So hubby & I took time to preview a kids movie before vacationing to maybe watch with the kids. We sat in the last available seats right as the movie starts on the main floor level where traffic runs (it was that or front row). As the movie (Echo) gets to about 2/3 in a few people lead kids out to the restroom. I notice some of it but am very into the movie by now. A mom & daughter come back & shortly after a worker quickly dusts along the pathway a super fragrant powder towards where they walked. I noticed the smell on his way back and what was on the floor. Obviously the child vomited but must be ok since they are back. I don't know where they sit or if they are going back up behind me or just to the right. Stick with me that's important.
Now the smell was already getting powerful to me. I'm highly sensitive to cleaning products and fragrances but now hubby starts whispering about it bothering him. A splash happens behind me and I'm thinking a drink is spilled. Nope. I look back in the dark. Something has happened so to grab my bag to move, from the side on the floor, in front of me. It's wet. Milky, chunky, wet. I go clean up in the bathroom and thankfully it wasn't much. My bag is washable but purse and knitting things inside are dry. Whew!
People are in the bathroom and I'm thinking out loud. "Why would anyone bring their sick kid to a movie?". A mom heard me and sees me cleaning my bag. The family next to her has the one who got sick and she took her kids to go to the restroom and wash hands. They had been in the row in front of the vomit trail and smelled, felt and heard it all. We mutter about cleaning vomit and I head back in.
Hubby is waiting on me to see if we shall go back in. Now I'm still assuming that the girl behind me was the first girl and her mom is just being terrible by keeping her there. So we decide to try the first row or two and try to catch the end of the movie. I don't see in the dark well and have to rely on hubby to navigate. Stupidly I blaze ahead of him. I barely sit down on the 3rd row from the front and hubby whispers to me, "Come on! We gotta go!". I look at the end of the row and on the floor is a giant spot of puke!! How the heck did I dance around that?! I pass a family with horrible looks on their faces as a grown man is now trying to hold back his own stomach convulsions as we pass by. We run in front of the screen to exit. I look back and see many others jumping up and leaving. I felt like it was dawn of the zombies and we were the main characters...run for your lives!!!!
We made it out with a line of others behind us and crying children to the main ticket booth. The quickly refunded our money and we left.
As we left hubby recounted he thought no less then 7 were affected of what we saw and I dare say others were likely to crop up. The movie wasn't even finished.
We think it was food poisoning and the little ones got it first. It makes me think it was the popcorn or something like that to effect that many people. So next time you decide to go to the movies....ok well...maybe next time stay at home like I will be and watch Netflix.
P.s. We came home and threw clothes and my bag in the wash on sanitize and took showers. My body is reeling just waiting for the boom if we get sick. We both had the pizza and a box candy. Please let it be the popcorn!
Blocking your knitting may sound scary or foreign but the fact is it can make your project sing! It will make the stitches even out and open lace wok and cables nicely.
"Even the professionals block"
There are ways to steam knitting that can kill synthetic yarns but wet blocking is perfect for all types of yarn, is cheap and simple.
The following I had previously blogged on another post for my mitered picot lovey. You can find the original patterns for the layette set at this link (click here) but I wanted to give blocking its own blog. Thanks for reading. Be sure to subscribe and comment below. Thanks! -Kristen
Blocking instructions:
I suggest a wet block approach. This is safe for all types of yarn.
If you have a machine washable fiber you can run it through the wash on gentle then follow pinning instructions below. If a natural fiber or delicate stitches like lace, wash by hand with a recommended mild detergent then follow pinning instructions below.
Washing Instructions:
I prefer washing by hand in my plastic basin with a product called Soak. This detergent is formulated to not need rinsing. Mix with one tsp of detergent to 1 gallon of water. Use spring or filtered tap. Mix up with your hand in a clean sink or basin. Place knitting in and let soak in for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze the water out or place in a dry white towel and roll. Knitting will be damp.
Pinning Instructions:
Need:
Blocking Board(s) or clean kids play-mats
T-pins that are rust-resistant. These are reusable.
Lay knitting on blocking board and pin the corners evenly with 1 pin in each corner. On one side start pinning behind each picot to have a nice straight line. Adjust corner pins as necessary. Repeat for adjacent side and work your way to the corner opposite your first starting pin. Try to match the sizing pinned from the first side. Now skip the adjacent side and go to the side opposite of the 2nd side you pinned. After pinning behind each picot Adjust the criers as needed and complete the last side.
