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I can see that my tension is somewhat uneven and being anal retentive I just have to ask...
Where exactly is the source of the tension? Is it when you are wrapping the yarn around the needle or is it when you move the loop from one needle to the next?
Beth...are you going to start knitting with us?
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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Relax!
#233866 - 12/26/05 06:38 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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There could be a lot of reasons for uneven stitches. Your tension can change from one stitch to the next, depending upon something as simple as your hand suddenly beginning to perspire and sticking to the yarn. The source of the tension can be both wrapping the yarn around the needle AND OR moving the loop from one needle to the next.
You need to relax, first and foremost. Don't expect too much of yourself with your first project. Puh-Leeze! You should have seen my first project! Oy.
Next, you need to learn how to hold your yarn. I posted pix sometime back of how I hold it; I assume you saw them. (They've since been deleted.) The real "tension-controller" for me, believe it or not, is my little pinkie. It's the first thing the yarn "hits" before it comes up through my hand and onto the needle. That "hit" controls the tension. Also, beginners always knit far down on their needles. It's not necessary and is a total time-waster. You work on the very edges of the needles only. That will help control your tension.
When I'm stitching merrily along, and get distracted when Ricky Martin appears on the TV, then suddenly look down at my knitting and discover an uneven stitch, well, I just take it all out and re-do it. With Ricky Martin, it's sooooo worth it!
You can see the big stitches versus the little ones. Just take out the stitches back to the big one and re-do that part of the row. It's no biggie. You're not in any hurry. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.
Also remember, the more you do it, the more your stitches will become consistent. It's almost mechanical after awhile. You can FEEL when your stitches are off. You know when your hand becomes sweaty. You know when the yarn falls off that little pinky.
Like I said, don't be so hard on yourself. Take it easy and enjoy it. Someone said they actually like the look of uneven stitches. Okay, so that wouldn't be me, but hey, I'm an old-fashion kinda gal.
Oh, and BTW, if you crochet all the edges, that will make the edges look more even.
Okay? You feelin' better? Now get back to that scarf!
Bevvy
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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The scarf is 45" long and different widths here and there  because of that darn tension issue (Bev...I do remember the picture you posted and hold mine similarly)!
The binding off felt very akward but I am sure that will change in time....are you ready? Drum roll please........
Over the next few days I will crochet a yellow border around the edge and do a green and yellow fringe. I think I will call this the Bevvy-scarf! I couldn't have done it without my favorite cheerleader!
The border can wait until tomorrow...I am pooped!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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Always great to find other knitters out there. I am really impressed by the color within that skein. I can't wait too see it all finished. 
I completely agree about avoiding the acrylics. I just got some cashmere that I am knitting for the lining for my mittens. I am using 3 strands on size 2 double points. This is so faboulously soft that I can't wait until they are done.
I picked up a bunch of Christmas red and holly green cotton yarns to make stocking for next year. I can't wait to start those.
-Michelle
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Looks great. Don't worry about the tension during the first piece. When I made my first scarf it was definitely not even and looked pretty mangled. Once I got comfortable with the stiches it didn't take long before the tension just worked out fine and looked great.
The one thing that I did learn from my class was to complete the row before setting it down to make sure that it stays even for that row. I didn't listen at first to my instructor when I started my afgan and that got me in to trouble when I actually got confused about where I was and started using the wrong row and actually reversed the pattern. Still trying to figure out how I am going to do that again so the afgan ends the same way I started it and looks like that was the plan.
-Michelle
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That looks great!! But do you really need that scarf in Texas?? How about sending it to a place like oh let's say Michigan!! LOL! Actually it has been warm here with highs close to 40 tomorrow!!
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You have a point there! We get below 100 degrees at least once or twice a year. My daughter can use it until she is 87 and it will still look brand new I am sure!
I'll send you one when I get as good as Bev...I will probably be 87 myself!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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HEY! HEY! HEY!
#234009 - 12/27/05 06:04 PM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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I confess to being an Old Broad -- but I ain't 87 YET!
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Bevers, I picked up my size 8 needles and started a dishcloth for grins just to see if I would be happier with my stitches and I am.
The Bernat yarn is much softer than what I am using for my dishcloth and that makes a difference too. I love that Bernat yarn...I am dreading going to the yarn shop because I will really be a lost cause then!
Sailing away....cashmere? WOW....
I didn't realize there were so many people interested in knitting. I love it!
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Have a blessed day!...Rachel
stable and sooooooo thankful!
I have IBS but it doesn't have me!
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