October 03, 2008
New Sock Loom on the Market!
On a day I feel unrepresented, it’s nice to see that DA Looms always represents what I want as a loom knitter to improve my craft!
After much trial and error, they have come out with a new sock loom that is worthy of great notice!
The wonder sock loom:
I have a mini wonder loom, and it has been my go to loom for some time now. Small and portable enough to toss in my purse, makes as convenient as needles! This new sock loom looks like it will be just as good!!
I think… I am going to have to get myself one!
Posted by DeniseL at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2008
Yarncraft Podcast about Loom Knitting!
If you haven’t listened to any of the new Lion Brand Podcasts yet well this is the week to start. This week’s Yarncraft Podcast is all about loom knitting! Stop on over and give it a listen!!
Posted by DeniseL at 07:27 PM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2008
Another New Looming Book!
Ok.. I am a bit bias on this one as I have three designs in it, but it looks good! I can't wait to see the other designs in it as I have been working with these ladies for quite some time. Isela Phelps had done a terrific job gathering us all together and putting together a great volume of loom knits!
Look for it at a store near you!! Should be on shelves starting May 13th
Posted by DeniseL at 11:43 AM | Comments (1)
March 19, 2008
A new loom book in town!
A new book for loom knitters is out, Learn To Knit Cables on Circle Looms by Isela Phelps.
I know the author personally and have worked with her for a few years on different projects and I can tell you she does good work!
The book has excellent instructions for making various cables on knitting looms. It also includes some basic stitches and anything you need to know to create the 9 project in the book!
The projects range from fingerless mitts (a great one to get your feet wet with) up to the stunning cabled afghan seen on the cover!
The book should be available soon at your local craft store and it is always available through online sellers.
Posted by DeniseL at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
December 10, 2007
Vintage Knitting Board
I recently found this cute little knitting board. I reckon it is from the 40's, judging by the information I can find about the company, and the look of the box.
It would make a nice little scarf board I think!
Then again.. the directions give all sorts of ideas about neat things to make.. I will have to try a few and pass on the results!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)
Vintage Knitting Board
I recently found this cute little knitting board. I reckon it is from the 40's, judging by the information I can find about the company, and the look of the box.
It would make a nice little scarf board I think!
Then again.. the directions give all sorts of ideas about neat things to make.. I will have to try a few and pass on the results!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2007
Cables on the loom.. you betcha!
Yes cables are quite possible on the knitting loom! And Isela Phepls makes them easy! She has written a book all about calbes on the looms and it will be out very soon!
So look for this booklet at a craft store near you very soon!! And if you are looking for a present for your favourite loomer.. this is it! Look no further!!
Posted by DeniseL at 10:20 AM | Comments (2)
October 27, 2007
A Surprise at Rhinebeck!
I had an enjoyable time at the NY Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck NY over the weekend! I found only one vendor who carried knitting looms, which was the case last year.
This year I went into the little historical museum they have on the fairgrounds and I was pleasantly surprised!
Pretty cool eh? They have the museum broken up into little rooms, each with a focus and these knitting looms were in the 'clothing making' section of the museum. I really should have plunked one of my business cards down, to see if the person who made the display would contact me.. but I didn't so I might have to do some research!
All in all a nice little boost for loom knitters, wouldn't you say?
Posted by DeniseL at 09:51 AM | Comments (1)
July 02, 2007
Board Knit socks!
I have been on vacation up in Upper state New York and while I was there I got some time to just play around with some ideas.
One of them is a double knit 'sock' on the knitting board.
I took along my little inch knitting board from Authentic Knitting Board Company and had a good old time with it! The yarn is some handspun a friend gave me.. but I really want to try this out with some wool ease or even some cotton ease to make some shorty summer house socks. Right now I am calling the wool one my Catskills Cottage Sock! It was quick and easy and after a little tweaking I will post a how to.
Sorry to be silent lately. My hubby has tempted me with some program that will make it easier for me to blog, but he has been a bit distracted so I am still waiting.. once I get the hang of it I will be posting more!
