At the beginning of January, I went to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts Store, where there was a sale. 

The store in Florence, SC is less than a year old.

As I was checking out, the clerk asked if I wanted to take any classes.  Well, one thing led to another and they needed a knitting and quilting teacher.  Two of my favorite crafts!

This past weekend I taught my first knitting class. More importantly there are now three new knitters!

Jackie, Marcy and Pamela did GREAT!  The time flew.  They made my job of instructor easy – and fun!

We had a nice discussion about how much easier it is to learn to knit from a live instructor.  Rather than a book.  Videos are nice, yet when you’re stuck it’s nice to have the hands on of an experienced knitter.

They learned to cast on, knit, purl, bind off and even started to read their knitting stitches!  They are pretty amazing, and I’m looking forward to seeing their projects.

All of them consider themselves crocheters, so they were comfortable holding the yarn.  Sometimes juggling the yarn and needles is the most difficult place to start.  As crocheters, they are used to a single hook and yarn although I think all will do well as knitters too.

Are you looking for a knitting instructor or for knitting help?

I’m starting a Gold Membership on The Knitting Yarn with webinars to answer your questions.  To get all the announcements about the new membership, you’ll want to become a Bronze member if you’re not already.  Just click here now for your free Bronze membership!

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Barbara wants to know how does she find the right pattern row after ripping out a lot? 

She’s feeling frustrated with following a chart.

Great question!

And Barbara, congratulations on stretching yourself to try what sounds like a complex knitting chart!

Been there, done that!  When starting to knit lace or any pattern with a knitting chart, it’s easy to get lost.  Especially when knitting with interruptions or to relieve stress.

Some charts have over 20 rows of knitting in the pattern repeat.  Yikes!

Is it any wonder knitters get frustrated?

Many lace knitting instructions suggest marking off the chart as you go.  That makes sense, although it can still be hard to find your way.  And if you drop a stitch or are just having problems challenges with the pattern, it can be frustrating.

Especially when ripping and knitting, ripping and knitting.

Wondering if there’s an easy solution?

Well, there is.  It’s called a lace lifeline or just a lifeline.

Basically, you thread a finer yarn or thread through the stitches on your needle, and then knit around the thread.  I often like to use crochet cotton or crochet thread.  It’s often a good thickness, and will slip in and out easily without catching on the yarn.

Putting your lifeline in a row that’s all knit or all purl stitches is often easier than trying to thread it through the fancier yarn overs or baubles or knots in lace knitting.  And if you make a note of which row you’re working on, you can find your place easily.

And you can put in as many lifelines as you feel you need.  You could insert one the same row of each repeat if you like.  They can be left in until you’re finished, or pulled out when you’re satisfied you don’t need it any more.  Just be sure you really are satisfied before pulling it out.

Yes, that is the voice of experience.

If you’re a member of the Knitting Yarn, you can click on the link below to view a How To Knit Video on Lace Lifelines I made…

[Content protected for Bronze members only] To view this content please register or log in. Click Here Right Now To Register. Or if you are a member Click Here To Log In.

To see this video, you need to view this post on The Knitting Yarn and be logged in.  Not viewing this on The Knitting Yarn?  Then click here now to read this post on The Knitting Yarn.

Lace lifelines can be an important safety net for all lace knitting, and for knitters starting a new level of knitting.  They can also be helpful when you’re learning how to read your knitting.

Reading your knitting is a skill all knitters should develop.  One of the best books on the subject is Knitting for Anarchists.  It explains the different ways the yarn loops around the needles, and should be part of every knitter’s library.

Click here right now to get your own copy.

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

I have finished my first sock of 2012!

And what I have decided is I’m working on my own version of a generic sock.  Right now it’s knit cuff down, because the arch shape seems to work best that way.

The arch shape is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen’s “Arch-Shaped Stockings” pattern, available from Schoolhouse Press.

My current interest in socks started while caring for my mother.

In her later years, it was often hard to keep her warm.  And her feet in particular would get cold.  The socks available in the stores were seldom what she wanted, so I decided to knit her a pair of socks.

I knit the first pair cuff down.  Some knitters say to fit precisely you need to start at the toe and work up. I wanted to be sure these fit as well as I could.  So, I slipped them carefully over her foot to frequently check the fit.  I wanted to be sure there was no problem with too tight socks cutting off her circulation or too loose socks causing wrinkles  and maybe sores.

