circular needles too short?

[Garnett]

http://www.christinelandry.com/?cat=7

I am on my third attempt to correctly cast on and join for working in the round. I won't bore you with the first two screw-ups, but this time, here is what is happening.

According to my math, and the pattern I'm using, (linked above), I should be casting on with 80 stitches. After watching a video here on how to join, I decided I should start with 81 instead. My problem? I think my circulars are too long. I went to the store the other day and bought some that were about 5" shorter than what I was using, and they are still too long. They measure 23" point to point. Am I doing something wrong? Or are my needles just too long? If so, where can I find shorter ones? I'm angry. But I'll leave that for me to deal with hehe.

Thank you!!

[Lisa R.]

Why do you think they're too short? Can you not fit 80 stitches on them?

[Garnett]

Oh shoot. I was so annoyed that I wrote "short" instead of "long" Sorry.. I will change that now.

The 80 stitches fit on but there is a lot of room left, and I can't get the stitches close enough to knit them together (join?)

[Lisa R.]

Ahhh! That makes so much more sense!

In looking at the picture, I was thinking too long made more sense. I would suggest either using dpns, or knitting on two circulars.

[Garnett]

How do I knit on two circulars? I have those. Thank you for your patience

[Lisa R.]

No problem! I've had way too many people answer my questions to dare to be impatient! :-D

Check out the video here:http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/advanced-techniques
Scroll a little to "Small Diameter Knitting" and see the video on two circulars.

[Mizz Maggie]

I have to agree with Cristeen Go out and get the 16" circulars, treat yourself. You don't want all that frustration and angst to transfer to the cat.

As a hint, I store all my circulars curled in the photo sleeves of a small ("grandma brag book") photo album. It's big and puffy but their not all tangled up!

[rosie9714]

Miz Maggie-

That's a great idea for storing the circulars.

I recently learned to knit on two circulars thanks to that video and I found that having two different types of needles (one bamboo, one metal) helped a lot with keeping things orderly. It was easy to see which set I was knitting on at which time. And, I agree, get the 16" they come in handy for lots of stuff.

[suzeeq]

But don't they curl up again being stored coiled up?