns for a stripe on the front and on the sleeves . The mams all love the little striped cardigans

ellee · 20-11-2019 6:59pm

Can people tell me what yarns they tend to use for children's knits?

I have misguidedly agreed to knit a stripey jumper for my son who wants melange type effect or "speckles" but all that type of wool seems to be quite expensive? I've no interest in buying €70 worth of wool for him!

It can't be itchy either which is why I tend to stay away from pure acrylics, but at this point my head is wrecked looking at wool online and I am open to all suggestions!!

Pattern says I'll need about 1200m of wool; it is this pattern if you are interested: - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-montrealer

Designer's wool suggestions are way too expensive.

Thank you for reading!

iamwhoiam · 20-11-2019 7:03pm

ellee wrote: »

Can people tell me what yarns they tend to use for children's knits?

I have misguidedly agreed to knit a stripey jumper for my son who wants melange type effect or "speckles" but all that type of wool seems to be quite expensive? I've no interest in buying €70 worth of wool for him!

It can't be itchy either which is why I tend to stay away from pure acrylics, but at this point my head is wrecked looking at wool online and I am open to all suggestions!!

Pattern says I'll need about 1200m of wool; it is this pattern if you are interested: - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-montrealer

Designer's wool suggestions are way too expensive.

Thank you for reading!

I am knitting for a baby now and using Kingcole Cherish double knitting ( Anti piling acrylic )
I got it in Springwools in Ballymount but the also do online sales. They have speckled and stripey wool too

https://springwools.com/yarns/king-cole-cherished-dk-100g.html

The also do a cotton soft crush which is 100% cotton

https://springwools.com/yarns/king-cole-cottonsoft-crush-dk.html

ellee · 20-11-2019 7:49pm

iamwhoiam wrote: »

I am knitting for a baby now and using Kingcole Cherish double knitting ( Anti piling acrylic )
I got it in Springwools in Ballymount but the also do online sales. They have speckled and stripey wool too

https://springwools.com/yarns/king-cole-cherished-dk-100g.html

The also do a cotton soft crush which is 100% cotton

https://springwools.com/yarns/king-cole-cottonsoft-crush-dk.html

I’ll check it out. Thank you

Graces7 · 21-11-2019 12:41pm

ellee wrote: »

I’ll check it out. Thank you

Springwools are the bees knees! They donate oddments ti several charities; Realised this week they have been giving huge boxes here for 13years.

Yday a gift arrived from a friend; massive box of yarn from Springwools YAY!

ellee · 21-11-2019 2:32pm

They're quite close to me actually, I should get off my lazy arse and go in to them

Lovecrafts have a big sale by the way - 40% off if you buy 10 balls (*selected yarn only)! Plus other offers...

looksee · 23-11-2019 11:28am

I am a bit confused by the suggestion that 'pure acrylic' is itchy and looking for wool as an alternative? Wool is itchy, I have never come across an acrylic with that problems (that's not to say there are none, those with a glitter thread can be scratchy rather than itchy). Some acrylics can have other issues, like pilling, but they are otherwise nice to wear.

iamwhoiam · 23-11-2019 12:41pm

looksee wrote: »

I am a bit confused by the suggestion that 'pure acrylic' is itchy and looking for wool as an alternative? Wool is itchy, I have never come across an acrylic with that problems (that's not to say there are none, those with a glitter thread can be scratchy rather than itchy). Some acrylics can have other issues, like pilling, but they are otherwise nice to wear.

I knit for babies and use 100% acrylic . I wash them before use in a sink full of Fairy comfort conditioner and give it a good soak in it . Then i rinse it well and put it on a quick rinse and spin cycle
They are never itchy or scratchy and smell wonderful too

LoonyLovegood · 23-11-2019 1:42pm

It depends on the acrylic and the wool, really. I've come across acrylics that you can nearly pick the plastic fibres out of, and some that are almost as soft as Merino.