Oh BTW the larger knitting board is available in the Lion Brand Catalog.. you can check it out here
Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by DeniseL at 02:26 PM | Comments (1)
May 27, 2007
A Finished object.
Well I finished this wrap made with Romance yarn. 
It is knit on needles, I am sure one could make it on a loom but it would have to be a large one! I have started another project on my looms with Homespun. The color seems to change when it is knit up from what it looks like on the skein. On the skein it is more purple, when it is knit up the reds show! So it is quite interesting. Both yarns work up really nicely on the looms, I tried the Romance out on it prior to working it up on the needles.
More later! I had a request for directions on how to use the flower looms, I have played around with them a bit and I will try to get a tutorial up soon!
Posted by DeniseL at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2007
Bored Knitting? NEVER!
I have tried to make a few entries lately but I had a little trouble getting them to post so they dissapeared on me! I am back to try again! I taught some classes at A Knitter's Fantasy this weekend. It's a great one day annual event here in North East Ohio. It was great fun!
So you already have my basic how to's for the knitting loom, now I will take you through the basics of the knitting board! Who knows what I will come up with next!!
So keep your eye out we will be casting on the knitting board later today!
Posted by DeniseL at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2007
A Great E-zine for Loom Knitters!
Hey all.. sorry I have been a bit busy with a little project. A new e-zine! Go on over and check it out and I will take some time to loom up something fun for you all!
Loom Knitter's Circle
Posted by DeniseL at 12:27 PM | Comments (1)
January 27, 2007
Flower Power!
My daughter and I were playing around with the flower loom last night and made these.
The little bug in the center is a ponytail holder stuck through the center of the flower. These will be going out to two special little girls in Washington state.
I have some big plans for the flower loom, in combo with the regular ones! The gears are turning!
Now if I could only get my camera to cooperate with me and take some nice clear pictures! Hmmm
Posted by DeniseL at 07:15 PM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2007
Look out!
Please whatever you do.. be careful where you leave your knitting.. you never know what might happen.. or who might 'test it out'
Posted by DeniseL at 10:18 AM | Comments (3)
January 01, 2007
Happy New Year!!!
Hope you had a great new years eve, a great year last year and an even better one this year!!
A little meme I started on my other blog!
First Things First..
What is the first thing you did in the new year?
Cleaned the kitchen!(I know boring but necessary!)
What is the first thing you ate in the new year?
Some delicious cinnamon rolls given to me by my mother in law and sister in law.
(not sure who made them but they are soooooo gooood!)
What is the first thing you knit in the new year?
Still working on a scarf with that new board and some nice worsted weight Wool Ease!
What is your first ‘blessing’ of the new year?
Having my kids wake up and tell me good morning and give me hugs!
What is the first thing you will do to make the world a better place in the new year?
I will update my Purls of Hope website and get some more fundraising done.. I want to see some houses built in Pearlington this year!
Post the first photo you took in the new year!
(He just didn’t make it to midnight!!!)
Happy New year.. may your year be filled with peace, prosperity, and compassion.
Put this meme on your blog (with your own answers of course) Tag five people who’s firsts you want to know! Happy New Year from Denise at KnitChat.com!
Posted by DeniseL at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
December 21, 2006
Pretty Shiney!
Oooooh I just got a new Knitting Board today..
I will be transferring some of my current patterns over for use on this one..
Really really.. I am going to duct tape my husband to the camera and get him to help me get some tutorials ready too.. adding some bling to your work! I love how the Ruffles yarn goes with the knitting looms and boards!! It's fun! I can't wait to share it!!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:37 PM | Comments (1)
December 14, 2006
I'll get back to it really I will!
Hey sorry to be gone a bit. You all know how it is this time of year! I plan to get my hubby to take some pics for an adding bling to your work tutorial.. for now I share this with you..
A little coaster/trivet to dress up your table!
It takes a small loom, like that new little corder loom from Provocraft or one of the thumb looms from the other loom makers. But its quick, it's cute and it's fun! My daughter helped me make it!If you want a copy of the pattern leave me a comment and I will send it to you!
