Needs For New Knitters

Good Afternoon,

I would like to focus on the new knitter.  This person has a stirring interest in knitting but not sure where to start.  Here are some suggestions:

• Visit you LYS (Local Yarn Shop).  There you will find everything you need to get started.  You will know if it is the right place for you if the shop oozes friendly.  Check out the yarn selections.  You want good quality, but you also do not need to start out on a luxury fiber either.  Check out the class schedule, usually you will find beginner classes at different times to accommodate most schedules.

• Investigate libraries, community colleges, churches, etc., these organizations often have knitting groups that welcome new knitters.  The draw back is not having supplies to purchase.

• What if there isn't a LYS within a reasonable distance?  There area a huge amount of knitting websites that sell supplies and there are also teachers, mentors and coaches that can interact with students online as well.

Purchasing your supplies can be very overwhelming.  What exactly will you need to get started?
Well, your first project should be simple, able to be completed quickly, so there is that feeling of "instant gratification".  You don't want a project that goes on and on.  Interest is lost with a long repetitive, non stop knit.  So, your supply list should be short and sweet too.  Appropriate fiber for your project...you wouldn't want to use 100% wool yarn for a washcloth, you would rather choose a cotton or cotton blend.  Your needles should be specific for your project as well.  View these as tools of the trade.  They will be reusable for many projects to come.  I have encountered potential knitters who look at needles as just an expense, but better to view the purchase as an investment.

After your first couple of knitting successes are under way or completed, you might also consider some of the wonderful knitting needle kits that are on the market now.  They come in a host of price ranges from the more expensive Addi Turbo Clicks to the very reasonable Knitter's Pride.  These are circular needle sets that contain a variety of sizes within a set.  It is always better to buy a set when possible because in the long run they are more economical. 

Speaking of needles, as a long time teacher, knitting coach and mentor, I recommend to my students to invest in circular needles instead of straight needles.  The reason being, you can knit flat on circulars, but you can't knit circularly on straight needles, also more cost effective.  If you have never knit on circulars before, there really isn't much of a learning curve at all.

If you are a member of a knitting group, there are usually as many needle brands as there are members.  Bring some yarn to swatch with and ask a member if they like their brand of needle and see if they would be willing to let you give their brand a try.  It usually only takes a few minutes or so of knitting to make an informed decision...yeah or nay.

Once you find out the knitting notions that you prefer, perhaps your LYS or your online knitting supply source has a wish list that you can print out and post in a strategic place.  That way at gift giving time, it can be used as a valued tool for the gift giver.  Include web info, LYS info, pricing etc.  The more information provided, the more likely it will be used.  Also, be sure to add books to your list as well.

I hope that this information is helpful for you and that getting started will become the beginning of a long association with the world of knitting and all it's groups and members.  We are a friendly bunch of people who love to share what we are knitting, finished or unfinished.  It is a great way to get ideas for future projects and expand your knitting experience.

My current projects are, Hemp Face Cloths, ongoing, French Beret, Layering Shrug, Little Girl's Dress, pattern writing and organizing for my classes.  I'm sure I have left out a few things as well.
I would love to know what projects you are working on.  As always, if you get stuck or have a question, post in the comment section below, or email me:  dee@youandmeknit.com.  Skype and Face Time are available as well. 

I hope you all have a great weekend and Happy Knitting!

Lesson Learned

Good Afternoon,

During knitting class yesterday, someone said there are two seasons in New York.  Winter and Construction.  Which, brings me to my topic today. 

During "Construction" season it's a good idea to keep small projects handy when traveling.  You don't even have to go far.  On my way to class yesterday, the main route into Saugerties is being prepared for paving.  As you can imagine, moving at a snails pace, and then.....stopped.  It felt like 30 minutes when in reality was only 10 minutes.

My reality is that the knitting was packed  up and unreachable.  So annoying.  I have always thought of moments such as these as free knitting time.  You don't have to budget your time, write it in your planner, wait til whenever, it's just plain and simple free knitting time.