Leave knitting until it is dry. Be sure to place in a well ventilated area with good air circulation.
Happy Knitting!
Want to Guest blog on our site about Knitting, Loom Knitting, Crochet, Yarn, Crafts/Cooking or tell your crafty story? Send us an email to goodknitkisses@gmail.com with the subject line GUEST BLOG and we'll send you more information. Your own blog or site will be linked and you will be named.
Knitting, once associated with only older people used to making their own clothes and embarrassing jumpers made by well-meaning Grandmas, is on the up. Crafts are increasingly popular amongst the young, and sewing and knitting your own clothes in a struggling economy is now not only sensible but also seen as a great way of making your clothes unique to you.
Are you thinking about taking up knitting and are curious to know more? Here are 5 things about knitting you may not have known.
• The number of celebrities that have taken up knitting. There are some celebrities that you might associate with knitting but there is a wide range of glamorous women that look to work their needles. This includes Uma Therman, Debra Messing, Scarlet Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker and supermodel Kate Moss.
• How old knitting is. The earliest examples of knitting have been found in Egypt and include a wide range of items, including indigo blue and white cotton stockings, which have been dated between the 11th and 14th centuries CE.
• How important the kind of yarn you use is to the finished product. Patterns will often come measured in stitches as opposed to being measured by size. This means that the kind of knitting yarns you use could mean the difference between it being fit for purpose or not. Make sure that you choose the weight that they suggest to avoid problems in the future. There are around 6 standard weights; super fine, fine, light, medium, bulky and super bulky.
• How important the needle you use is. This is for the same reason as the kind of yarn you use is important. Bigger needles do bigger stitches. This doesn't mean you need a load of needles, you can just buy them as you need them, or there are a lot of starter kits out there that give you a range of needles in the most commonly used sizes.
• Knitting is for more than just clothes. There are even some people allergic to wool, so if you enjoy knitting this doesn't mean that you have to get used to the idea of wearing wool if you don't want to or sending knitted clothes to anyone you know. There are crafts you can do; household items, decorations etc. These are also good for novices and those that only know a limited number of stitches. They are also good for those looking to learn new stitches.
If you'd like to know more about knitting there are loads of websites and books dedicated to this up and coming craft, so you can make the most of and develop your skills to become a proficient knitter.
(Editor notes by Kristen Mangus. Welcome Kath to our GoodKnit Kisses blog! Kath comes to us from the UK. By the way a jumper mean "sweater" in America if that bit confused anyone. We hope you enjoyed her and check our her regular blog site by clicking her name.)
What are your thoughts on Knitting? Tell us your knitting experiences!
Comment below, share and subscribe. Much knitty love to you!
If you'd like to guest blog please email Kristen at kristen@goodknitkisses.com.
Serious inquiries only. This is not our help desk email. Please visit our Facebook Page.
Swatch and Cast On Calculator for Knitting (needles or loom)
Swatching for Gauge. Three words we don't like to hear.
Have you read or heard that you need to make a swatch? Or check your gauge?
Don't be scared.
Yes, you will need to knit up a swatch in the yarn you intend to use with the tool (needle or loom) you intend for your project in the main stitch, but to find your gauge from there takes a few simple calculations. If you simply want to find how many stitches you need for a panel, or even a small section to make a feature in your knitting (say a special stitch or even a 6" bound off slit for a strap to fit through), you will need to know how many stitches to work, bind off or even cast on.
Below you will find help for that as well as how many rows to get the desired length! If you have the "stitches per inch" or "rows per inch" from an existing pattern, you can compare those numbers to your numbers and calculate the difference you need. Then add or subtract stitches to achieve the same sizing or also the same as "obtain(ing) gauge".
Let's get started! Use the notes and illustrations below to measure your swatch and calculate. The first examples contain numbers to help you practice. We encourage you to use the formula spelled out at the bottom, along with the example numbers in the example figures, to test our answers. Below the examples are cleared out boxes for you to use for your own swatch measurements.