Also.. if you havn't been to Knitters Build a House get there soon, the deadline for the prize drawing is tommorrow, some great loom knitting prizes, all for a great cause!Thanks!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:34 PM | Comments (4)
November 07, 2006
Hats Hats..
About 6 months ago I got this little insert in one of my knitting magazines.
I forget which one it was.It had some nice patterns in it that I wanted to try. Well with all the busyness that comes with life I havn't had the chance. But I thought I would try a few.
I thought these little hats were cute.
I am translating the pattern from needles to the looms and am about halfway done with my hat. I will show it to you when I am finished, and give you the translation. For now the free pattern can be found here on the Lion Brand site. Now you have to register to access the free patterns on the site, but the upside is you get entered into a monthly drawing for free stuff!! So it's not bad! I'll get back with you when I finish the hat, then I have finally sorted out a way to use the ruffles yarn on the looms and knitting boards!! Exciting stuff!
Posted by DeniseL at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2006
NaBloPoMo
Hey there! Sorry to be so long! I have been busy! I went out to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival fondly known by knitters as Rhinebeck, or the convergence!
It was fun! I encourage you to go to any local festivals in your area like this. It's a great place to get ideas and there are always fellow knitters and vendors willing to share a bit of knowledge.
Here is a pic of me with none other than Stephanie Pearl Mcphee otherwise known as the Yarn Harlot..
Oooh you can see my family there in the background waiting patiently as I hob knob with fellow knit bloggers!(don't worry there was plenty of non knitting stuff to keep them busy! Too much in fact!)
OK! This month is NaBloPoMo.. national Blog Posting Month! So I have set a goal for myself to post every day!
Now since I have two blogs this could get hairy!! but I am armed with some good stuff! I have some great tutorials for finishing touches on your loomed items written up, I have a great idea for a scarf with an unusual way to use that new Ruffles yarn!
I have a little translation of one of the Lion Brand fast and easy hat patterns!
And on and on.. so look out!
Who knows after I get back in the swing of things I will hopefully start posting real regular like again!
Posted by DeniseL at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2006
A little pattern for you!
Hey there sorry to be so long! WE had to clear out the whole computer, upgrade the memory and reinstall everything! Woosh!
Here is a neat little pattern for you to practice knitting in teh bias! Yep you can do it on the loom!
And hopefully I will have that tutorial on using the new ruffles yarn up next week! I have to go out tonight and meet my new nephew.Use this pattern to make a burp cloth with some extra levtover Lion Cotton like I did or use some pretty varigated yarn and keep going to make a nice scarf!
Bias Baby Burp cloth!
Materials
Regular or large gauge knitting loom (for sample I used the red Knifty Knitter)
Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn of your choice holding two strands together throughout (I used white throughout with two other colors added in)
Knitting tool
Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Size:
This will vary per loom used, mine is about 9″x15″ and was done on 30 pegs on the red Knifty Knitter.
Pattern:
Cast on 3 stitches (cable cast on is best)
Row 1: K3, M1* (4 stitches)
Row 2: S1, P3, M1 (5 stitches)
Row 3: S1, K4, M1 (6 stitches)
Row 4: S1,P5, M1 (7 stitches)
Continue in this pattern until you either have a loop on every peg of your loom, or until you have reached your desired width ending with a purl row. (refer to diagram below)
View image
After you have the peice at your desired width continue as follows:
Row 1: Move the first loop from the first peg on the left to the second peg. Skip that first peg and wrap and knit to the end of the row.
Row 2: Make1 by wrapping the next empty peg, Purl to the end of the row, being sure to purl the two loops on the last peg together.
Repeat these two rows until the peice reaches your desired length. So you will be decreasing on the left and increasing on the right at the beginning of each row.
Measure the right side edge to check length ending with a purl row, once desired length is reached continue as follows:
Row 1: move the loop on the first peg to the second peg. Skip that first peg and wrap and knit to the end of the row.
Row 2: Move the loop from the first peg on the right to the next peg in toward the center. Skip that first peg and purl the rest of the stitches to the end of the row.
So at this point you are decreasing one stitch at the beginning of each row.