About ten years ago, the routes that I was traveling to and from work caused me to cross the railroad tracks every day.  This line is notorious for back ups, stops and two trains, one in either direction.  and of course, on train is usually one stopped while the other continues.  I knit a 60" chenille scarf complete with fringe, in a 2 X 2 rib, on size US 1 needles.  It took me months of train stops, but the point is, any small uncomplicated project can be set aside for just those occasions.

When I go for a walk, if it isn't too hot, I will bring my knitting along.  Today was OK to do that except when the sun came out, then it was too hot and my hands started to sweat.  But living near the Hudson River, it only takes a few minutes of that incoming tidal breeze to cool off again.


I knit in the grocery store.  At some point, I have to stand in a long slow moving or non moving line.  Mittens, socks or some such small thing can be thrown in your bag to be pulled out to save the sanity.  Not only that, if you are Knit Shop owner, or Knitting Teacher, such as I, it is a great way to advertise with out paying for the ads.  It's just your regular trip to the food store, bank, or wherever.

Have a great rest of your day and take your knitting along!

P.S.  Most of those free knitting places are air conditioned too, so being hot outside doesn't count except if you are walking!

Surprise Jacket Update

Good Afternoon,

Glorious weather today, not too hot and low humidity.  Ahhhhh.

Just wanted to share with you an update for the Surprise Jacket Class that begins on 7/25 and 7/28 at The Perfect Blend, yarnandteashop.com.  Mary and I have tweaked the class description again, always something more to add.  Under the "Things you will need section"  a row/stitch counterwill be helpful.  We have also been working with a couple of apps for iPad and iPhone that track rows and stitches for multiple projects. 

I have been using one for the Surprise Jacket that I am knitting for the shop.  It is so incredibly handy, no note pad or pen to lose or leave home.  If you have never knit one of these delightful sweaters, you know there is a lot of required counting, both stitches and rows.  I am using my iPad and loving every minute of it.

I am near completion of the sample jacket, and thought you might like to see it. 

I know that it probably doesn't look like much, but what you see  here, if you have never knit one before, is the sleeves and the beginning of the neckline.  I have just bound off 5 stitches on each side where the needle points are visible.  At the point where the stitches are contained on the cable part of the needle, that is the body. 

I just love hanging things in my Magnolia Tree to photograph them.  Oh, by the way, I should mention for those that have not knit this, across the top of the shoulders in the upper edge of the photo, is the only place that you will have to seam.  My favorite is the Mattress Stitch.  I will make a video of the process when I get to that point.  I have encountered so many knitters who are not familiar or who have trouble executing the maneuver.  I have done a considerable amount of seaming of sweaters for many and for some on a regular basis. 

I must add a note about the boys.  They are having a wonderful time now that their Mom is home with them.  Their older brother goes to day camp and after dropping him off, they go to the park to visit the animals in the children's zoo.  Mom makes popcorn for them to feed the Peetock, JT's word for Peacock. After feeding the animals, the boys share a muffin and then home.  After lunch and naps, it is pool time.  Both of them love being in the water, however, JT must have his "noodle"!

Remember, if you would like to learn how to knit the Surprise Jacket and you do not live near by, please leave a comment in the box below or email me at dee@youandmeknit.com to set up an appointment to Skype or FaceTime the class.

Happy Knitting!

Yarn Joins

Good Morning!

JT and I are on the porch on this beautiful sunny day, he mowing and me writing.  I have recently found out that I will be a Great Aunt, and it looks like he/she will be a winter baby.  What a great time to knit warm baby clothes!

When I first started out with my needles and yarn, the one thing that always caused me some discomfort was joining a new ball.  The information that I had at the time was to tie the ends together and keep on knitting.  That did do the job of joining the ends, but almost certainly, that ugly knot would migrate to the front of my work no matter how many times I would pull it to the back and anchor the ends.

