Hey there knit-alongers! Here’s what clue #5 looks like:
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILE OF CLUE #6
Don’t forget to check the the resources section above if you’re unsure how to work a stitch!
Now that we’ve started working with lace patterns, I figure it’s high time we talked about blocking. Knitted lace patterns benefit greatly from blocking. So what is this “blocking” anyway? Blocking is the process of ‘setting’ your stitches in place after completing a piece of knitting. Blocking your knitting can help even out your stitches, stretch-out or shrink-in areas that aren’t the right size and give your piece an over-all ‘finished’ look. Blocking is the icing to your knitting cake! There are many different ways to block knitting, but I’m going to show you what we recommend in the Bernat resources guide:
“Pin garment pieces to measurements and cover with damp cloth leaving cloth to dry.”
That doesn’t really give you a lot of detail does it? Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so lets’ take a look at how to go about blocking your afghan blocks. I hope it’s not too confusing talking about blocking blocks!
Here’s what my block of knitting looks like fresh of the needles:
Mmm… lovely, right? Not so much. The edges are curled and the eyelets and decreases are messy. It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel! Actually, while your at it, throw in some T-pins and a ruler too.
To block your knitting, you will need a surface that you can jabs some pins into. Here at the design studio, we have a table covered in a mattress pad that we use for blocking, but you don’t need anything fancy. An ironing board will do, or a couch cushion covered with a towel, or even a stretch of carpet in an out of the way place.
Once you’ve got a nice surface to work on, make with the pins! T-pins are available at most fabric or craft stores. You can use straight pins as well, though the wide bar at the top of T-pins prevents them from slipping through your work. Make sure whatever pins you use are stainless steel. Things are going to get wet and you don’t want rust to develop and ruin your knitting!
Make sure to measure both vertically and horizontally and do your best to get your edges straight. The more pins the better!
Next, soak a towel big enough to cover your work and wring out the excess water. Lay the towel over your pinned piece of knitting and gently pat. Now just walk away and let the towel work it’s magic.
When the towel is dry, unpin the work and and watch in amazement as your knitting holds it’s shape!
- Look Ma, no pins!
This is just one of many ways to block your knitting. Don’t have time to wait for a towel to dry? Try steaming!
- Ever try to capture steam on camera? Next to impossible! Please accept my cartoon steam lines instead.
Please note: Bernat does not recommend steaming Bernat Satin and use this method at your own risk. Acrylic fiber will melt at high temperatures, so use extreme caution if choosing to steam your work.
To steam block your work, first pin out your knitting as demonstrated above. You will need a steamer or iron with a good steam setting. Hold your iron at least 4 inches [10 cm] above your work and blast it with a few shots of steam. Allow the work at least 10 minutes to dry and cool before unpinning.
There you have it! Blocking your work is completely optional and can be done before or after seaming your afghan pieces together (or both!). Good luck with clue #6 and don’t forget to check back January 13th (next year!) for our next clue.
Happy knitting and Happy New Year!
Julia
quick question…are all of the even rows done as row 2 on this one? the pattern doesn’t really say that but i am guessing??
Hi Jodi;
Oops! You’re correct – all even numbered rows should be knit as the 2nd row. We are correcting the pdf and it will be up shortly. Good catch!
Julia.
Just an update – The PDF has been updated. If you downloaded the pdf at 10:56am EST 12/30 or later, you’ve got the newest version.
Happy knitting, and a Happy New Year!
As a left-handed knitter, my square looks different. I knit from the written instructions, because the chart is very difficult for me to read. Using the written instructions, should I do each row in reverse? Or, do I do an SSK when the instructions say K2tog, and then do a K2tog when the instructions say SSK? I would sincerely appreciate some help since the new clue is also lace.
Swanee,
Assuming that when you say you’re a left-handed knitter you are putting the new stitches onto the left-hand needle….
When right-hand knitters do a Knit 2 together, it is a right-leaning decrease; similarly, an SSK is a left-leaning decrease.
When left-hand knitters to a Knit 2 together, it is a left-leaning decrease, and the SSK is a right-leaning decrease.
The way that clue 5 was written, the leans are towards the YO stitches.
If you just follow the instructions as written, your decreases will lean in the correct direction.
For example, in Clue 5 Row 1, there is a YO followed by a K 2 tog. If you do a K 2 tog, using the normal left-handed approach, that will lean towards the YO, and all will be good.
I hope this helps.
Judy
Hi Judy, your assumption is correct that as a left-handed knitter I move new stitches onto the left needle.
I think I was just grasping at a straw trying to figure out why I think my square looks a little different.
