# Tell me your Knitting Stories! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 6, 2004, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424 "2004-12-06T22:08:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/81 "2004-12-16T23:40:45Z")
I’ve got four stripes left! WHOOOO! I’m so tired of this scarf. My next one is the alien illusion from SnB. ---
**Author:** ![mlerose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@mlerose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlerose)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/82 "2004-12-16T23:44:08Z")
Since my post, I’m 1/2 done with Sock 2, I’ve finished a hat and scarf and two bag/purse type things, and I’m 1/3 done with another scarf. Woohoo! I’m actually “calling in well” tomorrow so I can knit all day long and be able to mail all the stuff that needs mailing. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2004, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/83 "2004-12-17T00:05:45Z")
I just finished a Christmas stocking for my son that was my first attempt at intarsia! It came out pretty well, with a little puckering, but a good learning experiment. Now I have a bunch of red, green and white yarn…not enough to do anything big, just 1/4 - 1/3 skeins. Does anyone know of any patterns for little Christmas tree ornaments? I figure I could whip up a couple to stick on gifts. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/84 "2004-12-17T00:12:10Z")
Oh, and **chattywine** , which pattern is yours? ---
**Author:** ![mcms\_cricket](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@mcms\_cricket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcms_cricket)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/85 "2004-12-21T20:16:12Z")
Wheeeee!! My current passion! I taught myself the basic knit and purl stitches about 20-25 years ago when I was a kid. But I never did anything with it - not even a scarf. I guess I lost interest. But when the Stitch N Bitch handbook came out I got interested in it again. So far I’ve made 10 scarfs (garter stitch, size 15 needles, double strand with one strand of Lion Brand Homespun in Edwardian and one strand of Paton Allure in a different color - makes a very soft cozy scarf) and am ready to try something else. I bought some circular needles and after 4 false starts (couldn’t figure out why the purl side was on the outside instead of the inside) managed to make the umbilical cord hat from SnB - albeit with weird holes in it from yarnovers that I didn’t mean to make. I have just started my second attempt at the hat. I am intrigued by felting and am trying to get my hands on a copy of [Knit Wit](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060740701/qid=1103660285/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/102-8525804-4548916) because the cover appears to show a knitting bag that’s felted. For the poster a page or so back that asked about instructions - I also think the SnB book can be a bit confusing as to the how-tos. I just bought the [Teach Yourself Visually Knitting and Crocheting](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764569147/qid=1103660253/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-8525804-4548916?v=glance&s=books) It has big easy-to-see photographs. I also recommend looking at some of the books that are geared towards kids. Go get a bunch of books at the library - than you can see which one works for you. I really want to try the baby blanket from SnB (though I’m not wild about the yarn color - I’d choose something different) but I’m afraid I wouldn’t have the stamina to see the whole project through. I’m also interested in making a little dress, cardigan, or onesie for my nine-month old daughter but I’m not nearly there yet - haven’t really learned how to increase and decrease yet! ---
**Author:** ![chattywine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@chattywine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chattywine)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/86 "2004-12-21T21:31:54Z")
**C3** the felted Mancala game 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/87 "2004-12-21T21:58:26Z")
> [@chattywine](#): > > **C3** the felted Mancala game 🙂 Very cool. I might have to try it. I’m going to attempt felting again this week. I’m almost finished knitting my second attempt at a felted purse…we’ll see how that goes in the wash. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/88 "2004-12-22T07:36:37Z")
> [@chattywine](#): > > **C3** the felted Mancala game 🙂 That is so incredibly awesome, **chattywine**. I should have a whole bunch of scrap yarn left from knitting Christmas presents. If I have enough, I’m going to make your mancala. I thought it was so very cool when I looked at the new issue of Knitty. It’s something that I’d actually have the patience to make, unlike the pink chemise in the lingerie issue, which I lust after mightily. And your carpet makes my inside go “woot!” ---
