Sunday, April 6, 2014

Knitting obsession

During the first week of January this year, I enrolled in a local knitting class with a neighbour.  The instructor asked the group what we wanted to make so I showed her a knitting book my mother had used to make sweaters for my children when they were little.

I bought 4 balls/skeins of Paton's Astra maize coloured yarn, needles in size 3.25mm and 4mm and I was away to the races.

Casting on was a nightmare and it took me several days before I cast on 38 stitches and then attempted a second row to begin the rib stitch hem.  I was sure I would never figure it out but was determined not to let it get the better of me.

During the following 3 months as I plodded away on the project I learned how to knit, purl, cast on and off, seam, block and most importantly, read a pattern.


I need to practice on button bands and seams. Seams sure are difficult. It's not like I can shove them through my serger. That would be much easier.

The bottom line is … I did it.  I made a cardigan with raglan sleeves, a folded collar and button bands.


I know that with practice my tension will get better too.  One pattern I made as an extra circular activity while making the yellow cardigan, was called In Threes.  The pattern was easy to read and perfect for practicing tension.  So I made it again using Lions Brand Baby Wool (orchid) that was on sale for $1.99 at Michaels. I bought 4 skeins and cranked out another In Threes pattern in size 3T this time.


It all went well except I totally screwed up on the band at the front.
Oh well.  Good excuse to get more yarn and keep practicing.
The Chickadee agrees.


I think this cardi would look good with a white long sleeve shirt underneath and a jean skirt or a pair of jeans.

11 comments:

  1. Your knitting is so inspiring. I really really want to learn.

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  2. You are soooo quick!

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  3. I remember bugging my aunt to knit me up a school sweater but it was rather itchy and small by the time she'd finish it. They look great, esp. the In Threes one. I'll have to remind myself to cast on! Wish I had more time! It's very satisfying seeing a knitting project coming to fruition and even better when finished. Well done!

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  4. Beautiful knitting and don't beat yourself up on your seams, they look fine to me, x

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  5. I don't see any flaws in the it, they are both ever so lovely Deb! I really want to learn to knit even more now. : )

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  6. I think they both came out wonderful. I really dislike doing seams and try to find patterns that are seamless. Often though I'll find a sweater that I love the look of and then find out it has seams and I go ahead and make ahead.

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  7. The sweaters are adorable! You are doing so well with this. Think I need a change from sewing, so you have inspired me to dig out my knitting needles. It's been so long, think I'll need to re-learn things, so I just finished up a simple dishcloth. It does feel good to get back at it.

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  8. You are rocking this knitting thing, Deb! The sweaters are adorable.:) And yes, the In Threes cardigan would look great over a long sleeve tee and jeans or a skirt. That's just the way BK wears hers!

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  9. Oh my goodness...those are so cute! And I am sitting here thinking how much easy it would be to take along knitting needles and yarn! How I wish I did knit now...or crochet. But I keep telling myself I don't need another hobby.

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  10. Love this second project; perfect colour for spring! You are always so inspiring. Lucky little gal who receives all these things.
    Can't wait to see what you create next....
    Judith

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