I wish I could zoom in on the picture of the finished square to get a better look at the YO,K2,YO section.
On their square it looks like the YO’s create a straight piece of yarn on either side of the K2.
On my square, the YO on the right side of the K2 is a straight piece of yarn. But, the YO on the left side (next to the SSK) looks like a diagonal knit stitch.
I’m not unhappy with my squares … so don’t go getting a brain freeze trying to visualize it.
I truly appreciate the info you’ve provided about the “leaning” of the stitches and that using the instructions as written should be okay. Your “all will be good” made me feel better. Thank you Judy!
I’m so happy my pieces are looking somewhat like the pictures. I have never blocked before so thank you for posting the instructions because I definitely have some squares that need it. Here is a question? Should we be sewing in our ends on each block now, or use the ends to sew the blocks together in the end?
In comparing my squares with your’s, now I’m thinking that mine is just reverse image. So maybe I’m okay doing clue #6 without reversing anything?
Hi Swanee;
Without understanding exactly how you knit, I’m not sure how you would modify the pattern. As long as you are happy with the results you are getting I wouldn’t bother modifying a thing!
Julia.
Swanee, I’m puzzled by your comment that yours is just reverse image. Are you talking about CLue 5, which is symmetrical?
I can see that on previous blocks, your left-hand-knitting blocks would be a mirror image of the right-hand-knitting blocks – which is not a problem!
Really, I believe that the only thing that you have to worry about as a left-handed knitter is that where you read “right” and “left”, you have to think “left” and “right” instead. But other than that, just follow the pattern as written, and you’ll be fine.
Judy
Duh! I right-clicked on the picture and it allowed me to copy it to my computer. I zoomed in and Ta! Da! there were the diagonal knit stitches just like mine. So, I’m super good now. Thanks again Judy!
I’m a bit behind because of all the christmas gifts I was finishing. Also I had to tear out clue 5 a couple times. It’s all coming together now. Hopefully I’ll be caught up by the time clue 7 comes out. Happy knitting.
Hi!! I am really enjoying the knitting contest. I have a few of the older clues that are missing a color( I was so anxious to start the next pattern),hopefully I will catch up at the end.I am motivated to keep going on, instead of giving up before the end of the project. Thanks for all of you being there for support.
SACK
I don’t have all the colors done for each block either. I go ahead and start the new blocks because I like to see what everyone else is saying about the new block as I do it. I have at least 2 blocks done for every clue so hopefully getting one more done will be easier now that the Christmas knitting marathon is over.
Pam
Can you tell me how many different mystery blocks for this project…I want to purchase enough for the rest all at once.
Thanks!
Hi Ella;
Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner! There are 3 blocks knit in each of 8 different patterns – 24 blocks total. Take a look at the Knit-along FAQ for all your yarn answers!
http://www.bernat.com/Mysteryafghankal/
Julia
Hi, fellow knitters
Well, I’ve got the first #6 block done. It took 3 full repeats, and I did the cast off on the 16th row, following the 16th row’s pattern.
I admit it, I like knitting lacy patterns, and I enjoyed both this and #5.
The thing I like most about lace is that you can have the fabric tell you what to do next. In this one, if there was a blob of stitches with a YO at each end, then the blob had to get bigger. But if there were decreases at each end, then the blob had to get smaller.
The only time that I really needed to concentrate was on the transition rows: 1 and 9.
I really liked how this pattern clearly shows the different leanings of the two types of decreases.
Now onto the next two blocks. It’s the best thing to do right now – it’s miserable outside here in Calgary, with a temperature of -18 C (or 0 F) with a wind chill of -27 C (or -16 F), and snowing. So I might as well knit!
Judy
Okay, I’m messing up somewhere on row 7. When I finish the row I end up with 41 stiches. I have done it 3 times now making sure to yarn over when I’m supposed to. sl1 means I slip a loop knit wise onto the right needle then I knit 2 together and then I take the slip stitch and and pass it over the 2 together (like casting off)right?
Julie,
What are the odds that you’re omitting a YO on either side of that double decrease, which according to your description you are doing exactly right.
After you have done the row, check back that there is a YO on each side of the single stitch that is formed by the double decrease.
Judy
Are you remembering the K1 after the second yo?
I, too, am having trouble with Row 7. I get 41 stitches also, I have started over enough times that I’m through until I can get to someone who knits. I think it’s the YO’s, but I’m too new to understand what’s happening….really put out, but not giving up, just looking for some help.
