Support thread for Mumof2TeenBoys' and Expat's Blankets

[tribpot]

Following on from the terrible news of the loss of Mumof2TeenBoys' ds, a new Woolly Hugs project has been started and, as ever, MNers have stepped up to offer whatever little comfort we can to Mumof and her family. We also keep close in our thoughts Aillidh, the dd of expatinscotland, who died yesterday.

We've put together some general info mostly about knitting but with some crochet bits thrown in, which should get you started but please feel free to ask for any help - I'm not sure if the crocheters are going to set up a new support thread but their current one is found here.

Please dive in - we will inevitably end up talking bollocks rubbish at some point but all are welcome aboard.

Practice, ivana. Keep going and it will (pun intended) click!

Have remembered to pack some wool and some patterns and will try and knit a couple of squares while I'm on holiday.

Facecrack - remember the mantra: simple squares are good, simple squares are essential. Knotty and Pistey go genuinely need plain squares because they can be embroidered or appliqued, and because they can be used to balance up some of the more complex squares which are harder to place next to each other. This is not a sort of gesture towards being inclusive - the plain squares are essential in their own right. So go you! (Plus of course the wish to send love and support to the blanket recipient is not diminished just because the square itself is not competition-standard, it is much more important that you are represented in the blanket than your square is worthy of a knitting Oscar).

However, I think I would advise against knit 1, purl 1 as your next square based on the conversation yesterday with Puddlejumper. Knit 2, purl 2 to make a nice rib pattern is a good next step, but the moss stitch just takes a very long time for a beginner and has a high risk of error because you either have to know what your stitches look like on the needle (to work out if it's a purl or a knit you're next going to work) or fierce concentration just to work the pattern without losing track. I would recommend Chinese Waves or diagonal checks or unusual check - or have a look at some of the stitch libraries linked to in the guide for ideas.

Ivana - keep going! Everyone's first thing is a bit 'interesting'

bird - have a lovely holiday!

Thanks tribpot, you are too kind .
Great tips too, I will try that checkered one next in a lovely deep pink for Aillidh.

Ooh or garter steps, I like that one.

On the moon and star pattern, I have nearly done a test square and summat's definitely not right. Not particularly with the instructions, although I have corrected a couple of mistakes, but it's not tall enough - will post a pic in a minute. The pattern is 40 rows and normally I make them about 45 but I think the design itself needs some extra rows putting in.

I haven't started moon and star yet Trib ... Shall I await your verdict, Oh Wise One?

Puddle - yes, at least I saw it yesterday in the book, as I have been dragooned into making Nadia Comaneci for the window display at my local yarn shop :) Nadia may be switching to a different team depending on what colour yarn I have most of.

Rosie - just about to photograph the moon and star.

Moon and Star - not too bad now I've pinned it out?

Fab moon and star! Gorgeous colour.

Looks ok to me ... Although if one's tension between knit/purl were mismatched, it might not work so well. I'll give it a go ... Did you say you had corrected the pattern?

Yup, Rosie, a couple of minor typos. The pattern I think is really designed to be worked in two colours (Minnie can explain the virtues of teeth-intarsia, to be known as teeth-tarsia?) or possibly with the stitches on the edges of the pattern areas worked through the back of the loop to make them stand out more.

I wish I could do two colours ... Other than stripes that is.

Is working through the back of the loop (eek) difficult?

Wow that moon and star is amazing!!! its so beautiful, well done.

I am unable to knit or crotchet due to arm problems but was chuffed to see there is a just giving on the wooly hugs page. How much does a square cost?

Hello Mumble

It really depends on how much the wool was and how complicated the design is. Most of the wool we use is between £4 and £5 a ball. We get at least 2 squares from a ball, 3 or 4 if they are simpler patterns.

Love the moon and star, Trib

Moon and star are gorgeous! Would live to have a go at something like that! :)

Well thank you all - I don't think it's much cop but there you are! The pattern is only knit and purl, no complicated stitches, so go for it - I think I might put in a couple more rows of reverse stocking stitch at the bottom before the pattern starts, though?

Rosie - knit through the back of the loop isn't difficult. Purl through is a bit trickier, I have to say.

Thanks Trib.

While you are adjusting that pattern, I'm doing the chinese waves square. Its the first time I've ever slipped 1, so that's exciting.

I have no life

trib - your moon and star looked a lot better than mine!

I think I had to do about 10 rows of stocking stitch above and below to make it long enough - my squares are about 50 rows or so.

Just to let redrosie know I'm halfway through my checks...and it's looking ok

Morning

Pitsey!

Morning Joyful. You have one of my favourite MN names ...

Obviously after mine Rosie?