Please note that directions below are written for our Phone and Tablet app. We thought best to provide a blog to help others with what we already had. If you would like to download and use the app for your convenience please click here. It is a free iOS app. At the bottom of this post is a video showing how to use the app and this calculator. Should you not have an iOS device you are welcome to print this blog for personal use to use as a guide. It would also be a nice paper to keep as a reference for your projects or a swatch reference for your tools (needles and looms). We would recommend writing at the top the yarn, tool, stitch and project for your reference. Note that gauge can change slightly with your own mood and tension as well as from yarn to yarn even on the same tools.
**(A note for our metric friendly international users. The calculations will work the same, just change inches to suit your needs. Its the ratio that's important).**
For the Cast-On Calculations:
First make a swatch using the selected project yarn of about 5 inches by 5 inches or 6x6. In making the swatch use the same needles or loom that you intend to use in making the project.
Then measure about a 4 inch by 4 inch area on the swatch. A smaller size measurement may be made. However, the estimate provided by the calculator will be more accurate as the measured area increases.
Enter in the number of stitches counted in the measurement. Then enter the width measured when you counted the stitches.
Now for first project requirement entry:
Enter the desired width or circumference of your project and for the calculated estimate press: 'Stitches to Cast-On ->'. If width is a circumference for a snug fit, an adjustment to the number to enter may be needed. For example, for socks measure arround the widest part of foot snugly and substract 1/2 inch then enter this for the desired width.
Cast-On Formula used:
Swatch is S stitches and measures W wide. The stitches per inch is S/W and desired width is dW. The Stitches to Cast-On = (dW x S/W).
Now for the Rows Calculations:
Measure the swatch number of rows and enter the number of rows and the measured length. Then enter the desired length of project and press 'Rows needed are->'.
Formula for rows needed = (dL x R/L) where dL is desired length, R is number of measured rows and L is length measured.
For an electronic/ usable version of this calculator please download the iOS device only app GoodKnit. We apologize for any inconvenience if you do not own one of these devices. For personal use only, We (GoodKnit Kisses) give permission to print out these directions in whole. Please do not make multiple copies to distribute. Downloadable PDF copies can be made available upon request by GoodKnit Kisses for large groups or individuals if needed. Please submit request to goodknitkisses@gmail.com with the Subject line "PDFGauge Calculator".
DISCLOSURE:
Calculations are an estimate of your desired project results. GoodKnitKisses and Sagafuse will not be held responsible for any losses occurred using this application.
Triangle design shawl using wedge technique inspired by Hexagon blanket by Charity Windham. Charity and I talked about combining her wedge and my picots for a frilly garter ridge reversible shawl. This shawl is a generous size for larger sizes up to 76" wide from end to end! Cast on Edge is 53" and can be made smaller for smaller sizing needs.
Stitch gauge: 4 sts per inch x 8 rows per inch in garter stitch
Loom: 7/16" gauge loom to be single knit with at least 168 pegs. Loom used in sample Knitting Board 28" with peg extenders.
Alternate loom(s): Kiss Looms can adjust to appropriate guage. Be sure to swatch. Use Kiss Fine Gauge Fixed 2; set up with two 83 peg long sides and two 7 peg ends. Use 165 pegs (loom will be 180 pegs). For Martha Stewart (MS loom) use two kits; set up with four 36 peg straights, two 12 peg medium straights, and four 6 peg corners with pegs in all holes for 3/8" gauge. Cast on 189 pegs (192 pegs on loom).
Yarn: 800 yards medium weight (4) Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable color Petunia. 3 balls used in sample. 9.85 oz/280 grams finished weight.
Cast on: Picot CO 165 pegs. (starting on left working to right if right handed, Place removable Stich Marker on peg 1) http://youtu.be/MdtQZm9wUE0
Row 1: SL 1, P to marker (all odd rows will repeat this way.)
Row 2: HS 1 at marked peg & move marker 1 peg to right (do NOT work HS st), EW to peg 165, Cable CO 3, BO 3 to form picot (See notes below on details for Cable CO and BO). I like to have 3 st markers on pegs 166-168 to show where picots need to be added on even numbered rows. For less picots on edging only, add picots every 4th row. As the pattern reads, this edge will be fuller than the cast on picots to give it a ruffled look when draped.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until last HS is at peg 164 & ending on row Row 2. This row will be HS 1, EW 1.