Repeat these two rows until you have three loops left on the loom.
Bind off.
Weave in your ends, and put a fork in it cause it is done!
Posted by DeniseL at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
Bias Baby Burp cloth
Well I can't seem to get two pictures in a post today so here is a picture of the Bias Baby Burp cloth..
Posted by DeniseL at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2006
Technical difficulties!
Unfortunately I have been fighting some technical difficulties since I last posted. My digital camera seems to have miraculously recovered, but there is no such hope for my computer. It has a worm virus. I am going to have to wipe it clean and start from scratch.
If it cooperates with me enough before this I will post that tutorial on using the new ruffles yarn later today! And hopefully another on about a question on ponchos I received recently.
Stay tuned, stay patient and we will have some fun!
For now enjoy those loom patterns in the newsletter.. it's cool that our side of the fence is getting some coverage!
Posted by DeniseL at 08:50 AM | Comments (1)
August 28, 2006
Caught in the Romance...
Well Sorry! I got that goodie box and then my camera died and so I wasn't able to get that tutorial put together yet! But it seems to be working at this point! In the meanwhile in my goodie box was a couple of skeins of the new yarn Romance! ooooh la la! It is nice. I love the green colour! It is beautiful. So I cast on for the Spring Fresh Shrug that is a free pattern in the Lion Brand Library!
It's for my One Skein Pal! I am soo glad I got this because it is SOME skein! It's huge and will make the whole thing in one fell swoop!!
I have another skein and I will play around with a shawl or wrap for on the looms ok?
I will get the Ruffles tutorial done. I can already tell you it will make a neat trim for socks and booties!! Or even arm warmers! It has a lot of potential! So look for it soon (as soon as I can get someone to take some pics of me working with it!)
Posted by DeniseL at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2006
Goodies...
I got a box of goodies from Lion Brand yesterday! I will share with you all what is in it over the next week! I'll tell you one item is the new Ruffles yarn! It's really cool! I am getting ready for my Mother in law to visit for a few days so I will try to play with it and let you know the best ways to use it on the looms, I think it will work nicely!!
So after I am to tired from cleaning to do anything but knit I will post some details! Stay tuned!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:36 PM | Comments (2)
August 02, 2006
Strange things..
It's hot! Oh... you noticed that? It's so hot around here that I took my four children to the library to cool off because we don't have air conditioning! It's even too hot to go down to our friends house to swim, because the little ones won't go in the pool and it's just too hot for them to be playing outside otherwise!
It's even too hot to knit!
So I really don't have anything to show! But that should change soon!
Last night I got a used air conditioner! Well needless to say it was a little well.. used..
Those thin metal fins in the back the part that goes outside.. they looked like they have been whacked a few times with a ball or something.. so they were all bent.
So we needed to straighten them out.
My hubby started looking for something to do the job. "We need something skinny that will go between them.. you know like one of your knitting tools." So I went and grabbed one of my handy knitting loom hooks and worked on it for about an hour. It worked like a charm. All those fins are nicely straightened out and mostly equally spaced as they should be.. Who knew?
I tell you what those hooks have come in handy for all sorts of odd jobs..
So what is the strangest thing you have ever used a knitting tool for??
Posted by DeniseL at 10:21 AM | Comments (3)
July 21, 2006
Here is what it will look like!
This is how it will look~
I couldn't get both pictures into the other post so I am working outside the box!!
Now yours will look even better because you will pay closer attention to the row gauge!!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)
Now for the gauge project!!
Ok..sorry for the delay. My internet was down and after an annoying time trying to get the company out to fix it(that involved a few disgruntled phone calls after un called for cancelations..)I am back up and running!
So now, how about that little project?
These area old fashioned..new fashioned..re fashioned slippers!
You may have seen those quite ingenious slippers made out of granny squares. I encountered them for the first time at a garage sale a few weeks ago.. I was intrigued.. They were so simple and would be great to adapt to the loom or knitting board. A perfect simple project even a beginner could do.. so here you go..
You will need to make 4 squares, three of the small size and one large one.