**Author:** ![AwSnappity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AwSnappity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AwSnappity)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/89 "2004-12-28T13:34:55Z")
Last night I tried _again_ to learn how to crochet. I think I’m a lost cause …that, or I need to watch someone do it instead of using written instructions. In order to make myself feel better about being too stupid to crochet, I started a lace pattern last night just for fun. It’s just a basic Shetland horseshoe pattern. I had to start over about 4 times. I think I’m getting the hang of it finally, although by the 8th row I had added about 7 stitches. Hm. ---
**Author:** ![Siege](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dbc845/32.png) [@Siege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siege)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/90 "2004-12-28T17:19:56Z")
> [@continuity eror](#): > > Slightly tangential question… I really want to learn to knit, and have been told that this is the best beginner book out there for people who have never knit before. I learn a lot better from real-life instruction, instead of books, but I don’t know anyone IRL that knits. Would I be able to learn from scratch with this book? Or would it just be confusing for someone who is a hands-on learner? I’ve looked at how-to-knit sites on the internet, so if it’s no better than online instructions I don’t want to waste any time with it. Excuse me. I haven’t read the full thread and I’ve been knitting while I’ve been reading it. I also don’t have that much time left on my lunch break. **continuity eror** , where in our state are you? If you’re within easy reach of Pittsburgh, shoot me an e-mail and I can tell you where and when to find people who knit and can give you hands-on instruction, if you like. As for me, I learned to knit when I was a teenager. Even though my Mum also knits up a storm and can make almost anything you ask her to, I learned from my Girl Scout troop leader. I’ve kept very little of what I’ve knitted, but there’s a purple sweater on my needles at home which will be mine. There’s also the infamous Pi shawl which, thanks to an in joke, I must never finish for, when I do, **Polycarp** must die (I’ll explain later, if anyone’s interested). My favorite project, though, is the matching Aran (cabled) sweaters I made for my best friend and her husband as a wedding gift. It took a few years, but she’s worth every stitch! I also made a knit teacup as a lark for a program at a Mensa RG called “Everything You Wanted To Know About Knitting But Were Afraid To Ask!” I’ve also threatened to knit a chair for a friend of mine. Right now, I’m starting to look at knitting as a form of meditation, and I plan on seeing if I can start a knitting group at my church once the holidays are over. **continuity eror** , I repeat, send me an e-mail! (I love your user name, by the way.) CJ ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/91 "2004-12-28T17:54:52Z")
My sister has commissioned me to make her three (!) blankets. One of the ones she picked out, although an easy cable pattern, has a border that apparently you knit on after you’re done. Now, I’m reading the instructions, that say “Pick up the yarn” and I’m not sure what that means. I’m debating whether or not to add six stitches on each side and “cheat” a border while I’m knitting the “interior.” It’s a lot easier when someone can show you what to do. Sometimes text instructions are less than clear. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/92 "2004-12-28T18:01:03Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > My sister has commissioned me to make her three (!) blankets. One of the ones she picked out, although an easy cable pattern, has a border that apparently you knit on after you’re done. > > Now, I’m reading the instructions, that say “Pick up the yarn” and I’m not sure what that means. I’m debating whether or not to add six stitches on each side and “cheat” a border while I’m knitting the “interior.” > > It’s a lot easier when someone can show you what to do. Sometimes text instructions are less than clear. Picking up stitches is just putting the needle into one of the side stitches, looping the yarn, and pulling it through in a knit stitch. Then you go on to the next stitch in line and do the same thing. And the next, etc. [Here](http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/FEATwin04TT.html) is a good article from [knitty.com](http://knitty.com). ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/93 "2004-12-28T19:16:13Z")
Wow, pictures and everything! Thanks, **jayjay**! ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2004, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/94 "2004-12-28T19:58:35Z")