Could they easily be slipped on and off?

Yes!  While I knit the socks with double pointed needles, initially I slipped the stitches onto circular needles to check the fit.  After the practice of a few fittings, leaving the stitches on four double pointed needles worked fine.

Ribbing tends to fit more snugly than other patterns, and seems more forgiving for three dimensional projects like socks.

I ended up using a spiral ribbing pattern on the leg and top of her foot, which worked out very well. They socks fit, and she enjoyed wearing them.  Even if they were turquoise blue!

My current socks are for myself, and they are also knit from the cuff down. 

And, yes, once again I altered the pattern.  I like the arch shape.  The other options, not so much. 

Wondering how many ways I deviated from the how to knit socks instructions?  Here are three ways…

1. The cast on.  Might as well start altering the pattern immediately!  Actually, I discovered this when knitting socks for my mother.  Using a provisional cast on and then when the sock is off the needles, going back and binding off with an elastic bind off makes a great cuff edge for someone with concerns about leg swelling. Or just a different shaped calf (larger or smaller than usual). The bind off expands nicely yet snugly fits.
2. 1 x 1 ribbing in the leg and foot instead of the pattern.  I still like ribbing, and feel the socks stay up better with it than with stockinette stitch.  For beginners, stockinette stitch is often easier because in the round the stitches are all knit.
3. The heel is a mitered heel instead of a saddle heel.

Do you see how important knitting was to my caregiving?

Not only did it help relieve the stress of caregiving giving me a much-needed few minutes respite, it also provided some great projects!

Without knitting, I probably would not have come out of caregiving whole and happy.  Even with my family’s help and my professional caregiving experiences. 

Of course it’s not just knitting that helped me survive.  It was much more.  It seemed at times like traveling along roads without a map.

Easy to get lost and off track if you don’t know the route.

You know what I mean?

It takes a road map to successfully navigate caregiving, to more than survive – to thrive – emerging happy and whole.

Now you can download your own road map.  Just click here right now to download!

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Recently Kara asked where she can find free Nordic knitting techniques?

I’ve found Nordic knitting techniques in books and patterns. 

Free knitting techniques can be a challenge.  Nordic knitting is usually for intermediate and advanced knitters.  And finding free knitting patterns for a smaller audience can be challenging.  When you know where to look, it’s easier though…

Here are several places you can look…

• Sometimes you can find the techniques explained in knitting patterns.
• Another free source may be a library book on Nordic knitting.
• The largest selection of free online Nordic knitting patterns I’ve found is on Ravelry, a membership site for knitters, crocheter, weavers, designers, spinners and dyers.  Ravelry has 89 free Nordic knitting patterns listed. A Ravelry membership is free.
• Nordic knitting is a large topic.  You could try searching by region or country, or by the type of project you want to knit.  Examples include Faroese shawls or Icelandic sweaters.
• Nordic knitting techniques are described in some books.  One of my favorite books is “Folk Mittens.“  It has nice descriptions of the different techniques with patterns for knitting around the world.  I used it to make my Norwegian Mitten pictured in this post.  You may find a copy at your library or perhaps you can borrow one from a knitter you know.

My Snowflake Christmas Knitting Balls Pattern is a Nordic-inspired pattern.  They make nice Christmas gifts, and are small projects you can take with you.   Click here to download it now. 

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder of www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Creator of A HEART PLAN
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

One of the challenges I’ve had as a knitter is getting the pattern’s gauge to match my swatch.

I have this problem with following patterns – usually when I get the stitches per inch to match the gauge, the rows per inch don’t.  Probably because I knit loosely. 

The other day I realized the pattern I planned to use just wouldn’t work with my knitting.  I couldn’t knit the yarn tightly enough to get close enough to the gauge for the pattern to fit.

I could have been frustrated, but instead decided to redo the pattern with my gauge. I knit a swatch in the pattern, with my yarn and needles, and like it. So, I got out some paper and a pencil, and used my math skills to adapt the pattern.

I like to be as precise as possible, so try to do it on paper. Some folks like to wing it, and that’s fine too. Whatever works —and isn’t stressful is okay.