Begin Picot Bind Off*.
*This is an alternate to my standard picot bind off just for this pattern.
**Cable CO 3, BO 4 (** rep between **,** til one st left on loom, EW 1 cut tail and pull through) See video at minute 21:14; it should start there. http://youtu.be/xicPyxHNVmQ?t=21m14s
Weave in both tails into project. If using color changing yarn be sure to weave like colored tails to closest color.
Blocking may be needed due to tension and eveness of such a large project. Do NOT steam block acrylic or it will "kill" it! Block with a light washing and let dry pinned on blocking board if needed. See bottom of pattern on Mitered Square Lovey for wet blocking instructions. http://goodknitkisses.blogspot.com/2013/07/mitered-square-picot-lovey-free-pattern.html
Notes on HS
Unlike an EW (where the working yarn is wrapped from the back between the next peg and around the front of the desired stitch/peg to the back) the HS wraps to the front between the previous peg to the front of the desired stitch/peg then between the next stich (peg).
Non-Picot shawl option: Cable Cast on 165 stitches and continue in main pattern. Do not add edge picots. Bind off in Stretchy Bind or a very loose Basic Bind off using the E-wrap stitch for knit stitches. Do not pull tight.
Happy Looming!!
Kristen
Copyright 2013, 2014 GoodKnit Kisses, Kristen Mangus. Pattern is for personal use only. Do not reproduce pattern in part or whole as written. Items may be made for personal use. Contact Kristen Mangus if you are a crafter selling individually and Kristen will give permission. kristen@goodknitkisses.com
Hello everyone! This month is a Facebook Loom Along for the Picot Layette set.
Loom knit the whole set or just what you need. The Set: A Picot Lovey (mitered square with picot optional add-on edge), Picot Booties, and a Picot Bonnet.
The set is girl centered but there are alternate to tweak for a boy or more unisex.
These patterns are written out in separate blogs and have a few video references. There are no full video loom alongs at this point. I'm finding my full time job and home life has hindered making one. However, I challenge you to stretch yourself if you find you rely on full loom along videos too much. The technique visas help demonstrate the techniques spelled out in the patterns. This blog is a quick reference to all of the patterns in the layette set.
The set was conceived by me and I partnered together with Charity, to design a mitered square that will work well for you. You can actually do this on any loom and with more stitches. This particular pattern was created to go with my Picot Layette set and was inspired by the new sock loom 2 from Authentic Knitting Board. I was privileged to get an advance preview of the loom and got so excited that I created 3 new patterns.
If you are familiar with Charity Windham's Hexagon baby blanket you will be able to make the mitered square in no time. The video for the Hexagon will help you understand the principle
Here are the pattern links below. I might create PDFs individually on Ravelry for convenience to have on your mobile device or to print off for personal use. Enjoy!
Flat knit 3 rows (6)
Fig-8 12 (20) rows
K2, p2 rep 6 (15) rows
Picot bind off* http://youtu.be/qWkTu8T8KeM
**Cable CO 2, BO 4 (** rep between **,** til one st left on loom, cut tail and pull through)
Weave in tail
Pull drawstring at cast-on, leaving an opening eyelet, and tie off with a knot. Weave in tail.
Make 1 tie off cord. Chain 40 (40 to desire length). Before pulling through last loop place crochet hook on between 1st and second stitch between last figure 8 row and ribbing rows. Slip stitch through and pull through to knot. Tie on one more knot to secure. Weave in tail into bonnet. Weave in tail at beginning of cord. Repeat to make a second cord on opposite side.
ALTERNATE Pattern (Derivative work):
Picot Hat or Slouchy (With our without picot)
Cast on in stitch count above (or desired size) but connect in the round in drawstring cast on. Continue knitting pattern above in the round until desired length. Bind off as above for picot edge or use stretchy bind off. Enjoy!
Loom- 3/8" gauge adjustable loom. KnittingBoard Sock Loom 2 used in sample. (AllnOne adjustable loom is also recommended)
Yarn: Worsted weight. Lion Brand Unforgettable color Petunia used in sample. Less than 1 skein.
