Help please
I figure there might be some knitting whizzes among us.
When I visited Busia (my grandmother) over Christmas, I tried on this shawl that a ladies group in her church knitted for her. They knit for people who are experiencing tragedy, and it was made for her when one of my cousins was dying almost two years ago.
I don't know if the yarn was just completely luxurious (well, yes, it was) or if the scarf was imbued with softness and comfort because it was knit for that purpose, but I wrapped it around myself and wanted to live in it forever. I really could barely bring myself to let go of it at the end of the visit.
I'd kind of like to make a shawl myself. But I've really never made anything more complicated than a scarf alternating rows of knit and purl. So this is a pretty daunting task. But.
Now for the dumb questions: Do I need really long needles to accomodate for the shawl being so wide? What stitch do I use? (I don't know if you can tell by the closeup, but it was a pretty loose yet sturdy weave) The danglies on each end are pretty; how do you make those? Any particular kind of yarn that would be well-suited but not crazy expensive to this project?
When I visited Busia (my grandmother) over Christmas, I tried on this shawl that a ladies group in her church knitted for her. They knit for people who are experiencing tragedy, and it was made for her when one of my cousins was dying almost two years ago.
I don't know if the yarn was just completely luxurious (well, yes, it was) or if the scarf was imbued with softness and comfort because it was knit for that purpose, but I wrapped it around myself and wanted to live in it forever. I really could barely bring myself to let go of it at the end of the visit.
I'd kind of like to make a shawl myself. But I've really never made anything more complicated than a scarf alternating rows of knit and purl. So this is a pretty daunting task. But.
Now for the dumb questions: Do I need really long needles to accomodate for the shawl being so wide? What stitch do I use? (I don't know if you can tell by the closeup, but it was a pretty loose yet sturdy weave) The danglies on each end are pretty; how do you make those? Any particular kind of yarn that would be well-suited but not crazy expensive to this project?
posted by LE at 7:28 PM
8 Comments:
You should send a picture and questions to Eliza. She is amazing with her knitting. Just made me a very soft very cute little beret. But probably not matter what, the yarn will be expensive.
That is so pretty. If it was sewing i could totally help you with my eyes closed and backwards. I tried knitting but i could never get the hang of the 2 needles. I also tried crochet i wasnt too good at that either. Crosstich im not bad at it jusu takes too long. I sew like the wind. Steve asks me if i can sew quieter but im usually almost done by that time.
Sarah! I forgot about your sewing. I'm sure I could dig up and scan a picture of your senior prom dress!
About the only things I can sew are easy bags, mending, and pants. I have an idea currently stewing for low-rise, flared cotton pants. Well, I'm going to first make them with this inexpensive natural-colored cotton as practice, then if I'm successful, I'll take on the pattern with some white Thai silk, because I think that would make some really gorgeous, fancy, glam summer pants.
So I'm sure I'll be e-mailing you for advice on those!
I didnt sew that my mom did. Being in hs and with all that studying i did i didnt have time. She also made my wedding dress. I luv sewing new things its fun. Now since patterns are so expensive i use clothes i have as patterns. Unless i really like the pattern and have nothing like it at home. Just be careful silk is slippery to work with. Its fun to express yourself with sewing different fabrics and patterns. Hair is the same for me. Im getting ready to change mine again. I just luv color.
Wow, I'm in awe of anyone who can knit, sew, crochet, anything. My mother-in-law has just started her own business in making clothes, handbags, table linens, you name it. My mom tells me about when she used to make ALL of her clothes, year ago. Me, I'm all too happy to lay down my cash for what others can make, but as for my own ability, I'm hopeless. Sarah and Jen will remember my hopeless craft/sewing/quilting skills from scouts, I'm sure! I especially can't knit to save my life, and I have a story to prove it.
Last yearh, the women in my office started a knitting group (called the Knitwits -- cute, right?), and they invited many of us in the department to join. The concept was great -- get us all out of the library, off our computers, away from seminars, etc., and just hang out and relax... and knit. I like so many of these people, so I really wanted to be included, and thought, hey, how hard can it be to knit? (read: peer pressure knitting! ha!) Anyway, I went to JoAnn Fabric, found this funky trellis yarn with a pattern on the package for a "beginner scarf," the right needles, and went to the party.
