Fearless Knitting KAL

Welcome!

2008-11-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

***Stickying this post so new folks can read all about us. New posts start the next post down!***

This KAL will begin January 1, 2008 and run all year long! You can sign up any time!

The purpose of this KAL is to address and resolve our knitting fears, regardless of complexity. My hope is that we will have a fair mix of members who want to try different things and some seasoned vets willing to offer advice, guidance, and assistance. Please feel free to join us! Doesn't matter how long you've been knitting or what you'd like to conquer!

Since many people will have different goals, this could get a little hairy. To help keep things in order, please use the labels located on the bottom bar of each of your posts as a reference. Good ones to use include the technique you're discussing (fair isle) and/or the project you're working on. As we accumulate members, we'll post links to patterns that folks are working on. We will also probably create a Ravelry group just for fun. There will also be links to helpful websites with tips and ideas for each technique, so if you run across something particularly helpful let us know and we'll add it!

How to join: Email me at lotusknits@gmail.com and I'll add you to the KAL! Also please provide your blog link OR ravelry name if you have one so we can add you to the sidebar.

Assistance: If you'd like to offer help/guidance/tips in a particular area (or several), please let me know and I'll create a section for 'helpers'. If you'd like to help moderate, I'm sure I could use it!

Buttons/Banner: If anyone would like to create a button or banner, gimme a shout!

Thanks for visiting! Join us, won't you?

Fetching is done!

2008-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the support, you guys! As you can see, I had ladder issues. But I've heard that those get better the more that you practice and all. And since it was my first DPN experience I'm not going to let it weigh mt down! The cables came out really well and I had fun knitting those. It was my first time picking up stitches, too, so the thumbs came out pretty wonky. But all-in-all, I'm really happy with my Fetching!

Slowly Getting It Going...

2008-03-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

I cast on for Fetching (rav link) last night since I finally decided to conquer my fear of knitting in the round on dpn's and knitting cables all in one shot. So far so good I think. ;)

First Colorful Step Toward Goals

2008-02-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Fearless ladies! I finally have something to contribute to the KAL...not much knitting time and when I have it, I've been finishing off some gifts lately instead of working on new, exciting techniques. But I'm a bit closer to one of my goals for this KAL...becoming comfortable with sock knitting. So I finally finished the pair of socks I started last fall. You can see more details if you are interested at my blog.

The first was knit with the help of a class instructor...the second was knit on my own over the past few weeks. I like how they turned out but I do have a couple questions for any of you willing to answer...

I did have a bit of a ladder problem but it was just when I had to K1, SSK at the start of a needle. I pulled as tight as I could but still seemed to have this problem. Suggestions anyone of anything I can do except just pull even tighter??

Finally, I got 'the hole'. The dreaded hole. Only on one side of the heel but there is a hole and I wanted to know if anyone had suggestions for that. It's a slip-knit heel flap which I think is pretty standard. It seems I heard from somewhere that maybe if you slip that first stitch knitwise instead of purlwise...or you twist it some way...or you knit that first stitch of the first row of the heel instead of slipping it...I'll stop but I'd welcome suggestions.

As for now, I think that I'll be casting on another pair this weekend (once I decide on a pattern). I'm also close to being able to cast on one or two other things that will work toward my goals of this KAL...I'll update as I go cuz I'm sure I'll have questions and need some support!

Hello There!

2008-02-11T01:31:00.000-08:00

I finally managed to join in here, so I thought I'd write up a post real quick to introduce myself. My name's Kris, I'm 22, and I've been knitting for about 2 years now. And I finally decided to start tackling some projects that I've been avoiding like the plague. I'm fanning through the web to find some good beginners patterns, but I'm planning to delve into socks, lace, and fair isle this year. These are all things that I never thought I'd be able to do, but I'm determined. There's just way too many pretty things out there that I'd be missing out on! Looking forward to working on these with you all!

Another one!

2008-02-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

I have started another colorwork project. The actual knitting is going well, but I am having trouble getting them to fit me.

I do know a kid that likes purple and pirates, so at least they have a recipient.

How's Everyone Doing?

2008-02-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hi! I hope your week is going well!

I wanted to check in and see how everyone's getting along on their projects. Please post your project pics if you're working on anything!

I started the Blue Light Special hat, but I've since stalled. I think I should have chosen a two color fair isle project rather than a four color. The tangling strands are driving me batty!

I've since started a two at a time toe-up sock pattern, which confronts another fear of mine (two at a time AND toe up...eek!). I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

What are you working on right now? Have you run into any problems you need help with? Let's see some fearless knitting!