Since then I have learned many more techniques, but in some cases it depends on the project, the type of yarn you are using and whether you are at the end/beginning of a row or in the middle somewhere. The type of join also depends on your dye lot as well.  If it is the same, no problem.  If it is different, then there is a slight adjustment to make.  I will explain this one a little farther on.

My preferred method in flat knitting is to join at the edge where the ends can easily be woven in totally unnoticed.  When you are getting close to the end of the ball, check to see if you have at least three times the width of your knitting to get you back across to the other edge. If not, stop now and join in the new ball.

Adding in a new ball in the middle or in the case of circular knitting now depends on the yarn you are using.  If you are using an acrylic or something similar to cabled or ribbon, you can put the ends together thus,<-------- = end of the first ball and ---------> = end of the new ball.  Hold them parallel and knit a couple of stitches with the doubled yarn and then drop the yarn tail of the old ball and begin knitting with the new ball and in the case of a plied yarn use the Russian Technique below. 

If you are working with 100% wool, fulling the ends together works well.  Hold the ends as in the illustration above and wet the yarn.  When I have been without a water bottle or a sink, have used, pardon the expression, spit.  You are going to wash and block your piece when done, so this doesn't pose a problem.  Briskly rub your hands together and the yarn will begin to full together....new yarn join.

If you are using something that won't felt as in a super wash, I like the Russian Join.  Break the end of the old yarn, do not cut.  Thread a tapestry needle and run the tail up through the center  of the strand within the plys for about two inches.  Leave a small loop at the end.  Then with a broken tail on the new ball thread the tapestry needle and pull through the loop at the end of the old ball and weave the new tail up through the plys of the new ball.  This is really easy to do and not easily noticed.

Now for bulky wools.  I like to taper the ends of the old and new for about 2 inches or so.  Then holding the strands parallel as above and full them together.  It is important to place this join in an inconspicuous spot just due to its sheer bulk.

In the case of working with two different dye lots, you will use one of the methods above, but leave enough of the old ball to knit several rows.  You will want to alternate the old and new dye lot thereby tricking the eye to not see a tell tale sign of color variance.  Work this method for a few inches or so knitting a couple of rows of each dye lot before switching to the other.

Now, change up those yarn balls fearlessly!  Have a great day!

What's in a Hat? Another Hat!

Good Morning!

The photos you are seeing is an old design but a recent knit.  The hats are really one with two designs.  It is great for kids, seeing as how they love to change up their colors and designs depending on  what they are wearing.  I wish as an adult I had that same abandon....stripes with prints, plaids with paisley, two different socks; no thought at all about someone else's opinion.  Just when did we lose that anyway?

The hat was started with a crocheted provisional cast on, just above where the ribbing goes.  Knit your hat in the usual way, this one was done on circular needles.  Finish as normal and add whatever "topping" you would like.  In this case I used a pom pom, for the first one on the needles.

Then came the embellishment.  I love to use lazy daisies, they are so girlie.  No offense guys.  Now, pick up the stitches from the provisional cast on and knit the ribbing.  Then knit the other hat.  Once you decrease the top of the hat, you won't easily be able  to add embellishments, so I like to use this hat for interesting stitches and color work.  It does make for a great contrast between the two.  I finished this one with an I-Cord pig tail.  So much fun!

The pattern will be finished soon and will be available on my site.  Just click on the "Pattern" button.
Hats have been a special passion for me for many years.  My very first design while in Jr. High School, now called Middle School, was a hat knit without the benefit of a pattern.  It was a 2 X 2 rib and was able to figure out the decreases.  Hats are quick knits and great for using up bits of yarn in your stash to make room for more stash. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!  Pick up those needles and get knitting.  Remember!  Christmas is only six months away!  Did I say that!?!

Long Tail Cast On 'n Cats

Good Morning!

The last few weeks I have been knitting hats getting them ready to upload to my Etsy site, which isn't quite ready yet. During the process, I have been experimenting with the cast on. I have used mostly a "knitted on" cast on as well as the "cabled" cast on. But, let me back up just a bit, say about 45 years or so.

