I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I would put up some pictures of the first scarf that I ever finished, so here they are. They're not the best pictures because I snapped them in a hurry before giving them away, but I hope they give a rough idea of what the scarf looks like.
I'm halfway through a couple of slightly more finicky personal projects but I really wanted to start making things for my friends and Shirin was first on the list.
I'm halfway through a couple of slightly more finicky personal projects but I really wanted to start making things for my friends and Shirin was first on the list.
The yarn is a soft, basic, grey yarn called Shiver from Moda Vera, which is Spotlight's resident yarn maker and I only needed two balls to make a 60 inch long scarf.
Each time I make a new scarf, I go for something slightly different to make it a little more challenging. I'm not particularly daring, so I figure if I alter one variable each time, I'll slowly but surely get to making extremely complex things.
Prior to this yarn, I had only knitted with very neat five mm stock so it took a little while to get used to the 10mm needles (pictured with a pen for scale). Twice as big, they can feel clumsy in the hands and the entire product becomes heavier. The yarn itself is distractingly furry and splits easily if you're not paying attention.
Once I acclimatised though, the whole thing was a breeze. I blazed through most of it while finishing the first season of Bunheads (Bailey Buntain ftw!). Shirin likes things simple, so I kept them basic and chunky with your everyday two-by-two rib stitch.
Believe it or not, I weaved in the tails with a paperclip that I bent to my purpose. Don't try this at home (SEE below).
Because things like this amuse me, I thought I would put in a short list of the lessons that I learn with each scarf. If anyone out there is a beginner knitter too (Amanda, my minion!), who knows, these tips might be some help!
Things Shirin's scarf taught me:
1) With bigger needles and yarn, it's important to knit a bit more loosely so that the yarn transfers easily over the needles.
2) Happily, it's also much easier to knit close to the needle tip because there's less danger of the wool just shooting off the slope and unravelling.
3) Bamboo needles offer more traction, but for a very wispy yarn, can catch annoyingly.
4) The looser and fluffier the yarn, the more important it is to pay attention so that it does not split.
5) It is possible to perform a ribbed cast off. (The very fact that I was unaware of this one is testament to what a n00b I am.)
6) Do not, I repeat, do NOT weave in the ends with a bent paperclip. Any yarn that has even a little hair coming off it will catch disgracefully as you pull the paperclip through and you risk tearing out chunks or even breaking the strand altogether. I ran out and bought a yarn needle right after I finished.
I've really grown to love knitting - the repetition is incredibly therapeutic and yet when I'm counting and troubleshooting, it keeps my mind working furiously. I may never need to make anything more complex than long rectangles, but it's immensely satistfying.
I'm already halfway through the next scarf! I can't wait to finish it.
Each time I make a new scarf, I go for something slightly different to make it a little more challenging. I'm not particularly daring, so I figure if I alter one variable each time, I'll slowly but surely get to making extremely complex things.
Prior to this yarn, I had only knitted with very neat five mm stock so it took a little while to get used to the 10mm needles (pictured with a pen for scale). Twice as big, they can feel clumsy in the hands and the entire product becomes heavier. The yarn itself is distractingly furry and splits easily if you're not paying attention.
Once I acclimatised though, the whole thing was a breeze. I blazed through most of it while finishing the first season of Bunheads (Bailey Buntain ftw!). Shirin likes things simple, so I kept them basic and chunky with your everyday two-by-two rib stitch.
Believe it or not, I weaved in the tails with a paperclip that I bent to my purpose. Don't try this at home (SEE below).
Because things like this amuse me, I thought I would put in a short list of the lessons that I learn with each scarf. If anyone out there is a beginner knitter too (Amanda, my minion!), who knows, these tips might be some help!
Things Shirin's scarf taught me:
1) With bigger needles and yarn, it's important to knit a bit more loosely so that the yarn transfers easily over the needles.
2) Happily, it's also much easier to knit close to the needle tip because there's less danger of the wool just shooting off the slope and unravelling.
3) Bamboo needles offer more traction, but for a very wispy yarn, can catch annoyingly.
4) The looser and fluffier the yarn, the more important it is to pay attention so that it does not split.
5) It is possible to perform a ribbed cast off. (The very fact that I was unaware of this one is testament to what a n00b I am.)
6) Do not, I repeat, do NOT weave in the ends with a bent paperclip. Any yarn that has even a little hair coming off it will catch disgracefully as you pull the paperclip through and you risk tearing out chunks or even breaking the strand altogether. I ran out and bought a yarn needle right after I finished.
I've really grown to love knitting - the repetition is incredibly therapeutic and yet when I'm counting and troubleshooting, it keeps my mind working furiously. I may never need to make anything more complex than long rectangles, but it's immensely satistfying.
I'm already halfway through the next scarf! I can't wait to finish it.
Such helpful tips for when/ if I ever pick this up (: Do you knit in cafes and restaurants over a meal too? Someone I knew used to and I always found it amusing.
ReplyDeleteShirin must love this! Aw, you did so well! Can't wait to see more. <3
Thank you!! You should pick it up, it's amazingly therapeutic!
DeleteAnd um yes. I do knit in cafes. Cue embarrassed smile.