Hi...
I started having a conversation with someone else here about learning to make socks. Since it started in "Introduce Yourself"...it seemed a bit off topic...so I hope we are starting over here.
I'm pasting in the "beginning" of this to start it off again:......
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For yarns number one fan; don't be scared of socks...really they're easy!!! So many methods + patterns out there as well as help here. I saw the following pattern/ article on the internet + mentally "saved it" for anyone interested in learning socks. It has really good clear diagrams + descriptions and there is a pattern to make basic baby socks...so you're not making a huge commitment of time or yarn to try them.
www.knittinguniverse.com/downloads
click on "patterns" on the left side of the screen, then scroll down till you see; Six Steps to Sock Success & Playful Pairs Pattern it's a cute little baby sock in variegated blues + yellow.
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Hi again Adriana...I think it would be really nice to make your last baby....your 1st pr of socks. I'de be very happy to help if you want. I have the above pattern fr the link printed off...so if you want to try that...I'll know what you are talking about. If there is another pattern you would prefer...+ I can get it here...we can use that. I'm flexible!!!
I did find one other pattern in my wanders: http://www.soxie.com/mybabysox.html
You had some questions in your last post:
sorry...life side tracked me + it's very late now. Will return again w/ your answers.
Take Care, Andrea
Andrea,
It is 2:55 in the a.m. I spend my time with my 3 year old and my two year old and since I have trouble staying asleep because of the pregnancy I usually do my cleaning in the wee hours of the morning while they sleep and get on the computer as well. When I post my replys though they post a time about seven hours fast if I remember correctly. I downloaded the baby sock from "Six steps to sock success" it has great diagrams. My questions from last time were about the size needles and yarn. I don't have any double pointed needles but I do have plenty of yarn in different weights. Should I just buy a bunch of needles in different sizes. I have the feeling that I may love making these. Oh if you wanted to know more about me I also wrote in the forums introduce yourself under "living in the middle of no-where" thats me. Expensive and isolated two ways to describe it here. No large hobby stores. I also wanted to let you know that if I don't respond, in a all of a sudden kind of way, I am probably in the hospital. Last week the doctor said my cervix was "a little soft" and this wed. the doctor say "your cervix is really soft and you are at 2 centimeters." I have a c-cection scheduled for the 24th (Nov) but the doc said I may not make it to the 24th. Can't wait to buy some needles.
-Adriana
Hi Adriana...
I was thinking about you even if I didn't make it back till now. I seem to get less time @ the computer when my husband is home (he's a shiftworker). Last nite/today/nite we've been doing stuff...sorry.
I did go "read about you" as you suggested. Always interesting to have a bit of a picture in mind when "talking" to someone. I'm afraid I never got around to "Introduce yourself"...just started talking...what a surprise!!! I'm 51 + married for 32 1/2 yrs to my best friend (yes...we do fight too sometimes!!!). Learned to knit @ 6...crochet @ 9. My maternal grandmother lived her last yrs in Mesa, Arizona. My last trip there was when I was pregnant in 1980. I've lived in Nova Scotia since I was kid...though I did go to school sometimes in NY state + Maine. I've had Fibromyalgia + Enviro Illness since a fall in 1992. I sell knits when I'm well enough (less + less...I used to do shows) + design most of what I knit.
I'll be sending good thoughts your way for both you + the baby. We'll try to get you started so you can making socks when you get a chance!!!
I'm a niteowl too...it was actually 4:23 in the AM (post showed 2:23 AM) when I quit last nite. Usually see the dawn...can't sleep @ nite anymore...so sleep when I can. Luckily no little ones here anymore so I can.
I was looking around @ info for the sock pattern: yarn + needle sz. The pattern shows those little yarn balls w/ #'s (Craft Yarn Council of America standards). Because the st count seemed lower than I use w/ sock yarn...I wanted to be sure for you. This is what I found:
a #2 (which is the lowest # on the patt) is about a sport baby wt. (new baby?)
a #4 (which is the highest # on the patt) is about a worsted wt. (your next older one?)
Changing your yarn sz to larger will make your sock larger. Since you want these for a new baby...I would suggest using a sport wt yarn w/ appropriate N sz. For me that would be between a 3.5mm + a 4mm depending on how tightly you knit. You know what sz you need I'm sure. So you need a set of dpns in your sz. I know others use circ N's for socks...dpns work fine for me...so why change?
