Posts Tagged ‘knitting’

Sock Loom Wooden Knitting board review

// November 19th, 2012 // 5 Comments » // Knitting, madeitmonday

I want to share with you my experience trying out the sock loom from Knitting Board!

sock loom photo

First, let me say I am not really a knitter. I dabble, and I don’t like patterns. So mostly I create scarves and blankets and every few rows, I change the stitch so I’m not bored :)

I thought this loom might switch things up for me! It is very easy to knit using the board. You just wrap and slip, and there are tutorials on the website. I decided that rather than doing one stitch per peg, I would skip a peg and create a more open, rib-knit kind of look.

No. 1 observation- pick a yarn that has some give. Mine did not, and it made sliding it up and over the pegs a bit of a nightmare! I felt like I was struggling with it. Plus, my yarn is a loosely twisted kind, so the little needle tool that you use for sliding it up the pegs kept getting kinda stuck inside the layers of yarn, or pulling it apart…so- use a slightly givey/stretchy yarn that is tightly twisted.

This is absolutely NOT anything against the loom itself- which is beautifully made, fits nicely in your hand, and works as it is expected to. My experience had more to do with my inexperience, lol.

No. 2 observation- I’m a slow knitter on this board. The photos below represent 2 hours of knitting, and I must admit I became impatient. I don’t think I’m meant to knit with this kind of loom. I wanted to show photos, so I gave up, slid it off, and here they are.

Now- this loom is meant to make socks, and there are TONS of sock patterns online for using with a board of this type. We also have some info on the site with a stripe generator for socks too. I’m sure someone who likes to knit on a loom or board would really love it, so I’m going to give it away in a month to someone who comments on my post :)

Interview with Stacey Trock

// October 10th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Book Reviews, Crochet, Knitting, Needlearts, Stich, Felt, Tuesday Shmoozeday

Do you love crochet? Do you love stuffed animals?

Embrace your inner child and check out Crocheted Softies by Stacey Trock.

 

Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with Stacey live during my show 12 Questions with Martiel about her book, creativity and life as an artist. You can watch the entire video anytime online, just click to go!

 Stacey was also gracious to share some free stuff with us during the show. Visit her site for all the goodies and explore on your own or check out the list below for an itemized list.

Free Downloads from Stacey Trock

Email Stacey with your Pattern Questions

Visit Stacey’s Website, http://www.freshstitches.com/

Like the critters from the book, try these out!

 

I’d like to thank Stacey for taking the time to visit with me during this live interview. We had a great time and I hope you enjoy learning about her book and what makes her stay creative.

See you next month for another author interview!

Martiel~

 

 

Coming Next Month!

Join me for my show 12 Questions with Martiel during Tuesday Schmoozeday on Nov. 13, 2012 for an interview with author Lisa Solomon of “Knot, Thread, Stitch”. We are going to have an interview and a DEMO.

Review: Authentic Sock Loom

// May 24th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Knitting

Almost every crafty person I know has, at some time or another, thought of making their own socks. I was intrigued when I saw the Authentic Sock Loom Knitting Board, which allows you to make socks without knitting! I had to give it a try!

About the Loom

The kit contains an adjustable knitting loom (the center bar on the board pictured slides so that you can get exactly the size sock that you want), a hook (that you use to make stitches on the loom) and an instructional DVD.

I was surprised by the high quality of each of the components. For less than $30, you could picture receiving a flimsy loom or a shoddily-produced DVD. However, the loom is quite hefty: constructed with solid wood and very secure and sturdy pegs. The DVD is neatly divided into sections (casting on, the knit stitch, turning the heel, etc.) and gives complete instructions for operating the loom.

How the loom works

A properly-fitting sock needs to be the appropriate size: so that it’s small enough to fit snugly, but not too small so that it doesn’t fit. The first step in using the loom is to set the knitting board so that it creates an appropriately sized sock for your foot. Fear not… this step is easy: you simply follow the calculations provided in the kit, and slide the center bar to the proper position.

The remaining steps mirror the steps involved in knitting a sock. You begin by ‘casting on’ the stitches:

Even though the actual motion for casting on stitches with the loom is different from knitting, the philosophy is the same, and the procedure is well-explained in the DVD.

After the initial cast-on, you begin ‘knitting’ your sock. Each stitch is created by pulling the working yarn through the stitch on the loom, using the hook:

Exactly how you manipulate the hook & yarn determines whether you produce a knit or a purl stitch.

You continue knitting and purling to create the cuff of the sock and then, just like knitting, you work a limited number of the stitches to form the heel. Then, you return to working all of the stitches for the foot of the sock.