One of the women there tried to teach me on some easier yarn. I must have watched her hands and fingers over and over and over... nothing clicked. I literally could not follow what she was doing. She was so nice -- but clearly amazed at how clueless I was. Then, I started reading a book on knitting that someone had brought (typical English grad student -- pick up a book to figure out how to do something!), but that was even more frustrating. Finally, I surrendered to a glass of wine and conversation with friends -- the REAL reason I'd gone anyway. I turned my new needles and yarn over to Karoliina, the group's "founder," and went home soonafter. Argh. Typical Lesley frustration.
The next morning, though, I went to the office and ran into Karoliina. "Look what we made!" she said, and produced the scarf I had wanted to make. Evidently, no one there had ever worked with that trellis yarn, so they all tried it out and took turns finishing the scarf! "You bought the yarn, so you should keep it," she said warmly. Wow, how nice was that? I, of course, let her keep the needles -- she was eager to go buy more trellis yarn! Anyway, my frustration had at least yielded their own pleasure in making something new. So -- (and this sounds cheesy) -- but when I wear the scarf, I just remind myself that I don't need to do everything well - or even at all. I can just pursue the hobbies -- like drawing, writing, baking, etc -- that make me happy. And in the meantime, I will be happy to purchase and wear anything that the rest of you would like to knit or sew for me. :)
Hey, El...
I talked to a friend of mine, Olivia, who is currently teaching me how to knit! She is AMAZING at crocheting and knitting and she's been doing it for years...
well, she said that it looks like the yarn that was used for your grandmother's shawl is called "HOMESPUN" by Lion Brand Yarn. You can get it at Walmart, Michael's, Hobby Lobby... just about anywhere, and for around $4.75 per bundle. She showed me an afghan that she's almost finished with, which was made by the yarn... it was unbelievably soft!
She also said that you don't need long needles. You can use 2 regular ones or the circular needles. Also, she recommends knitting it sideways... just makes it easier.
As far as the fringes, if you don't want them to fray, olivia suggested taking a piece of cardboard, wrapping the ends around it to make loops *which also helps to ensure that they're the same length when you remove the board*. Then to knot them together. Easy fray. :)
What stitch would Olivia recommend? Some of my knitting friends suggested the... um, I can't remember. Oh, seed stitch, which sounds pretty easy.
"she recommends knitting it sideways... just makes it easier"
I'm not sure what this means. The shawl pictured was probably 2'x6'.
I'm used to scarves, measuring approx. 6"x2-3', so the 6" side is the part on my needles. So I wonder how to get two feet of knitting on one needle.
Also, I'm super confused by this:
"olivia suggested taking a piece of cardboard, wrapping the ends around it to make loops"
I wish you (or she) were here to demonstrate this!
I'd love to join a Stitch 'n' Bitch circle or something. But actually, I tend to get bored FAST with knitting. Even watching TV or listening to the radio while I do it, it's just so tedious.
Olivia said that the stitching on your grandmother's shawl is just your basic garter stitch. But she loved the seed stitch idea... said that it makes a really pretty pattern.
Seed stitch is where you alternate purl/garter stitching, right?
sideways, as opposed to longways, i meant, sorry... if you want to do 2 feet on your needle, i'd use the cable knitters. I LOVE those... i don't have to worry about losing my place and screwing up a loop. :) Do you just use 2 regular needles?
i know... i should draw out a simple diagram the way olivia described it to me. It sounds strange and complicated, but the cardboard idea is very smart.
we sort of have a knit-n-bitch group going on. Every wednesday night after work, Olivia meets with 3 other people and myself at Borders... We gab and she helps us if we need it... we talk about books, music, work, etc while we sip on tea and coffee... i love it.
But when i go home, i still can't stop... have to keep on stitching, though there are more things to distract me there.
And i think, as i get better at it, it'll be right up there with drawing and painting to help me relax. ;)
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