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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-28-2005, 12:56 PM (1 of 10)
I'm teaching myself so be patient with me, PLEASE!!!!!!

Casted on 40 stitches, transfer 10 stitches to 4 DPN's. I then join needle 1 and 4 with the main yarn and tail for 2-3 stitches, so now I have my circle going.
I start with rib pattern 2k,2p- when I get to needle #2 I have to start with 2p stitches. Here is where I am not sure of "Where" to put yarn and working needle and the video I have isn't very clear on this. I am left handed bu knit right handed so I should be able to get it.

When I have to start a new needle with a k2, my work is facing me, the new row of 10 is right point ON TOP of just finished and I insert the working needle in and loop yarn to knit. I can not get a feel for doing the "P" stitch. I end up having ladders in my work with this problem.

Also, I pull the working yarn tight as to not allow ladders, but not to tight that I can't work the loops, but it still seems to me to be loose. How much give should be in the ribbing, I know that it has to fit over the foot and ankle.
Maybe I'm just not used to the work yet and am "knit-picking", sorry about that :bg:!?!?!?!?
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: Magot
Date: 12-28-2005, 01:07 PM (2 of 10)
Panic not! The rib needs to be firm - the "can I get it on over my foot" question is normally determined by how tight you cast on. When starting a new needle purlwise bring the wool to in front as you normally do for purl, and position the needles in whatever way is most comfortable - forget all the other needles - just pretend you are knitting on 2.
Alternatively - if you are comfortable with starting a needle knitwise - just slip 2 stitches onto another needle so that you always start knitwise untill you get the feel of knitting in the round more. Who cares? You can re-adjust all the stitches when you get to the stocking stitch bit if you like. Just make sure that when you get to the foot that you have all the stitches in the right place. (This is assuming you do not have leg shaping). Pull the yarn fairly tight beteen needles - thighter than you think you should - it will slacken off as you work.
I know people who when they are knitting shovel stitches around the ends of the needles to and fro from different needles quite a bit to avoid 'ladders'. Remember how the first thing you ever sewed was your pride and joy and an embarrassment when you look back on it. This is a new skill - relax and enjoy - the nice thing about socks is they grow so quickly.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: Sailorliz
Date: 12-28-2005, 03:55 PM (3 of 10)
Jan gave you great advice. If you don't like having all of those needles (DPN) to juggle, you can use one set of circular needles. I use a set with a very long cable. Then I cast on and pull the cable thru the middle of the stitches (in your pattern #20), so it is like just using two straight needles. This also helps with the gauge and not creating ladders. The web site I posted earlier has a link with pictures for knitting with one set. I don't use DPNs unless I don't own the right size circular needles. The best thing Jan said is to relax! It is supposed to be fun.
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz

Visit my photo page
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004
Total posts: 386
From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-28-2005, 10:49 PM (4 of 10)
I keep practicing and tearing out, and I am SLOWLY getting the feel of the ribbing, I think.
Should the tube be pointing away from you once you get any length to it? It feels better for me to work it with the tube away, I have a better flow of the working yarn.
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: Magot
Date: 12-29-2005, 01:22 PM (5 of 10)
That's the way I do it - the sock knitting pointing down towards your lap. Don't worry about tearing it out - go with the flow - you need to get more than 4-6 rows going before you stop to lose the laddery feel if you are loose on the needle swap over. It will pull in.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-30-2005, 09:42 PM (6 of 10)
I find that I like aluminum dpn's over bamboo ones. I can't get a even slide with the bamboo like I can the others. I also like working with 4 dpn vs 5 pdns.
I checked out www.socknitters.com forum page and found answers to many of my growing questions. Thanks for all your help with my socks!!!!!
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: Sailorliz
Date: 12-31-2005, 02:08 PM (7 of 10)
I forgot about that web site. It is a good one for knitting. I'm glad that you figured it out. I use what they are calling the magic knitters circle for knitting socks. I have those turbo needles for knitting socks. The stitches glide smooth. Another trick I learned somewhere with wooden or bamboo needles is to wipe them with wax paper before begining your project. That seems to make the yarn slip easier on the needles.

Happy Sock Knitting!
:coffee2:
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz

Visit my photo page
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004
Total posts: 386
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-02-2006, 01:10 AM (8 of 10)
Reading this made me laugh, it reminded me that my grandson (4) picked up my sock that was already knitted to the heel, pulled out the needles and said, Grandma, watch me knit! By the time I totally tuned in to what he had said, he had pulled out all the needles, started pulling on the yarn to unravel 1/2 of it and had the needles all twisted up in the unravelled yarn! Serves me right for not listening with both ears!! And there it sits, one mess.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-03-2006, 01:09 PM (9 of 10)
Do they have a chart for socks to help you with your size- vs- how many stitches to put on the needle? Along with the weigh of the yarns to be used?
I know that I need to make a sample first to check my stitches per 4", but how do you adjust patterns to have a size 7/8 sock fit a size 11 foot?
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: Magot
Date: 01-03-2006, 02:45 PM (10 of 10)
I use this - http://www.knittinganyway.com/socks/socksizechart.htm to get the length right but it doen't tell you the width. That may require good ole mathematics - or a trawling of the sock patterns until you find the right size!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
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