All right knitting fiends, I need a pattern....
#230122 - 12/08/05 11:00 AM
|
|
|
|
|
JonnaP
Reged: 11/03/05
Posts: 55
Loc: Kentucky
|
|
|
I have looked on the net for one that's good, but honestly, I can't tell the good ones from the bad, and the one I did try... well, it was a massive pain (I know mittens aren't easy to begin with, but still).
So, got a nice reliable pattern that can be adjusted to size?
--------------------
Jonna, IBS-D
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
How about a cute hat????
--------------------
Puppies Are Cute But I'm Cuter
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I've got a cute hat pattern.... a strawberry hat. VERY cute. So cute I almost didn't give it to the girl I made it for. 
I squealed when I finished it it was so darn cute - I couldn't finish that little strawberry stem fast enough I tell ya.
--------------------
Jonna, IBS-D
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
have you tried www.knitty.com ? I just found them the other day. Free patterns, and the ladies on the Knitting Google Group seem to approve. Let me know what you think!
--------------------
Amanda
I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Jonna, there are several websites that offer free patterns. My favorite is: Lion Brand
Just check for the notation on the pattern as to whether it's "Easy," "Intermediate" or "Advanced." Starting with mittens is pretty gutsy; I'd go for an afghan or something flat that doesn't require increasing and decreasing -- OR calculating your gauge!
Hmmmm..... "adjusted to size"? Okay, now you're asking for a bit much. While it's an easy concept, it's difficult for a beginner due to various yarn sizes. You need to get your gauge right; that's crucial.
You didn't indicate how much knitting experience you have. Do you know how to alter a pattern? If so, then here's the way you adjust for sizes:
Lets say you're knitting a sweater. First, measure your chest, then add a few inches for some fullness (5 inches is usually minimum). Lets say you end up with 40. Obviously you will need to knit up a piece that measures 40 inches, and since you're knitting a front and a back, you divide 40 by two and come up with -- you guessed it -- 20. Thus, you need a finished product for each side that measures 20 inches.
You with me so far?
Okay, now knit up a swatch, using the yarn you've chosen and the needle size that's called for in the pattern, and knitting the stitch called for (usually a "stockinette"). Make a five-inch or six-inch square. Then remove the piece off the needles and lay it flat on a table. Measure the number of stitches and the number of inches. How many stitches are you getting per inch? If it's 12 stitches on four inches, then how many stitches are you getting per inch? Multiply that number (3) by 20, because you want to end up with 20 inches, right? Okay, that's the number you will need to work on. But it's NOT the number you cast on. Remember, you need to increase after you do your ribbing.
Is any of this making sense to you? I won't go any further on the instructions because I don't want to get you confused. First, pick out a pattern you like, make sure it's "EASY." Then, come back here and give us the website and the pattern number, and we can help you some more.
Ain't this fun?!
Bevvy
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh, I've done afghans. I've got some knitting experience, just not as much as crocheting. My mother is the knitting goddess. 
I'll check the LionBrand website, though. I'd checked lots of free patterns around the 'net the last couple years, but I guess I just didn't like the format some of the patterns were written in.
Thanks!
--------------------
Jonna, IBS-D
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
--------------------
Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
GOFERIT!
#230221 - 12/08/05 03:52 PM
|
|
|
|
Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
|
|
|
Hey there, PB!
You can go to a class (classes can be fun) or you can teach yourself. I taught myself to knit back in 1963. I picked up a pattern book, went to a good yarn shop and bought the yarn, then followed the basic instructions in the front of the pattern book, returning to the yarn shop for help as needed. It is not hard to teach yourself. All it takes is the DESIRE to learn. It may be frustrating at times, but that's how you learn. Look at how frustrated AmandaPanda was the other night, but she asked for help and eventually figured it out herself, which she did by "venturing out." A class may help, but it did not help me. I just got more frustrated seeing how everyone else in the class was getting it except me. You're gonna make mistakes, regardless; it's how you deal with those mistakes that counts, and it's just those mistakes that's gonna help you learn.
I'm gonna suggest the same thing I suggested to JonnaP: Go to web page and find a nice, easy pattern (they're free). Make sure the pattern states, "EASY" or "BEGINNER." Then go to the nearest craft shop (not a yarn shop) and buy the yarn that's specified in the pattern. Yarns are MUCH cheaper at the craft store than at a yarn shop. Also, Lion Brand yarns are pretty inexpensive. Try an afghan or a baby blanket, something small and something square that doesn't require increasing and decreasing (and gauges), for your first project. Mags started on a dishcloth for her first project. A simple dishcloth, using one ball -- ONE BALL -- of Lion Brand's Kitchen Cotton. She struggled a little, but she got it. Then she made a scarf. Now she's really into it and quite proud of herself. Here's the dishcloth pattern for you: web page They say to be sure to check your gauge, but it's not necessary on a dishcloth, only on a fitted garment, such as a sweater. You can buy one ball of yarn and the needles at a craft store. One ball makes a LOT of dishcloths, which, BTW, make fabulous stocking stuffers...
Knitting is a LOT of fun. I can't watch TV anymore without knitting!
Bevvy
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I think I will head to Hobby Lobby tomorrow! I crochet the dishcloths but I like the look of the knitted ones better.
--------------------
Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I definitely encourage you to learn, but I disagree with Madam Bevvy on how to do it. I could never learn from a book. I was teaching my friend how to knit the other day, and she brought her book over, and I thought the diagrams were impossible. I need someone there with me, showing me exactly what to do, explaining it in different ways if I don't get it. I'm much more of an interactive learning when it comes to crafty stuff. It's hard for me to visualize things in my head. But, I guess it depends on what kind of learner you are. Either way you decide to go about it, good luck! I love knitting and find it very calming. It's also a great procrastination tool, because even if I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing (studying, cleaning, etc), at least I'm making something.
--------------------
Amanda
I live in the Big Apple, but I don't eat the skin
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
