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.

Pistey - I have Pm'd you. Not sure my last one got through?

Sporting out PMs - Grapes you have mail

I can't believe one of my cubics has just broken right where it joins the metal bit :(

OH NO soremummy! That can't be right ... I would have a word with BRE about it as they should be solid.

I know they should you can actually see the bit that goes into the metal bit ykwim had come clean away. Guess I'm off to headingly tomorrow or Saturday

Morning all.

London has gone a bit weird now the Olympics is almost here ...

But at least it's Friday and there may be time for knitting at the weekend. :)

Morning I'm quite glad i live in the arse end of nowhere semi-rurally so don't have to deal with the actual logical nightmare Olympics. Poor SIL lives walking distance of one of the out of london water events and i think will decamp to MILs if necessary (hopefully someone will rent her house, too!)

I've been crocheting furiously to get my entry for the village show ready - see profile. Next week i shall start MrsY's blanket

Lovely Pidj.

I think its the soldiers all over the place that I find unsettling ... And policemen with machine guns at airports.

:(

Armed police at Waterloo as well, I understand. I think it'll seem less oppressive once the Games actually start - right now it must just feel like being under siege.

I visited my cousin in LA when i was 20, was very freaked at seeing ticket inspectors on the subway with hip holsters!

Are they cute soldiers, can you ignore the guns and admire the view?

Oh, and I'm quite glad it's real soldiers with guns, not G4S employees

Another one seeing police everywhere. Tube already feels at straining point!

I think you can be both outraged at the misuse of the armed forces (and police) and glad that security is being provided by properly trained staff at the same time, Pidj.

I know ...

But it just makes me feel :(

Welcome to Britain?

And reminds me of the time after 9/11 and 7/7 ... Its meant to be a positive occasion.

I expect I'll get used to it.

Just a quick question for you. I have to relearn my knitting skills tonight now that my wool and needles have arrived

My question is...which is the best method of casting on to learn? I've been having a look at written instructions (unfortunately can't see youtube cos I'm at work! ) and there are so many different ways. Any advice would be very welcome

WheresMyCow - take a gander at Knitting for Dummies - all pics and no vids. Here is the cable cast on which is nice and makes a lovely edge.

DH posted my squares on Monday, so I'm anxiously awaiting news that they have safely crossed the Atlantic.

In the meantime, the wool I ordered last weekend has arrived so I am knitting again. Havng seen my squares and the pictures on Woolly Hugs DS's have decided they would each like a blanket. DS1 has asked for the initial letter of his name alternating with something else. I think I will be very bored by the time I've knitted 48 squares with the same letter. DS2 is being less prescriptive

Shredded - save yourself a world of pain and at least don't knit them all as individual squares to be sewn up later!

I have an admission to make. Having brought my needles, my cable needle, my wool and a selection of patterns, I have still to cast on a single stitch

My excuse is that my hands have been too sticky with sun tan lotion and sweat and would spoilt the beautiful wool .

Not sure what my excuse in the evenings is

I'm going to have a lot of knitting to do next week when I get home!

Brainwave trib! Why didn't I think of that!

Thanks for that trib

Have just printed some sheets and am raring to go. The pictures are brilliant on there and really brought it all back to me

Hello

Shredded they aren't here today, hopefully tomorrow, but I'll let you know as soon as they arrive safely

Some lovely squares have arrived today, have just done thank yous on the threads.

bird, you may be finding boozing holidays and knitting don't mix

Shredded - I'm doing a blanket at the mo based on the Team Heart - only baby-size but there's no way I'd want to be sewing all these together.

Thank you Pistey

Gorgeous trib! Is that on a circular needle?

Oops, just noticed I am going to be late for work. Bye for now!