The toe is constructed slightly differently on the loom than when knitting a sock: stitches for the top and bottom of the sock are decreased separately and then grafted across the entire toe. There is an option to remove the stitches from the loom and use double-point needles for a ‘traditional’ toe, but this seems to be an advanced option.

Benefits to the Sock Loom

The sock loom is an easy entry into making socks for those who don’t/can’t knit. Highlights include:

  • A well-constructed loom and instructional DVD (as well as further videos/support on their website: www.knittingboard.com).
  • Once you get a hang of the basic operation of the hook, you can create knit and purl stitches (and make an entire sock!) with ease.
  • Grooves in the pegs make it very easy to use the hook to manipulate the yarn.
  • Since the loom is adjustable, you can make socks of any size.
  • The design of the loom takes away many of the complicated calculations associated with knitting socks. Once you establish the number of pegs required, no further calculations are needed.

Disadvantages to the Loom

In my personal opinion, this loom is designed for people who do not currently knit. People who are already proficient knitters will find the experience of using the loom slightly tedious: it’s like using a crochet hook to create each new knit stitch.

Other downsides include:

  • The loom isn’t obviously portable. Although I suppose it may be, in principle… in practice, carrying a loom around is more awkward than carrying knitting needles.
  • Stitches can slide off of the pegs, particularly during the cast-on (see above photo, which happened as I was taking photos of my cast-on). In this case, the only option is to begin your cast-on, again.
  • The DVD doesn’t have many details on fixing mistakes. I assume this is because the loom is a new product, and I’d imagine that these will be videos added in the future.

Overview

The Sock Loom Knitting Board is an ingenious product that is well-crafted and allows you to create socks easily, without knitting.

This board isn’t a short-cut to making socks for people who already knit. I would advise knitters (who are afraid of socks) to find a helpful, beginner-sock pattern instead of turning to the loom. Some first-time sock knitting patterns are: Easy Peasy Socks and Basic Sock.

If you’ve been looking to make socks, and aren’t interested in knitting… this loom is your ticket!

Should you learn to Knook?

// April 5th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Crochet, Knitting

Have you heard of the Knook (pronounced ‘nook’)? It’s a very clever hook/technique that allows you to form a fabric that looks like knitting by using a special crochet hook.

While it’s a very interesting idea, it requires learning new stitches (not crochet stitches or knit stitches), so isn’t exactly a short cut for learning to knit. I’ll show you how knooking is done, then chat about the pros and cons, so you can decide whether you’d want to learn to knook, or would rather just learn to knit.

How to knook

The knook is a crochet hook with an eye at the non-hook end (exactly like a locker hook, if you’re familiar with one) accompanied by a nylon cord. I haven’t seen knooks for sale alone in the store, so you’re probably best off grabbing The Knook Beginner Set, which comes with a variety of hooks, cords and a beginners book. Videos about how to knook are available on the Leisure Arts Website, and they’re pretty clear and easy to follow.

You begin knooking by threading the cord into the eye in the hook. The first row is done by crocheting a single chain, nothing tricky!

To Knook the first row, you insert your hook into the chain stitches and pick up your working yarn… similar to how you would work in Tunesian Crochet. Then, you slip all of your loops onto the cord:

To continue, you use the hook to pick up a new row of stitches, inserting the hook into the loops that are now held on the cord. Whether you make knit or purl stitches depends on which way you wrap the yarn around the hook.

The fabric looks pretty impressively like a knit fabric!

The Advantages of Knooking

The advertisement is true: you can accomplish a fabric that looks like a knit fabric by using only the knook (crochet hook + cord). For crocheters, there are some big advantages:

  • If you’re already familiar with using a crochet hook, the movements will feel very natural, most likely making the technique easier to learn.
  • The first row is done by crocheting a chain, so there’s no need to learn a cast on.
  • Stitches remain on the cord while you’re working, so there’s less danger of dropped stitches (but see my exception to this in the next section).

The Downsides to Knooking

There’s no doubt that it’s a clever tool, but there are some downsides to learning knooking, especially if your goal is to make knitted items that you’ll see in patterns:

  • You need to learn how to wrap the yarn to knit and purl- these aren’t the same stitches that you already know from crochet.
  • A fair amount of translation is required if you wanted to make an item from a knitted pattern. There are knooking books available, but you’d be limited to that small selection of patterns.
  • The stitches are kept on a nylon cord with no method of securing the stitches. If you were to toss your knooking in a bag, you’ve have oodles of dropped stitches if the cord came out.

