purlverde
The runner up of the yarn and knitting gift is:
Emily
Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to claim your prizes.
Hi, YOTH followers! I have a quick knitting tip and fun giveaway to share with you today. Hope you enjoy it!
While browsing an LYS last week that I hadn't been to in awhile, I remembered that the last time I was there they had had a few skeins of Rowan Calmer in their sales bin in a pretty pastel peach color (that I do believe is now discontinued). And, what do ya know, the skeins were still there! It was less than half the normal price and so of course, I had to have them! I went home and that following Friday I cast on right away for another Spring Garden Tee - this time in a size 3 for my little niece, Natalka, that lives in Prague and I have yet to send a knitted gift to (bad auntie!). She will be turning two this upcoming Spring, but I decided to knit her a size 3 just to make sure that eventually it will fit and she won't grow out of it before the winter is over. I always feel better about knitting clothes that are too big rather than too small when it comes to children!
My hubby was out of town all weekend in Canada with friends and so I really had not much else to do in the evenings, but knit, knit, KNIT. So, as I was knitting (this is where the knitting tip comes in), I came to the portion of the tee where the stitches are divided for the sleeves (it's knit top-down raglan style, I should add) and I was to place X number of stitches on hold for the sleeves to be picked up at a later time for finishing. Well, anytime I'm asked to place stitches on hold, I use my stitch holders whenever possible and if the stitches are over a curved location (which they were in this case - sleeve caps), I use a scrap piece of contrasting yarn to hold them instead. But, I really don't enjoy picking the stitches back up off the scrap piece of yarn, because the stitches tend to collapse most of the time and it's annoyingly time consuming for me. This time around I thought to myself, why not use my extra 24" knitting cables from my interchangeable needles to hold the stitches?! Lo and behold, it worked like a charm! It was really quick to slip and transfer the stitches from one needle to another and then I removed the needles tips and placed cable caps on the ends. I also took the cable, turned it into a circle and then threaded the ends through the lace portion of the sleeves before securing the cable caps on each end, which helps keep the sleeve caps in a nice round shape. I do realize that not every project will allow me to do this, but all in all I'm really happy with my success! Now when I come back to the sleeves, I'll be able to just knit right off the cables. Warning: this has probably been mentioned or thought of elsewhere, but I'm just now figuring it out for myself!
Here's a picture of my interchangeable needle cable holding the sleeve stitches:
See how I threaded the cable through the work to keep it in place and in a round shape?
BTW, I'm in love with this peachy-orange colorway! It's just perfect for a little girl and this specific NeverNotKnitting pattern, in my opinion.
Another reason I cast on for this little tee is because it's a perfect segue into this week's giveaway! If you've been following my blog, then you probably already know who Alana Dakos is from NeverNotKnitting. You may have actually found my blog from NNK, or maybe you heard about Alana when I did a recorded interview with her back during giveaway #11. And, if you don't know who Alana Dakos is, then you've been living under a big rock! Just kidding!
Well, Alana is back on YOTH and she has recently redesigned the look and feel of her entire pattern collection and it looks amazing! If you get a chance, take a look at her blog post where she talks about the pattern redesigns in more detail. It's really neat to see the idea behind the designs!
These new professionally printed patterns are only available in yarn shops, but you can still purchase any of Alana's fabulous patterns off of her site for PDF download anytime. Each of these patterns (whether you buy the pattern at your LYS or download the PDF version) has a beautiful layout that includes hand drawings and a custom design. They truly are works of art!
Alana is sponsoring this week's giveaway with a chance for one lucky follower to win seven of her new printed patterns: Chloe, Playful Stripes, Haltermelon, Spring Garden Tee, Molly Beret, Cosette Wrap, and the brand new Shawl Collared Cowl. The winner will receive one printed copy of all seven of these lovely patterns!
Here they are all snuggled together. Aren't they cute?!
Guess who's picture that is on the left in the Spring Garden Tee pattern! It's Jasmine!
Thank you, Alana for visiting us this week on YOTH! I'm sure we'll see you real soon! Wink, wink!
I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:
1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 10/30/10. Do you have a fun knitting tip or trick up your sleeve that makes knitting life a little easier? Please share. :) If not, that's alright! Just say HI!