I figured out what I was doing wrong. It says to YO, Sl1, K2Tog. well, I was YO, sl1, and then moving the yarn to the back of the work before I knitted the 2 together. Keep the YO to knit the 2 tog.
I thought I had tried that, but, I’ll make another attempt, thanks for the info !!
OK, doing better, did a lot of looking at video and have things straightened out. At least, I think it’s right, but continuing because it looks nice !!
I will be blocking each piece to match the average of my work – every pattern so far has been slightly different in measurement, some more stretchy than others. For small items such as these blocks, I use a plank of packing foam (such as electronics are packed in) for the support, and large headed stainless steel pins pushed in vertically. The pieces are wetted thoroughly then damp-dried by rolling in a towel before being pinned in place. I have tried the damp towel on top method but the knitted pieces didn’t seem to be affected either way. Could be the west coast climate I’m in, which is damp most of the time anyway.
Bringing on Clue #6! For this one, I’ll knit a starter row of purl, as with the previous clue, and take care to do the knit 2 at each side of the purl rows!
I do my blocking much like the way Bess does it – I wet the piece thoroughly, capture a bunch of the wetness in a towel, and then lay it out. For small pieces like this, I just pin it into my ironing board.
Of course, Calgary is a much dryer climate, so the piece dries out fairly quickly.
Judy
Bess, Thank you so much for sharing your method of knitting a starter row of purl. I used this on the blocks for Clue #5 and it works great! I will continue to use the method.
I thought about trying a different method of casting on, so there would be integrity to the cast-on row, rather than just loops – it was easier for me just to purl that row.
If I was paying attention, I would remember the knit 2′s at either side for that purl row, which would start me off for the rest of the block. Mostly I remembered the final knit 2 but not the very first – how we (speaking for myself entirely) have to trick ourselves!
My squares turned out right but I haven’t blocked them. Should we be blocking the squares as we go along? I printed Clue 6 early and when I sat down to knit tonight realized the omission. Came back to see if it had been mentioned in the blog and read that the pdf had been corrected for the written directions. I like to use charts so I think the key for this one needs another tweek—the key for the square with a dash should read Knit on WS rows.
Hope every one has a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I really enjoyed your blocking advice. My advice for those who plan to knit and crochet (and cross stitch and dry sweaters…) to invest in something you like to block on. Store bought blocking boards can be really expensive. Here’s a cost-effective solution:
Go to your local hardware/DIY/Lowes store.
Go to the ceiling tile area and find some 2′ x 4′ tiles that are smushed/crushed/broken on one side or corner. These are the type used in office buildings with suspended ceilings.
Offer the store to buy them for half price. I recently bought some for $2 apiece.
Cover with two or three layers of heavy duty cotton or muslin (don’t use synthetics). I stapled the fabric on the edges and on the back.
Voila’! These are easily stored under the bed or in the closet when not being used. If you make two, you have a 4′ x 4′ blocking surface or a 2′ x 8′ blocking surface depending on how you arrange them. If you use the wet block method, you can even stand them up against the wall while they dry. These blocks are great when you need to dry a sweater after usual washing, too, because you don’t need any towels!
I was trying to decide which method I was going to use to block the squares. I was a little concerned about using the wet method as the Satin yarn seems very soft. However, after a minor disaster with my latest square I discovered the Satin washes and blocks well wet.
Decided to cheat a little and start #6 even though I still need to finish #5 in another colour. Finished about half a square and set the knitting down on the end of the couch. Knitting bag had gone upstairs while we had company. My daughter must have knocked it off and the cat threw up on it!! I wasn’t laughing. Was in the lightest colour too, as I do it first because it is easier to see the pattern. Decided to try washing it. It washed out well with no stains (a miracle). Blocked it out still attached to the needle. Looked great.
Silver lining. Decided how I will block and also know that the doll clothes I made my niece out of it should was well too.
Thanks Bernat, I was impressed with this yarn and will use it for other projects.
Hi Knitting Bee;
Great story! My cat always seems to choose my shoes to throw up on – not as easy to wash as Satin!
Julia.
Thanks for the tip Karen!
To ring in the new year, I completed the first block of this clue, and this one is wider than my others. If the knit-two edges are curled under, it is the same. Anyway, not concerned.
An issue for me is to remember the yarn-overs! and a minor detail to read the complete line of instructions for each row, thus when I saw I had 4 left to knit instead of 3 on row 11, I nearly undid the row, then I noticed the next line, advising to knit 1 after the knit 3
I like having the diagram but I prefer to follow the written.
Happy January 1, 2010
I agree with you 100%. The diagram is nice to see what the overall look will be but my mind works with words not images. I have to convert the diagram to words (K5, YO, K2tog) to follow it, so I’m essentially writing out written instructions in my mind to follow the diagram.