Aran Sweater

2008-01-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Hi All! I just joined the KAL today. My brother asked me to knit him an Irish Aran Sweater with our family's clan design on it. I've never knit something so complicated, with so many cables, and I've never knit a man's sweater! He's ordering the kit and the yarn, but I don't think that will arrive until March or so, as it is coming from Ireland! Then, I'll start the knitting. Fingers crossed, I might be able to finish this in the next decade!

Wish me luck!

Inga is done!

2008-01-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

I have finished my Inga Hat!
Pattern: Inga Hat
Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style Storm, Asparagus, and a little Vanilla
Needles: 3.25mm and 3.75mm for colorwork
Started: 1/18/2008
Finished: 1/26/2008

I am very happy with it. It fits me really well, but it is a little taller than I like. If I knit this again, which I may do, I would start a few rows into the colorwork. I carried the MC, Storm, in my right hand and the CC, Asparagus, in my left, and it worked beautifully for me. I may be switching from a thrower to a picker! The braid was neat if a little fiddly. I used this tutorial which is really good, but my yarns were so twisted by the end. I used magic loop for the colorwork, but I think a 16" needle and dpns would have worked a lot better for me. I am heading to the Knit Picks site after this to purchase some for my next hat.

Quant = Entrelac= Done!

2008-01-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

I finished this the other day, it's my first entrelac! The pattern is Quant from Knitty and the only changes I made were that I used sock yarn and US size 2 needles instead of worsted weight. This KAL was just the encouragement I needed to finally try entrelac, thanks Melanie for starting it! For my next challenge, I'm thinking intarsia because I've never done that before, I've only done stranded knitting.

what i'm learning

2008-01-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

As requested in the comments, here's a little blurb on what I'm learning about colorwork and what works for me while working on Venezia.

The biggest thing was figuring out how tightly/loosely to strand the nonworking yarn. My first few rows are not as neat.... Good thing its on the bottom hem!

I've tried knitting continental style but it's super awkward for me. I've found it easier for me to "throw" with both yarns in my right hand. I keep the background color (white) wrapped around my thumb when not in use and drop the pattern color (Kureyon) when not in use. By holding on to the white when not in use, it keeps the 2 colors from twisting when I switch colors. White stays on top and Kureyon stays stranded on the bottom. It sounds slow and probably is compared to the colorwork pros, but it works for me.

The knitted product doesn't stretch as much as plain knitting. If I could go back I probably would have gone up one size. The body's a slim fit right now and I'm hoping blocking will ease it up a hair.

diving in head first

2008-01-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

Some time ago our KAL hostess asked on her blog about our "dream" projects and techniques that might be getting in the way of starting that project. I said my project would be one of Eunny Jang's fair isle sweaters and that I'd probably start with her Endpaper Mitts pattern. I threw that plan out the window and dove right into the Venezia Pullover from IK winter 06.

I was initially inspired by a ball of Kureyon Sock I purchased on an impulse. I'm not a sock knitter and a plain camisole didn't seem special enough. Something stranded was the way to go so I did a mini swatch using a free chart I found online. I don't know what I was afraid of because it was fun and not too hard. On Ravelry, I saw a Venezia using only 2 colors and I knew that's how I had to use the Kureyon sock. Additional details are on my Ravelry project page.

Finally started

2008-01-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Christmas knitting. I know, it's way after Christmas. Anyway, I started Inga in KP Merino Style in storm, asparagus and a little vanilla. I have finished the Latvian braid, interesting if a little fiddly, and am ready to start the charted portion. So far I am really enjoying the pattern.

Entrelac!

2008-01-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yay, I started Quant today, my introduction to entrelac. So far, so good, I think I'm really starting to get it! I'm making a smaller version than the pattern calls for, I'm using sock yarn and US size 2 needles. The yarn is a lone ball of Panda Cotton in Sable.

Gauge Issues with Fair Isle

2008-01-15T16:01:00.001-08:00

Hi all---just a short post that may be of interest to anyone attempting color work. I routinely read Claudia's blog and recently she had this post about gauge issues with fair isle knitting. Check it out if you haven't read it already!

I'm actually close to starting a color work item ('easy' one to get started) so hopefully I'll start posting soon!

New & Want to Knit Socks

2008-01-15T04:49:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone! I'm new here ... I'm Beth, a 37-yo SAHM who has been knitting for a while now. I can officially say I'm addicted to it and especially making dishcloths, but I haven't yet made hats or socks. I'm scared of knitting beyond two needles.

Any advice? It would be MUCHO appreciated!

New Link

2008-01-08T06:24:00.001-08:00

Hi ya'll!

I added a new link on the sidebar called "MeanGirl's Color Dominance". Jen over at http://meangirl.blogspot.com has a cute little yarn thimble that I thought those of you working on fair isle might appreciate! She does a great job of explaining the process without being overwhelming, which is a plus too.