My 1st hint is that I always cast on all the sts on 1 N and work the 1st row of rib w/o joining...then divide the sts on other N's as per patt. This makes it easier to work with...+ I promise you won't notice once you darn in the tail after you finish. Then I lay out the 3 N's on a table to make sure the sts aren't twisted before I join. As you look @ them laid out flat...the cast-on edge will be on the same side of all the N's all the way around. Have you knit w/ circ N's? If so, you know what I mean to do this. If not tell me + we'll find a diagram on the Internet to show you how. It will only feel awkward the 1st couple rounds till you get the feel of dpns. Do tug your yarn snug the first couple sts of each N. that will help reduce "ladders" @ the join of each N.
2nd hint is to always take the "new" right hand N in over the top of the last N worked...again...it reduces ladders.
I know that you said somewhere that you have knit for a long while...just not socks. So I'm not sure how much info you want. Let me know + I'll answer. If you get impatient waiting for me to log on...feel free to email me @ home through this site. I always turn my computer on when I get up...but might not log on here right away...especially if I'm not feeling great. I have to admit I do sleep till afternoon usually!!!
The 2nd link above has baby socks knit in sock wt yarn (more sts) which I would probably use between 2.5mm + 3mm dpns with. maybe you can try those when you get sick of the 1st pattern!
I remember now...you had a ? about certain sts where the heel turns. I think you mean that if you aren't careful picking up gusset sts (step 4 in patt) you can end up w/ a bit of a hole. No problem...I just pu an extra st or 2 + work them tog w/ the st next to them to fill in. You can twist them or work SSK or K2tog whatever makes them "invisible".
Take Care of yourself (as much as you can)....Andrea
Andrea, 2:01 a.m.
Thanks so much for the great info, the section about the gusset is exactly what I was talking about avoiding "holes" in your socks. I knit pretty loose and I knit continental, which is really fast, I thaught everyone knit that way. Nope.
I am currently making a swedish weaved baby blanket for my daughter to come. It is the same pattern I made for my first daughter and for my son. They both have their blanket in the background of their picture taken at the hospital. I hope to have it done of course before I need to go in. Nov 24, but at my last appointment the doctor said I was already at two centimeters and may not make it.
I'm sorry to hear about you not feeling well. I know it sucks not being able to do what you use to. My feet are swelling up alot easier now and more often and I guess because I'm 37 this pregnancy is harder than the others. I'm sure you know since you have babies. My daughter was 10 lbs. 2 oz. (no I did not have gestational diabetes) and she was 23 & 1/2 in. long she's taller than some 5 year olds and she is only 3. My son was taken three weeks early and he was still 8 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 & 3/4 in. I am betting that this little girl is not going to be so little, and my body is telling me that I am right.
I will probably get several sets of needles it helps to know the sizes, I appreciate that. Since I knit loose do you think wood ones would be better than metal or plastic I'm afraid they will just slide right off.
I have used circular needles. I used them to make this beautiful blanket for my daughter, it's about 50 x 70 and when I finished the knitting part the pattern called for lazy daisy flowers to go in the knitted rows (blue, pink and purple flowers.) That is the largest piece I have ever knitted, what a satisfaction I felt when it was all completed. She loves it. I love it. Everything about working with yarn and different types of needles and hooks has always brought joy to me. Especially if you give something to someone and they appreciated it as much as you do.
Have you heard of the type of yarn that you can use that has an elastic property? I saw it on "Knitty Gritty" they used it to make a bikini. I wonder if you could use it for the bottom of your socks and make some socks like houseshoes? (non-slip) Would it be comfortable to sit on? Comfortable to stand on? I wonder.
Well I am signing off for now. I have some of my craft stuff in my closet I need to put on the shelves but I need to get my feet up, they are starting to look like water balloons. I am still trying to finish moving in this house.
Take care and happy knitting, -Adriana
Hi again Adriana...
I was going to say that I hope you are still here w/ us @ KD...but then wondered if maybe you just want to-get-this-show-on-the-road + have this baby???
