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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-25-2003, 01:18 AM (1 of 11)
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Hello!! I am still new to knitting, but I can do cast on 3 different ways, knit stitch, Purl stitch, and bind off. I am self taught. I had been waiting on these Bamboo knitting needles by Clover, and I just got them! I just think that they are great. I have been working a practice piece to see how they do. They are easy to handle, the slipping has been reduced compare to the metal needles. I had found a great Shawl pattern that I think is easy, but I want to know if this Shawl can be made out of Red Heart Worsted Acrylic Yarn instead of what the pattern calls for. I think this Shawl is really pretty. Would like to make it, but don't want to use the yarn stated. Also I would need someone to explain the ssk stitch. I read it, but being new to knittng this stitch has me a little confused. The URL is http://www.thesmartyarns.com/patterns/June00/Shawls.html Any input will be greatly appreciated. Virginia 
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39 
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From: bren
Date: 04-25-2003, 05:09 AM (2 of 11)
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Hi Virginia, knitting terms and techniques ssk- "slip one stitch ... a knitting pattern? It's a decrease; it means "slip one stitch ... www.woolworks.org That's a nice shawl , I see no reason why you can't use red heart, but go and check www.woolworks.org, have fun. Your moving up in those post LOL, 
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: dmoses
Date: 04-25-2003, 08:28 AM (3 of 11)
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Hi Virginia, The definition of 'ssk' for this pattern is given at the beginning of the knitting instructions. I have copied it below: ...Knitted Shawl Special Abbreviation Ssk: Insert right-hand needle in front of first st on left-hand needle as if to k and in back of next st, k2 tog... It looks like this would be done in one operation. You would insert your needle into the front of first stitch, then into the back of the next one, then complete the stitch by wrapping the wool around and pulling both stitches off the other needle. This pattern uses a bulk-weight yarn, and has a gauge of 3 stitches per inch, so you would have to use a bulk-weight yarn to get the correct size. You can experiment with the yarn you have and use larger needles to achieve the same gauge, but the result may not have the same look. Gauge is important, because it determines the finished size of the project. I remember in college, my friend knit a beautiful sweater for her boyfriend...unfortunately, she used the wrong type of wool, and it turned out to be about five sizes too big!  Hope this helps. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-25-2003, 12:43 PM (4 of 11)
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I'm not too experienced, but I noticed you said "needles" with an s.. that shawl pattern calls for a circular needle and you cannot substitute a pair of regulars for a circular.. the stitches will not look right..and I suspect the regular needles would not hold all that length either.. Maybe you should keep looking for a pattern.. I bet you can find one that is closer to fitting your tools and yarn preferences... Good Luck..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-25-2003, 07:24 PM (5 of 11)
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Thank you, Bren for the information and site. That's a cool site. I like the Disscussion board. Virginia 
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39
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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-25-2003, 07:41 PM (6 of 11)
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Donna, thank you for your imput. I think what you are trying to tell me is that you knit 2 stitches together coming in, on the Purl side, in the first stitch, but what makes it not a Purl is the thread is behind. I did this stitch by accident, so I think I know what you are talking about. I hope so...lol Forgive me I am a novice.....lol Red Heart has a bulky weight yarn. I just can't have wools, and of course I am looking at price too. I will be checking the comparison, of the yarn that is calls for to what I want to make it out of, and I will keep my eye, on the gauge. Again, thank you so much for your help. Virginia
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39
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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-25-2003, 07:54 PM (7 of 11)
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I'm not too experienced, but I noticed you said "needles" with an s.. that shawl pattern calls for a circular needle and you cannot substitute a pair of regulars for a circular.. the stitches will not look right..and I suspect the regular needles would not hold all that length either.. Maybe you should keep looking for a pattern.. I bet you can find one that is closer to fitting your tools and yarn preferences... Good Luck.. __________________ Sew With Love Libby Oh what I meant was I had bought the Clover knitting needles, and I love 'em. They really are good sturdy needles, and your work doesn't slip off. I and my daughter bought them because she was complaining that her stitches were slipping off when she would work a stitch. I taught her how to knit, and now she is doing beautiful. I believe that she is a natural that takes after her great Aunt and Great Grandmother. We both love these bamboo needles. I do know that the Shawl pattern calls for a circular needle, and I do know that you can't substitue regular needles for circular, but I will get a bamboo circular needle though! Yes, they make them! At this time I am collecting tools to knit with for me and my daughter. I am just sorting out all the problems before I buy the yarn for this Shawl. The Ssk stitch will be a challenge, but it will be a one step up of something that I have learned. Thank you for your concerns and help. Virginia
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39
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From: dmoses
Date: 04-26-2003, 01:00 PM (8 of 11)
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Hi Virginia, Knitting on circular needles is neat...and you never have to worry about misplacing one of the needles!  Most patterns will tell you to check the gauge by knitting up a small square with the yarn and needles you intend to use, and then measuring. This is a great idea, and doesn't take long. I think that any brand of bulky weight yarn 'should' work, but still check the gauge, to avoid disappointment later.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-26-2003, 01:18 PM (9 of 11)
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Will do, and thanks, Donna. Virginia
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-26-2003, 01:37 PM (10 of 11)
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Applespice, Thanks for the additional info about the Bamboo needles.. I wish they had been available years ago when I was learning to knit.. I had a severe problem with stitches slipping off my needles.. I ended up for a long time using my circular needle and knitting back and forth on it, just so I could slip the work over to the middle to put it away and not worry about losing it off the end of the needles.. Knitting along with someone else is such a warm , fun , activity to think about.. I'm sure it will be beneficial to both of you..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Apple Spice
Date: 04-27-2003, 05:33 PM (11 of 11)
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Hi Libby! Oh your so welcome! Besides Clover Bamboo needles there is Plymouth Bamboo needles too. I just learned about this company. I couldn't fine a 32" size 11 Clover Bamboo Circular needle, for the Shawl that I am going to make, so Tuesday I will be getting the Plymouth Bamboo Circular needle, and it is in the size that is, for the Shawl. I got my yarn! I went ahead, and got the Lion Brand Jiffy, and wouldn't you know it today starts the sale. I got the yarn last night....lol That is what the pattern calls for is the Lion Brand Jiffy. I was so surprised at what this yarn looks like......I love it! I had called my local Michael's, and asked the yarn department clerk to collect the yarn for me, and to have my daughter to pick it up for me. I didn't know that this perticular yarn goes by dye lots, so apparently the girl didn't either, and she put in 3 skeins that are not the same dye lot. I will have to change them out when I find it again which I am trying to find it now. Michael's says that they are getting a new shipment next week, but don't know if that particular dye lot will come in. I might find it at Wal-mart or Jo Ann's or another Michael's close by. To keep your knitting from slipping off the needles there are these Tip Protectors, for the ends, of the needles. The Tip Protectors are all different sizes. These Tip Protectors are for keeping the stitch on the needles. What I meant by the stitches slipping off was when working the stitch. Maybe that is call droping a sititch. Sorry to confuse you. It is great to have someone to share your time when knitting or any craft really. I had taught her Counted Cross Stitch, Quilting, Crocheting, and Kniting. We have been talking about Emboridery, so I am going to show her how to do that next. We have fun. My daughter is a blessing. Virginia
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User: Apple Spice
Member since: 01-18-2002 Total posts: 39
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