Probably the simplest way is  to just recalculate the stitches. For example, if the pattern gauge is 5 stitches to the inch, and calls for you to cast on 20 stitches, that’s 4 inches:

20 stitches × 1 inch/5 stitches = 20 stitches × 1 inch/5 stitches = 20 × 1/5 inch = 20 ÷ 5 = 4 inches

Most of that I do in my head, and you probably do too. I wrote it all out in case you don’t.

So, if my gauge is 4 stitches per inch, and I need 4 inches, I need to cast on 16 stitches:

4 stitches/ 1 inch × 4 inches = 4 stitches/ 1 inch × 4 inches = 16 stitches

You can go through your pattern, and make similar changes throughout.

Or you can use a pattern that doesn’t have a gauge. 

Like a knitted dishcloth pattern. While some have a gauge, many do not.

This my pattern, and the suggested gauge is just that.  Suggested.  If your gauge doesn’t match, it’s okay.  As long as you like the finished project!

And dishcloths are nice because sometimes a tighter weave is nice, and sometimes a looser one.

Get your copy of this knitted dishcloth and towel set by clicking here right now.

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder of www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Creator of A HEART PLAN
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Recently I finished a pair of socks.

They are based on a pattern designed by Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen.  The pattern is called Arch-Shaped Stockings.  And they are.

The socks have an arch shape, and snugly fit the sole of your foot.

I have a high arch.  And despite what the so-called experts say about knitting socks, just adding extra length to the arch is not nearly as comfortable as the curved arch in these socks.  So the socks I knit from this pattern are among my favorites.

I like a ribbed sock, because it hugs my leg and foot better.  And yes, you can alter patterns for socks too.

Personally I’m not fond of the saddle heel turn to wear.  A Christmas stocking is a different matter.  I did put saddle heels in my Christmas Stocking Patterns, which are not worn.  It makes a nice heel if you want a different color for the heel.  And knit Christmas stockings are not meant to be worn!

For the saddle heel, basically you knit a square, and then turn the heel near the bottom of the foot.  You end up picking up 12 or more stitches along two sides of the square.  I found a heel from a book in the 1940s that only requires picking up 3 or 4.  The turn begins higher, and makes more of a mitered heel.  

I like the way it fits my foot.  You may like a different heel.  And that’s perfectly fine…

So, what are my “Rules For How To Knit Socks”?

1. The right way to knit is your way.  This goes for anything you knit!
2. Choosing 2 circular needles or double-pointed ones is a personal preference.  I have some bamboo double-pointed needles I like to use for knitting socks.  The wooden needles seem to hold the yarn better.  And I find 2 circular needles require more concentration to remember which needle to use when. 
3. If you’re just starting to knit socks, very dark colors like navy blue, dark chocolate brown, black and dark forest green are very hard to knit.  My most recent socks were enough for me.  I started with 2 skeins of sock yarn, so probably will use the rest for a shawl or scarf.  Something I can knit on larger needles!
4. Enjoy yourself.  Knitting should be FUN!
5. Rules 2 and 3 are optional and can be broken.

Ever wonder how knitting rules started?

Mostly they were passed down by mouth from teacher to student.  And probably worked well for most, but not necessarily all knitters. 

It’s fine to have knitting “rules” when they help you knit easier, faster or with more fun.  When they become burdensome and take the pleasure out of knitting, it’s time to break the rules or make new ones!

Have you lost the joy in your knitting?  

Maybe you need to rediscover the power of FUN!  “The Laugh Doctor” is ready to show you how.   Click here right now to download this book now to put FUN back into your life – quickly, easily and almost effortlessly. 

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

This morning I finished a sock.

It’s a pattern I’ve tweaked rather extensively.  It started as an Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen pattern.  I’ve made them before, but really didn’t care for the toe or the heel.  The original pattern called for a flat toe, with the ends woven with the Kitchener stitch.  And the heel is a saddle heel. 

In looking for a toe that might be more comfortable, I came across a pattern in a needlework book from the 1940s.  It suggests a rounded toe can be made like a mitten.

And you know what?

I like it better!

As I was casting on this morning for the second sock, inspiration for this post struck…

This is a provisional cast on.  And when I cast on double pointed or circular needles, I like to cast on a straight needle.  The stitches for the cast on row stay better formed, and I don’t have to mess with twisting the stitches.  After knitting one row, they tend to lie flatter when putting them on the double pointed needles.

I do however find that point protectors can also keep the stitches from sliding off the needle until they are knit onto the 3 or 4 needles.

The inspiration?