Pam
Hi All
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
I fell a little behind and just finished the three blocks of clue#5. It looks close to the picture so I am happy. I was able to keep track of the lace pattern using stitch markers for each repeat of the pattern. I also liked the idea of adding a purl row at the begining and the end it stopped the block ends from rolling.
I had a little trouble with clue#4 as my floats were not all consisitent. I prefer the wrong side of clue#4 better. I am going to redue clue#4 when I have time.
I have already printed clue#6 and I plan to start it over the weekend.
Thank you for the Blocking instructions. I might start blocking the pieces next week as I will be off from work.
Thank you all for all your help it has been great following along with you all even when I was not able to knit along.
happy Knitting until the next post
Crystal v.
We don’t arrive home from our holiday trip till Tuesday the 5th. I still haven’t knitted clue 5. Now I also have picked up a head cold. So looks like I am just going to wait till the end of the week before I start anything more. But I am anxious to continue. At least I can appease myself by reading all your posts.
Thanks!
Wow, I have a lot of knitting to do to catch up! I think it will be a while even if I do each clue’s blocks all at one time on a circular needle! Hope to be up with you soon…
That would be a very long needle, like a clothesline! Great ‘picture’ – hee hee.
Oh Happy New Year everyone!
Does anyone else have shoulder pain? I have started having pain in my right shoulder, under my shoulder blade (started a couple of weeks ago.) I thought it might be frozen shoulder, but it is not in the same location as I had frozen shoulder last time. It hurts when I reach down for anything. Is knitting causing this?! Am I knitting wrong? (I tend to “marathon knit”.)
Anyone else having this problem?
Sorry about your pain. Maybe you are sitting in the same position for too long? Sometimes my fingers get cramped, but getting up, stretching everything and taking a break helps. Im kind of hooked on crocheting (no pun intended) and knitting too, and have to remind myself to move around more or go outside. Also Tylenol helps me. Feel better.
I also experience shoulder pain when I knit but I have an old rotator cuff injury. The small repetitive motion caused by knitting aggravates my shoulder. I just rest for a while when my shoulder acts up and if it continues I take an anti-inflamitory medication. I am ususally able to continue knitting after a day.
Bess made a great suggestion relax frpm the knitting for a day or so and if the pain continues see a doctor.
I hope you feel better
Crystal V.
Thanks for the suggestions! I had to see my doctor this morning because of this crud that is going around (can’t seem to get over it!), and I asked him about my shoulder. He said it is a muscle spasm (probably from my knitting) and gave me a steroid injection. He said it is caused by holding my shoulder up and rotating my arm too much. The problem is: if I stop knitting I will get behind!!!!! :O
Donna Lynne,
I hope you are feeling better. My personal experience with stopping knitting for more than temporary relief was that it doesn’t really work. I have an inherited early onset arthritis in my hands (was only in my teens the first time I had a flare up). When it got worse in my 30′s told not to do hand work. Tried this for 5 years. Did not make any difference in the long run, so I have gone back to what I enjoy. Often it has actually helped keep my joints flexible as long as I am sensible. Also have problems with right shoulder from car accident many years ago. Rotator cuff and the attachment of muscle to spine on back. A couple of suggestions: 1. Try setting a timer or a row limit. I do this and take a break – great for doing housework in between. 2. Watch how you sit. On my sofa I sit with a pillow behind my back to I sit more upright. This keeps my arms by my side which allows me to not move my arm as much when I throw yarn around needle. Hope you can find something that works for you to you can keep on knitting for many years to come.
What is this “housework” you speak of?
I wouldn’t think that knitting itself is the cause of pain, but repetitive work can cause stress. For sure stop knitting if it is painful, seek medical advice if the pain is interfering with what you do of a day. My problem if knitting too much and especially if I want to ‘hurry’ the knitting – my finger joints ache. Easy does it, I’d rather be able to knit a little bit, than not at all (almost wrote ‘knot’).
Good luck, and take care.