Here is a list of square sizes for you:
Toddler (1-3yrs.) (3)2" and (1)4"
Children (4-8 yrs.)(3)2 1/2" and (1)5"
Womens or Older Children (3)3 1/4" and (1)6 1/2"
Mens (3)3 3/4" and (1)7 1/2"
The first thing you need to do is to do a gauge swatch with your desired yarn and loom (or board) You will want to cast on about 10-15 stitches and knit in your desired stitch pattern for at least 4 inches.
Then measure your swatch.. hold up your tape measure to it an see how many stitches per inch and rows per inch you have.
Then we get to do the math!! (aren't you excitited?)
Ok let's say you measure your swatch and you have two stitches per inch and three rows per inch, and you want to make a toddler slipper. you will take the total number of inches you need across and multiply it by your stitches per inch so in this case 2(stitches per inch)x 2(inches)=4 so you will cast on 4 stitches. Do the same with your rows..3(rows per inch)x 2 (inches)=6 rows so you will need to knit up a square of 4 stitches by 6 rows.
Got it?
Once you have made your swatch, done your math and knit up your squares you need to arrange them like this:
Then sew it all together as follows:
Now sew back heel seam edges A and B together. Sew the sides of foot, C to D and E to F.
Then fold the toe square (#4) up and sew G to H and I to J. Finish it up by sewing K to L and M to N.
I hope you enjoy this little gauge project you just took your first 'needle' knit project and translated it to the loom!
Posted by DeniseL at 01:25 PM | Comments (5)
July 04, 2006
How do I convert regular knitting pattern to a KK pattern?
This question comes up alot.. and I mean alot. So let's tackle it..
Let's start at the very beginning.. a very good place to start.. when you read you begin with ABC.. when you knit you begin with a gauge swatch!
Just what is gauge and what is a gauge swatch?
Gauge.. simply put is how many stitches you get per inch. This controls how large or small your finished item will be.
So just how do you make a gauge swatch on a loom? First answer a few questions. Am I knitting the item in the round or flat? What yarn do I want to use? and What dimensions do I want the final peice to be?
It is best to make a gauge swatch in the method that you are going to make the peice. So if you plan to make the peice in the round.. Then knit your gauge swatch in the round.
It is also important to make the swatch on the loom that you are planning to use for the peice. Don't try to cut corners by using a smaller loom, as sometimes looms (even in the same set) can have peg spacing that gets smaller as the looms in the set get smaller. So if you are planning on useing the biggest loom in the set.. then use it for your swatch as well.. It might take a bit longer but it will be worth it in the end.
So to make your swatch you should cast on all your pegs if you are knitting in the round.. or at least 10 pegs if you are working a flat peice back and forth on your loom.
Knit a peice that is at least 4 inches long. Then remove the peice by placing the loops on a peice of contrasting waste yarn or by casting off the regular way.. (don't cut your yarn if you don't plan to keep the gauge swatch..you can unravel it and use it for your peice.)
For a swatch worked flat: Lay the swatch out flat on the table.. you may even want to pin it to an ironing board or mattress so it's nice and flat. Then measure the peice from side to side.
Take that measurement and divide it by the number of stitches you worked. This will give you your stitches per inch.
But don't just take my word for it! Check out this great Lion Brand Tutorial! Click Here! (they even have pictures!)
Sorry to have been away so long! I had a trip to my brother's graduation, then we have been having some internet trouble.. thus no picture of my own to go with this entry!
I have the perfect project to practice this gauge idea that is good for any loom or knitting board! So watch out! I will have it ready to roll on Friday!! (with pictured I hope!)
Posted by DeniseL at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
How do I convert regular knitting pattern to a KK pattern?
This question comes up alot.. and I mean alot. So let's tackle it..
Let's start at the very beginning.. a very good place to start.. when you read you begin with ABC.. when you knit you begin with a gauge swatch!
Just what is gauge and what is a gauge swatch?
Gauge.. simply put is how many stitches you get per inch. This controls how large or small your finished item will be.
So just how do you make a gauge swatch on a loom? First answer a few questions. Am I knitting the item in the round or flat? What yarn do I want to use? and What dimensions do I want the final peice to be?