I'll randomly pick the winners on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.
Sincerely,
Ve
153 comments:
I have no good knitting tips. But I love those patterns!
I just recently discovered Alana and her beautiful patterns, and I think actually I found your lovely blog from hers :)
I can't think of a knitting tip off the top of my head.. hope that doesn't disqualify me from a chance to win Alana's beautiful patterns?
:)
wow! I love alana's patterns! I'm hoping to start on the spring garden tee, too.
My tip, try to pick pattern that are top down, saves the seaming up process, which I personally don't enjoy! thanks for the chance!
No brilliant sleeve knitting tips here either. I do love top down set in sleeves though.
I really love these patterns! I saw them on Alana's blog a little while back and am thrilled so see them on YOTH.
My knitting tip would be-- when knitting in the round, rotate a couple of stitches from one needle to the next every couple of rounds to avoid any hint of ladders.
Hope I win! (duh)
As a beginner, I love learning tips that are new to me, but well-known by experienced knitters. Can't wait to read more ideas here, and thanks for the giveaway!
hilarypeterson@gmail.com
I recently learned that when picking up stitches if you do it on a crochet hook it goes super fast. I just do 10 or so and slip them on the knitting needle and do the next 10.
I would LOVE to win a set of these pattens I LOVE them all!
I don't go anywhere without a crochet hook. Well - I don't go anywhere without knitting, and in my knitting I don't go anywhere without a crochet hook. They are indispensible - seriously. Dropped stitch? Easy fix. Picking up stictches. A breeze. Simple edging. No problem!
Love Alana's stuff. Gorgeous!
My tip If you find a mistake fix it you will go out of your way to point it out to others-
Hmm, learning tips in comments? Definitely possible! Ability to think of one when commenting oneself? Highly improbable! But here's a stab at it... TRY NEW THINGS! You never know what you'll end up loving, that you otherwise wouldn't, plus, you get experience and practice, both of which are good!
What an awesome give-away!
I'm in the process of knitting my very first sweater and am at the point where I attach my sleeves. TIPS ARE NEEDED!
What lovely patterns! I kow I have lots of knitting (and crochet) tips but I can never think of them until I need them!
Rav ID: kristyh1981
I wish I had some way to make this lace scarf go a little more quickly- phew! I was doing so well on my holiday checklist until I cast on for this one:(- I love the NNK patterns and would love to win!
I knit the long tail strand with the working end for a few stitches so I don't have to weave it in- just cut!
hrfarley at gmail dot com
whoa, your tip on how to position the stitch holders blew me away! it's the simple things, i say. that's why i love elizabeth zimmerman's tip on starting the cast-on for an established knitter: just lay the yarn over the needle and proceed with casting on. forget the slip knot! i found that this technique makes it easier for me to join in the round cos i tend to make the slip knot way too tight.
Count me in! I hope I win.
The best sleeve tip I learned from an elderly fellow-knitter while waiting in line at the RMV: when knitting a raglan sweater, knit the sleeves as soon as you get to them and then finish the body of the sweater. This way, you have much less fabric to turn as you work the sleeves. It works like a charm!
I'm used to often end up w/ 2 different length sleeves, usually out of laziness, not keeping count of rows on the first sleeve. When possible, I knit both sleeves at the same time, magic loop style on a 40" circular. Now my sleeves always match!
I love Alana's patterns. This is a great giveaway!
My knitting tip is I have several tiny bags with sewing needles, yarn cutter, stitch markers and I keep on of those bags in each of my project bags. Then I always have what I need on hand whether I'm knitting in the car or at home.
My tip (not mine of course, I saw this posted on Ravelry) to avoid twists in circular knit projects is to knit flat for a few rows and then join in the round. This way it is easier to notice any twist.
I love Alana's pattern. I really hope I win this time.
Pick me! Pick me!
Hi! Not tip
This may be oddI cannot knit with out a row counter. Thanks for the giveaway.
My tip: if your favorite knitting spot has sub-optimal lighting, one of those little booklights will fit right down in your cleavage (assuming you're female) or can be clipped to the front of your shirt to give you a little extra illumination.
