Side Tracked: Knitting Edition

Knitting, right? 

Other than the fact my wrist is killing me, I did manage to get these two blankets knitted. Anyone have thoughts on continental knitting? I hear it's better on the hands/wrists? What's the learning curve? One of my guild buddies brought it to my attention and sounds worth the venture. Knitting with ice packs wrapped on my wrist isn't the best idea. Or do I just quit now? Maybe I should seek a doctor ... There is always quilting. 

Let's not pretend I know much about knitting. I can knit and purl, that's it. For both quilts I used two threads. Both have a 3 on the package (sure that means something to knitters out there!), and a size 13 circular needle. 

BLANKET ONE:

Final size: 48 inches by 60 inches 

Pattern: Double Seed 

I probably shouldn't announce this out loud but this was my first attempt at a baby blanket. Once I realized the width was 48 inches that plan went out the window. Plan B, a blanket for me. The next one had a better size. Live and learn, then get ice packs!

BLANKET TWO:  

Final size: 34 inches by 38 inches. 

Pattern: Gardner Stitch = fancy for only knit stitches

My friend's daughter is turning 2 this weekend. Happy Birthday Harper. Mom requested a quilt when she was born. The blanket will match but is more her size at the moment. Hopefully it goes to good use! 

How does one know the width when casting on stitches? Is there is trick? 

Knitting Nuisances

I found some random yarn at my parents house from ages ago when I first attempted becoming a knitter.  I am left handed, and my Mom is also.  When I was young my Mom tried teaching me using my left hand, and it never clicked.  Then we figured out I knit with my right hand!  Weird, right?  Being left handed and knitting with my right!  At this point I was watching her and trying to make the stitches backwards.  Still didn't click and I ended up more confused.  Finally, my Grandmother taught me using my right hand.  It clicked, well sorta.  She taught me how to knit and purl. 

About 6 months ago I took out my knitting needles again.  So far, I have mostly made small wash cloths.  The small size makes them manageable.  I have been working on controlling my tension.  It's hard finding the balance of just right.  The cotton yarn is easy to work with and the final product is very useful.  Now I just have a ton of wash cloths! 

Just recently I purchased a Knitting book by Margaret Hubert.  It has been very helpful.  There are so many pictures of, well, everything.  I felt as though I was ready for more of a challenge, and this book has been great.  It covers all the abbreviations, and walks through all the stitches in photos and written instructions.

The book also includes instructions and photos for 200 patterns!  What makes me the happiest with this book is each of the patterns is labeled: easy, intermediate, or experienced.  To start I obviously chose an easy pattern called Trinity.  It has a nice lacy look that appears complicated.  My one complaint is I do wish the book would show the back or at least note if the pattern is double sided.

At the start of this project, I was not familiar with knitting from a pattern and my only goal was to not screw it up.  Let's just say I am thankful it's very easy undo stitches or just start over.  This is a picture of attempt 5 and I am just beginning to feel comfortable with the stitches (the poor yarn just looks overworked!).  Once again adding to my long learning curve.  

This project will become a blanket for a car seat and the largest project I have ever taken on!  So far the whole thing has either been a nuisance or an epic fail.  Too soon to tell which yet.  

Eventually I would like to make a small baby sized afghan.  At my current rate of progress that should happen sometime around the next decade.  Just going to have to stick with small projects for now ... 

Anyone out there have pointers for a newbie knitter?  I need some tips and tricks!!!  For now I am going to sit and eat some of these delicious wafers :)

Sew long for now, 

CHELS