Is _knitty_ not the best thing ever? I don’t know why, but until I read the article, it never occured to me to use stitch markers to help space my picked-up stitches. So obvious! So clever! ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2004, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/95 "2004-12-29T18:51:13Z")
I’m braving the knitting circle tonight. I’m teaching Ardred’s mom and sister to knit. Wish me luck. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/96 "2005-03-08T19:19:37Z")
I’m resurrecting this thread because I just learned how to knit last week (it’s something I’ve kinda always wanted to do but didn’t know anybody who could show me until a nice coworker offered and I took her up on it!) and I’m having a great time making my first scarf. 🙂 Why I’m here is that I have a question for the folks who have the “Stitch ‘n’ Bitch” book. I got it a couple of days ago and now I’m obsessed with the Skully sweater. I _must_ have this sweater! Right now I know how to do the knit and purl stitches and cast on–Experienced knitters who have the book and know which sweater I mean, how hard do you think that sweater would be for me to make (as in, how hard will it be to pick up the other necessary skills?) Is it reasonable to think I might be able to do it as my next project after I finish my scarf, or should I get some more practice under my belt before I try to learn new techniques as I go? Keep in mind that I’m hoping to have something I won’t be embarrassed to wear in public when I’m done. 🙂 Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/97 "2005-03-08T19:28:37Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > Experienced knitters who have the book and know which sweater I mean, how hard do you think that sweater would be for me to make (as in, how hard will it be to pick up the other necessary skills?) Is it reasonable to think I might be able to do it as my next project after I finish my scarf, or should I get some more practice under my belt before I try to learn new techniques as I go? Keep in mind that I’m hoping to have something I won’t be embarrassed to wear in public when I’m done. 🙂 Skully’s not hard, for a sweater. However, that qualifier is a bit of a doozy. You can go two different directions with this: 1) learn increasing, decreasing and seaming first, then learn intarsia, then take on Skully, or 2)learn intarsia, then learn increasing, decreasing and seaming, then take on Skully. There’s a LOT of increasing and decreasing and seaming in sweaters in general. And intarsia really deserves the time spent on learning how to make it look decent without also having to learn how to construct a sweater at the same time. The concept of intarsia is simple but it’s amazing how easy it is to make large, multi-colored splotches only loosely attached to the rest of the piece if you don’t understand how it all works… ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/98 "2005-03-08T19:42:12Z")
So, **jayjay** honey, when it’s time to make my sweater – surely a big, strong, manly knitter like you can do something like that, right? **bat bat bat** 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/99 "2005-03-08T19:50:33Z")
I’d probably pick something like [Banff](http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTbanff.html) or [Grace](http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTgrace.html) from Knitty for a first sweater, if you’re jumping directly to it from a scarf. The [Striped Raglan from the Bottom Up](http://glampyreknits.tripod.com/glampyrephotos/id34.html) from Glampyre Knits is also pretty easy. It calls for knitting on circulars, though. As **jayjay** says, intarsia can be a bitch. If your heart is set on Skully, I’d try a few smaller projects to learn how decrease and increase, like a hat and mittens set to go with your scarf. Then I’d try doing intarsia on something small, like a throw pillow or a felted purse, so you won’t be as disappointed if it takes a while to get the hang of it. With the purse, you’ll even be able to completely mangle the first few intarsia rows and it’ll come out all right. Isn’t there a pattern for a felted purse with intarsia in Stitch ‘n’ Bitch? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424/100 "2005-03-08T19:51:38Z")
Hehe…I’ve been on a hiatus (and haven’t finished WeirdNorthBaby’s sweater yet), but I plan on starting up again soon. If you can get everything together (preferred pattern and the yarn to make it) by Gettydope, you can give it to me there and I’ll try to get it done before Labor Day weekend (when I’m going to New Orleans for Southern Decadence and plan on starting a Charlotte’s Web shawl for my mother). Note to the boards…this is NOT an open invitation to all and sundry to deluge me with requests… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-your-knitting-stories/278424.md?page=6)