I prefer natural fibres, but that's because I feel better wearing them. I have just put in a huge knitpicks order for a load of acrylic for blankets though, and a Carbeth jumper for myself.

ellee · 23-11-2019 4:34pm

looksee wrote: »

I am a bit confused by the suggestion that 'pure acrylic' is itchy and looking for wool as an alternative? Wool is itchy, I have never come across an acrylic with that problems (that's not to say there are none, those with a glitter thread can be scratchy rather than itchy). Some acrylics can have other issues, like pilling, but they are otherwise nice to wear.

Sorry am not v knowledgeable about acrylic yarn, rather assumed it'd be itchy and sweaty?! Am a fairly new knitter.

I ordered a paintbox yarn in the end, it's 50/50 wool/acrylic. Gave up on speckles! Think the jumper will look better in block colours anyway.

ShaShaBear · 24-11-2019 9:43am

ellee wrote: »

Sorry am not v knowledgeable about acrylic yarn, rather assumed it'd be itchy and sweaty?! Am a fairly new knitter.

I ordered a paintbox yarn in the end, it's 50/50 wool/acrylic. Gave up on speckles! Think the jumper will look better in block colours anyway.

Far more likely to run into an itchy wool than an itchy acrylic. The likes of Paintbox Simply, Stylecraft Special etc are beautifully soft and really easy to wash and tumbledry as well. It would normally be my go-to for baby bits. My eldest breaks out in hives if I put pure wool or alpaca next to her skin so acrylic or cotton is all that she can tolerate.

Graces7 · 24-11-2019 6:27pm

looksee wrote: »

Yarn hording, or wool lust, is a skill all on its own. You can successfully acquire boxes full of yarn that will never become a garment or object, and a real sign of the genuine horder is the presence of single balls of gorgeous yarn that you just had to have one of, even though one ball is rarely enough to do anything useful with.

I had outside "help". When I was trading at a craft fair, a little old lady and her brother came and asked me if I would like some yarn..

Their mother had run a wool shop then died and the stock was all still there. And they wanted to clear and use the room.. Of course I said yes.

Thereafter for three months they came to town every week on the bus with six bin bags stuffed with yarn in the luggage compartment( free bus passes..)

Then boxes of buttons, needles, patterns etc...

It included luxury mohair by the bushel.. Filled a room where I was renting. Lined it with tables and they were filled and more under them.

Did them a favour and it helped our work.

Moving house was.... interesting.... a lot of charities and folk got gifts, including one 90 year old in Bantry still knitting for a local cause...

And in tandem, springwools with their odd ball gifts in yarns I could never afford...

Total happy addict...c

Graces7 · 24-11-2019 6:30pm

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Far more likely to run into an itchy wool than an itchy acrylic. The likes of Paintbox Simply, Stylecraft Special etc are beautifully soft and really easy to wash and tumbledry as well. It would normally be my go-to for baby bits. My eldest breaks out in hives if I put pure wool or alpaca next to her skin so acrylic or cotton is all that she can tolerate.

I cannot wear wool. Before they realised I am seriously allergic, I got days and days off school as a wool vest produced an impressive itchy rash

Still would.

Graces7 · 26-11-2019 1:53pm

Sorry ' I missed part of this

Springwools have an excellent yarns page on their website. If you choose DK and scroll down there are some of the stripey/speckled yarns at a reasonable price. eg King Cole Vogue, Splash and a cotton Quatro.

You could also match a match a plain yarn with a flecked and do the borders in plain

who wants melange type effect or "speckles" but all that type of wool seems to be quite expensive? I've no interest in buying €70 worth of wool for him!

It can't be itchy either which is why I tend to stay away from pure acrylics, but at this point my head is wrecked looking at wool online and I am open to all suggestions!!

Pattern says I'll need about 1200m of wool; it is this pattern if you are interested: - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-montrealer

Designer's wool suggestions are way too expensive.

Thank you for reading![/QUOTE]

Stheno · 17-05-2020 6:40pm

Hi everyone

I'm looking for some help please. I've just dug out 7 and a bit 100 grams of tivoli chunky tweed wool and am looking for a plain pattern for a mans sweater, if anyone has any pointers?

