As per previous threads, I used to knit quite a lot but have been struggling with arthritis in my hands and being out of practice. After much frustration and abortive attempts I have tonight knitted my first full piece, just a simple little hat for a newborn though the brim can be folded down to make it longer and the wool is quite stretchy and knitted with size 7 needles (so nice and chunky) - so much easier for my hands with larger needles!
Whizzed through it all this evening, knitted and sewn up :)
Been so desparate to knit something as have a new niece/nephew on the way and my current nephew to knit for.
I have a variety of sizes of normal needles though really want to try some of the circular ones now!
I've also got a larger crochet needle which is easier so trying to rediscover my knack of that though someone at work said she'll help me :)
AND!!!!! My most exciting news of the day, I may have procedured a sewing machine someone has but doesn't use, was so overwhelmed and so so hope so, I have plans already!!! I'd love to make some little decorative soft toys and maybe sell some of them to friends, family, colleagues etc... if I can get them to a decent standard and they are liked.
I want to do some simple patchwork too - got my eye on some patchwork square sets in Oxfam and some gorgeous sari material ones and been for a nose around the local wool/material/craft shop for some inpiration!
Will try and get a photo uploaded of my first (well, recent first, creation)! Am hoping to do some crochet flowers for it. Hoping to get some more practice them do some more, hopefully with more decorative edges so may be on for some tips.
Not really a question and it isn't great but quite proud of myself so wanted to share :)
Well done Jenna ..I'm doing some hand/wrist warmers atm for a friend .
Very easy pattern ..may help to keep your wrists warm in the winter ..
You can download the pattern .
http://www.ravelry.co...ck-cable-hand-warmers
I cast on 18 stitches on size 7 needles, all simple knit to 12 inches long then sew down the side to join into a long tube and sew through stiches round the top to gather in to make the top of the hat, so so easy, only took me a couple of hours.
That's a dear little hat .Try and keep knitting .Like you I used to do a lot but my fumbly fingers and aching wrists don't allow big stuff anymore and I used to love to do Aran and intricate patterns .
I stick to small items these days .I can't just sit and watch TV ..I have to have something to do at the same time :)
Two needle socks are easy .If you want the pattern just shout xx
Thank you, I will and need to keep practising. I had a bit of a refresher crochet lesson earlier care of a lovely colleague at lunchtime and have started on knitting project number 2, same essential pattern on hat but it's a baby blue and white thin striped one (2 rows per colour) so the rib alternates in colour. I'm doing it with normal doubleknit so using smaller size 5 needles so taking longer to get the length, only an inch or so to go but need to give it up for the night and get to bed soon as I've been knitting most of the evening :)
Jenna. Well done! I have instructions for lovely and very simple knitted flowers. I usually crochet mine but these are so easy and effective.
Will post when I find someone to show me how.
Tony. I give in....why are you on a knitting thread? x
well done you, a bit of exercise for the fingers can only do them good. Have you ever tried a knitting machine ?? so easy to use and there are lots of clubs about were you can get support and lessons. i know a lot of ladies that cant do normal knitting because of arthritis in fingers but can use a machine and an electric one is easier still. I have had one for years and have made loads of stuff. you can pick one up quite cheaply second hand.
Aww, thanks all :) Haha Tony, I'm doing baby hats so no inappropriate grey! ;)
Tony is my little AB "stalker", meant in an affectionate way haha, since he saw I was reading the 50 Shades Trilogy!
I went and got some more wool and thinner cotton like one for crochet (having a nightmare trying to crack it with normal toy balls of wall!) and project 3 (another knit) is underway :)
here is an easy pattern for a baby hat - suitable for prem babies
Baby Hat Pattern
4ply or dk yarn needles to suit (4 or 4.5mm )
Cast on 44 sts
K1 P1 rib for 7 rows
Stocking stitch 14 rows
Decrease as follows Row 1 k2 * K2tog tbl, K5 to end
Row 3 K2 * k2tog tbl K4 to end
Row 5 K2 * k2tog tbl k3 to end
Row 7 K2 * K2tog tbl K2 to end
Row 9 K2 *k2tog tbl k1 to end
Row 11 k2tog all along the row
Break off thread draw thread through remaining sts and stitch side seam