Knitting Gloves - Try Your Hand At It
I started feeling like I wasn’t progressing my knitting skills and challenges at a rate equal to my 5 years of knitting time - no real sweaters, no socks - and in my mind, those are like knitting staples. I tried to find a sweater I could commit to, with no luck. I researched sock books and found some that looked promising, only to realize I don’t even wear socks all that much and wasn’t all that interested yet anyway. Then I found Knitting New Mittens and Gloves by Robin Melanson and found the answer: gloves!
Having never made gloves before, I thought I’d start it simple: fingerless gloves. Never sure if I actually like their fashion statement, but they sure are quick and simple to knit up. I started with the Filligree pattern, and made the short ones. I also learned the “Magic Loop” method of knitting, explained in my post below. I love my double-points still, but this method is quite catchy. It’s also a little pricey to invest in, so I won’t have my full set just yet, but I have sizes 2, 3, 5, and 6 to keep me busy for now.
Made with: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Taupe, on size 5 Knit Picks Harmony 40″ needles. I made mine with 1 extra pattern repeat for a little added length, a decision I think I regret now but oh well. The hardest part is adding the blanket stitch around the thumb opening - not fun at all! I’m on my second pair now (still have more of the yarn to use up!) I’m making them for my friend Lauren, in the shortened version. Here they are on the long circ:
Almost done with the second glove - hope she likes them as much as I do!
Up next: full gloves! I’m using the Strata glove pattern in the same book, which involves 6 gloves in all: regular gloves, short-fingered gloves, and fingerless gloves, with the intention of being able to layer them. I’ll keep you posted!
Magic Loop Knitting
Time to set aside the double pointed needles for a while and give something else a try: the so-called “Magic Loop”! Have to say - I do love it! It took some getting used to, but I’m getting there. I like the idea of it for sure, especially from a portability stand point. I love my DPNs, but they really are a hassle to travel with - the magic loop doesn’t have that problem! And the best feature I still have yet to figure out, but you can make 2-at-a-time projects (ie: socks, gloves, mittens) which banishes the so-called “second sock syndrome.” By making both the left and right at the same time, you finish them both together and will end up with matching lengths! Genius, albeit a bit confusing with 2 balls of yarn going on 2 separate pieces. I’ll get there.
To do the magic loop, you will need one long circular needle in the size for your project. I went with purchasing 40″ size 2 and 3 Knit Picks Harmony Wood needles, as well as a 40″ cable and sizes 5 and 6 Harmony tips. I am very happy with these needles, and can’t wait to buy the whole set! They have really great grip on slippery yarn and I always love wood needles. They are a bit pricey, but a whole lot cheaper than Addi turbos or other similar 40″ circs. The following video got me started, so take a look!
Continental Scarf - Learn it too!
So many months ago, I posted a video about learning how to knit and purl in the “continental” method, or picking, as opposed to the “American” or throwing method. Apparently I watched the first couple minutes of the video, thought it was interesting enough to put on my blog, and then lost interest in the subject. Well I was recently inspired to learn for real - and that video is so helpful!
The background: Over 3 years ago, about a year after learning to knit, I was in Lake Tahoe with my family for Christmas. While there we discovered 3 Dog Knit, a yarn shop, and loaded up with some supplies for the cold winter nights. My stepmom bought me this beautiful chocolate brown, super soft yarn. I couldn’t wait to make it into a scarf! But everytime I tried to work with it, something wasn’t right - the needles, the width, the stitch. I just loved that yarn too much. It had to be perfect. I finally settled on a width and decided to make it using seed stitch, to even out the bumpy texture of the yarn.
The problem? I HATE actually doing seed stitch. So for the past 3 years, this project has been on my needles. I’d do about a row or two, and want to put it away. Needless to say, the scarf wasn’t getting any closer to being done at that rate. I wanted to start new things, but felt guilty with this stunning yarn going to waste in the drawer. It was time to take it on for real.
The solution? Continental! With the continental or picking method, this scarf flew by in one day! I went from less than half a scarf in 3 years, to a completed scarf in one (long) determined night. But it’s done!
Yarn: Gedifra Serano on size 13 needles.
C’est magnifique! It is beyond cuddly…too bad summer is around the corner, but now I know it will be waiting to cuddle me come fall. The picture doesn’t do the lovely chocolate goodness justice. Perseverance, and continental, paid off! It only took a few rows to feel comfortable with switching knit and purls in this method, and so much less fuss than throwing.