I find that if I knit a lot in one day when I get up the next morning my fingers are swollen and I can hardly bend tham but I just can’t seem to quit. I think I ‘m just going to chalk it up to old age and keep plugging along because I want to finish this and lots of other projects I have going. I agree I have bottles of tylenol, Advil and Aleve in my cupboard and use them all!! I think a doctor would just tell me to quit knitting and other needlework and I don’t want to hear that>
I had some wrist pain a year ago and the OT people had me stop knitting and quilting. It didn’t help at all. Finally I realized the pain in my wrist woke me up at night. It got better as the day went on. I was sleeping with my wrist curled all cattywampus under my pillow. I started wearing an ace bandage to keep my wrist in alignment while I slept and the pain went away. I think people are quick to blame knitting but it could be caused by lots of different things. Pay attention to what makes your shoulder better or worse and modify accordingly. Good luck, Pam
Shirley, Pepper has made a good point about the way a person sleeps causing some of the problems. I tend to sleep in the same position, so I make sure my shoulder, hands and fingers are relaxed before I drift off.
You also might want to become aware of how tightly you are gripping your needles. I have problems too with aches in my hands, fingers, shoulder, and hip. After 4 or 5 rows, I adjust my grip and change my sitting position slightly. It’s made a world of difference.
Hi just reading almost all the comments on my last day of holiday vacations.
Some comments were mentionning slipping the first stitch to get an even edge. Years ago (35-40) there was this lady called Isabelle Gobeil on TV in Montreal that showed to knit in the back loop the first stitch and before the LAST stitch you bring the yarn forward as if to purl and slip the last stitch. I have been using this method ever since. You get a nice straight edge. I’ve been keeping up with the blocks until Xmas where I got a little behind. Now I’m doing #5 & #6 at the same time.
Happy knitting in the new year
Lise
That is a ‘neat’ trick to make a neat edge. I’m going to try that (maybe not on this block – it is enough to remember the knit-two edge on the purl rows!)
I said the last one was my favorite, but now I have a new favorite. Like this one alot!!
Pam
Regarding the last few posts, the ache could probably be carpal tunnel syndrome. I get that when I knit too much. Since I am right-handed, it is that arm/hand which is affected, and it feels like a tingly, numbness. I use a wrist brace at night, which helps.
For some reason, I am not able to access Afghan #6 pattern. I have all the others and will be ready to start #6 shortly. It appears that no-one else has the problem after reading the comments.
Hi Trish – I sent you the 6th clue by email. Hopefully you’re able to access it.
I am looking to putting the squares together. I hope when we get to that point; we are given lots of tips. I always have trouble putting the stitches on the needle.
Also looking forward to the Crochet A Long.
Happy New Year Everyone.
I am enjoying this knit along. I have one big request: When it is time to sew all these pieces together, I desperately need to have detailed instruction. I have never been happy with my sewing pieces together.
Also, a “tip” on blocking. I neatly stacked all my blocks so far and placed several large books on top. So far, they are looking good.
Brenda and Dorothy;
Don’t worry, we’ll be addressing putting those squares together!
Julia.
Hi, fellow knitters,
This comment is in response to those who are having problems on Row 7.
A really really important point to remember is that a YO makes a complete loop over the new needle.
Some people just do a yarn forward – bringing it to the front.
But it really has to end in the back of the work.
Usually, if there is a knit stitch after a YO, then the process of doing the knit stitch will USUALLY (but not always) get the yarn into the back before looping around the needle for the knit stitch.
But if the next stitch is a purl, you might just take advantage of the fact that the yarn is already in front, and work the purl, and then you would lose the loop (not that this is an issue with this pattern, of course).
For Row 7, there is a slip stitch right after the YO. If your yarn is in front, how do you get it to the back in preparation for the K2tog??? Do you put it in back between the needles? If so, you’ve lost the loop.
Another problem that might occur is including the YO with the slipped stitch on the pass-slipped-stitch-over section of that double decrease.
For those having a problem, perhaps you could email me a close-up photo of that double-decrease section, and I would probably be able to identify what you are missing. judy dot obee at gmail dot com.
Judy
Hi, fellow knitters who are in pain!
I was noticing the other day, when I was knitting in the car (hubby was driving, of course!), that I was getting that pain about 8″ below my right shoulder.
Something clicked, and I realized that I was resting my right elbow on the arm rest, and letting my left elbow just hang normally. So my body was really warped – no wonder there was some pain.
So I shuffled my butt a bit to the left so that my right elbow would just hang normally. The pain didn’t go away right away, but now I’m ok.
So this might be an issue for you.
Here’s to pain-free knitting!
Judy
The blocking tips have been helpful. I purchased some interlocking foam mats (I bought the mats advertised for a childs room instead of the ones advertised for knitting, they were less expensive but had the same dimensions) and will use t-pins to secure the blocks to the mats. I think it makes more sense to wet the blocks and let them air dry instead of putting a wet towel on them.
i recently bought the interlocking foam mats to block my work but i have not used them yet. i was planning to put a towel under the work and wait for it to dry.