Is it worth it?

I’m going to start with an interesting statistic that I’ve gathered after years of teaching knitting and crochet. Knitters, when first learning crochet, typically do no better than the rest of the novice crocheters. (sorry, knitters!) However, crocheters, when learning to knit, typically learn much faster than newbie knitters!

Crocheters already know how to tension the yarn, hold things in their hands, and all they really need to learn (in order to knit) is how to pass a stitch from one needle to another. In my experience, with a good teacher and when learning to knit continental (i.e. holding the yarn in the left hand, which is how a crocheter holds it when crocheting), crocheters have a fairly easy time learning to knit.

So, if you’re deciding whether to learn to knook, it’s important to think about your goals. Do you want to knit socks? Learn to knit. Do you want to knit sweaters? Learn to knit. Do you just love the look of knitted fabric and want to make small projects? Maybe knooking is for you.

One main factor is that the knook is a product manufactured by one company… so you only have one hook style available to you and a limited selection of pattern books. Both crocheting and knitting have available lots of different hooks/needles to suit your particular style, and patterns made my thousands of designers. In order to invest time in learning to knook, you’ll have to be sure that you’re happy being limited to the options available.

I have spoken with some people who love that the action uses a crochet hook, and much prefer knooking over learning to knit. Wonderful! I’m happy whenever someone finds what works for them!

But if you have a hankering to knit… I’d recommend giving knitting a try!

Book Review: Knitted Beaded Jewelry: How to Make 16 Stylish Projects by Ruth Herring

// February 8th, 2012 // 3 Comments » // Art Jewelry, Beads, & Glass, Book Reviews, Knitting

 

Click the book to purchase this title from the publisher.

First I have to say that it is with some trepidation that I approached this book as I am not a knitter. In fact, my experience with knitting began and ended in the seventh grade with a horror of a home economics teacher that told my mother at the end of the year that it was her first year teaching and that it would be her last because of me.

Yeah.

Not a good experience for either of us, lol. Between my refusal to hold knitting needles properly (I’m left-handed although they tried to fix that) and my use of butter knives to weigh down patterns when cutting them out ( which I still do and totally had to laugh when someone came out with commercial weights for the same purpose) we didn’t see eye to eye.

38 years later I was giving the size 3 knitting needles the fish-eye in my kitchen but no one grows without getting past their prejudices so I plunged in.

The instructions in the book are clear and I actually found that with the little fragments of what I recalled I was able to cast on and get going fairly quickly. I did have to refer to some video tutorials on you tube because, as I’ve said, I’m left-handed. There are some wonderful free video tuts for getting started with left-handed knitting and I was stitching away in no time.

However, understanding the basics and applying them are two different things. I stitched merrily away and soon ended up with what looked like bad fishnets because I was dropping stitches all over the place. I need practice.

Since I am what I consider a knitting newbie I would say that you could learn to knit with the instructions in this book. I have, although I’ve switched over to sock yarn. I am still using the size three needles. I like little tools.

So, although the sterling silver cuff bracelet pictured is based on the patterns in this book I have to admit I cheated – it’s crocheted.

 

The wire is 28 gauge sterling silver and the beads are Magatama beads by Miyuki in three different colorways. Magatamas are wonderful. Think tiny raindrop shaped beads with wonderful shine. The clasp is a slider and is also sterling silver that I found several years ago at my local bead shop and was perfect for this project. See? You really do use the stuff from your stash. :)

There are four patterns in the book that utilize yarn and the rest are wire based. While I used 28 gauge and am happy with the results the recommended gauge for this pattern was 32. I do plan to experiment with some color wire and even C-lon and waxed irish linen as time permits. I’m a fiber junkie and this is a fun departure from micro macrame, weaving, and stringing.

The book starts out with sections dedicated to descriptions of various bead types, tools, and materials. From there it moves into a section with excellent step by step pictures on how to cast on, knit, purl, finish off and various basic stitch patterns. The properties of certain patterns (i.e. – stockinettes tendency to roll and exploiting this property in jewelry design) are discussed. There are numerous patterns for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and for the more advanced a sweet little bag made with Aran cotton yarn.

I have enjoyed working with this book and I think you will too. Especially if you are a knitter you really should experiment with wire and jewelry making. I think an accomplished knitter well versed in the variety of patterns out there could get the basics of working with wire from this book and create some exquisite pieces. The possibilities are endless!

 

Until next time, happy crafting!

Astrid

Let's go shopping!

