frustrated knitter

Subject: frustrated knitter Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:00 pm

I think I must be insane. I want to make my daughter some cushion covers for her bed. (She has a double bed) So I went out yesterday and got a french knitting dolly. I remember how much time I used to spend in front of the fire french knitting when I was a kid.

Do you think I can remember how to start the darn thing? NO!
I sat there for over an hour last night, to no effect. I know the first one is right, but I can't figure out how to do the others.

Sorry, just venting. Taking deep breaths. (I want to sit down and do it until I get it right, but I have my ironing to do and other daily chores. But I really want to just sit and play with yarn.)

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:58 pm

I'm sure it will come back to you! I've never learned how to knit, but I did learn to crochet when I was very young. I was good at it, and could make a lot of things, but haven't done it in at least ten years. The only thing I remember how to do now is make one long chain that never ends!!

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 19, 2007 3:08 pm

I used to have a french knitting dolly when I was a child but for the life of me I can't remember how I used to use it. I've just started learning to knit but can only do the basics. As Amy said I'm sure it'll come back to you.

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:52 pm

You could try to get some help from the internet. You could "google" up "french knitting dolly" and see what pops up. I know for a fact that there are many how-to articles on crafts out there. Instead of relying on your memory and getting frustrated, it might be easier to look at diagrams and figure it out that way. I think with that help, it would be like learning to ride a bicycle...it will come to you!

Good luck!

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:01 pm

Thanks Ladies. I sat down last night with a cup of tea and all my yarn, dollies and needles. After an hour and much laughter from the husband, I got it! My casting is still messy, but it can only improve. As for knitting and crochet, I too can remember how to do one long chain, I can even get a secon row of it, but after that???????I draw a blank.

My daughter got a knitting kit for Christmas, for knitting a handbag using a round knitting loop. (This is why the french knitting dolly re-emerged.) The kit is very straight forward and easy, so I think she'll be fine with it. And now, together we can knit little handbags. Which will be the perfect way to while away a winter weekend (when winter gets here) while my husband and boys all go fishing.

With the french knitting, I want to make flowers to stitch to some bright cushion covers for my daughters bed. (Her room is all pinks, purples, blues, in other words a typical 11 year old girls bedroom. She has a real blend of modern girly and old world charm.) And the child's room is always so clean.....I love to spoil her with pretty somethings to add to it. (Mostly home/hand made little lovelies)

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:21 pm

Too bad she can't teach my six year daughter a thing or two about keeping a room clean! Hers is always horrible!

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:23 pm

My girls and I are learning how to crochet. My first project is about 1/2 way through. A scarf using a double stitch all throughout. I figured I'd start easy and get better before I tackle something like an afghan.

Gina is right - the internet is full of helpful how-to's on crafting of every sort.

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:16 am

Suz I'm glad you got it in the end. I'm thinking about learning to crochet, its something I've always wanted to do but never got round to. I've just started to knit and really enjoy doing that.

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:49 pm

I learnt to knit in my early 30s and am so glad I persevered through the "Oh my god what is this tangle" stage!

It's a lovely thing to be able to sit by the fire and do. It does tend to be seasonal though - somehow I never seem to knit in summer!

laura

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Mon Mar 05, 2007 8:30 pm

Well it's summer where I am. I figure if I start now, by winter I shoudl be a dab hand at it. (For me, it's about remembering how to do it. Not learning something new. The knowledge is there, I just haven't used it in 20 years)

I taught my daughter how to knit this weekend. She's working on a very chunky scarf using chunky wool (it comes out looking kind of tweedy, it's gorgeous) I can't remember the ply....but anyway, she's dropped stitches here and there and picked up a stitch or two here and there....and her tension needs some work, but she's so proud of herself.

And how bad is it that I abandonded the french knitting? I decided socks where better to be knitting anyway. The husbands birthdya is in May, I am hoping to have finished a pair by then! Could take me a while, turning the heel will probably be my undoing!

Subject: Re: frustrated knitter Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:03 pm

Suz,

What exactly is French knitting? I'm very curious!

Karla