My friend taught me a great trick for picking up a dropped stitch, or fixing a stitch back a few rows. Rather than using a crochet hook, drop the stitch back to where it needs to be fixed, put it on your left needle, and for each row take each bar of yarn that's left and just use it like your working yarn to reknit the stitch. Perhaps hard to describe without seeing, but it's helped me tons!
I love her new patterns and can't wait to try a few!
sheri
unhallowedashes@comcast.net
the patterns are so pretty! i like using safety pins as stitch markers, and measuring gauge is very important.
songyueyu at gmail
I knit in a fairly "seat of the pants" manner, and so have no knitting tips except perhaps "don't knit by the seat of your pants." Neat patterns tho. :)
Knitting tip...I love the crochet cast-on for provisional cast-ons. It's the easiest one. Hope I win! :)
Hi, Ve! I love Alana's new printed patterns- so beautiful! Thanks for the chance at winning a set! =)
I just say Hi! :)
That's a clever way of keeping the sleeve round, thanks for the tip. I've been doing the cable thing but hadn't thought of connecting it like that.
My knitting tip, as I knit a lot of lace, is an easy way to do lifelines (if you don't have interchangeable needles with holes in them, or if you want to use a stronger thread than will fit through that hole):
Tape the lifeline to the base of one of your knitting needles with a bit of adhesive tape, making sure the tape lies flat and can't snag. Then you can either push the active row across it or knit the next row, then remove the tape and pull the lifeline straight. No more threading a darning needle through 300+ stitches!
(Be sure to replace stitch markers with clippable markers or scrap yarn for that row unless you want to leave them in to have in place if you need to rip back to the lifeline.)
Ilina (on ravelry)
I like to use quilting safety-pins (the kind that just curve at the base, no loop-d-loop) as stitch holders. They've saved many a scarf from being frogged just because I needed the needles for another project. I've also used bamboo skewers with rubber-band-stoppers for needles.
I love Alana's blog and podcast.
Hope I win!
My Rav ID is Goodstuff.
My knitting tip, challenge yourself. I like to have one project on the needles that is doing something I haven't done before.
Don't have a good knitting tip but have enjoyed reading through everyone else's! Love, love, love Alana's patterns.
Good knitting tip. I love Alana's patterns. I also have done a spring garden tee and watermelon halter top for my daughter.
I love the patterns!
I'm a new knitter and I just found out about knitting "lifelines". What a great idea! After frogging my Shawl Collered Cowl three times now, placing "lifelines" in my project is a real confidence booster.
Lovely patterns! My best tip is to get a Knitpicks row counter. It is wonderful and can count up to three projects at a time.
(renewedmind on rav)
I am not an experienced knitter I have to admit. So no knitting tips....
the patterns look very nice though and I want to try them!
sophia.komninou at gmail.com
Love Alana's patterns!
Knitting tip - I used to hate to mark up my patterns but had a terrible time loosing my place, especially when things are repeated over and over. Those little sticky notes always came off. Now I photocopy the pattern and mark it up like crazy. Save's me from going crazy :)
I haven't been knitting very long so I'm looking forward to hearing everyone else's tips!
I am not an experienced knitter but this is a tip i've heard somewhere and would love to try it out someday.
Take an old soda bottle, wash it up. Cut it almost in half, dry it out, put your centerpull ball in the middle and thread it through the top. Like I said I would love to try it. Though I don't know about cutting soda bottles and the edges. Ick. Anyway Great patterns!
Laura
It's too early for clever tips. I'm sure I have at least one! So I'll just say HI!
i do the same thing with putting stitches on a cable!! it's great, in every way (assuming you have plenty of extra cables :).
i get pretty inventive if i don't have my normal tools-stitch markers, etc. i've used paper clips, twisties, and bits of waste yarn for stitch markers. I'm always using rubber bands to keep my stiches from coming off needles when they go back in the bag. thanks for the change to win!
my only tip is to do cables w/o a needle unless you are moving more than four stitches at a time, in which case it might be easier to get a nice tension with a cable needle
Can't think of any tips at the moment aside from good note taking. I've also used yarn or the cords for holding sts.