Well, the point protectors would make a gift for a knitter.  They could be tucked into a stocking. 

What are some other budget-friendly last minute Christmas gifts for knitters?

1. Stitch Markers.  You can get real fancy if you like.  My personal preference are the plastic cabone rings.  They are the rings that are used for making curtains and drapes.  Lightweight  and smooth, they are easy to use and move without catching most yarns.
2. Locking Stitch Markers.  Locking stitch markers are handy for complicated patterns, when you need to keep track of where to start the next group of stitches.  They’re especially helpful for cables and lace knitting.  You can mark the stitches a row or two below your working row, and move them as needed.   Often they don’t need moved every row, unlike stitch markers like cabone rings.  Those are placed on the working row, and moved each row so you don’t knit the ring into the knitted fabric!
3. Embroidery Scissors With Scissors Point Protector.  Embroidery scissors?  Yes, they are handy to cut yarn especially fine yarn.  And their point can come in handy for snipping one stitch at a time as in making steeks.
4. Knitting Accessories Kit:  You can often find a knitting accessories kit that includes several of the items above.  And more!  Some include handy carrying cases or other tools a knitter can find useful.
5. Knitting Downloads.  Kindle has knitting books and even knitting patterns.  Maybe the ultimate last-minute gift for a knitter because there’s no waiting for delivery! 

One of the hottest books this year is “55 Christmas Balls To Knit” by Arne and Carlos.  Unfortunately for last minute shoppers, there is no 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf.  Sadly because downloads are an almost instant gift for Christmas and other occasions. 

For knitters, my “Snowflake Christmas Balls” knit up quickly with small amounts of yarn.  The pattern makes a last minute gift, as can the snowflake Christmas balls!  Click here now for more information.

To your healthy knitting and caregiving,

Dr.Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Wouldn’t it be nice to knit a Christmas stocking for each child in the family? 

One that can be personalized for their favorite colors, names and more.  Hand knit Christmas stockings can easily become a Christmas tradition.  One you can’t buy in a store.

They can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. The patterns can be plain, stripes or even complex patterns reminiscent of Fair Isle knitting.

Before last year, I never tackled Christmas stockings.  Then a friend suggested I create some.  And before I knew it I had three different versions!

What are three reasons you should knit Christmas stocking patterns into Christmas stockings?

• Start a Christmas decorating tradition…
• Share your love of knitting with another generation – and maybe even get someone interested in knitting!
• They’re a great way to practice the techniques for socks on larger needles and heavier weight yarn.

You can create a unique Christmas tradition and lasting keepsakes.

And you might just interest someone in knitting or another craft!

If you’re just learning to knit socks, a simple pattern can be a nice way to start knitting.  Christmas stockings are larger than socks, and you can often use larger needles and yarn. 

Christmas stockings knit with larger needles and yarn than socks are often easier to handle than the fine needles and yarn of regular socks.  Especially if you’re new to knitting socks.

These stockings were designed to be easy enough for knitters beginning to knit in the round, or for those who are more advanced.  Click here right now to get your own patterns in a download.

And start creating your own Christmas tradition today!

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

One of the most popular knitting books this Christmas is a book for knitting Christmas decorations.

Here’s one of the best reviews I read…

55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colourful Festive Ornaments * Tree Decorations * Centrepieces * Wreaths * Window Decorations
by Arne & Carlos
Search Press 2011
ISBN: 978-1-84448-781-3

 

This book was first published in Norway in 2010 and was a huge hit. Under the title Julekuler it sold 37 000 copies, and was on the Norwegian bestseller list for four months. To follow up this success, versions of the book are now (October 2011) available in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, UK and USA. So, what’s the appeal?

The concept is very simple. The book contains just one pattern – the shape of a knitted ball to use as a Christmas decoration – presented as written directions. Then there are 55 different stranded knitting motifs that can be worked on the basic shape. These appear in charts, which also show the basic shape. This simplicity hints a one aspect of the phenomenon – people get hooked. You make your first ball, then just have to get started on another one with a slightly different design.

The way the book is presented also adds to the enjoyment. We meet Arne and Carlos, a pair of knitwear designers who live and work in the Norwegian mountains (this video is worth a look). The book is full of photographs of their knitted balls artfully arranged around their home, or together with related items. I especially like the photo on p115. I thought a first they’d made a very large ball – but it turned out to be a normal sized ball inside a dolls house. As well as photographs, there are quotes from seasonal poems and even a little story from Arne’s grandmother.

