I need a Mentor.... :D

DudeWithSticks · 03-31-2008, 09:40 PM

Hi All,
I have been coming to this forum for quite sometime and all the help and support that I have recieved here is truely invaluable! Thanks ALL for that!
So here's my dilemma:
I am attempting to do my first big project. Here is the pattern. I have yet to get the yarn and needles and would like some help on this.
http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/20...g-blanket.html (finished product)
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwi...mlockRing.html (original doily pattern)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68971937@N00/1161874254/ (and the added chart)
I looked into the pattern and it's not a hard repeat/pattern. And I think that I am ready to do this. (I have done a few fan and feather lace scarves.)
I just need help with the start and getting them onto the circular needles and I can take it from there. I have looked at the tutorial using the magic loop way, but I am a little confused at how to keep track of my increases and decreases. So, maybe to start with this pattern I should do DPN/'s, but once again, I have not done that as well.
So, I was wondering if someone out there with some time would be able to help me do this via PM's or chat. I live in CA/PST. It may be a few weeks before I am able to start, since I need to get the yarn and needles for this project, but waiting to hear what size needles to get and to start off with. (DPN's or Circular for Magic Loop) Either way, I will be getting the 40" Addi's.
Since I haven't tried DPN's, it may be a good way to learn the Magic Loop Method instead.
Thanks for your help and looking foward to hearing back from someone.

Gino

suzeeq · 04-01-2008, 02:56 AM

I found the easiest way to start a circular knit with just a few stitches is to use fewer needles. To start with dpns, CO the sts then put them on only 2 needles and use a 3rd to knit with. When you have a few more increases, you can rearrange the sts and add the 4th needle (and later the 5th one if you have a 5 needle set). To start with circs, CO the sts to one needle, slide them down to the cord, pull out the cable halfway between them and slide the sts back to the ends. Then use another circ to knit with (similar to the 3 dpn method) or if you use only one, loop the right needle and you're doing magic loop.

michelejmiller · 04-01-2008, 02:57 AM

Have you ever knit a pattern like this before? I've been knitting for a long time and it looks daunting to me! I've never done a fan and feather type of pattern though. I'm not trying to dissuade you, but there are so many things that you could knit that would fit the definition of a "big project" that might not be as difficult as this looks. Although, it's GORGEOUS!
Go to the knitting help tutorials, at the top of this page, she has great videos including how to cast on with dpns. I just finished my first pair of socks and I used her video to start off. She shows how to cast on and start a project with dpn's. It's very clear and easy to follow.
Good luck!

hwn222 · 04-01-2008, 03:28 AM

Just wanted to say that blanket is an amazing piece and best of luck with it! I bookmarked it... someday I may be ready for something like it.

mwhite · 04-01-2008, 03:52 AM

I love to knit in the round like this. Worsted and size 10s, should work up fairly quickly. Here's another gorgeous piece: http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting...tablecloth.htm
that someone sent to help me add a decorative edging to my "Leftover Circular Afghan":http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b9...0Items/002.jpg

I started mine with DPNs, size 10.5 and based my increases on multiples of 6. Your blanket appears to use multiples of 8. Will be glad to knit along and/or help. Although, I'd love to drop my needle size and just make it larger as a tablecloth. Lovely piece...these usually become family heirlooms, too!

campbellmom549 · 04-01-2008, 04:00 AM

That is positively beautiful! If I hadn't just cast on another large project, I'd do a KAL with you. Good luck!

mwhite · 04-01-2008, 04:04 AM

Originally Posted by suzeeq

I found the easiest way to start a circular knit with just a few stitches is to use fewer needles. To start with dpns, CO the sts then put them on only 2 needles and use a 3rd to knit with. When you have a few more increases, you can rearrange the sts and add the 4th needle (and later the 5th one if you have a 5 needle set). To start with circs, CO the sts to one needle, slide them down to the cord, pull out the cable halfway between them and slide the sts back to the ends. Then use another circ to knit with (similar to the 3 dpn method) or if you use only one, loop the right needle and you're doing magic loop.

Haven't tried magic loop yet. Suzeeq, looking at the original pattern, does the O mean YO?

mwhite · 04-01-2008, 04:06 AM

Also, Gino, it looks like after you get into the pattern, after the initial center design, that increases occur every 5th round.

DudeWithSticks · 04-01-2008, 04:58 AM

Not to this extreme. The lace isn't too hard to do. And I have knitted lace before with some pretty good outcome. This is just a large project with so many different things to do. I wanted to knit this for my Mom for part of her retirement gift. I am going to try this out for me first and if the outcome is somewhat decent, I will knit another one for my Mom. LOL

DudeWithSticks · 04-01-2008, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by campbellmom549

That is positively beautiful! If I hadn't just cast on another large project, I'd do a KAL with you. Good luck!

Thanks! Maybe the next big one!