I love to use my long tweezers for weaving in ends.
I LOVE Alana's patterns! I believe that I have only bought one to date, but that is simply because I want to knit most of them for myself or daughter and those projects often get put off for gift knitting. I think that my best tip on any project that fit is important would be to check gauge and then check it again when you are a little ways into the pattern and in the swing of things. I usually get my gauge right off, but am unhappy with the results in the pattern and end up adjusting things. This is way easier to do before you have knit half of the project.
nice one, and they would also make a nice gift
pragueloop@gmail.com
Hello! All of these patterns are SO cute and I'd love to win them.
I've just recently started cabling without a cable needle and although it scared me at first (especially because I am a fairly tight knitter) I'm really happy that I figured it out and it definitely speeds up my cabling.
I'm fairly new to knitting, so I don't have many tricks or tips. My biggest tip to other new knitters like me is that sometimes you just have to start a pattern and then you'll realize it's not as hard as you thought!
Jess
I would LOVE to win a set of these patterns....so pretty laid out all together.
My knitting tip: have you tried spit splicing? Best trick i've learned for joining yarn... No ends to weave in and no waste!
Sorry no- tip. i really like the new design for the patterns. I mean i really never liked that patterns where just slips of paper with written, and sometime a picture, on them. How she designed it now makes the patterns just as important as the product.
Also i LOVE the Molly!! So cute! and sense it's all sizes i can make one for my niece and for me!
My only tip is to be rested and patient when attempting new things in patterns :) Never works to try something fiddly when you are tired or cranky...
oh, these patterns are gorgeous!
I use my cables to hold stitches for the exact same reason. They also work great for provisional cast ons.
I don't have any great knitting tips but I thought your idea was brilliant!
Those patterns are lovely- how inspiring! Thank you.
My tip is one that everyone says, that I heard LOTS of times, but always thought "that's not for me." Oh but it was.
My tip is: Lifelines.
Glorious lifelines can save you so much pain and anguish.
Lizbert on Ravelry
Love the peach color, too. I'm really not that great a knitter to be giving tips, but I have found that, in order to avoid boredom in a large project, I keep a few smaller projects in zip lock bags in my larger knitting bag, so I'm not doing the same project for such a long time. I also listen to books on cd while I knit waiting for kids at school, practice, etc.
what a great giveaway. I love the NNK patterns. No helpful tips though.
My knitting tip is to always have a little notions pouch with you that is full of the following (1) small sissor (i pack a kids fiscar) (2) stitch markers (at least 3) (3) tapestry needle (4) tape meaasure (the kind that rolls up into itself) (5) pen and little note pad. I hope I win this giveaway! I love Alana and her patterns!
Great idea.....I think you could probably use the same idea for a lifeline when knitting a complicated pattern like lace or cables. I was using dental floss, but like you said the stitches collapse and they are difficult to pick up. In the off chance that you do make a mistake it would be so simple to frog down to the cable, twist on your needle tips and keep on knitting!
By the way, I love the pattern designs.....so pretty!
Laurie
My knitting trick...because I always lose stitch markers...McDonald's straws and Bubble tea straws (clean ones work the best...hahaha) cut with scissors make excellent stitch markers!!
I've read that pipe cleaners are also good to store live stitches, but I've never tried it.
My best tip is to take frequent breaks and rest a lot, whether you're knitting or typing. I didn't rest at work, and I ended up with an RSI that's keeping me from knitting. :-(
Oh, yea! I would LOVE to win these patterns from her! I wish I had a fun tip to pass along. All of my tips I've gotten from searching on google!
How I would love to be the winner of these patterns! My tip is to just keep knitting. If you have to rip out something, do it, and then just keep knitting till the item is complete. You'll be glad you did. :-)
Would love to knit any of those patterns! PICK ME!
I love those patterns! I don't have any good knitting tips, though. I've not knit enough stuff yet to have any!
The peach yarn looks so yummy. My tip is to use sheet protectors for your patterns and use the highlighter tape to keep up on what row you are knitting. The tape easy comes off to go to the next row.
Those patterns look wonderful :) My knitting tip would be that you can never have enough stitchmarkers. And that you should use them even when working on a simple pattern ;)
The patterns are awesome. Love to knit them all.