I was taught the "thumb" cast on by my Mom. My Great Aunt taught me to knit, but she always cast on for me. Mom eventually broke down and taught me how to do it by myself as she got tired of casting on all the time. I was a prolific knitter. I didn't have much for fiber, so would rip out and use the same yarn again and again. I even resorted to using butcher's cord and even tried baling twine, which I couldn't rip out because it was too hairy.

As my knitting progressed and I learned new techniques, my cast on changed as well. There were no knitting classes available at that time, but I read whatever I could to learn anything new about knitting. My "thumb" cast on evolved to a type of knitting on. Instead of just slipping the loop on my needle, I would insert the needle into the loop on my thumb then take the working end and wrap it on the needle as if I was knitting a stitch. This is similar to the "long tail" in that you had to have enough yarn to wrap the thumb each time. The edge of the cast on was bulky, and not very neat.


 The "knitted on" cast on was next one I tried and that worked very well. Then on to the "cabled" cast on, which I have used for years and still do today. In the mid 1990's, I was taking some classes locally, and learned the "long tail" cast on. I really loved that one, but trying to figure out how much yarn to allow to get the required number of stitches made me crazy, so I went back to my "cable" cast on.

A couple of years ago, while working at Amazing Threads, http://www.amazingthreads.com/ , I was talking to the owner, Susan DeRosa, about the "long tail" and my inability to come close to estimating the "tail."
She said to my astonishment, that you don't have to...just use both ends of the ball. Duh, no one was sharing this information before? What an incredibly simple solution.

That technique sat on the back shelf for a while until recently. Playing with some two color cast ons, the "long tail" became a perfect solution. Holding the M/C over my forefinger and the C/C color over my thumb,it was just what I was looking for. I had a single strand of color at the very bottom edge of the cast on. It certainly turned out to be a great edging.

Now, the correlation between the cat and the "long tail" cast on. When I was trying to figure out the right amount of yardage for the tail, it generally pooled on the floor next to me and as a long tailed cat does, gets under foot. BTW my cat would always seem to get it and by the time I tried to use it, the yarn ended up slightly frayed in some places. Cat tails and yarn tails, don't know which is more of a problem. They both are cuddly, like to be close, and, well, let's leave this for another post!

Knitting on Etsy



Good Afternoon!

I am so behind the eight ball today.  Here it is 1:30 Eastern Time, and I am only posting this now.  My morning has been so taken up with the boys and trying to combine it with my work....not always a good blend.  Mason is climbing so fearlessly, I believe that he thinks he has bungee cords attached to him.  That is, if he even knew what they are....wish he did have them, I would feel better.

Beyond that, I have been working on setting up my Etsy Shop on etsy.com.  First I spent most of the morning reading up on all of the procedure and policies, the where and wherefores and the whys and why nots.  Phew!  So much to digest all at once.  So I said to myself, just get to it. Get started. You don't have to finish it today. There is such a thing as a SAVE button.

I dove in and edited my profile and then on to the store itself.  I have learned to not answer any questions or give additional information if it is optional, at least right now anyway.  The reason being, is that you get side tracked, forget that you didn't save the latest information that was added and now you are starting again.  Dang. Side tracked is not good.  Staying focused and on task is so much better, but sometimes this gal just needs a set of blinders to keep that focus.  Keep your eye on the goal.  My short term goal is to get my Etsy shop finished. 

Time for me to get to my Nanny chores.  The dishes are calling me and then I will have some lunch and then back at my new Etsy store for some more data entry. BTW, the hat above will be in my Etsy store.   Hope everyone has a wonderful afternoon and Happy Knitting!

The "Wiggle" Hat

Good Morning!

