newbie knitter with questions

KarenT · 04-02-2005, 03:47 PM

I just started knitting about 2 weeks ago and have done endless swatches and "dollhouse rugs" for dd. I'm ready to move on! :XX: I really don't want to do a scarf; we never wear them here in GA. I've crocheted for years, so I get the general concept.
I have a beginner book with several projects, dishcloths (basically what I've been doing), a sweater, dog sweater, booties, child's slippers, mittens and hat. Ultimately, what I'd like most to do is socks (the whole reason I learned to knit) but I realize I'm not quite ready for that! I'm leaning toward either mittens or hat or slippers. What would be the most logical next project, given my experience and goal?

Also, so far I have only size 8 and 9 needles, straight. I'm looking at all the sizes and then circulars, dpns, etc. Someone recommended the Denise set of interchangeable needles to have a complete set of straight and circular. Are these any good or will they be a pain to use? :thinking:

KarenT

ladyindica2000 · 04-03-2005, 12:19 PM

I have the Denise, and I love them. They give you all the sizes and then if you ever have to change to a different size in the middle of a project (as sometimes happens), you can.

As for the next project, I would maybe reccommend choosing something that you like and taking a crack at it. If you get stuck, take it to your LYS and they will be able to help you over the hard parts. One project that you might want to consider is a poncho. It will give you some practice with different stitches with a minimum of difficult details. Otherwise, pick something rated as easy/intermediate and give it a shot. I bet you will surprise yourself.

Good luck!!!

Trish

KellyK · 04-03-2005, 01:16 PM

LOVE my Denise's!

If you want to try socks, here is an easy to follow tutorial with LOTS of humor!
http://www.btinternet.com/~redwood3/...boot_camp.html

KarenT · 04-03-2005, 03:29 PM

Thanks, that sock tutorial looks great! I think I could actually try that soon, once I get some decent yarn. I'm going to order those Denise needles right now!

I started doing a child's slipper last night, just to play with the pattern, and I think it's going OK so far.
One question about it: in one row it has K2TOG and then YO and then continues. After I finish that row and are coming back along it going the other way, and it's all knit stitch, what is supposed to happen when I get to those stitches? I should just have regular loops, but the K2TOG seems twisted (it is really tight when I'm doing it), and the YO stitch is just a very loose twisted loop, right?
karent

KellyK · 04-03-2005, 04:33 PM

That sounds like its what its supposed to be.....unless the pattern says otherwise, just knit those sts like normal!

When you get your tension under control, the K2togs will feel better.

beldaraan · 04-03-2005, 05:17 PM

My mom has done the sock boot camp and I'm working on my first sock following Mark's instructions as well. He doesn't have all of his instructions straight in both of our opinions. If you get discouraged easily or put yourself down if you can't figure something out, I would recommend a different site. Here's a site that has a lot of pictures, that I used to help me in spots where I got stuck.

KarenT · 04-04-2005, 09:44 AM

I already have that sock site bookmarked, so I had planned to compare and see which looked easier.
I worked on my slippers yesterday and have finished one, except for sewing up the seams, and it turned it pretty well I think. (we'll see if I can actually match the second one to the same size!)

I had trouble ordering the Denise set; every place I tried was sold out and even the makers don't take online ordering right now. I printed out their order form as recommended, to mail in, but I'm going to call first and see if they're in stock. Otherwise, I did see a few on Ebay.

I ordered a bunch of yarn from Knit Picks, after reading here that they are pretty good. Can't beat those prices, esp. right now while I'm learning and experimenting.

Karen T

Jenifer Peters · 04-04-2005, 04:55 PM

I will have to say that the socks look a little hard, but I will have to say Hats can be harder as well if I were you I would make a hat fist the you get alittle help with the dbl needls.. I have not done very well with them so I have tought my self the magic loop and I love it .. so that might be an idea for you as well..
sorry if it is not much help..
HATS are easy and some what fast
the rib patteren is nice in a hat
Jenifer

Glitzy · 04-07-2005, 05:12 PM

I haven't tried socks yet but saw this in the new issue of knitty and thought I'd share

http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATsocks101.html

KarenT · 04-08-2005, 07:40 AM

hey that looks like a great site, too! I especially like the idea of doing a tiny "training" sock to get the feel for it without wasting good yard on something that might be un-wearable the first time around!
as soon as I finish this pair of slippers for dd (1st one done and second about 1/4 done) I'm going to try some of these sock directions.
KarenT