The introductory material assumes some experience with knitting in the round and stranded colour work, but includes instructions on how to increase and decrease and how to stuff and finish your ball. Then the different motifs are presented. They have been arranged into 16 chapters of related designs, e.g. “Reindeer” and “Hearts”, and many are traditional designs. Most of the motifs are accompanied by a comment on the source of inspiration or a little seasonal reminiscence.

Arne and Carlos note that they could have come up with more variations, but chose to stop at 55. Clearly they recognise that once people have worked a few of these they’ll be coming up with their own designs – there’s an empty chart at the back of the book, ready for when inspiration strikes!

I’ve made one ball from the book – so far! The instructions were clear, it was easy to knit and took just a couple of evenings (faster knitters can produce two or three a day). The yarn used in the book is a sport weight (100 m to 50 g) yarn, but any yarn can be tried – the ball will come out smaller or bigger. Just choose a needle size to give a tight fabric so the stuffing doesn’t leak out.

So. Avoid the book if you just want to knit a Christmas ball – other patterns are available. But get a copy if you like the tactile pleasure of books, great photography, traditional designs, winter scenery and the charm of something just that little bit different.

I loved it.

Disclosure: I purchased this book. My review is of the Search Press paperback edition.

Original Post:
Helena Callum: Book Review: 55 Christmas Balls to Knit

 

When I first read the reviews, I thought it would be popular.  So much so that as of this writing, it is available at Amazon in one to three months!  There are some other online stores that have it in stock – at a higher price.  Significantly higher.  The ones I saw started at 50% higher before adding shipping!

In looking further I wondered if there is a 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf.

The answer is no.  It’s not on Kindle, and a search for a pdf or eBook format confirmed it’s not available.

Why not?

There are several possibilities.  Many knitters like books.  And it’s possible the publisher didn’t think about it.  Or maybe didn’t anticipate the success of the book. 

With today’s digital printing it would be an alternative to not being able to get the book for months – long past this Christmas knitting.  If you’re of a certain age you may recall the frantic searches for “Tickle Me Elmo” or “Cabbage Patch Dolls” in years past. 

Looking at this book as an outsider, it seems as though a digital version whether pdf, Kindle or something else would be a great alternative.

A Snowflake Christmas Ball in White Christmas Tree

Wondering what to do?

Instead of buying the book, I decided to create my own knitting pattern.  Last year I created some Christmas knitting patterns for Christmas stockings, and decided to use the snowflake patterns in designing my own Christmas balls.

The pattern makes a nice ornament in sock yarn 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. And fits nicely in my tree, which is mostly decorated with handmade ornaments. Or those given to me by special people in my life.

Larger ornaments can be made with heavier weight yarn and larger needles.

Snowflake Christmas Balls

Even the larger ornaments take small amounts of yarn, and are a quick knit.

Carrying two strands of yarn can be challenging.  So next, I’m going to try knitting solid balls and using duplicate stitch to add the snowflakes.

If you’d like a copy of the pattern, click here right now.

And yes, it IS a pdf so it’s available right now.

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Yes, I’m serious.

Sure knitting with incomplete knitting instructions can be frustrating.  You know what?  They can also be a blessing.

Okay, maybe one in disguise or just hiding very well.

When I first started knitting lace I didn’t realize how challenging it can be.  Sometimes fearless knitting is the only way to start — and finish — a project.

I knit a purse that I thought would be easy.  I decided to use a yarn I hadn’t used before.  It’s actually no longer available, which is no surprise.  To say it was challenging may be one of those historical understatements.  And when you’re frustrated or busy like in caregiving, this is definitely not a combination — difficult pattern and yarn — to try.

The yarn is part rayon, and very slippery.  Add to that a fairly complicated lace pattern, and I ended up knitting and ripping and knitting and ripping the border until I was ready to give up.

I didn’t.  And was able to realize the direction while not incorrect were simply not clear.  In the process I learned how not to write directions!

What finally got me to complete the lace pattern was finding it in a knitting book.  It can be very helpful to see more than one version of the same instructions.  While it did not solve all the problems with the slippery yarn, it did reduce my frustration.  

And click here right now to get your FREE The Knitting Yarn Membership!

Keep knitting to your heart’s desire – or someone else’s!

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com