Do i have to use the wet towel when blocking on the foam or can i just spray the knitted blocks and pin them to the foam directly.
Crystal V.
Robinathomas and Crystal V;
The wet-towel blocking method is the most gentle on the yarn and the weight of the towel helps to flatten things out. There are lots of different ways to block your work and both of your suggestions should work just fine as well!
Julia.
Anyone have an opinion on these interchangeable needle sets? Do the joints fail where the needles attach to the cable? Are these sets worth buying, or is it better to purchase circular needles separately?
I bought the Boye one on Ebay brand new for $20 and love it. I have had a few times when they begin to come unscrewed but it has been when my knitting was really tight. I just check them every other row or so to make sure everything is in place. I love it and havn’t gone back to straight needles since. I prefer doing everything on the circular and I like that I have every size I need for most projects. My guage changes with each yarn I use so it is nice to know I have the needle size on hand already because it will be different then what the pattern calls for.
Hi Julie
I hope this is OK to mention ~ about 2 years ago I purchased a set of “Denise interchangeable knitting needles”, I LOVE THEM! Check out her website at knitdenise.com (no I am not affiliated with this company)!
After not knitting for quite a few years (life got in the way), I started to knit again and all of those ‘old’ circular needles were all bent out of shape and hard……So I went to my local knitting store and saw these, purchased and have been using ever since (except for all of those socks!). They DO NOT separate and I love the fact the are in their own case, great for those weekends at my trailer (one case, have them all)! Everything you need is right there.
Hope this helps, Deborah
i purchased the knitpicks interchangeable circular needles and have been very happy. The needles don’t generally become unscrewed. i Periodically check the connection while knitting just to be sure.
i use circular needles for everything (when possible) for the KAL i am completing three blocks at one time on a circular needle.
happy knitting
Crystal V.
I use circular needles for just about everything also, though I still like DP better for mittens and socks. Both Boye and Denise are good for different reasons, but my new favorite is knitpicks which I was given just last year. The joins are very smooth, don’t catch the yarn and have given no trouble with loosening. The cables are always flexible.
Donna Lynne,
“Housework” That would be that annoying stuff that gets in the way of knitting.
Knit a few rows, throw in a load of laundry, Knit a few rows, etc. (Yes I know I am justifying!!)
Donna Lynne lol i am with you…what is this “housework” people keep talking about
I use the knitpicks interchangeable needles. I love them. I do have a problem with the needles unscrewing sometimes, but I think the problem is with me, not the needles. One of the cables broke off once…pretty sure they have a life time warranty but I havent sent it back to be replaced yet. Despite that, I still love them. They are smooth, pointy, like working with circulars and like knowing I have many sizes and can remove the needles to use for another project. Although…this does tend to aid my problem with starting new projects before finishing the last one
Also I have a question as to when the last clue will come out…is it still Feb 03? #7 should be on Jan 13 and #8 on Jan 27…am I confused or is the last clue the seaming together part?
DonnaLynne, I agree housework and grocery shopping have become “time wasters” when you want to knit. I am already behind (still on #5) due to Christmas. In addition I love to read and have been reading a series centered on knitters and one on quilters and then my Granddaughter insists I should read Twilight…so now I do like this pattern (5) and I am on the
third square I have had to rip out and re-case to several times to get it loose enough to do the ssk and knit togethers.. once past the first row thou I love it. I am too new at this to figure out how to do the pattern about a third narrower to make a scarf…any suggestions? Thanks
Sue,
The easiest way to narrow this would be to take a repeat out of the middle. Just remove the word twice from first section of pattern (P11, sl3) and only do (p11 sl3)2 times on second section.
Any easy way to picture this is to take chart on second page and fold sidesway to remove middle 14 stiches. 13 P or K plus 3 slips.
Hope this helps.
Sue,my turn to oops. Misread thought you were on six. Will look at 5 and see if I can give you a suggestion.
oops typos… re-cast not re-case and it seems my brain is going faster than my fingers today…
Sue, okay one more try. Really screwed up. Forgot I had gone back to 4 instead of being on 6. Had to make up a square I had missed in 1 colour. Glad I am now caught up on all clues so I won’t be mixed up any more.
However, the fold the chart sideways technique will work on #5 too (or 6 etc.). The nice part of charts over written instructions. Just decide if you want to remove 1 or 2 repeats and change # of repeats on the written pattern to match. Instead of 4 times choose 3 or even 2 depending on width desired.
