Irry's Knitting Queries

[Irrylath]

I keep having questions about knitting. As soon as one is answered, I'm confronted by another it seems. I thought instead of making a thread each time I had a question, I'd just revive this one at need.

First Question:
It says to change needles. Do I do this by slipping out the old size and putting the new in the old loops, or knit off the old needle using the new needle?

2. Is there any sort of standardization when it comes to cables/abbreviations/terminology?
I have an EXTREMELY complicated cabled sweater (Mossdale by Rowan if you want to look it up) to knit for xmas. I want as little time staring blankly at the pattern as possible, so I came up with the idea of using flashcards to memorize terms/meanings/symbols but i need to know where to "store" the information, long term memory or is short term ok.

Thanks for the help!

[EvaJ]

Long term memory on the terminology as it should be the same on everything you would knit.

When you change needle sizes just start to knit on the next size (use one needle from each size) and then when you get to the end of the next row you will have the work on the next size needle and you are all set for using the other size.

Knitting is something I use to do a lot but haven't in a long time but I do want to make a couple of doll sweaters if I can find all my needles. Thats a big problem in my sewing room because there are projects and supplies every where.

[rue d'oak]

Irry, are you looking for standard abbreviations, symbols or both?

The Craft Yarn Council has an established set of symbols, if you like to work from a chart. Www.craftyarncouncil.com/chart_knit.html

And you will find a terminology dictionary there as well.

If you have an iPad or smart phone, there are apps for knitting ie stitch patterns and glossaries. Lion Yarns offers one, as well as others.

I took a look at the pattern photo. This is beautiful. I am currently working on a complex pattern as well, and I keep the chart right where I can see it. In fact, I use a ruler to help my eye track which row I am on.

Index cards could work well as a quick reference. But I also suspect that as you get into it, and the repeating part of the pattern becomes familiar, that your own knitting will be a good visual guide as well.

Keep us posted with progress photos!

And it is a great idea to have a thread to keep posting new queries. Ask away!

Jen

[Hazartist]

Is there a site that shows a simple version of the kitchener stitch? (And I probably spelled that wrong?) I have socks that need finishing.

thanks in advance.

[pinkbubelz]

I use www.knittinghelp.com as a great resource.
Free videos that show lots of things that are useful to someone trying to learn different stitches and terms.

HEre's their link for the Kitchener Stitch!

http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/kitchener-stitch

I hope you find it helpful!

[rue d'oak]

Videos for knitting are such a step up in the world! I find
Them so much easier to learn from than the written instruction.

Thanks for the link.
Jen