It is best to make a gauge swatch in the method that you are going to make the peice. So if you plan to make the peice in the round.. Then knit your gauge swatch in the round.
It is also important to make the swatch on the loom that you are planning to use for the peice. Don't try to cut corners by using a smaller loom, as sometimes looms (even in the same set) can have peg spacing that gets smaller as the looms in the set get smaller. So if you are planning on useing the biggest loom in the set.. then use it for your swatch as well.. It might take a bit longer but it will be worth it in the end.
So to make your swatch you should cast on all your pegs if you are knitting in the round.. or at least 10 pegs if you are working a flat peice back and forth on your loom.
Knit a peice that is at least 4 inches long. Then remove the peice by placing the loops on a peice of contrasting waste yarn or by casting off the regular way.. (don't cut your yarn if you don't plan to keep the gauge swatch..you can unravel it and use it for your peice.)
For a swatch worked flat: Lay the swatch out flat on the table.. you may even want to pin it to an ironing board or mattress so it's nice and flat. Then measure the peice from side to side.
Take that measurement and divide it by the number of stitches you worked. This will give you your stitches per inch.
But don't just take my word for it! Check out this great Lion Brand Tutorial! Click Here! (they even have pictures!)
Sorry to have been away so long! I had a trip to my brother's graduation, then we have been having some internet trouble.. thus no picture of my own to go with this entry!
I have the perfect project to practice this gauge idea that is good for any loom or knitting board! So watch out! I will have it ready to roll on Friday!! (with pictured I hope!)
Posted by DeniseL at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2006
'Finger Knitting' good...
I just found this article about a boy who enjoys finger knitting. He is trying to set a world record for it too!
The ultimate portable knitting loom!!!
Click here for article!
Posted by DeniseL at 10:59 AM | Comments (2)
June 10, 2006
Sick kids and the end of the school year..
Make me a bit busy!
So sorry to have neglected this blog! I had one sick boy earlier in the week and now the other one is ill. It left the older two and I scrambling to get things done for school work because we basically lost a day of work. No matter we have everything under hand and should wrap things up next week in time for a trip out of state for my brother's high school graduation!
Let' see .. I did not get the prayer shawl started. That will have to wait.. but I can give you a peek at what I am doing on needles.
It's a great little sweater vest and I am liking the wool ease for it! It's great stuff. I have used it in every gauge except sport weight I think. And I like them all so far..
speaking of gauge I had a question from one of the readers of my book a few days ago concerning gauge.
I have one last question. Your book talks about gauge. How is that determined since the pegs are an equal distance apart? Is it how loose or tight you wrap the pegs?
Thanks again for all your help.
Veda Maples
Well I told Veda that basically on a loom the yarn determines the gauge. To get a tighter knit you need to use a thicker yarn in a bulky weight like the thick n quick yarns. To get a looser lacier look use a lighter weight yarn like a worsted weight.
There are however many smaller gauge looms out there that can handle even light weight yarns like Magic Stripes sock yarn! So keep your eyes open!
Posted by DeniseL at 05:48 PM | Comments (1)
June 01, 2006
Cables without needles!
Well. Where have I been? Let's see. I have had guests again! My college roommate and her husband and son came by to our B&B..(at least it's feeling like a B&B) Saturday I went to the Great Lakes Fiber Show and Sale. I took a needle knitting class for knitting cables without a cable needle.. I thought that was appropriate! So I should show you my mock cables on the loom eh? Let's see..Here is a little coffee cup cosy I made in February last year! (wow has it been that long?)
It's easy! to make 'cables' on a loom you need to start with ribbing. How about a practice swatch? (A 24 peg Knifty Knitter will work for this.)
So.. you can do a knit two purl 4 combo to try it out.
Then on the two knit stitches you will take the loops off the pegs and switch them take the one on the right and put it on the left peg and then the one on the left and put it on the right peg. This will make them a little tight so be careful! Then continue in your knit two purl four pattern putting that same twist in about every three rows. Try it out and see what you think!
(about the B&B thing.. my sister in law just emailed to reserve a weekend! Tee hee!)