If you find great links to techniques that might help someone, feel free to post them!

HELP!!!

2008-01-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else working on the Quant headband? I finished the one mentioned in my first post and field tested it in Russia. It certainly does the trick of comfortably keeping your ears warm. I put it on my list of recommendations for great present ideas for next Christmas.

Entrelac is easy to do and I don’t know why I haven’t tried this before. My first yarn choice was poor – it really should be done in a yarn that changes color frequently.

I started a second one on the plane home but got stuck on the end part of the directions. I have one to prove I did figure this out once but I can’t seem to get the correct number of stitches now. Hopefully someone can help me through finding where I’m probably not reading correctly.

I'm SCARED NOW !!!

2008-01-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I just jumped on the tam in the IK. I made it to the wheel. What scares me is .....start at the beginning(which is middle) and then do the right side.

I'm so confused :-s . What does it mean? I go left then back to the beginning and do the right side. Oh , I forgot to mention nothing I knit ever gets done! I don't think I know how to knit . And that's scary !!

Someone HELP me please !!!

Beginning Fair Isle

2008-01-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Hiya! Hope you all are having a good weekend!

Here is the first few rows of my Red Light Special, only I like to call it the Blue Light Special, cause I'm a dork like that.

I did a little reading beforehand on color dominance and tension and so far it's going well. The biggest issue I'm having so far is the yarns twisting and tangling around each other. Grr.

I'm using the contrast yarn in my left hand so that it's dominant and the grey background color in my right hand. I don't knit English, so learning that part has been...awkward. But it's working out so far, slowly but surely.

Let's see what you all have been working on!

Intro

2008-01-05T12:04:00.001-08:00

Hey, everyone! I'm Jody (ravelry id jody26) and I blog here. I'm going to overcome my fear of socks this year. I've got Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks, and I'm ready to get started! Then I might tackle steeking ...

Howdy!

2008-01-04T17:48:00.001-08:00

My name is Madge, my Ravelry id is knitdevil, and I blog here. I've been knitting seriously for four years and crocheting for eight. I'm still getting organized on what goals I want to accomplish with this KAL, but the short list includes these possibilities:

Knit a top down sweater. I'm thinking Knitting Pure and Simple's pattern #241, the Neck Down Shaped Cardigan, is a good candidate for this goal.
Learn Fair Isle.
Become proficient knitting socks.
Become proficient at reading charts for cabled patterns.

I've begun the year working on that last one. My knitting group is doing a mini-KAL right now, and we're knitting Shedir. I'm up to row 13, and so far so good. Not much to show at the moment, but as soon as I work a little further I'll post a picture here.

Thanks to Melanie for hosting this KAL, and happy fearless knitting to all!

Maybe Not

2008-01-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure colorwork is going to be the right thing for me.

I don't feel so fearless anymore.

I knitted one pattern repeat of the Endpaper Mitts, just to practice and get a feel for things.

I'm feeling something alright, but it's not happy feelings.

More gory details at my blog.

I was especially frustrated by tangling yarns, tension issues, and reading the chart. I knit continental style, and I'm holding both colors in my left hand.

I'm thinking a larger project on bigger needles might be easier. A hat maybe.

Buttons Galore!

2007-12-31T18:08:00.000-08:00

Look I made pretty buttons! My logic was people will pick the button which reflects their fear. I'll be displaying the lace one... and I guess when I face that fear, I'll be putting the blocking one up! Haha. Melanie (LocusKnits) is going to be putting them up in the sidebar later, so please remember to upload them to your own server. Check out "How to Add a Button to your Sidebar" if you don't already know how.

Are You Ready?!?!

2007-12-31T16:23:00.000-08:00

Holy crap, tomorrow is the 1st!

Are you ready to conquer some knitting fears? I know I am. I've cast on the Red Light Special hat and it's already an interesting adventure! I'll post pictures and progress tomorrow.

Monica has made us some wonderful buttons, and as soon as my comp stops being a jerk I'll add them to the sidebar for you to snag! Please save them to your own server!

Happy New Year everyone!! Let's get this party started!

**ETA: Yay buttons are up!

Hi : )

2007-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd get my intro in before the KAL kicks off. My name is Anna (MeowKnits on Ravelry) and I've been knitting since August of this year. Since it's only been a few months, I have several things I'm hoping to accomplish in '08:

Learn Fair Isle so I can knit these mittens.
Knit my first sweater/cardigan. I have my eye on the Central Park Hoodie
Refining my sock knitting skills. I only know how to knit socks on DPNs and the one I finished had terrible ladders. I'd like to fix that and maybe learn Magic Loop
Knit a blanket of some sort. I'd like to make the Hemlock Ring Blanket as a wedding gift for a dear friend...this would also satisfy my urge to knit something lace-like.