 

 

Book Review: I Heart Felt by Kathleen Taylor

// February 3rd, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Knitting, Needlearts, Stich, Felt

I recently obtained a copy of Kathleen Taylor’s book, I Heart Felt, to review. This is a follow-up to the successful “Knit One, Felt Too” which pushes the creative edges on just what crafters can do with felting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Heart Felt is a great handbook for the first-time and experienced felters! One thing I love about this book is that it includes complete, incredibly clear and concise instructions. It includes basic and advanced techniques with 33 fun projects! Reading through the book, I couldn’t find any project that couldn’t be tackled successfully by an adventurous knitter of any skill level. In addition, there’s an excellent section on needle felting; Kathleen explains in detail how to add needle-felted embellishments to your finished projects.

What is felting?

Felting is the process of knitting with wool fibers and then shrinking the final product to lock the wool fibers together to make a unique wool cloth

What caught my eye?

The photgraphs! The colorful photographs will entice any knitter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorites is the Grazing Sheep Bag! Before!

 

 

 

 

 

After!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of things I appreciate is that in the book yarns are used that are widely available and reasonably priced. Most of the projects call for Cascade 220 or Knit Picks yarns. So the projects are very affordable to make!

If you’re looking for a place to start with felting, this book could definitely be it!

Happy Knitting!

Mary Ann Hoth    See my designs at:   http://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-ann-hoth

BLOG: http://sheeptoshawlknittingforthelamb.blogspot.com/

A Find for My Readers! Knitted Beach Bag by Dorothy Dean

// February 1st, 2012 // Comments Off // Knitting

Not A Sandy Bottom 

This makes a great beach bag, since the sand will fall out of it.  Sand in the bottom of my bags is a problem here.  :)  With a few modifications, you can make this bag into a yoga mat bag, a water bottle bag, or a larger or smaller tote.  It’s incredibly stretchy, so don’t worry if it looks small after it’s knit up.

SIZE

One Size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference= 14 inches, height= 13 inches

MATERIALS

Lily Sugar N Cream [100% cotton; 120yd/110m per 2.47oz/70g skein]; color: Ecru; 3 skeins

1 set US #10 1/2/6.5mm double-point needles

1 24 inch US #10 1/2/6.5mm circular needle

1 24 inch US #8/5mm circular needle

Tapestry needle

4 stitch markers

GAUGE

14sts/22 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

Bag Bottom may be worked in magic loop or on 2 circs instead of double pointed needles.  

Openwork Pattern (worked in the round over 2 sts)

Row 1- P to end of round

Row 2- K2tog to end of round

Row 3- *P1, m1 by picking up horizontal strand from between the purls, repeat from * to end

Row 4- *K2tog, yo, repeat from * to end

(from Teach Yourself Visually Knitting Design by Sharon Turner, modified to work in the round)

Slip Stitch Pattern (worked over an even number of sts)

Row 1- Sl1, k1* rep from* to end

Row 2- Sl1, p1 * rep from * to end

 

PATTERN

Bag Body

CO 112 sts with smaller needle.  Join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work in garter st for 4 rounds.

Work in stockinette st for 10 rounds.

Switch to larger needles, and work Openwork Stitch pattern once.

P 1 round.

Work in stockinette for 7 rounds.

Work Openwork Stitch pattern 8 times.

P 1 round.

K 7 rounds.

Bag Bottom

Note:  move to double points or magic loop when circumference of bag becomes too small to work with comfortably on circular needle

Set up round [K28, pm] to end

Round 1 (decrease round)- [K1, ssk, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1] to end

Round 2- Knit

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 3 times more.

Work Decrease Round until 16 sts are left.

[K2tog] to end- 8 sts left.

Break yarn, thread end through tapestry needle and draw through live sts.  Weave in end.

 

Handles

Make 2

Using smaller needle, CO 12 sts, leaving a 15-18 inch tail (this will be used to attach handle to bag later on).

Work in Slip Stitch pattern for 20 inches.

BO, leaving another long tail.

 

FINISHING

Fold bag into quarters, mark with a pin.  Pin handles at markers.  Sew onto bag body using tails left from CO and BO.

Weave in all ends.  Block if desired.

 

This pattern may be used to make as many gifts and bags for yourself as you like. In

addition, you may make up to 15 bags to sell. You are only required to give credit by

naming me as the designer and including my website URL on a tag or otherwise attached

to the bag when sold. If you want to make more, please contact me and we can

work out a licensing agreement. Let me know your store address or where youʼll be and

I might be able to send business your way.

© Dorothy Dean 2009

Easy Flower Knitting Pattern for Knitters Only!

