Novice knitters and those who can help us, over here!

[OracleInaCoracle]

ok, I am a very basic knitter. I cant read patterns and can do a basic row, but want to knit a square of edgar (as Im sure lots of others do) so it was suggested on the other thread here that a thread was started for the less confident where we can collate advice and help without feeling a bit dim and where the more advanced can help us out a bit!

I posted my squares and pics are on my profile. Nothing fancy though.

Purplepidjin -I forgot to enclose the length of wool I had from the end of the ball. It wasn't a huge amount but if you need it for sewing up let me know and I will forward it.

purpleknitting - we are meant to block them. The easy way is to gently press them under a damp cloth (steam blocking) There are other ways but steam blocking is quite gentle for the mix of fibres used in these yarns. Just don't press too hard.

Blocking instructions

OK, thanks, I have done the first one but I don't' think it will come up as a 6 inch square! Should I do it again on 4.5mm needles?

Do ends need to be sewn in?

don't

How much are you short of your 6"? Blocking can make quite a difference but it depends on the pattern you used - my cable stretched quite a bit but the simpler ones won't.

You do need to sew in the ends though. (I hate that bit)

It is only about 5 and a quarter inches square! I used to be a loose knitter!

I did a basket weave one

All help and advise appreciated! So, when I block, to I just steam press it or measure it out first so it gets to that measurement?

Niecie, I like your gull cable and knotted box squares!

Thanks Niecie - sewing in ends isn't really my favourite bit, so each time someone does it for me I smile

Thanks

Pin it out first if it is particularly short. It might look a bit of a stretch but it does relax quite a bit when it gets steamed.

Right, so I pin it out to 6 inches square and then steam press?

Might be able to get 3 out of the ball!

Ooo, I have managed to do it! It was easier than I thought, may do it on other stuff I do, I know I should but my mum has never done it and passed it on to me!!

One square done, going to try and do the other 2 today and get them posted tomorrow!

Yay, I look forward to seeing them!

What name do I put on the envelope? Just taking a dinner break for now but about a quarter of the way on the second one

Put whatever you like - some are arriving with Edgar's Blanket, or purplepidjin, or just unnamed. I'd rather know your mn name so I can credit you appropriately

I'm hosting pics at www.facebook.com/mimapants so feel free to tag your squares if you're a facebonker

I am on facebook! Just finished the steam pressing and just about to upload a photo....do you want the extra bit of wool left over?

photo of my 3 squares should now be on my profile!

OH Purple I did the exact same lacy one as you and in the same colour. I Really like it.

I can view the blanket on facebook but can't comment on the photo, I am a bit new on facebook, used it 2 years ago but didn't like it but am back on it again!

Thanks trumpton, I liked doing that one. Never knitted so quick in my life! Should be able to get it posted tomorrow!

I am working on it but life gas been crazy. I will post first class on Tuesday at the latest. Is this ok?

Yes please, purpleknittingmum. Check you're logged in to facebook, or you might have to "like" the page to do more than view (sorry - on the plus sidi, I make and donate something to Lisa's Stars for every 25 likers)

Trumpton, mine's a basic granny... or I've tagged in the wrong place

mnis, tuesday first class is fine, although you might be on an edge if work is quiet for a couple of days fingers crossed

I just checked and it has tagged me in the wrong place - mine is the teal blue granny right on the end, but it won't tag that close to the edge

Right I will 'like' the page! All set and ready to go!

Just to point out, I don't want to make liking my business page on facebook compulsory! It's just a convenient, accessible, free unfuckupable by pidj place to host the pics!

Obviously, I'm flattered if you do actually like what I do and want to communicate that through the power of facebook

No worries! I love looking at what other people do with their knitting etc!

Crochet

purpleknitting - glad the blocking worked. Your squares look fab and all the same size too!

I wasn't taught to block either. In the old days (I am fairly ancient) knitting patterns used to end with something like press lightly and sew together. Now all the patterns seem to tell you exactly what size each piece should be and tell you to block them properly. I suppose I don't bother because I have never had a disaster and so have never felt the need. I don't do tension gauge swatches either.