It's another mostly cloudy day today with rain again this afternoon, perfect knitting weather.  I just love settling in with a good book on my iPad or a movie and my knitting.  It's those kinds of lazy-ish days that "mindless" knitting seems to imply.  Although, with the boys to keep me company, that usually won't happen until the afternoons when JT and Mason go down for their naps.  It's nap time right now for Mason, and snack time for JT and so a perfect few minutes to write. 

One of the first patterns that I did was the "Wiggle" Hat.  I had mentioned the hat in one of my  posts of last week and how it got it's name.  If you missed that post, JT named the hat.  I had made one for each of the boys and one afternoon when my daughter got home from work, she asked JT to get the "Wiggle" Hats.  I was surprised at that, since I didn't know that they had been named.

The sample hat that I had made for The Perfect Blend, yarnandteashop.com, was double sided.  I had embroidered a flower on one side and a frog on the other side.  By doing this I didn't have to knit two hats.  Anyway, it is a very simple hat to make, but the advantage to that is once it is knit, there is a perfect opportunity to teach the Kitchener Stitch. There are quite a few more stitches on the hat than on the toe of a sock or the shoulder seams of a sweater.  Therefore, more practice time gain an understanding and the ability to memorize the process.

My friend Carol Cypher, a beading teacher, used to teach her classes using mantras for learning.  I loved this method of teaching, and adapted a mantra for the Kitchener Stitch.  It is as follows:

Front Needle
Slip one (stitch) as if to knit, take it off
Slip one (stitch) as if to purl, leave it on
Back Needle
Slip one (stitch) as if to purl, take it off
Slip one (stitch) as if to knit, leave it on
And Repeat

Here is the link to view video on YouTube. 
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnQi2DrdG0jIxOZp1SeKebQ?feature=guide

It's Elmo time.  JT hasn't seen Elmo since last week and he has washed his hands and is already for me to get him set up.  Have a Great Day everyone!

You Have Permission to Change the Pattern

Good Morning!


The new week has started and here in New York it is a grey and drizzly day. All the better to knit my dears!
All of those daily chores can wait while we take some time to knit a few rows. Grab your beverage of choice, shut off the phone and computer and enjoy the silence. The only sounds heard is maybe the ticking of a mantel clock and the gentle "click" of needle tips as they touch one another.


I wanted to talk about making changes while knitting a comercial pattern. Yes, it is allowed and as a writer of patterns, I would encourage you to do so. There are many reasons why it is a good idea. First, it gives you the opportunity to make it yours. You also might know a better way of doing something that makes more sense to you.
There is also the learning aspect as well. What I mean by that is, maybe you need to have more or less shaping in that sweater you are knitting. This "need" might require you to do some research in order to execute these changes.


This is a good thing. Do what you fear and courageously pick up your yarn and needles and make the leap of faith. What have you got to loose? I don't know about you, but I find myself ripping out stitches or rows because the change I planned didn't work or maybe I didn't think it through enough. Whatever the reason, ripping is not a totally a bad thing.


Let me give you an example of a simple change. I recently finished a baby blanket for a co-worker who is expecting. It is a log cabin style blanket which is similar to a log cabin quilt. I'm sure most of you have seen one. I did purchase a pattern on line, so I didn't have to think, just knit. I also like to support other people who sell their things on line as well. Anyway, I didn't even read it, just went to the yarn shop The Perfect Blend, yarnandteashop.com and picked up some wool and jumped in.


The pattern was written to bind off stitches and then pick them up again. I chose not to do this because this method will create a bump or ridge that really doesn't need to be there. I gathered up some extra needles 24 inches and longer to hold the stitches that were to be bound off. That way when I came back around to them, I had only to knit them off their "holding" needles with no stitches to pick up.


The second change I made was to add a border all the way around the blanket. The resulting frame really looked like a quilt block. These were small subtle changes that made my work a little neater, but also, so much faster. Let's face it, binding off and picking up stitches is time consuming.

JT is getting ready to have his mid morning snack, toast with cream cheese. I put it in the toaster oven and he turns it on "by mines self!" Got to go, toast is ready!