I just love Alana's patterns!
Jpeled on ravelry
Alana's pattern collection is beautiful and I would love to own them.
I'm still working on my own knitting tricks, so nothing to share this time.
Thanks!
Every project, whether big or small, complicated or simple, is just a series of knits and purls. Sometimes they are twisted, sometimes they are dropped, sometimes you have to learn a tiny little variation from what you have done before, but as long as you can knit and purl, you can make anything. Don't be intimidated by large or complicated projects. Just knit them one stitch at a time.
This was a great idea - I loved reading all the tips! :)
congrats winners!
i am still always looking for new ways to pick up invisible seams, some work great others , well not so much!
The only trick I have is a time saver for me...I knit both socks at the same time so that I don't suffer from second sock syndrome.
Loved your trick - no "new" tricks to share - but will use yours!
Thanks for another great giveaway.
I don't really have any great tips, but love picking them up from people like you. Makes my life a lot easier when I figure out an easier way to do my knitting. I also LOVE Alana and her patterns :D
Thanks everyone for sharing tips! I don't know if this is a tip really, but I use my phone as my row counter. There are several free row/stitch-counting apps available, so you can download more than one if you have several projects going.
I did discover Alana through your interview with her and would love to win her patterns. Your tip is so simple but so great.
I don't really have any good knitting tips, however I do love Alana's patterns!
I recently "discovered" this tip and then heard someone else mention it on a podcast a few days later. I mostly knit on interchangeable needles, so when I get to a point where the pattern says to leave the live stitches on a piece of scrap yarn, I just remove the needle tips, screw on cap ends and leave the cable in, ready to be used when the time comes.
--aprilshowers on Ravelry
Alana's patterns are sooo well written! I love the newly printed designs too. The tip that I always find useful is to get an mp3 player and invest in audiobooks. I feel so much more accomplished when I'm knitting AND reading at the same time :-)
No great tips from me...sorry. But its interesting reading those posted already! Love Alana's patterns!!
Jendada on Ravelry
My tip would be to try something new! I used to only knit baby items, but now I'm knitting myself a sweater and I'm really enjoying it!
I told my husband the other day that I think I'm addicted to knitting! Ahhh!
Thanks for a chance to win! :)
These patterns look interesting. I'm off to take a closer look.
Thanks
Still a relatively new knitter so knitting tips, I'm still learning so much! But I love these patterns. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
I just started knitting, so I have no good tips to share, but hello! :)
These patterns are great! I've been drooling over them on Ravelry for a while now...yay!
no tips, so just "Hi!"
No tips to share, sorry! I did find your blog through Alana's :)
I love Alana's patterns! I made the Chloe, which is one of my favorite FO.
I don't have any tips, but I wanted to say HI!
I don't have any tips, but I wanted to say HI!
I hope this isn't a double post - it looks like it deleted my earlier one. I love the patterns and wish I could buy them locally. I would also buy them online (to be shipped) if they were available!
Love those patterns! My knitting tip....well I save my leftover yarn scraps for sleeve holders..not very exciting I know...
I would love to win these beautiful patterns. Thanks for the chance!
I already have a few of Alana's patterns, but only as pdf's. I am thrilled at the chance to have her newly redesigned "real deal" copies. They look amazing!
Knitting tip: Keep LOTS of notions bags-- one in each knitting bag you own, one for the knitting nook, one for your desk, one for the car . . . And keep all of them stocked with a few essentials like scissors, yarn needle, crochet hook, etc. It may sound crazy to have so many of the same items but it makes for far less headaches. No more running around the house desperately trying to find that darn tape measure!
I have 5 granddaughter to knit for and they love it. Alana has beautiful patterns.
Those are some nicely printed. Good design really makes a difference!
My knitting tip is this: when knitting socks after you have picked up the gusset stitches, always knit the first round after that through the back of the loop. This will twist the stitches and tighten them so you are less likely to end up with a row of little peek holes along that edge/seam.
LOVE Alana's patterns by the way!
Don't be scared to try new things. As long as instructions are clear enough, anything can be worked through step by step. And, if all else fails, Google is your friend!