I knit continental style too but fairly snug (not tight). You were asking about wood N's. Personally I don't care for them. I knit pretty fast + find they slow me way down. My "snug" knitting probably contributes to this. I like sharp pointed aluminum dpns myself...sts just slide along! If you knit loosely, you may find that wood actually helps you keep control of the sts...@ least till you get comfortable w/ using dpns. My sugggestion is to not buy too many sets of anything till you find out what YOU prefer. You may actually find you try + like the magic loop technique or 2 socks on 2 circs. We all find different things work better for US. You will also probably find a different gauge w/ wood vs metal. So don't use one kind to do a swatch + another to knit the socks!!! This of course holds true for all knitting. For circ N's I love those pastel colored nylon ones. Don't think you can buy them anymore, but I have had quite a few for quite a few yrs. Always looking for 2nd hand ones @ yard sales/etc.
You said you were glad for the info on yarn sz/ N sz. Since my last post I found the orig link I'de been looking for + thought I'de share w/ you.
http://www.yarnstandards.com/weight.html
I have this page printed out in one of my binders. Had it out using it + it got buried! It is a great reference to have as it lists what yarns the numbers stand for as well as recommended N + hook sz's/ gauges/ etc. There is also a list on the left side that links to a sizing/ body measurements chart for all ages. Good info!
Your daughter's baby blanket sounds beautiful !!! Is the pattern on the internet anywhere so I can see? Or do you have a pic you can post? As well as being beautiful...I'm sure she loves the fact that her mother made it for her. I agree w/ you...it is so nice to be able to make gifts...they include LOVE! Your tradition of making the same blanket for all your babies is so special...what heirlooms!
I've never tried Swedish weaving. Another lady on here (pwyarnlady) mentioned to me in an email that she is going to try it sometime. I have done several kinds of embroidery since childhood + sometime want to try tatting + hairpin lace. Need more hrs in the day!
Another baby sock pattern for after you try the basic one is the following free pattern here:
http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/14020.aspx
I haven't tried it but downloaded it today to look. I really like the 2 versions that aren't there (like many others) but they do look cute. I have a fondness for intricate cables...on anything...but especially socks. The only thing I would change is that I don't care for the ridge over the toes. That's easily fixed...just graft them closed instead.
As for the elastic yarn you mentioned for the bikini...it's ringing a faint bell...maybe called "Fixation"? I'm knitting a pr of socks right now fr Patons "Stretch Socks". It's a blend of 41% cotton/ 39% wool/ 13% nylon/ 7% elastic. First time I used it but like it so far. Will see what happens in the wash?!? This pr is for my Mum for Xmas...but will make a quick pr (maybe one?) of anklets next to try the washer/ dryer theory. Ball band says handwash/ dry flat...not going to happen here!!! Beautiful variegated/ colors fairly thin sock...but don't think there would be any anti-slip properties. You can buy paint on latex to coat the bottom of slippers/ etc. As long as no allergies to latex? I have no trouble w/ that or anything natural...but polyester is a big no no for me as well as perfumes/ cleaners/ cigarette smoke/ etc...chemical stuff!
Must quit writing before I bore you to death!!!
Take care, Andrea
Don't ever think you are boring me to death. I am really enjoying getting to know you and writting about my passions. I love anything crafty. We have something in common and it's great, also I hate the feel of polyester and even though I love perfume I don't drown myself in it don't make it a point to wear it. I love a clean house but I hate too much bleach in the air and never use ammonia. Cigarettes gag me to death. What's stupid is I use to smoke. (I was in the army). I will have a sign at the hospital that says something like if you just had a cigarette please come back later. Have you ever known someone to gift someone baby clothes that is smothered with the smell of cigarettes. Barf.
I just wrote you about two paragraphs when I accidently hit the return key and it erases anything you write here without posting and you can hit the back button. Man that bites. I was just telling you about the baby book I knitted my daughter's blanket from. It's called something like "A collection of the best knitted baby blankets" and the blanket is called "Pretty Posies" I went to my shelf to get the name for you and it's not there, which means it's in the garage. I started to complain how my husbands idea of moving in is to throw everything in the garage. It has been really hard for me. I am really freaking out because I don't like for my books (or anything) to be uncared for. My babies have to have clean clothes, bodies, bedding, a home. I'm sure you know what I mean.
I wanted to let you know. Just as you are able to help me with making socks I can help you with TATTING. I learned how to tat in 1989 I believe. Let me tell you, you can make some fantastic, just crazy beautiful things. I got an A in a report I made in college about tatting, I threw in some samples and he was amazed. You can tat some intricated edges and sew them on to a little girls blouse or dress, you get the picture. Just fabulous.
