tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post2798998109734198060..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Winter knittingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54024645547267693372020-01-09T13:50:31.895+10:002020-01-09T13:50:31.895+10:00Currently I am knitting my third pair of plain van...Currently I am knitting my third pair of plain vanilla socks. I'm enjoying it immensely.<br />Laura Lane<br />Carthage, Missouri, USA<br /><br />P.S. Praying for your countryMrs. Laura Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17334381585683324912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55087718316538536752014-06-27T04:28:05.427+10:002014-06-27T04:28:05.427+10:00I feel the same way about knitting and I love to g...I feel the same way about knitting and I love to give away knit or crochet gifts (always small projects). I am teaching my grandgirls how to knit. The five year old is knitting a prayer shawl with double yarn on big needles, she knits only one row then is done till next time. She is doing very well and knows when to do her yarn over pattern. I love sitting with them as they learn!simply livinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15318689844578507680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47302403368846476852014-06-25T07:04:17.820+10:002014-06-25T07:04:17.820+10:00I usually have a few projects on the go at once. ...I usually have a few projects on the go at once. At least one has to be portable so I can take it with me when I go out and about with the children. I am currently knitting a shawl for a friend and a tee for myself. I am in the process of teaching my son to knit he is making a scarf for himself.sustainablemumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04099701194160334671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79794293215172475802014-06-22T01:34:24.442+10:002014-06-22T01:34:24.442+10:00Hi Rhonda, your post makes me want to start knitti...Hi Rhonda, your post makes me want to start knitting again, I have such fond memories of being a child and my mum teaching me how to knit. I was never very good though and never finished a project. My mum is currently knitting me a beanie for my first baby arriving in September. She has also passed down to me a knitted baby cardigan and some knitted baby blankets that my grandma made for my twin brother and I. My grandma lived in Canada and she would always send down jumpers and slippers she had knitted for us kids for Christmas, in fact I am wearing a pair of those slippers right now. Handmade things just mean so much more than cheap throwaway fashion and last so much longer too.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12843756666125558963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76318508118413691802014-06-20T01:32:16.367+10:002014-06-20T01:32:16.367+10:00I am such a slow knitter it takes ages just to do ...I am such a slow knitter it takes ages just to do dishcloths or slippers for winter. I cannot concentrate on anything whilst knitting else I go wrong. When my son was a baby (the only time I knitted for him as Nana was a very quick knitter), I had to knit 3 months in advance to stand a chance of finishing!Dchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02490191919855219024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38422141163311249142014-06-19T21:43:59.468+10:002014-06-19T21:43:59.468+10:00A little bit of knitting here and there really get...A little bit of knitting here and there really gets me through my long days as a stay at home mum. Often I feel like I am a cat chasing it's tail so the short break is so welcomed and gives me a creative outlet. I also prefer bamboo needles. What is japanese needles?Zenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16373747863822737468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66026972941221110332014-06-19T19:33:07.711+10:002014-06-19T19:33:07.711+10:00I have a wool jersey and a couple of dishcloths on...I have a wool jersey and a couple of dishcloths on the go. It has been too hot to knit wool lately so l have been enjoying the soft cotton of the dishcloths. Come Autumn l will bring out the wool again. Don't know what l would do without a bag of knitting in close proximity :-) PamWinkel's Crazy Ideashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17934679165455175289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68030627435359720932014-06-19T18:54:30.614+10:002014-06-19T18:54:30.614+10:00Your hanks of yarn bought back memories of when my...Your hanks of yarn bought back memories of when my Mum and I used to wind them into balls, she with the hank strung out over her hands and me winding. Most yarn comes ready wound into balls today and I miss that part of the kitting experience.<br />Briony<br />xcrafty cat cornerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06251582085392890533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39946369108969777032014-06-19T18:38:34.762+10:002014-06-19T18:38:34.762+10:00I've heard a story about a lady with dementia ...I've heard a story about a lady with dementia who stated she was not interested in knitting then someone gave her some needles and wool and she hasn't stopped... I guess it just came back naturally for her....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05470302888634102707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48328685635724883562014-06-19T18:29:18.127+10:002014-06-19T18:29:18.127+10:00I love to knit, but really struggle with tension a...I love to knit, but really struggle with tension and thus sizing, but I have managed to knit socks, gloves and a few jumpers. I agree, there is something so relaxing about knitting (when it goes right, that is, lol!).Jakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01208269163297762265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73723075521697308402014-06-19T18:15:36.996+10:002014-06-19T18:15:36.996+10:00I bought bamboo crochet hooks to use on a long-hau...I bought bamboo crochet hooks to use on a long-haul flight as my metal ones were confiscated on a previous flight (a possible offensive weapon!), but found they gave me blisters. I would recommend the Clover hooks with the ergonomically designed handles as the best ones I've ever used.Jakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01208269163297762265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87373025116885690772014-06-19T17:41:31.636+10:002014-06-19T17:41:31.636+10:00Lovely post as always I must admit I am hit and mi...Lovely post as always I must admit I am hit and miss with knitting would love to get better at my husband brought one of those kits to try and get me to make a bed spread have not even touched it as yet may be one day have a blessing of a day LINDA'Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322944728491268995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36799146637460087692014-06-19T14:38:06.216+10:002014-06-19T14:38:06.216+10:00Greetings from malaysia! Knitting yarns here are e...Greetings from malaysia! Knitting yarns here are expensive.wonder wether its frugal to knit here..hmmmmmmcrochetingdentisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06451534726629171075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8477031098973202842014-06-19T13:52:50.735+10:002014-06-19T13:52:50.735+10:00As usual I usually have about three