The Spring Garden Tee is one I've wanted to try for a while, but haven't bought yet, so would love to win!
I think the only tip I have is to ask the lys for help when I get stuck.
I have done that exact knitting tip with some of my projects!
I have been in love with Alana's Cosette Wrap and it would be fun to win these patterns.
Elise
eoconnor1@everestkc.net
The patterns are beautiful and inspiring!
My only real rule when I'm knitting is to turn off my normal perfectionist mindset! :) After all, it's only knitting, and it should be FUN, right? Sometimes it's hard for me to remember, but it's always worthwhile!
The updated patterns look gorgeous, by the way--wow!
I love Alana's blog and her patterns.
I would love to have those patterns, so pretty!
Ask for help if you need it! When I was first learning, I couldn't work out which side was WS and which was RS, until I asked my granny, and now I never make the same mistake again!
I think all of my knitting tips have probably already been talked about, but I recently sat next to a woman who was constantly knitting with the tail. I reached into my box of tools and handed her a prized plastic bag tie (you know the ones that are on hamburger buns -- the ones with the notch in them). I showed her how to wind the tail around it (the notch holds it all together) and she wouldn't knit with the tail again. You would have thought I had invented the light bulb and it wasn't even my idea!
I'm not thinking of any great tip right off...but I'd still like to enter the drawing. :-)
I also use a crochet hook to pick up stitches when I knit.
kristinfitzgerald on Ravelry
I don't think I have any special tricks. I always use a piece of scrap yarn, but I try to make sure it's mercerized cotton so things will slide off easier when I need them.
As a new knitter, I have no knitting tips to share.
Thank you for the opportunity to win some of Alana's patterns. Recently, I completed her Cedar Leaf Shawlette as a Christmas gift for my future daughter-in-law. Can't wait to give it to her!
I find that a locking stitch marker or a coil-less safety pin work great to hold a stitch or two. They stay out of your way and are easy to remove when the time comes.
hi, what lovely patterns. of course, have been following NNK blog too.
I love Alana's podcast! And it's finally coming back on October 1st!
The most recent knitting tip was to a knitter who would knot and cut the ending yarn, risking some unraveling and unsightly knots. I told her to leave the ending yarn long enough so she can weave it in for a more seamless look.
I love Alana's patterns!
My knitting tip- I put all my patterns in page protectors and use wipe off markers to keep track of where I am.
I love Alana´s Patterns!
I haven´t a good knitting tips... I need a really good teacher like you! I love your blog because I learn good tips!
marcelamacari on rav
no real knitting tips here - maybe just DON'T put down your project for too long... they tend to be lost forever into the land of UFO's. :) Love Alana's new pattern look!
Well now, you already used my tip of spare cables as stitch holders, so I'll just say hi!
I love these patterns-thanks for offering them.
My tip is to find other knitters to knit with. Having a group to knit with in person is so rewarding and inspiring.
:) Bethanyg on Ravelry
I love these patterns-thanks for offering them.
My tip is to find other knitters to knit with. Having a group to knit with in person is so rewarding and inspiring.
:) Bethanyg on Ravelry
My tip: Highlighter tape! It can be placed, removed, placed, removed, etc. It is see-through and comes in several colors. Love Alana's patterns and the work of the graphic designers who gave the patterns their unique look.
I don't know if this applies, but I like to organize my patterns in a nice binder and protect them with clear sheet holders. It makes finding and keeping my patterns very easy!
To join the new yarn, split the old yarn into two strands for 2 inches, and using the new yarn as the 3rd strand, braid them together. Remember, BRAID! It works with most types of yarn, and it's very smooth and sturdy.
I don't have a tip, but I'm glad to find this blog by following Never Not Knitting's giveaway thread, and I've added you to my reader. I have one of her patterns, and would love to win more!
You know those little rubberized pencil grippers? I slide a Knit Picks needle into one of those so I can securely grasp it while I tighten the cable onto the other end with the key. It helps keeps the joins secure, since I can't tighten that well by hand.
I'm too inexperienced to have any good tips to share, but I've loved reading everyone else's, and I love Alana's designs! Hi! :)
My best knitting tip is to not knit cotton when you are really stressed out because not only is cotton unforgiving with tension, you will get really pissed off when you have to rip it out.