Yes I want to have this baby, last night I was having contractions about 8 minutes apart and they dropped to three, I went to nap and here I am and have had none. That's good though because I really need to look for my books.
I will download the info on the links you provided and remember if I don't get back to writing....I hope everything goes well in the hospital. I will write back when I get out though.
Take care, happy knitting and I will get back with you with the info on the book. - Adriana
Are you still here Adriana ?!?!....
I've been enjoying talking to you also. I think it sounds as if we are both a bit cut off fr anyone as equally "obsessed w/ yarn" !!! I'm lucky in that my husband took up rug hooking (w/ wool yarn not fabric strips) about 4 yrs ago. He's quite good actually. I always knew he was artistic...tried to get him to do something w/ his drawing for yrs. Finally a friend took some classes in rug hooking + brought over what she was doing. He wouldn't go to classes...hated school...+ decided to try 1st w/ my yrs of leftover wool yarn balls rather than fabric strips like our friend. He has tried one since w/ fabric...but prefers yarn as he can be more precise w/ details. I don't do rug hooking...but all this has some "cross-over" so I was able to help him a bit. He also does all his own finish work...I only pin the last of 4 mitered corners for him on the back tape. Since I don't like doing my own finishing (I'm fussy)...he had to learn! A local shop saw his work + had it on display till they closed last summer. He has sold 4 pieces so far. He draws his own designs as well...so everything is original. Despite all this...he can + does go wks sometimes w/o hooking. I get withdrawal after one DAY w/ no knitting!!!
I sat down earlier today + knit a pr of socks fr that "Six Steps" baby sock pattern to test it. I found some RH "Soft Baby" sport wt in my stash. While I prefer wool or wool blend for socks...I didn't have anything suitable in this wt to use. I used 4mm N's. The color is lime...but not neon...soft lime. I don't have any babies in my life anymore...so would you like them? It may help to look @ them when you make yours + maybe your new baby daughter can get some use fr them. She'll probably be the only Nevada baby w/ Nova Scotia socks!!! I should be able to just put them in a letter sz envelope side by side. Will mark on the outside what the "bumps" are in case anyone wonders!!! You probably shouldn't put your mailing address up here...just send me a personal email through KD with it + I'll send them off if you want them.
I'll be glad to take you up on your offer to help w/ tatting. Maybe in a few mths when you've gotten settled w/ a new baby + we both get Xmas over with. I make a lot of my gifts...so am doing that now. Everytime I've seen needle tatting stuff especially it catches my eye. It looks like it might offer more control (that's me!). What is your opinion? I don't have any little girls to decorate clothes for...but like to make original Xmas ornaments. Also would probably do the edges of pillowcases. I do a fair bit of thread crochet...can't be too far away is it?
I tried to google the name of the baby blanket today...but all I found was a crocheted one by that name. Someday it will just pop up!
Just realized something. "Talking" back + forth here leads to starting most paragraphs with "I" or "I'll"...just can't be avoided I guess!!! I was a smoker too....heavy...for yrs. Started when I was 14. It will be 25 yrs next March 2nd that I quit...+ I still crave...grrrr! It made me really sick with migraines/etc which helped force me to quit. Then my Grandmother died w/ emphysema + I quit days later. Hate the smell as well as the scary reactions I get to so many things now. I have an Epi Pen...but have been warned I could react to that so hope I never have to try it. Thank goodness for the internet...it's my scentfree link to the world!!!
Sending good "healthy/ happy mum + baby" thoughts your way!!! How do the other 2 feel about the new sister?
Andrea, 2:04 a.m.
You are lucky your husband is tied into yarn somehow. My husband will listen to what I have to say and say things like ya that's beautiful but he doesn't do any hobbies but play poker. Which I am happy to say he is good at. Before I forget if you send me an e-mail he gets all e-mails to his phone as well as on the computer. I also work out of the home so some days I have tons of stuff to do in the wee hours of the morning. Sleep is getting to be over-rated. I would never get anything done without my insomnia. I have done some kits in the rug hooking but that was years ago. I am currently finishing projects before I start others with the exception of the baby blanket. I am with you all the way concerning the withdrawl symptoms. I have to be doing something especially if I'm sitting down.
I sent you my address. Thank you so much. Everything use you mentioned for tatting is right on. I primarily use crochet thread but I have used twine and even a piece of my hair to demonstrate to a girl I met in college. I think you will like it enough to put some of your work on your own clothes, or other hand made items.