Next up a prayer shawl! I've got the yarn, I;ve got the loom.. now I need to put them together and get going! It's not going to make itself!
Posted by DeniseL at 02:23 PM | Comments (1)
May 22, 2006
Busy busy busy.
Well let's see. I have had visitors upon visitors so things have been slow with blogging and knitting!
First my husband's best friend came up and had a motorcycle race that he was in. Then my parents flew in from California for a few weeks.They were here in time to celebrate my birthday this last Saturday.
This coming weekend we will have my best friend Ann and her family in for a short visit, and I have the local Fiber show to attend plus taking a class there!
Our house is turning into a B&B anyone else want to stay? I can give personalized loom lessons while you are here!
Let's see.. to distract you.. Here is my nearly finished sock on my Extra Fine Gauge loom from Decor Accents..
I started decreasing for the toe but realised I started a bit too soon and need to back it up and add just a little bit of length to the foot.
Also here is a link to Isela's mini movie of the new 'flat stitch' method. I have been remiss in getting that flat stitch sample up for you but I am thinking I will catch up next week on alot of things! So don't worry if you can't see that video I will get a little tutorial of both methods up some time next week!
Till then.. keep looming!
Posted by DeniseL at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
Otherwise known as the Flat stitch..
There is a stitch that I don't use alot. I tend to stick with the e-wrap knit stitch as it is familiar and easy. So I really don't use the 'flat stitch' at all.
It seems though that this is the stitch to use!
Here's why: It produced a stockingette stitch that is just like needle knitting. Now I don't really mind the twisted or 'crossed stockingette stitch that results from the e-wrap but it does tend to put a bit of a twist in the peice that you are knitting and a peice done with the 'flat stitch' will tend to lay more flat.
Here is a bit of e-wrap on the loom:
And here is a bit of regular stockinette knit on needles:
You can see the difference is that the loom knit has a woven look, or a twisty look to the rows and the needle knit is nice and straight. So I will work up a swatch using the 'flat stitch' an we will see what happens! I'll also take a few action shots so I can write up a how to for you as well!
Stay posted!
Posted by DeniseL at 10:19 AM | Comments (3)
April 26, 2006
Wishing I were there..
It's no secret, I love to go to Maine on vacation. It's got everything! The ocean, lobster.. and yarn!! What more could anyone want?
Well hey, just when I thought there couldn't be more.. this came to my attention!
Lend a hand at Spindleworks - Nancy Scott, left, and Diane Black, artists at Spindleworks in Brunswick, work on a project that the public is invited to participate in — what they hope will be the largest piece of fiber art ever created at the Lincoln Street center.
(Paul Cunningham / The Times Record)
The sign for Spindleworks caught my eye as we passed through Brunswick, on our way out of Maine on our vacation last fall. Needless to say that is an extra large knitting loom they have set up there. I need to email them and see if I can get the skinny on it.. But if any of you are in Maine.. you should go check it out!
More on the basics next time! Off to feed the gang!
Posted by DeniseL at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2006
Knitting a flat peice on a round loom
1. Working clockwise around the loom, cast on the desired number of stitches.(for example 20)
2. On the last peg (in this case peg 20) wrap around it twice and bring the working yarn to the center of the loom behind the second peg in from the end.
3.Wrap the working yarn around the second peg in a clockwise direction.
4.Work back to the first stitch on the loom.
5. Knit off all pegs..(Note: the stitch on peg 20 will be loose)
6. Take the working yarn and wrap the second peg in from the end of your row (skipping the first peg) and wrap the remaining pegs for your piece.
7. Knit over all pegs with two loops.
6. Repeat steps 6&7 until your piece reaches the desired length. This will give your piece a nice edge, as you are 'slipping' the first stitch in each row!
Another note: Tina asked where the small looms I used in my mitten sample were from. They are indeed from Provocraft, they are among the new set that was due out in February. I received a preview set from the company. I am told the will be avaialable in stores in May. I do not have any more specific information than that! hope that helps!!
Posted by DeniseL at 08:08 PM | Comments (4)