Thanks!

Edit - got sorted via mail with mariaswoolshop.ie, really helpful and nice lady

Stheno · 30-05-2020 10:40am

Sorry another basic question from me. Does anyone use the round knitting needles with interchangeable tips? I'm knitting some mens jumpers and find they get quite bulky on straight needles and came across the round interchangeable ones

Thanks!

Gatica · 30-05-2020 10:53am

Stheno wrote: »

Sorry another basic question from me. Does anyone use the round knitting needles with interchangeable tips? I'm knitting some mens jumpers and find they get quite bulky on straight needles and came across the round interchangeable ones

Thanks!

I have a set of interchangeable circular needles. I love them. They screw on and also came with little tabs to keep knitting from falling off, if you take off the needles. Great for the airport, if you worried the needles may get confiscated, so you don't drop your stitches

ShaShaBear · 30-05-2020 12:20pm

Stheno wrote: »

Sorry another basic question from me. Does anyone use the round knitting needles with interchangeable tips? I'm knitting some mens jumpers and find they get quite bulky on straight needles and came across the round interchangeable ones

Thanks!

I've not personally used them, but any hardcore knitters I know have at least one set

em_cat · 30-05-2020 10:09pm

I use both double points & interchangeables. Never use straights as I don’t knit blankets, I weave those. I love them & really love my little 3.75" tips.

Stheno · 31-05-2020 12:22am

https://www.thebaldysheep.ie/zing-delux-interchangeable-circular-needle-set

Does this look like an ok set to start with?

My next three projects are an Aran sweater, a cotton sweater, and then a merino silk blend sweater

em_cat · 31-05-2020 12:44am

Stheno wrote: »

https://www.thebaldysheep.ie/zing-delux-interchangeable-circular-needle-set

Does this look like an ok set to start with?

My next three projects are an Aran sweater, a cotton sweater, and then a merino silk blend sweater

They are pretty good, I’ve a couple of sizes, but I prefer Chiagoo or HiyaHiya as I find the joins are far better. For the merino silk blends I tend to use the driftwood ones, don’t like the bamboo tips. My mum sent me a set of the Signiture Arts DPNS and have to say I absolutely love them, which is good because they are pretty dear. Don’t know if I ever get their interchangeable as really they aren’t because you’ve to get separate cords for each tip size.

Stheno · 31-05-2020 2:06am

em_cat wrote: »

They are pretty good, I’ve a couple of sizes, but I prefer Chiagoo or HiyaHiya as I find the joins are far better. For the merino silk blends I tend to use the driftwood ones, don’t like the bamboo tips. My mum sent me a set of the Signiture Arts DPNS and have to say I absolutely love them, which is good because they are pretty dear. Don’t know if I ever get their interchangeable as really they aren’t because you’ve to get separate cords for each tip size.

Have you any links to the ones you mention please?

em_cat · 04-06-2020 9:01pm

Stheno wrote: »

Have you any links to the ones you mention please?

Hi, sorry for the delay in posting. You can get the Chiagoos from https://www.thisisknit.ie/product-category/tools-accessories/knitting-needles/needles-by-brand/chiaogoo/ . The hiya hiya and Lyyke here https://www.theconstantknitter.ie/needles-and-hooks2/tools-needles-by-brand/HiyaHiya and of course amazon have them too.

Stheno · 11-06-2020 7:57pm

em_cat wrote: »

Hi, sorry for the delay in posting. You can get the Chiagoos from https://www.thisisknit.ie/product-category/tools-accessories/knitting-needles/needles-by-brand/chiaogoo/ . The hiya hiya and Lyyke here https://www.theconstantknitter.ie/needles-and-hooks2/tools-needles-by-brand/HiyaHiya and of course amazon have them too.

Thanks, I've just discovered thisisknit, looking forward to visiting when they reopen, didnt know about the constant knitters

I'm finding the joins on the knitpro needles annoying as they loosen!

