# I have a new addiction. One possibly greater than this place. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 11, 2005, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775 "2005-10-11T17:06:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2005, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/41 "2005-10-13T00:46:42Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Actually I am a bit jealous. One day I’d like to learn how to knit. That could fill the down-time at Speech tournaments with productive activity. But I live in Southern California. What could I knit that I could actually _use_? I live in Florida. I’ve knitted pillows, sofa arm covers, pot holders, afghans, guitar straps, and a shawl in a very light [ladder yarn.](http://knitpicks.com/yarns/yarn_Display.aspx?itemid=5420118) (I used the Red Hat Lady yarn to make a shawl that created its own fringe. _Tres_ easy.) It keeps me busy while I’m watching TV. One of these days I’m going to make a sweater, or at least a summer tank top. But I have to finish a blanket for my sister, another armchair cover for my MIL, a blanket for my son, two more afghans for my sister… I wish I could knit and type at the same time. And seeing the magical knitting needles in one of the Harry Potter movies made me moan. Michael’s. I love Michael’s. All that yarn…and needles…and knitting accessories…_squeeeeee_! ---
**Author:** ![Ashes\_Ashes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/42 "2005-10-13T00:52:15Z")
My mom was recently crossed over to the knitting side. I’m scared-- I don’t _want_ a poncho. > [@silenus](#): > > Actually I am a bit jealous. One day I’d like to learn how to knit. That could fill the down-time at Speech tournaments with productive activity. But I live in Southern California. What could I knit that I could actually _use_? A pool cover of course! ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2005, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/43 "2005-10-13T10:34:35Z")
I rarely knit anything for myself. I don’t want ponchos or shawls or capelets or shrugs. If I want a sweater, I’ll buy it rather than burn all that money and time. I might knit myself one scarf, perhaps one hat (but I hate hat hair), and that’s about it. I’ve knitted a couple throw pillow covers and a MP3 player cover for myself. For my husband, I knit [gloves](http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer05/PATTcigar.html) (missing two fingers and the thumb at the first knuckle, so he can flip through envelopes while delivering the mail) and a balaclava-style [hood](http://www.geocities.com/helmetliner/), both in 100% wool. The latter was created as a pattern for knitting for US soldiers in Afghanistan for the winter, and I’ve made one for them that I need to pop in the mail to the associated charity. I’ve also knit a baby sweater and booties for a friend who recently gave birth, as well as a few woolen hats and pairs of mittens in assorted kids’ sizes for [afghans for Afghans](http://www.afghansforafghans.org/). ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2005, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/44 "2005-10-13T10:45:27Z")
> [@ENugent](#): > > [Two](http://www.crochetmycrotch.com/) [links](http://secure.elann.com/frames.asp). Two dangerous links. (Well, ok. The first one’s just weird. The second one is like finding the special _discount_ crack dealer.) There should be a warning on that first link not to inhale desperately needed caffeine after your nth day on a just recently diagnosed sinus infection and no sleep and days of being a mouth breathing zombie and looking at that link. Coffee in the sinuses, while appealing, smells yucky after awhile. And I wants one of those crocheted crotches…I have no idea why. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2005, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/45 "2005-10-13T10:47:04Z")
Oh Dear. Og. The Mini-gina’s come (heee) with a pinbacked option. HAHAHAHAHAHA. ---
**Author:** ![chattywine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@chattywine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chattywine)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/46 "2005-10-14T07:44:11Z")
Ah a most excellent addiction. BTW, those interested in whiping up a hoo-hah but don’t crochet there is a pattern for a knit one [here](http://www.dangliebits.com/hoohoo.html). Something to do with that left over [“fun fur”](http://www.zibibboisgood.com/sprsum05/pookie.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/47 "2005-10-14T11:46:40Z")
Yanno, somewhere out there in this freaky world of ours is an entirely knitted lifesized doll with a genuinely knitted replica hoohaa and boobies. And you just know some perv wines and dines her. My grannie never knitted hoohaa’s. ---
**Author:** ![stringy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@stringy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stringy)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/48 "2005-10-14T13:51:47Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > And I do it both ways English and Continental I’m so impressed! Welcome to the dark side, **Shirley**! Did you send me a message from craftster? My laptop has been out of action all week, I only just got back to my forums yesterday. ---
**Author:** ![Nic2004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@Nic2004](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nic2004)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/49 "2005-10-14T14:06:11Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > I do it when my son reads to me. > > I do it with a cat on my lap. > > I google for tips. > > I jones for supplies that I don’t even know how to use yet. > > I fondle skeins in public places. I was trying to rephrase this in a Dr Suess-like way. Maybe someone else is better at it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/50 "2005-10-14T14:13:00Z")
I certainly hope you saw [Six Chix](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/comics/king.htm?name=6Chix) today, Shirl. Me? A sweater, please. Natural gas is pricey this year. XL with a Harry Potter theme. ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/51 "2005-10-14T14:19:27Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > (I’m not sure which style I knit in - English or Continental. I was taught to knit by my Mennonite mother, who was of course taught by _her_ mother, and I’ve never seen anyone else hold the wool the way we do.) Okay, now I’m curious. How _do_ you hold the yarn? ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/52 "2005-10-14T14:22:50Z")
