Check This Out!

Look what I started yesterday:

I figured that I knit two socks at a time, why not try it with dishcloths??!!  I was going to try two of the same pattern in different yarn.  Then I realized that I was going to have to do it again to make the other half of the set.  So I wound some more yarn to knit four dishcloths at a time!!!

I have the four balls of yarn lined up inside the bag and I flip it when it is time to work on the other side.  There are lots of strings but it is pretty easy to keep it all under control.  As long as the cat does not come to sit on my lap!  LOL!

This pattern, Redeeming Grace by Sue Schaefer from Harvest Moon Designs, casts on 33 stitches so I was able to use a 32" cable for it.  I will have to change to a 40" one if I need to cast on more stitches next time.

I'm Magic Looping!

I have been wanting to learn Magic Loop for knitting in the round without using double pointed needles (DPNs) for a while.  I tried watching several different videos on You Tube and I could get it started but once I finished one side, I got totally confused when I flipped it to do the other side.  UNTIL I discovered KNITFreedom!  Liat Gat has several video e-books that are available to purchase through Ravelry.  I bought "Learn Magic Loop" and it is wonderful!  It is so worth the $12.97!!!

I watched the first two videos on Wednesday night and I knitted along with it on Thursday.  I finally got it!  Here's a picture of what I accomplished:

I used worsted weight acrylic yarn (Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice Pink) and size 7 nickel plated interchangeable circular needles on a 40" cable from Knit Picks.

Liat does a wonderful job explaining how to magic loop along with several easy little steps to avoid common errors.  After practicing for a little while, I watched the second video about Magic Looping Faster and I picked that up right away also.

She does such an amazing job explaining things that I bought "Toe-Up Socks: One or Two-At-A-Time On Magic Loop" to teach me how to knit socks next.  I was looking into buying a paper book for this but her teaching methods are so clear that I did not want to take a chance with anyone else!!!

Thanks so much Liat for creating these outstanding video e-books for us!

Beginner's Knitting Class

On Sunday, I went to my local quilt shop, Meeting House Fabric and Trim, for a beginner's knitting class with my neighbor Denise and her sister-in-law Carol.  I have never knitted before or even held needles.  My mom taugh me how to crochet but I can only do the straight chain to make a blanket, I can't even make granny squares.  The knitting classes are every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm and are reasonably priced at $12.50 per class.  The teacher was wonderful!!!  I may go back in a week or two to learn how to purl after I feel more comfortable and confident.

Before class, we went over to Mt. Laurel Yarn Boutique in Sturbridge, MA to get our materials.  I found this great yarn called Encore Tweed.  It was recommended by the shop owner since we were beginners.  We also found some nice size 8 birch wood needles in a 10" length made my Brittany.  This store was very helpful and informative.  I will be going back there again!

Here is what I have completed so far on my scarf:

I actually had several more rows completed but I pulled them out.  I had a couple of holes and I was adding more stitches to each row as I kept working.  I think I have figured out my problem now.  It was really fun and I am impressed that I picked it up so fast.  I was actually working on this last night while "actively watching" TV.

I am also looking to buy a book from Amazon to teach me more techniques with some easy projects.  I ended up picking Teach Yourself Visually Knitting for the kindle.  I thought I would try out a kindle book first that way I will always have the book with me and not have to lug one around.

I'll be sure to share a picture of the completed scarf when it is done!