K - Knit
P - Purl
FK - Flat Knit
Dcr - Decrease
St(s) - Stitch(es)
Picot CO 24 stitches in the round. Watch this video, after last peg in round knit peg 1 to connect. Row 1 will new start on peg one although it was just worked. Loom Knit Cast On: Picot Cast On http://youtu.be/MdtQZm9wUE0
Heel section: short rows on 12 pegs. Wrap 2/3 of the 12 using short row technique. (Use standard short row technique used for heels & toes) see video if you need help http://youtu.be/5e3J0fuYz-U PART 1 http://youtu.be/HDCtTqjDDPE PART 2
Row 3: FK
repeat row 3 until bootie measures 3 1/4" in length from back of heel.
Toe: Use Heel technique again then close with Kitchener stitch, Russian grafting or use decrease & drawstring method below.
Decrease by 4 stitches; adjust loom down as you go. It is suggested to place yarn on scrap yarn and adjust loom down, then place stitches back on and double peg that will decrease.
FK 1 row
Dcr by 4 sts; adjust loom
FK 1 row
Dcr by 4 sts; adjust loom
FK 1 row
Drawstring bind off
Weave in tails.
Which type of pattern do you prefer? Do you like a written out pattern or one that is fully photo or fully video? I think there is a happy medium.
Personally, written patterns with graphs or diagrams and/or a few progress photos are my preference. BUT I do like links to technique videos for those harder skills. These make it easier for people to dive into more intricate skills, especially if they don't have access to someone local to teach them on something they might otherwise pass up.
Of course for GoodKnit Kisses I do this in all of my patterns, but I also make some patterns full video tutorials as well. Even though the pattern is video I'm making an effort now to put the pattern on Ravelry or a digital store like Vivaloom.com or Etsy. In doing this I hope my video heavy audience will make the effort to leap into patterns for themselves.
Since teaching on YouTube, obviously video works for myself and my audience. I find that we dismiss, as a whole, the auditory learner. I understand there is a discussion on Ravelry right now and some circles to dissuade and bad mouth videos in general. I have not read these discussions or been dragged into any (only told by a few there are these discussions happening). Honestly I don't feel the need to go into forums and justify what I do. It's not for everyone. However, some need to put auditory and visual moving cues together to tactically become aware of how to manipulate stitches. Many around the world do not have access locally or even regionally to a person or place to teach them advanced skills. Photos and videos do assist well for those people.
For me starting out I had no idea where to go. My Local Yarn Store (LYS) that was still in business at the time was extremely rude to me when calling because I was loom knitting. When searching for information on loom knitting I really didn't know what to search for. All I knew was to search for the brand I was using. At the time I wasn't proficient at all how to use Google to my advantage and search for things. My life in Interior Design and Commercial design, then floor covering, was completely unrelated. No one near me had a clue and even craft stores at the time looked strangely at me. At the time it was random to get a YouTube or any video to appear in search results. Happily, a video popped up and I devoured watching it. It was terribly done but really helped me. I started clicking on and watching the few I could find. As I learned terms and resources I gobbled up what I could but had this desire to help others who may need help like me. You see, I also had a memory issue.
Back in 1995 I sustained a head injury which caused memory issues ever since. Retaining skills and translating things from books into tactile knowledge and working the stitches over and over required more than repetition. It caused a real NEED to see it over and over again. There was no one to help me. I would work on converting needle stitches over and figure it out but the next day would completely forget what I did or what the notes I had written meant. I started making videos to help myself and putting them online. Knitting was becoming a therapy not only for my memory but was also helping me with post-partum. I took it up after being inspired when reconnecting with an old friend on Facebook now living in another state. She was knitting with needles but I had carpel tunnel and so the loom worked well for me then. Feeling worse then the "baby-blues", I took up arms strong in the knowledge I was crafty and smart. "I can do all things!", I said to quote a popular scripture (Philippians 4:13).
I could talk all day about how I've progressed through the years and learned and even gained healing in many areas but its strays too far from the point in this article. My point is, videos help people of all backgrounds and strengths. SO when you go forward, think about what makes you uniquely you. Think about how others may need to learn different because they are special in a different way as you are. However, if you are someone like me who really does need that movement of video and audio working harmoniously…would you take the time to save the pattern, read through it and make an effort to learn? Challenge yourself to new heights and even find more difficult things to learn. You may discover a new part about yourself and LOVE it! Besides, there will always be a community of people along the way who understand and can encourage you.