I hold the yarn in my left hand, which makes me a Continental, I suppose. I want to start a knitting group in my area, and I just got my latest issue of KnitPicks magazine. Those socks look cool. How hard are socks? ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/53 "2005-10-14T14:55:42Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > How hard are socks? There’s a lotta technique in socks. If you work them top down, then you have to learn how to turn the heel and do kitchner’s stitch at the toe. It can be a little awkward at first, but just take your time, and be prepared to rip out and rework when necessary. Practice makes perfect. I like these [toe-up short-row socks](http://www.wendyjohnson.net/blog/sockpattern.htm), m’self. I’m on my fourth pair, and I think I’ve just now truly figured out hiding the wraps. The other pairs look fine, and you have to look really close to see that I didn’t do it exactly right. Nonetheless, it’s just very pleasing to finally have mastered the technique. But to me, the most frustrating thing about socks is getting the size right. Mine always seem to come out a little bigger or a little smaller than I intended, which is more of a big deal in socks than in other garments. But I have Gauge Issues. The nice thing is that socks are small; if they don’t work out, they don’t work out. Also, foot size varies. If your socks don’t fit the original intended recipient you can give them to someone else! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/54 "2005-10-14T15:25:36Z")
Okay, let’s see {goes and gets knitting from tv watching area} - hold knitting and yarn in left hand, with yarn wrapped around little finger and index finger for tension control. Free needle to be knit onto is held in right hand, and slight motion of left hand wraps wool around free needle when inserted under stitch on left-hand held knitting. Does that make any sense at all? ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/55 "2005-10-14T15:58:53Z")
Sounds basically like Continental to me, except I hardly move my left hand, and just catch the yarn with my right needle. Personally, I can’t figure how anyone can knit English style for any amount of time. I learned from a book that only had the English method, but it was about three rows into it that I decided, “Well, this is inefficient!” and “invented” Continental technique. (To be honest, I was probably just remembering how my mother knits.) Knowing both is handy when you do color work, though. You can hold one color of yarn in your left hand and pick it, and hold the other color of yarn in your right hand and throw it. I have to make sure to alternate which color is in which hand frequently, though, because my gauge is different. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/56 "2005-10-14T20:28:07Z")
> [@Podkayne](#): > > I like these [toe-up short-row socks](http://www.wendyjohnson.net/blog/sockpattern.htm), m’self. Okay, I’m stumped right off the bat. What’s a provisional cast on? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/57 "2005-10-14T21:26:22Z")
> [@Podkayne](#): > > Okay, now I’m curious. How _do_ you hold the yarn? Continental style is held in your left hand and with just a little movement of your index finger, you wrap it over the right needle before dragging it through the left needle’s yarn. ( I hope that makes sense) Rather than Right hand yarn…throw it over the right hand needle and drag through left hand needle. Less effort, IMHO. I haven’t really tryed purling this way, just the knit stitch. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/58 "2005-10-14T21:31:02Z")
I am trying not to jump right into socks just yet. I must learn the zen of scarves, then mittens. but until then…I give you [socks, socks, socks!](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0964639157/qid=1129325244/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9051672-0021538?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) that, by my bizarre judging on Amazon, any book that that’s used price sale is only a buck or so under the regular Amazon price means to me it’s freaking good to get. YMMV. Lots of great ‘easy’ socks all the way up to ‘how in the hell did they come up with that Idea and where can I get me some LSD to help me knit _that_.’ ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/59 "2005-10-14T21:32:24Z")
> [@marque elf](#): > > It was sad. > > First, she just wanted a scarf for the winter (so she said) > > Then it was just a baby’s cap and booties for a couple of expectant mothers in her office. > > Then it was just a sweater or two for her kids (I can quit anytime she told her self). > > Then it was sweaters for all the neices and nephews (Oh, and they’ll need gloves and scarfs too). > > And then it was for the neighbors kid’s and sweaters for their pets (including the goldfish!) > > Now she’s hanging out in alleys trying to score some of the good stuff, llama wool from Peru and Alpaca from New Zealand (they always give you the first skein for free). > > Now rumor has it she’s knitting a map of the United States (life size. The scale is 1 mile = 1 mile). > > She’s well and truly hooked, so to speak. Will she become unraveled going through the inevitable withdrawal? One can only wonder and pray for her. I’m thinking of copying this and taping to the yarn displays at Joann’s and Michaels. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2005, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775/60 "2005-10-15T14:12:10Z")
> [@Podkayne](#): > > Sounds basically like Continental to me, except I hardly move my left hand, and just catch the yarn with my right needle. > \ Yeah, wouldn’t surprise me if it is mostly Continental style. The Mennonites came from Europe, after all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-new-addiction-one-possibly-greater-than-this-place/325775.md?page=4)