On a different topic, can I ask those of you who are experienced knitters if you block your pieces before seaming? And if yes does it really make a big difference?

Thanks again:)

ShaShaBear · 11-06-2020 8:16pm

Stheno wrote: »

Thanks, I've just discovered thisisknit, looking forward to visiting when they reopen, didnt know about the constant knitters

I'm finding the joins on the knitpro needles annoying as they loosen!

On a different topic, can I ask those of you who are experienced knitters if you block your pieces before seaming? And if yes does it really make a big difference?

Thanks again:)

I don't knit as often but I would always block before seaming - it makes the process much easier in my opinion when you've gotten both the pieces properly sized and have less risk of a crooked seam eating some of the pattern.

Stheno · 11-06-2020 9:08pm

ShaShaBear wrote: »

I don't knit as often but I would always block before seaming - it makes the process much easier in my opinion when you've gotten both the pieces properly sized and have less risk of a crooked seam eating some of the pattern.

Thanks. So for a sweater with a neck and that joins the front, back and sleeves together, would you knit the neck and, then block or vice versa?

em_cat · 12-06-2020 10:51am

Stheno wrote: »

Thanks, I've just discovered thisisknit, looking forward to visiting when they reopen, didnt know about the constant knitters

I'm finding the joins on the knitpro needles annoying as they loosen!

On a different topic, can I ask those of you who are experienced knitters if you block your pieces before seaming? And if yes does it really make a big difference?

Thanks again:)

I don’t like the knitpro ones either because of the join, I always find the yarn catches & the tips are not sharp enough. The chiagoo in this is knit come in 5'' & 4'' so ask if they can let you test which one you prefer. Most people use the 5'' but I’m a 4'' or below kind of gal (tiny hands). I’ve never had an issue with the Chiagoo or HiyaHiya loosening and the joins so far have always been smooth.

Stheno · 12-06-2020 1:47pm

em_cat wrote: »

I don’t like the knitpro ones either because of the join, I always find the yarn catches & the tips are not sharp enough. The chiagoo in this is knit come in 5'' & 4'' so ask if they can let you test which one you prefer. Most people use the 5'' but I’m a 4'' or below kind of gal (tiny hands). I’ve never had an issue with the Chiagoo or HiyaHiya loosening and the joins so far have always been smooth.

I went to the constant knitter today to get blocking pins, and got a pair of HiyaHiya to try just the regular circular ones, not the interchangeable as I'm doing an aran sweater at the moment and the joins on the knitpro are driving me demented with stitches catching

I've also found a pattern I think is gorgeous, will be added to my project list, it would also be my first time to try knitting a sweater all in one

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honeydew-3

ShaShaBear · 12-06-2020 2:14pm

Stheno wrote: »

Thanks. So for a sweater with a neck and that joins the front, back and sleeves together, would you knit the neck and, then block or vice versa?

If it was in pieces, I would make all the pieces and then block them. I don't have a lot of space for blocking, so I generally block pieces on top of each other. It also helps make sure that matching pieces are the right size and that everything "lines up". It's definitely personal preference though.

lulublue22 · 17-06-2020 9:46am

Stheno wrote: »

I went to the constant knitter today to get blocking pins, and got a pair of HiyaHiya to try just the regular circular ones, not the interchangeable as I'm doing an aran sweater at the moment and the joins on the knitpro are driving me demented with stitches catching

I've also found a pattern I think is gorgeous, will be added to my project list, it would also be my first time to try knitting a sweater all in one

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honeydew-3

was going to suggest you try a jumper in the round- eliminates all that seamingðŸ˜ I usually knit top down as it allows you to try the jumper on as you are knitting and make any adjustments. Ravelry is great for patterns.

