which_chick (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
which_chick) wrote2007-11-23 06:42 pm
which_chick) wrote2007-11-23 06:42 pm
(no subject)
HoHI update: I have two, only two, rows of pattern left before going to 2x2 striping for the toes. There's the distance of my toes, knit-n-decrease in the 2x2 color rib and I'll have to do some kind of kitchener thing to close up the end of the toes. After that, there is the long slog of picking up stitches around the cuffs but then an easy stretch of "knit even" for the width of the elastic. Then there's bind off (for an inch) and sew down to capture elastic (I hates the sewing) along the huge and never-ending distance around my calves. After that, there is blocking and drying and then the HoHI will be done. I think I can, I think I can...
I am not playing with sheep fur until the HoHI are done. Extreme, I know, but it's the only way. Familiarity has bred contempt and I'm fucking tired of looking at the HoHI.
I am not playing with sheep fur until the HoHI are done. Extreme, I know, but it's the only way. Familiarity has bred contempt and I'm fucking tired of looking at the HoHI.
no subject
Oh, and happy post-Thanksgiving day!
no subject
I'm having fun with Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) which is a social/how-to/marketplace/blog/journal/library/whatever for knitting. It's in beta and is currently invite-only but you can sign up on the waiting list (membership is free) if you want.
I shop at www.twoswansyarns.com and at www.kyarns.com and at a variety of other places if I can't find what I want at either of those two. I use google a lot for finding places that sell what I want to buy. In particular, www.kyarns.com has been speedy and prompt and helpful.
I read www.knitty.com for helpful and current stuff on a variety of fronts. Their technique articles are pretty solid and they have a free, non-annoying website. Other technique articles can be found via google if you know the particular technique you want to learn about.
I refer to http://www.hjsstudio.com/sock.html for basic sock instructions. Her site has other interesting stuff in it besides the socks, too.
I read Grumperina (http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/) and the Yarn Harlot (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/) for inspiration, ideas, and general enthusiasm.
For references, I really like the first two Walker Stitch Dictionaries. They're well done and great for thinking about what one might like to do.
There are lots of different things that can be done with knitting and it's kind of hard to know what to buy if you have no idea.
Does your knitter engage in Starmore controversy? Does your knitter not even LIKE the idea of complex fair isle?
Does your knitter love cables or hate aran sweaters?
Does your knitter knit sweaters, hats, socks, doilies, shawls, felted items, bulky scarves, novelty yarns, baby blankets? Does your knitter have a favorite knit designer? (Like, if your target knitter is a Kaffe fan, just buy his latest book and you can win at Xmas... unless, of course, your knitter already has same.)
Is your knitter a technical whiz or does he/she have trouble with anything other than garter stitch?
Is your knitter a process knitter (tends to wing patterns or change things about mid-stream) or a finished-project knitter (makes the pattern according to pattern instructions, more interested in having The Sweater than tinkering with how to make it)? Process knitters usually like stitch dictionary books and discussions of technique and/or knitting history. Finished-project knitters tend to like patterns and kits.
Does your knitter like learning new things? Is your knitter internet-friendly?
What kinds of fiber does your knitter like? Does he/she have a preference for yarn brands? (Got a Rowan freak or a Koigu junkie in your life?)
Does your knitter like alpaca? Cashmere? Angora, llama, sheep wool, cotton, silk, inigo, tencel, hemp, linen, mohair, acrylic, quiviut? Any fiber allergies? Is hand wash only a deal-breaker?
Does your knitter prefer to knit flat or in the round? Does he/she have a complete set of knitting needles? Does he/she prefer bamboo, birch, rosewood, ebony, aluminum, nickle-plated steel, casein... Inox? Denise? Addi?