I’ve really enjoyed doing this knit a long… I’m a
somewhat experienced knitter so I haven’t had a problem understanding the directions…but I’ve always been reluctant to alter patterns so a lot of the tips that knitters have given has been really helpful…
Someone said that they were knitting a 4th square of each pattern so that the finished afghan would be larger…
Are you using a new colour or doing two squares in the same colour?
Looking forward, I’ve tried to knit socks but got too frustrated ….if you do a sock knit a long I’ll be there for sure…sorry I’m a knitter, crochet just doesn’t work for me.
Suzanne
it is a great idea to have a sock kAL. i have tried socks with double pointed needles, with magic loop, and with two circulair needles. i always gets stuck at the gussett. I have learned some great tips from this current KAL and i know it would be helpful to make socks with the KAL community.
YES!!!! Let’s do socks!!!!!!!!!!!
I really want to learn that skill!
Suzanne, What a wonderful idea – I would love to do a sock KnitAlong – the yarns are so beautiful. The KAL format is so helpful to me.
I was trying to find the name of the person who posted the tip about putting a weight on the pile of blocks to flatten them. Thank you, who wrote that! I wanted a place to put the finished blocks, and underneath a heavy book seems to be working ok
I notice some of them still shrink in a bit when the weight is removed, will see about blocking them wet when they are all done.
“What is this “housework” you speak of?
”
I don’t know either, maybe try googling to find out what it is?
And the next clue, January 10th as mentioned above, this Sunday?
After numerous starts on clue # 5, I finally am on my way. I figure I need to kick it in gear since a new clue comes out soon.
I laid all my previous blocks out today on my large space board and am going to block them. It is amazing how just pinning them to size makes them so much prettier. I am using the damp towel method. I will be excited to see how they look when dry.
I have decided I like these blocks the least.
OK, after researching on the net, I have decided that I want a set of Knitpicks! Now I have another problem:
Do I buy the Laminated Birchwood set for $65,
the Nickel Plated set for $60,
or the Acrylic set for $45??????????
Being a beginner, I have no idea how the different materials knit.
What do all you knitting experts think???
(I blame YOU, Bernat!!!! I have learned to knit in this KAL, and now I want to learn more! I want a new KAL to start as soon as this one is over. I want to learn to knit Fair Isle sweaters! I want to learn to knit socks! I want to leap from beginner to expert!)
I have the nickleplated set from knitpicks and i love them. They are smooth and don’t hook the yarn. i also like having the variety of sizes that i have with the set. My friend bought the birchwood set and she thinks they are the best. i am going to get some of the birchwood 16 inch circulairs. the birchwood needles are smooth and the knitting goes fast with these needles. Some people have complained that the nickleplated needles have a smell but I did not notice it. The acrylic needles are new so I don’t know anyone that has purchased them.
it is a hard choice but i think any set you purcahse will serve you well. knitpicks also stands by their products if you have a problem.
happy knitting
crystal V.
Hi Everyone,
I just finished the last blccks and am waiting patiently
for clue 7. I also do what others mentioned and that
is I knit for about 1 hour a day sometimes a little more.
If I do marathon knitting (knit for many hours), I will
have quite a bit of pain. There is a wrist support
for crafters you can buy like a fingerless glove. I have
forgotten the official name. No I don’t have arthritis.
Actually no one in the family does at the moment but we
all swear by nettle. The old world cures still also include
bee therapy not sure if it is available in the states but it
is in Europe as long as you are NOT allergic to bees. I ended
up getting tennis elbow who knows how but I just limit the
time I garden or knit. For those of you who mentioned, housework. I follow the flylady program on the web. She is a hoot with all her tips. Take care.
All the best with your knitting.
Knitting Mama
Knitting Mama,
I’m with you. I do what I can with the knitting and try and break it up with other activities. Housework is a pain, but try working from home. I am now about 6 weeks behind in my bookkeeping since I started KAL. Going to have to do it since year end needs to be done. So sad, knitting is definitely more fun.
I don’t know that apitheraphy is a cure, but I know my hands are better than my sisters. My “therapy” is just an occupational hazard!!! lol
Can’t wait for #7. I guess I have 2 days to get my real work done.
I have the fingerless gloves, but I only use them when I crochet a lot. They do seem to help.
I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel, but my doctor didn’t want to operate. He sent me to get custom-made wrist braces. I only need them when I have marathon crocheted, or spent an unusual amount of time on the computer (several days). He also told me to get elbow pads – evidently this activity also causes pinched nerves in the elbow.
I sleep in my braces and elbow pads when I have been experiencing a lot of pain. After 2 or 3 nights of this, I am usually ok again. (Although, sometimes I wear the elbow pads during the day. I don’t often wear the wrist braces during the day, because it is difficult to get anything done while wearing them.)