I'm really looking forward to my '08 knitting : )

Howdy everyone!

2007-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

So as we get closer to the new year, I figured I'd finally introduce myself and share some of the things I hope to work on this year through this KAL. I'm Rachel and currently a PhD student working in wildlife...thus finding time to knit has been a real struggle. I hope with this KAL, and a couple other things I've joined in on, I'll get the motivation to make the time to do more things I enjoy.

I've been knitting on and off for a couple years but there are still quite a few things that scare me to try! My initial goals for this KAL are:
1. Socks. I started my first pair and am about 3/4 done with them but I don't think I am willing to call myself a sock knitter (or even be comfortable with the process) until I get a few pairs under my belt. A specific pair I want to aim for: Chuck's cabled socks...two-color knitting, cables, and socks all in one! Intimidating!

2. Complete a full sweater...that fits! Again, I am one sleeve from finishing a very simple sweater. But thinking about the seaming is scaring me so that's one reason this sleeve has been sitting there for months. I'd like to finish that one and start another, more complicated pattern. Got many in mind, just need to buckle down and pick one. I'll post when that decision is made!

3. Finally, I'd like to make this -- the stag bag. I'm ignorant enough that I don't know if this is fair isle or just color stranded but regardless, I really want this bag (I'm an elk biologist...so you know, even though it's a stag, not an elk, I gotta make it!).

I'm excited to start working on these projects and seeing what everybody else is coming up with!
Happy New Year!

Hey Howdy Hey!

2007-12-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

I'm Cass! Thank you so much Melanie, for starting this KAL. I'm ready and willing to tackle Fair Isle. Well, not ready now, actually. But I'll be ready after the holidays when I can devote all my energies to being scared and frustrated and excited. I want to make some Endpaper Mitts.

I blog at Shut Up, I'm Counting. Great to meet you all!

Excited for a challenge!

2007-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I'm Kala and I blog over at Vegan Craftastic. My first challenge for this KAL will be entrelac. I've always admired the look but cowered away in terror when I actually thought of trying it. I think I'm going to try Quant for my first project, it looks like a good entry level entrelac project. Now to find some nice variegated yarn!

A game plan

2007-12-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

My name's Christina and I blog over here. Ho boy, do I need this challenge.

The two skills I haven't developed yet that really hinder me are sock knitting (I've got a toe-up sock knitted up to the heel, but the short row heel confused me so it's been sitting for a while) and colorwork (I've had the yarn for Endpaper Mitts for almost a year now).

The sock in question, using the toe-up pattern from IK Summer 2007 and the stitch pattern from Nancy Bush's Gentleman's Fancy Sock, in KnitPicks Risata:

I'm also keen to learn duplicate stitch, knitting in the round with two circulars, and lace. Knitting entrelac and knitting with beads are two things I haven't tried yet and would like to, but they don't make me particularly nervous. Well, maybe a little.

It'll be nice to meet everyone and really fun to see what we all work on. Bon courage to us all!

Conquering my first fear

2007-12-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the invitation. I am a neophyte to blogging so I will consider this my first fear challenge. I hope I won’t embarrass myself.

I confess I cheated. I’m aware we have an official start date, but I couldn’t wait. I was intrigued by a sock my daughter was knitting with the Magic Loop technique during her Thanksgiving visit. Mastering Magic Loop was going to my first challenge, but an early snowstorm convinced me that my need for mittens outweighed offending anyone for starting early. With lots of suggestions from Ravelry members, I now have one mitten. It took a few “restarts” but I eventually got the hang of it. I’m doing an empirical test by doing the second mittens on my trusty dpns. It will be interesting if there are any noticeable differences.

Now that I blatantly ignored the guidelines, I’m going to recklessly continue. The Quant pattern on Knitty will not only be my “great introduction to entrelac” but it will be something to help me get through a 10 hour plane trip next weekend. I will try to restrain myself until my return trip after New Year’s, but I won’t make any promises.

As I have firsthand experience of the wealth of knowledge and willingness to give assistance by the Ravelry community, I anticipate we're starting a wonderful adventure.

Glassneedle

First Project Ideas

2007-12-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well would you look at that? The Winter 2007 Knitty is up just in time for us to start thinking about our first fear-conquering projects!

There's a cute entrelac headband called Quant.

And Three Tams, which is similar to the Fake Isle hat, for those who want to try 2 color stranding. Then there's the slightly more difficult Fair Isle Rapids for those who are up to the challenge.

Halcyon and Ice Queen for those of you who'd like a touch of lace.

So have you thought about what your first challenge will be? I'd like to try Endpaper Mitts, though I might start with something larger. I'm still thinking.

What about you? Also, please feel free to introduce yourselves and say hi!