I am a fan of Alana's and I have three of her patterns. Now that I have a baby girl, I can't wait to try the little girl patterns.
Angie in Colorado
My life-line button tip:
When putting in a life-line I attach a button to each end of the life-line so I do not lose it.
I love Alana's patterns, and I'd love to win any of them.
I use sticky notes to help me keep track of where I am in a chart -- moving the note row by row and jotting things like what particular combinations of symbols in the chart represent. I also like to color code my stitch markers -- for instance using one color for most of the markers, but a colored marker for the start/end sets. This is especially nice to help keep track of the front/back or the patterning in a circular item.
This isn't a secret, but remember to measure both the underarm and the shoulder-seam-to-wrist when determining the length of the sleeve. Or knit all baby items - they don't complain about a too-short or rolled-up sleeve here and there ;)
Hi! I use one of those nifty bread bag clips (the flat square-ish plastic ones, not the twist-ties) to wrap up my cast-on tail so it's out of my way and I don't accidentally start to knit with it.
When I purchase new yarn and it arrives, I immediately place both the yarn and the pattern that it was intended for into a large zip lock bad so everything is right at me fingertips when I beging the project!
Hello!
I found your YOTH blog via NNK. These two have quickly become my favorites!
I love the new look of Alanas patterns. They are fabulous!
Thanks
Shelly
Crazyyarnharlot on Ravelry
I feel like I am mostly winging it when it comes to knitting (some days!) I would LOVE to have those patterns, what a great collection!!
I'm PurlVerde on Ravelry, see you around!
I always hold my needles together and cast on over both of them, then remove one and my first row is so much easier! Love the patterns!
Love those patterns!!
~Jessica
(MonkeyButtBabies on Ravelry)
I don't have any knitting tips or tricks, but thought I'd say hi, I love your photography, everything always looks so beautiful!
Thanks for this giveaway! I just LOVE Alana's designs!
~ Elly ~
IknitCupcakes- Ravelry Name
The patterns are wonderful!
I keep a mindless but fun knit with me in a knowknits bag with notions like measuring tape, snips, markers and needles. That way I'm prepared for spontaneous knitting opportunities!
So far I have always knitted my sleeves flat, but I would like to try knitting them in the round. By the way, the peach colorway is wonderful.
Those patterns are beeeautiful!!!
My tip would be: If you finish working on a project that took months, and realize you made a mistake towards the beginning, just breathe and put it away for a while. Think before taking the whole thing apart. There's usually ways you can fix it without having to redo it all. Like weaving in more yarn, adding elastic, blocking, patching, etc. Remember it doesn't always have to look the exact same as the picture in the pattern.
HI. i found your blog through the fiberista files and thought i would give this giveaway a go. the patterns are so cute. I started knitting 3 ears ago. i learned from watching you tube. I knit but throwing my yarn and found that i would quickly get a really sore wrist. My mother and grandmother suggested i knit the way they knit. we call it Greek style as my grandmother is Greek but i believe that you can find example on you tube under Portuguese style knitting. the yarn is tensioned by warping it around you neck and it is much easier on my wrists so i can knit for days without any problems now.
Thanks
Helena
My knitting tip would be to always carry a project with you! specially in the car.
I have 2 young girls and I find that when they fall asleep I can knit in the car while I wait for them to wake up! Plus there are moments and places to knit at that you never thought of until you have a project with you!
Wish I had some good knitting tips - what a great thing to ask for - I'll certainly review the comments.
i am absolutely in love with the never not knitting podcast and all of alana's designs! i am a newer knitter (coming up on a year) so i don't have any tips but hopefully i can be inspired from some of the older posts!
k-knits on ravelry
I would love to win! My fav pattern is the Shawl Collar Cowl. Thanks, Debbie in Alaska
I use the bluntish Kilt Pins to hold my cable stitches if I'm knitting on public transport (because they close like safety pins), it helps avoid the embarrassing crawling around on a tram floor looking for an escapee mini cable needle!
Thanks for the chance to win some of Alana's patterns!
POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! -Ve
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