Much love to you all this Valentine's week. Please comment below and let me low your story. It is in sharing our own lives that we enrich others and even heal!
Hello double knitting & Knitting Board enthusiasts! Back in the summer of 2013 I tested double knitting on the new Knitting Board Super Afghan loom (11/16" gauge and 198 pegs) and talked a little about it in my review. Many have asked how to set this up. Here it is written out for set up. I suggest marking skipped pegs with a piece of tape in front, use a small stitch marker, OR paint the top tip of the peg (some people use nail polish as it comes off when needed). On the inside curves you WILL NOT skip pegs. With this method you will get double knitting for 77 pegs wide. The gap between is rather large for gauge so be sure to use multiple strands, a bulky or super bulky yarn. The stitches you use will also determine the size of your gauge as well as usual. See notes below. Sk1 means skip 1 peg. K3 means you will work that number of pegs after setting up but still working from front board to back board. a set means you will repeat that pattern for listed amount of times:
Skip marked starter and 4 end pegs on right (total so 3 plus starter= see photo).
On outside edge k2 sk1 for 6 sets
Then k3 sk1
Then k2 sk1 4 sets
Then k3 sk 1
Then k2 sk 1 5 sets
Stop marking and go to opposite end. Mirror side 1 of S; after marking continue to wrap all pegs unless marked to skip. When wrapping you wrap the front peg and the one on the opposite board. No unmarked pegs should go empty. I suggest using a Bulky or Super Bulky weight only. For the Bulky it needs to be on the heavier side or you may need to double up on strands.
Below is a photo marking all the pegs with a black permanent marker.
I hope that helps you in your double knitting venture!
Make a super quick cowl with your hand & fabulous yarn in less than 20 minutes! Red Heart Boutique has a new yarn called Dash. It is a knit tube (also called an I-cord). Save time for a quick handmade gift for you or a friend with this gorgeous yarn.
Yarn in video: 1 hank 3929 Mountain (the earth tones)
Yarn in photo: 1 hank 3944 Meadow (the green tones)
Yarn on my mom: 1 hank 3939 Twilight (blues/purples - Makes me think of Twilight Sparkle, LOL)
OR make your own finger knit tube out of a Red Heart Yarn, like Treasure, and you'll have something stunning! Here is my video on how to finger knit http://youtu.be/NulgNzKp1LY
I'm more of a beginner crochet person, in this video, and can do this easily. The foundation row is a bit funny when starting, but once you get the hang of it you will be flying! Have fun.
Yarn Slang explained (skein, ball, hank, cake), How to use a Yarn Swift and Ball Winder, and How to calculate yards used on a knit or crochet project.
What is a skein of yarn?
What is a center pull ball?
What is an LYS?
What is a hank?
What is a yarn cake?
What is a Yarn Swift and how do I use one?
What is a Yarn Ball Winder and how to I use one?
How to figure out how much yarn I need or know how many yards are left?
How can I use a gram or postal scale to determine yards of yarn?
http://youtu.be/H8GCve7Vm8Q
All these questions compacted into this class less than 15 minutes. Sit back, watch and share. If you like what you see please subscribe!
Happy Crafting!!
Kristen Mangus
Copyright 2014 GoodKnit Kisses
Website Http://www.goodknitkisses.com
GKK YouTube Http://www.youtube.com/GoodknitKisses
Blog Http://goodknitkisses.blogspot.com
Http://www.facebook.com/groups/LoomKnitClub
Patterns for sale:
Cowl-lick Knitwear a miniponcho Triangle Cowl http://etsy.me/127HQh9
Chic Retreat Cowl http://t.co/D05voukj
Striped Afghan on S loom http://ow.ly/fQveA
Slouchy Newsboy Hat (with alternate for no slouch) http://ow.ly/fQwgj
Twisted Keyhole Scarflette or Scarf Double Knit (unisex all ages) http://ow.ly/fQwNB
Mossy Earflap Hat (specify for infant or toddler) http://ow.ly/fQxjN
Ribbed Banded Beanie with 4 point flower top (EASY) http://ow.ly/fQxGA
Here is a playlist with tons of videos to take you through techniques, tips, stitches and even projects as you learn. Bookmark and share. Be sure to subscribe and stay in stitches! :-)
