Webchat with hand-knit designer, yarn developer and author Debbie Bliss: Wednesday 4 December, 1-2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Knit designer-extraordinaire and Mumsnetters' favourite DEBBIE BLISS is joining us tomorrow for a webchat between 1-2pm today (Wednesday 4 December).

Debbie is the best selling author of over 35 books on knitting design. After starting her career making and selling knitted plants to stores such as Liberty's she went on to become a freelance knitwear designer, and after collaborating on a number of books including Wild Knitting , which has recently attracted a cult following with young knitters, she produced her first solo publication with BABY KNITS which was an instant bestseller. As well as producing books, Debbie also has a magazine which was launched in 2008. Published twice a year The Debbie Bliss magazine includes fantastic fashion knits garments for babies and children and also pieces for the home.

Twelve years ago Debbie launched her own brand of yarns and she's now involved not only in designing but in the research and development of new yarns. They are highly recommended by the Woolly Huggers and Debbie has been very supportive of their cause.

Join Debbie for a chat at lunchtime today and post pics up of your own knitting and crocheting creations before Friday 6 December, 10am. Debbie will help us to pick our favourite 3 pictures and the winners will each get a copy of Debbie's book Knits for you and your home.

Do you realise that knitting with your wools especially the Cashmerino wich has been discontinued spoils you for knitting with any other wool?

Is there some kind of coating that has an addictive effect

@werenotreallyhere

Oh I do have a question after all. My gran taught me to knit as a girl, but I always threw the yarn. No matter how I try I can't kick this habit, any tips? Or does it not really matter that much? Thanks in advance!

I think the best way to knit is the way that you feel most comfortable doing it. I would only suggest an alternative method if you're unhappy with the fabric you're producing.

Sorry! I was so overawed that I forgot a question.

My little boy (6) is keen to learn how to knit. What advice would you give him on his first project?

Thank you Debbie! I will now continue throwing with pride, and if anyone says anything I will tell them that the great Debbie Bliss okayed it

@Meow75

Hello Debbie, Novice knitter here (3years - wonder WHEN I'll stop thinking I'm a novice.)

My question is - my tension is all over the shop. Any tips?

@Meow75

Hello Debbie, Novice knitter here (3years - wonder WHEN I'll stop thinking I'm a novice.)

My question is - my tension is all over the shop. Any tips?

I would probably advise going into a local shop that does workshops who can help you achieve a better tension. There are lots of things that could be affecting your tension - perhaps the way you hold the needles, if you're a tight or a loose knitter, you probably need to change your needle size. Don't be too discouraged. It can be easily rectified.

@GentleOtter

Sorry! I was so overawed that I forgot a question.

My little boy (6) is keen to learn how to knit. What advice would you give him on his first project?

I've just been teaching a few children at a recent charity fair. It was wonderful to see kids so interested in the craft. I would start with something he wants to make. For example, would he like to make squares of garter stitch and sew them up to make a blanket for a baby, a scarf that he could wear, or that his teddy could wear? I think that the more excited they are about the end result, the more enthused they will be about making it. Well done you for getting him into knitting!

Have you ever tried crochet Debbie?

Debbie, do you think the advent of websites like Ravelry and all the crafty blogs have changed the way that the knitting 'industry' works? I know I will often try and find a free pattern for something before buying a pattern/pattern book? Has it had an impact on your business?

Also, at your cashmerino being discontinued. Loved that yarn.

@kellestar

Hello Debbie! Baby Knits was the first book I picked out when I wanted to learn some 'modern' knitting patterns, fed up of the vintage patterns my gran kept offering to teach me. It's now covered in pencil marks and post it's with annotations.

I've now ventured into more of your patterns for my daughter as she has got older, she's now three and I am now knitting for my 7 month old son.

Getting along to my question... What do you listen to/watch whilst you knit?

I have to admit to a horrible addiction to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills which I find a perfect accompaniment to mindless knitting, rather than anything too technical. Otherwise you can never beat a bit of motown - it's the soundtrack to my life (and the dogs barking...)!

@HopAlongOnItsOnlyChristmas

Debbie, do you think the advent of websites like Ravelry and all the crafty blogs have changed the way that the knitting 'industry' works? I know I will often try and find a free pattern for something before buying a pattern/pattern book? Has it had an impact on your business?

Also, at your cashmerino being discontinued. Loved that yarn.

Baby casherino and cashmerino aran are still going strong.

I think that there's no doubt that the advent of free patterns to download will have some impact on the hand knitting business as a whole. However, regardless of this, I feel strongly that people sharing their ideas and skills can only benefit the hand knitting business as a whole. I like the way that people are able to communicate their designs directly to knitters now, rather than it having to be commissioned from a magazine or a company.

@TigerTrumpet

Is there any way we can change your mind on the cashmerino? I'm a huge fan.

It is a shame as I think all of my yarns are my babies, but in order to introduce new yarns every year, we have to look at the sales of other ones. If the sales are poor, they have to go! Sometimes my favourite yarns have been the poorest sellers

@MinnieBar

Have you ever tried crochet Debbie?

I use it for simple edgings but have never really had the time to get involved in getting my skill levels up enough to produce whole garments. I did do a book called Simply Crochet because I had lots of ideas, but I gave this out to a very proficient crocheter who made the garments up for me.

@GleamingHeels

Oooo Debbie Bliss - fab!

My question - do you still have loads of woolly project of your own on the go or has it all become just work?

I love knitting really simple things. I still find that relaxing. At the moment I'm knitting children's berets for Christmas, and a beanie hat for my bald friend from Eat or Heat.

On a scale of 1 to Yes-Please-Now - how much would the MNers on this thread like to spend 5 minutes alone in Debbie's yarn stash?

Another question if it's OK MNHQ? Do you ever get knitted gifts? Or do you think people are a bit nervous to give you something they have made?

@hannonle

The softest yarn I've ever used is the DB Cashmerino.

Can I ask Debbie something she's probably answered a million times over - what is your favourite yarn and why?

My yarns are a bit like my children. I love them equally but I really prefer my son I have to say that there's something about my Paloma yarn that I love and not just because it knits up really quickly.

SDTG on a scale of 1 to 'ooohh-eerrr what's that down your trousers?!', how much yarn do you think we could try and smuggle out before she noticed?!

meeeeee

thanks for answering question Debbie, I may get round to finishing the jumper . . . eventually

One thing has always baffled me when I watch my aunties knit. They can knit, watch tv, talk and everything. I have to watch every single stitch.
How do you knit without looking?
Also, is there a knack to speedy knitting?

My favourite Debbie Bliss yarn is another discontinued one - Andes. I would really like to do something special with the four skeins I have...

I know I shouldn't - but please, please answer my question.

@HopAlongOnItsOnlyChristmas

Another question if it's OK MNHQ? Do you ever get knitted gifts? Or do you think people are a bit nervous to give you something they have made?

Actually I have never thought of that before. I have never been given a knitted present!

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

Hello Debbie - what a treat to see you here on MN!

My question is this - I have four skeins of Debbie Bliss Andes yarn, in a dark rose pink and a lighter pink (two of each). What would you suggest that I could do with them (other than just stroking them and luxuriating in their softness!!)?

Although I am delighted to hear that you enjoy stroking my yarn, I can see that you would probably prefer to knit a project. How about the obvious, which would be a scarf, or maybe a chevron lace, alternating the light and dark pink.