"Our best knit baby afghans" is the actual title. I spent 3 and 1/2 hours in the garage and found my book, whew. I did not get to bring it in because I had seen other things that needed to come in and I didn't want to just pass it up plus I found it at the end of my 3 and 1/2 hours, but I did google leisure arts knitting books, went under knitting and then put in knit baby you could probably put the actual title and it will come up but it doesn't let you browse the book and it said it is $14.00. It has a pink afghan with hearts on it on the front cover. It is a great book. I just went to Amazon.com under, books, sometimes they let you browse the pages inside but they didn't. I don't know if you have any wal-marts but I have seen it there. Some lady uploaded a picture of one she did out of this book. I know this pattern and leaving off the yellow embroidered flowers does make it unisex, but it is so much prettier with them. They have so many boy blankets to choose from though, you don't really have to do that.
There are too many ranchers here to want to smell the world sometimes you can't avoid it.
Both my babies show interest when my belly moves but it's funny my little girl does not like to hear a baby cry when she has heard one in public. My son is just two (Halloween) I tell them both "there is baby in there" but we will see. I ordered a moses basket and stand to lug around, and up and down stairs so the baby won't be alone with them. I think my son will have a hard time sharing me. He is so affectionate to me, it makes me cry happy tears.
Thank you for the well wishes. I go back to the doctor Wednesday I hope I'm at four centimeters. Talk to you later. -Adriana
Hi Adriana...I ran out of time to get back here + write much tonite. I did get your baby socks in the mail today though...so you can look for them in a few days I hope.
Was going to send a quick email when I came back fr mailing them...but started to be unsure what you meant about emails to you. Did you mean not to personal email you...or were you just giving me a heads-up that you share your email w/ your husband? I didn't want to cause you any hassles so thought I'de better ask first. My email is shared w/ my husband too...but no issues! I'll send you my email if you want + it's OK to write what you want.
The rug hooking that you did...was it latch hook or the older traditional style with long strips of fabric or yarn held under the burlap + you "hook-up" the loops to the top surface? Wayne (my husband) does the older traditional style. He did do 2 latch hook yrs (25?) ago also.
How is your swedish weaving baby blanket coming along? Will you get it done in time?
Must quit for the day...4:45 AM here. Hope all is well w/ you !?!
The only thing about e-mailing is if there is something you would rather not share with anyone else. I have a girlfriend who just happens to be living with someone who my husband just happend to know. She was quite embarrased. You can e-mail me all you want. I just looked at the video from the e-mails that I get from knitting daily.com and oh my I absolutely love the estonia knitting even more. I believe that is why the majority of us knitters have tons of started projects, because we something that catches our eyes and we have to get started on something else that catches your eye. I know once I finish my started projects I have 17 hee hee I will purchase that book and knit away. I have all my started projects together, I know....way to organized huh. I do though they are all together and some are small and one like the cross-stich will take a little longer. I love all my crafts so I look forward to picking up one of my old projects anyways. When I went looking for the book that has my daughters blanket in it, wow I saw all kinds of books I would love to have. (Pretty much any of them)
Wow I sure do appreciate you sending me the baby socks. I will treasure them forever. My aunt who taught me how to cast on knit purl and use a crochet hook to cast off, is the only one who has ever made anything for my babies. I taught my own mother how to crochet and I am the only one she has not made anything for. My siblings have several afghans. She is really funny turned.
I did latch hook when I was in high school and also designed just one small piece i did with an elementary looking pattern of a hibiscus flower. I should have spoke to a counselor and had know that you can actual get paid for crafting. How lucky are the women who are on television and write their own books. Too cool.
My plate is always full, I have to make sure my babies do some kind of activity during the day, yesturday they played with play dough and will probably finger paint today, while I don't know empty the dish washer, sweep and finish bringing in stuff from the garage, I only sit down when I have to so I sure hope I will finish in time. My appointment is tomorrow, so I will be checked again, and we will see. I need to get a bunch of stuff done today so it won't sit waiting on me if I am admited tomorrow.
I think it may be best if we go ahead and e-mail eachother. This way when I get the chance I will send you pictures of the knitted blanket I made my daughter and the one I am weaving, and other stuff.
It is 6:00 a.m. I was really sleepy last night, so I actually had four hours of sleep and didn't even get up to pee. I will look for your response in my inbox.
Take care,
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