Kewreeuss · 27-12-2020 9:16pm

Can anyone recommend a 4ply yarn that has no wool content and is not a single colour?
I am addled searching on line.
There are beautiful multicoloured sock yarns, advertised as 4 ply but they are all 60%plus pure wool. If I wore woollen socks I'd have the skin torn off my legs!
I'm looking to make colourful sweaters for a toddler, in 4 ply rather than DK and any blend as long as there is no wool in the mix.
Thank you

Stheno · 27-12-2020 9:26pm

Kewreeuss wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a 4ply yarn that has no wool content and is not a single colour?
I am addled searching on line.
There are beautiful multicoloured sock yarns, advertised as 4 ply but they are all 60%plus pure wool. If I wore woollen socks I'd have the skin torn off my legs!
I'm looking to make colourful sweaters for a toddler, in 4 ply rather than DK and any blend as long as there is no wool in the mix.
Thank you

Cotton?

https://thisisknit.ie/collections/yarn/products/cotton-soft-bio

If you search yarn shops online you can usually filter by fibre

Kewreeuss · 27-12-2020 9:32pm

Hmm. Good call. thank you
I must try it and see. I don't think it drapes much though.

iamwhoiam · 27-12-2020 9:34pm

Kewreeuss wrote: »

Hmm. Good call. thank you
I must try it and see. I don't think it drapes much though.

Try this site or ring them , they are very helpful

https://www.springwools.com/

janmaree · 28-12-2020 2:22pm

Winnies Wool Wagon, both online and in Blackrock have a great selection, especially in the Drops range, as already said you can search by fibre and weight. Sounds like you need an acrylic yarn that washes easily for children so check the care instructions as well. With Brexit looming, it affects much of the online options in the UK but still worth looking at if they continue to supply to Ireland. My favourite site is the Wool Warehouse, lovely selection and all the accessories as well but I haven't checked them out yet for 2021. Hope you find what you're looking for.

Kewreeuss · 28-12-2020 5:19pm

Thank you all for your advice. I think I need to contact them directly.

Gormal · 28-12-2020 8:28pm

Kewreeuss wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a 4ply yarn that has no wool content and is not a single colour?
I am addled searching on line.
There are beautiful multicoloured sock yarns, advertised as 4 ply but they are all 60%plus pure wool. If I wore woollen socks I'd have the skin torn off my legs!
I'm looking to make colourful sweaters for a toddler, in 4 ply rather than DK and any blend as long as there is no wool in the mix.
Thank you

Curious to know if you are allergic to wool, as in the itchy scratchy kind or all. I can't bear raw wool at all, but the superwash wool is fine.

Anyway

Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter 4 ply 55% Nylon 45% Acrylic
Scheejes Frosted Whirl 5% Lurex 57% Cotton 38% Acrylic
Rico Cotton Dégradé 50% Cotton 50% Acrylic
King Cole Big Value Baby 4 Ply Print 100% Acrylic

Graces7 · 03-02-2021 10:28pm

Graces7 wrote: »

Sorry ' I missed part of this

Springwools have an excellent yarns page on their website. If you choose DK and scroll down there are some of the stripey/speckled yarns at a reasonable price. eg King Cole Vogue, Splash and a cotton Quatro.

You could also match a match a plain yarn with a flecked and do the borders in plain

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

who wants melange type effect or "speckles" but all that type of wool seems to be quite expensive? I've no interest in buying €70 worth of wool for him!

It can't be itchy either which is why I tend to stay away from pure acrylics, but at this point my head is wrecked looking at wool online and I am open to all suggestions!!

Pattern says I'll need about 1200m of wool; it is this pattern if you are interested: - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-montrealer

Designer's wool suggestions are way too expensive.

Thank you for reading!

[/QUOTE]

em_cat · 18-02-2021 5:00pm

Any knitters or fibre peeps enjoying virtual knitting groups? I take part in one that I really enjoy, have tried others but so far only one that I really enjoy.

now online · 18-02-2021 7:38pm

em_cat wrote: »

Any knitters or fibre peeps enjoying virtual knitting groups? I take part in one that I really enjoy, have tried others but so far only one that I really enjoy.

Not a group as such but I follow the crochet crowd on Facebook.

Knitting - help and advice super thread!

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