things on the ...As usual I usually have about three things on the needles. Dishcloths for their ease and portability, a small baby garment and something a little more involved. At the moment some fingerless gloves knitted in the round and a very simple baby cardigan knitted in one piece.purplepearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599216333749480560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59980746186879775372014-06-19T13:06:23.733+10:002014-06-19T13:06:23.733+10:00I enjoyed reading about your knitting, Rhonda Jean...I enjoyed reading about your knitting, Rhonda Jean! I started up again last year after nearly forty years without knitting. I made eight scarves and then tried to make a small afghan. I had never tried a circular needle before, and a couple of feet in, I got lost and knitted it together. Now I have a gigantic pile of yarn in a big box because I couldn't get all the stitches picked up and going again. But it is so relaxing, so maybe I'll tackle that daunting pile!Fundy Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02132147630106183853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81937412372348570382014-06-19T12:09:07.204+10:002014-06-19T12:09:07.204+10:00I often find it hard to sit still in front of the ...I often find it hard to sit still in front of the telly in the evenings (I like to watch the cooking shows) and end up with my laptop sitting in my lap doing two things at once (naughty, naughty!). I used to sit and knit/crochet so I need to get back into that habit. Keeping my hands busy calms my mind. I find repetitive activities, such as swimming laps and reading, to be very meditative as well. Activities like this are called 'flow activities'. They are fantastic for mental health as they require concentration (you get lost in the 'flow) and you can see your progress providing a sense of achievement. Will be digging out my knitting needles (with the half finished dishcloth still on them!) tonight :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48309846038074285252014-06-19T11:54:52.464+10:002014-06-19T11:54:52.464+10:00Thank you so much Rhonda. xoThank you so much Rhonda. xoJulie Maloney Handmadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529876368067739360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83514838497869870762014-06-19T10:16:31.670+10:002014-06-19T10:16:31.670+10:00I bought a bamboo crochet hook when I was in the B...I bought a bamboo crochet hook when I was in the Blue Mountains (House of Wool, Blackheath) last time and it feels great in my hand. Although I don't do a lot of crochet, I would use bamboo over any of the metal hooks.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79458691303943915942014-06-19T10:12:24.485+10:002014-06-19T10:12:24.485+10:00Julie, there is no pattern I just made it up as I ...Julie, there is no pattern I just made it up as I went.Traditionally these shawls where criss-crossed over the bust and tied at the back so the shawl could be worn when working without it getting in the way. You decide how long you want it. Just cast on two stitches, then knit one row. On every second row, increase one by knitting front and back. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sX-YkOXBtE<br />Note that in the video, she's increase at both ends. On the shawl, you'll only do it at the beginning of every second row. Then you'll have one side curves and one side straight.<br />Keep knitting like that until you want to knit that straight bit at the back. Measure it on yourself and when it feels right over your shoulder, stop increasing and knit straight plain until it covers your back. Measure it on yourself and when it's right, start decreasing by knitting two stitches together at the end of every second row. Mine took two skeins - 4 balls of cotton. Good luck!rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25842996611394642642014-06-19T10:06:45.419+10:002014-06-19T10:06:45.419+10:00Japan is very craft-friendly in a lot of ways. The...Japan is very craft-friendly in a lot of ways. There are so many reasonably-priced books and basic materials available, that it's easy to try different things and find out what you'd like. I just have the trouble that my Australian exhibitionism finds the modesty of Japanese patterns a little too concealing....<br /><br />I'm stocking up on every size of crochet hook I can before we head back to Australia next month, even though I've never learned to crochet! Would you recommend bamboo for this as well?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7615521379891688652014-06-19T10:00:25.949+10:002014-06-19T10:00:25.949+10:00I was given all the vintage needles and wool that ...I was given all the vintage needles and wool that belonged to the 85 year old mother of a friend. She didn't have dementia but she couldn't concentrate on her knitting. Maybe you could start your mum off on some simple projects like dishcloths that don't require a pattern.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71057710064515486212014-06-19T09:32:34.905+10:002014-06-19T09:32:34.905+10:00I've just finished a man's vest (haven'...I've just finished a man's vest (haven't quite got up the courage to knit a man's jumper yet - they are so big!), and am looking around for my next project. I'm very excited, though, because I have just come back from my Mum's with her entire stash of wool - 5 large plastic containers of it - yippee!!! So many possibilities, so little time.<br /><br />Mum sadly has early stages of dementia and hasn't knitted for quite some time. I'm wondering, though, if knitting might be a good thing for her, to keep her occupied and not dwelling on her fading memory?Just Joyfulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02404359368224055713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40812679651066238882014-06-19T09:30:54.066+10:002014-06-19T09:30:54.066+10:00Rhonda, just wondering do you have a pattern for t...Rhonda, just wondering do you have a pattern for the shawl? I love it. Will you tie it at the front or use something to hold it together? I am currently knitting squares with different patterns that I'll sew together to make a blanket. I'm loving knitting the different patterns and different colours, it keeps it interesting. The perfect winter activity. Enjoy xoJulie Maloney Handmadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529876368067739360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67980198060600077412014-06-19T09:23:20.392+10:002014-06-19T09:23:20.392+10:00Do you know Rhonda I tend not to sit down to just ...Do you know Rhonda I tend not to sit down to just knit, I'm always doing something else, talking to someone or occasionally watching recorded TV. I do knit a lot but not alone, this post gives me something to think about.<br /><br />Your shawl is lovely, I love the dusty pink.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45345850775361364812014-06-19T09:22:39.314+10:002014-06-19T09:22:39.314+10:00I had to smile at your different fingerless gloves...I had to smile at your different fingerless gloves as I am knitting them for the grandchildren & I suddenly realised I had made 2 right for my grandson! Now I will have to make 2 left, anyway I will have an extra pair to give to charity as he won't want 2 pairs the same colour.MaryJohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00984014391338253732noreply@blogger.com