// January 15th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Knitting

In my long search to find an easy flower knitting pattern I realized I had a a few requirements:

1. It  MUST be easy enough to knit up quickly.

2. It  Must be knit in one piece and seamless

3. It Must look elegant and not look like  a child’s craft project.

4. It  Must be a KNITTING PATTERN! (Not a crochet pattern…I cannot crochet!)

I discovered that there are a lot of patterns for crocheting.  This to me was frustrating, since I do not crochet and I refused to think that 2 knitting needles had more limits than 1 crocchet hook.

I fiddled around with my 2 needles and came u with this very very easy pattern to share with you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you will need for the Isabella Flower Pattern: 

Size US 6  4mm   11-inch Circular Needles

Stitch Marker

Button

Needle For Weaving

Yarn Used: Any leftover yarns from stash!

 

Isabella Flower Pattern:

Cast on 62 stitches

Round 1: k

Round 2: *p2, p2tog*, repeat until 2 stitches are left, p2  (47 stitches)

Round 3: *k1, ssk*, repeat until 2 stitches are left, k2 (32 stitches)

Round 4: *p2tog* repeat until end. (16 stitches)

Round 5: *ssk* repeat until end. (8 stitches)

Now cut yarn leaving about 16” and then weave (using a needle) yarn through remaining 8 stitches, then pull tightly. Loop yarn through to the WS (right side) of flower and use to sew on any cute button. Use remaining yarn on flower to sew into headband; weave in loose ends.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ©  Mary Ann Hoth Designs

This flower is wonderful for embellishing headbands, sweaters, scarves, hats etc……

Happy Knitting!

Mary Ann Hoth         http://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-ann-hoth

 

 

 

Book Review: NATURE’S WRAPTURE Contemporary Knitted Shawls

// January 9th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Book Reviews, Knitting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Nature’s Wrapture, designer Sheryl Thies presents a collection of 20 captivating wraps, shawls and scarves that were inspired by the shapes, textures, colors, and patterns found in nature. She offers such a wide variety that every knitter is sure to find something that fits her style from flattering styles ranging from casual accessories to elegant evening wear. The patterns display basic shapes and plenty of variety–ideal for confident beginners as well as experienced knitters! The patterns are easy to follow. Each pattern has complete information for the skill level, finished measurements, suggested yarns, gauge, stitch patterns, general instructions and finishing.

Like you would expect from the title, this is a book  inspired by nature, with names like; Orchids, Milky Way, snowdrift, Sandy Beach, Waterfall, Flames, to name a few.

The pictures–which you know are important to me– are just beautiful photos in this book! They show you just how the shawls are going to look when finished, and I really like the fact that they show the shawls being worn, OR delicately draped over an object.

These designs have just enough interesting techniques to keep meinterested and then I can relax and enjoy knitting. Nature’s Wrapture is the first shawl book I have seen that has patterns that are of the skill level that I need. I love the fact that there are patterns from the beginner level to intermediate so that even the most timid knitter has an opportunity to make something beautiful. The instructions for the patterns are written out so that
you do not have to rely on charts.

These are not your grandmother’s shawls, but contemporary styled wearable wraps without being over the top. My favorites and are Sandy Beach and Fall Colors, both beginner/easy projects, and one of which will be my next on my needles!

CONS: Only problem is choosing what to start next. A lot of patterns for the price.

Happy Knitting!

Mary Ann Hoth     http://www.ravelry.com/stores/mary-ann-hoth-designs/manage

 

Knitting Tidbit Tuesdays!

// January 3rd, 2012 // Comments Off // Knitting

“Are you a Picker or a Thrower”?

Have you ever wondered where this knitting term began or why?

Why Do We Throw?  Tidbit Tuesday Answer:

The English or “Throw” method of knitting (as opposed to the continental method) came about because people believed it to be more ladylike and refined. The Tthrow method was also known during the Victorian era as the drawing room position. As hand knitting changed from a way to earn a livelihood to more of a pastime, throwing deemed more attractive for upper-class ladies!

Is the Continental method of knitting better than the English method? OR vice versa?

Answer: BOTH! Which ever way you feel is most comfortable!

The difference between continental and English knitting arises ONLY from which hand holds the working yarn.

In continental knitting, the working yarn is held on the left hand, so that the tip of the right needle “picks” the yarn to draw it through the loop. In English knitting, the working yarn is held on the right hand, and the working yarn is “thrown” around the tip of the right needle, then drawn through
the loop.

If you ignore the hands supplying the yarn and watch only the needles, the ACT of drawing a new loop through the old loop is the same in continental and in English knitting,

 

 

 

 

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