So, for anyone experiencing wrist or elbow pain, you might try wearing wrist braces, elbow pads, and (GASP!) not doing any needle work for a few days. If you still have pain, or it gets worse, see a doctor!!!!
Hello,
Did anyone get clue 7 yet?
It said Jan. 10,2010.
Was there a mistake?
Knitting Mama
Sorry for any confusion, the next Clue is released on Wednesday, January 13th.
I have the nickle plated set from knit picks. Have not tried the birch or acyrlic yet.
The type you decide to get would be a matter of personal preference and what types of yarn you will be using the most.
As a new knitter you may not know yet what you will like.
I remember ordering a size of circulars in the nickel plated that was not available in the set and trying them before spending the money on the whole set.
Maybe you could try something like this to see what you will like.
Once a month, I become “magically” unsubscribed. Of course, I don’t realize it until a week or two has gone by and I’ve missed all those posts. I began wondering why no one was commenting on Clue 6 and then I knew. Hopefully, I’m back in the loop again.
Hi Pauline -
The subscription you’re signing up for is only for an individual post, and the comments to that post. This means that when a new Knit-Along post is released, you’ll need to post a comment and select the subscribe option if you want to receive an email when there are comments on that post.
There is the option of signing up for an RSS feed, which can notify you either when there is a new comment or a new post on the blog. That is available on the right column at the very bottom, under ‘Feeds’.
Sorry the system isn’t more convenient for you, hope you find an option that works well for you!
Knittingbee
Thanks for the help. Sorry I didn’t get back sooner but for some reason I have not been on the computer for a few days. I will try your suggestions as soon as I catch up with #6.
Hey, Julia!
My son-in-law has asked me to make him a tall beanie.
Of course, I am on the cutting-edge of fashion (as I sit here in my sweat-pants and house slippers), but I am not sure what this is. I assume the 20-somethings are wearing this now?
I searched the Bernat free patterns for men, and didn’t see a tall beanie. I can crochet, and knit a little (now). Any suggestions?
ah – next clue Jan. 13th – the date above has been corrected
Well, I just ordered the Knitpicks set also, I love wood
needles so I ordered those…
and the blocking mats, with so many squares to block my
towel on the dining room table method just wasn’t working
very well.
Looking forward to the last two clues
I have never posted on a “blog” before, but have been getting so much enjoyment out of this KAL as well as the posts that I thought I’d add my own. I have been knitting for a long time, and find now that my children are older, I am always looking for new projects. This one has been great. I love the secrecy to the “clues” and can’t wait to see what the finished blocks will look like. I was very nervous about block #4. I had gotten behind and was reading all the comments and started to wonder if I would “get it”. I actually finished 3, then went on to 5 and 6, and am now doing 4…seems to be going fine! Block#6 is my fav…and thanks for the hint about doing all three blocks on circular…would not have thought of that myself!
Just wondering if anyone has used both Denise and Knitpicks? I have Boye and then used my daughters Denise and really really prefer the Denise. Now I am reading from the posts about knitpicks and just wondering how they compare to Denise.
The flexible cord is what I prefer about the Denise over the Boye, plus I have had problems with the Boye unscrewing.
Any preferences out tere?
I am really looking forward to the next clue, but am going crazy. I am assuming we will probably be doing the cable pattern. At the beginning of the KAL I purchased the cable needle, but now I can’t find it anywhere……….AHHHHHH
I love wood needles also and purchased the knit pics set and wound up sending it back. I kept having trouble with the metal part that was glued to the wood needle pulling off and of course it happened at the worst time…..in the middle of the row where I would drop the stitches. It wouldn’t have been so bad except at the time I was making an afghan with a fun fur yarn and could not find all the stitches to pick up, so I had big holes in the afghan and had to take it apart. I had some replacements sent, but it kept happining. Maybe I just pull to hard, but I can say that I was very disapointed because I just loved the wood part and the fact that the cables were very flexible.
How long ago did you buy your knitpicks? Maybe they have fixed the problem? (I hope.)
Hi fellow knitters
I’ve not been online since clue 3 as my husband has been very ill and his funeral was this morning. I’m so glad that I’ve got some catching up to do – knitting is very therapeutic for me, and it’s nice to know that I’m knitting the same throw as knitters all over the world.
Hi elliebellie;
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Knitting has definitely helped me get through some hard times and I hope it helps you to. My sincerest condolences.
Julia.
So sorry to here your news. I will keep you in my prayers as I knit the next clue. Hope you find some comfort in knowing others are out there