Sunday, August 23, 2020

Slow Sunday Stitching

Welcome to the weekly link up for hand stitchers! 
Make yourself a cup of your favourite beverage and visit the links below for some creative inspiration. You just never know what you will be tempted to make when you see what your fellow creatives are up to!

For example, I saw on The Cozy Quilter blog a knitted dishcloth that would be a perfect gift to make for Christmas. I have done a bit of knitting here and there over the years, but I learned to knit as a child and that was a long long time ago!  So I reviewed the pattern with some trepidation and wondered if I had enough concentration ability during covid to tackle such a task? 

Drop it Max!
I gathered up the necessary supplies from my local knitting shop where they were very helpful and encouraging. I studied everything for a few days and had to keep an eye on Max the granddog because he was really admiring that ball of yarn too.

Eventually I was brave enough to start! So far, so good with the challenge of using circular needles AND following a pattern where every line of knitting is different.  


a knot in the yarn?!?
Here is a question for the experienced knitters in the group... what do you do when you come to a knot in the yarn? I wasn't sure how to handle that as I've never had that happen before in my knitting adventures.

And you know how I love making miniature quilts? I sure hope I don't start to go down the rabbit hole of micro knitting... just look at the amazing work of Althea Crome. WOW!

What are you hand stitching today? We love to see your slow progress and cheer you on!


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23 comments:

Sarah said...

I saw that dear whale cloth on Gail's blog and was tempted too! Good question and finding good knots is really annoying. I'm not an experienced knitter so will be interested to see what others say but I knot it again so there is enough tail to sew in and carry on! I'm sure there is a much better way though! 😁

Created by Kathi said...

I love how you rolled others blogs into your post today... I love looking at all the linkers on Sunday's too and urge my readers to come here and read what you have to say and what others are linking too <3 Have a blessed day my friend! Kathi

ButterZ said...

Love knitted dishcloths. I’ve made a few.
https://jobutterfield.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-few-more-dishcloths.html

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

When I come to a knot I was taught to cut the knot out and overlap the yarn and continue to knit. It's the same process of starting a new ball of yarn. Knitted dish cloths are wonderful and a great way to practice knitting!

Deb A said...

I've been reading lately on the magic knot join - there is a video if you search on that. Sometimes I just keep knitting and sometimes I make my own knot. Depends on how the knot looks. Good luck and I'm sure your daughter is going to love the whale dish cloth!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I would prefer to cut that bumpy type of knot out and replace it - I recently learned the bumpless knot that you do not need to weave ends with - here is a YouTube video link for it - it took a little practice but it makes a nice small knot and no ends to weave in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pr6n4kEFgY

Kate said...

Enjoy your hand work of choice today. Hopefully you have the same beautiful weather we've got at the moment and can stitch with a view.

SandraC said...

Have a look on YouTube on how to do a "Russian join"...I've even used it on the sole of a knitted sock and can't feel the join.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I was thinking of trying some dishcloth knitting this week, too, although I found a different pattern. I'm interested in what other commenters had to say about your knot question - lots of good advice there! Enjoy your knitting, Kathy!

Karla (ThreadBndr) said...

I'm assuming that your dishcloth is cotton or cotton/linen blend (dishcloths need absorbent yarns). Since those yarns do not have any 'grab' like wool or wool blends, I would use a Russian join http://blog.lionbrand.com/how-to-russian-join-yarn-in-7-easy-steps/
Alternatively, tink back to the end of row, leaving a tail. Start your new yarn, also with a tail. When you are doing your finishing, run those ends in just like your beginning and ending tails. (Basically like changing colors.)

Gretchen Weaver said...

When I come across a knot, since it's just a dishcloth, I just knit it in. But for a more important project, like socks or sweaters, I would cut the knot out and use a less invasive knot. I don't know what it's called, I just do it.

Chantal said...

The pattern of the dishcloth is adorable. Good luck with this new project. Can't help you with the knot as I am not much of a knitter. ;^)

Deanna W said...

Althea is a crazy person...that is way way to small. I love to knit as well as quilt but you have to have a stopping point! As for the knot in the ball, for a dishcloth tie it off where it lands with a good tight knot or do a knot at the edge of your work...for bigger projects like a sweater you leave a long tail and weave it into the work. You can also splice the yarn ends together. Hate it when a knot appears in the middle of the ball especially if the yarn is very expensive!

stitchingirlblog.wordpress.com said...

I love knitting dishcloths and those are what we use exclusively in the kitchen. I have others (multicolored yarn) that we use as washcloths. They are just the right amount of absorbent and scrubbiness.

For a knot, I usually cut the knot out (it will be a weak point) and proceed as if you were just adding in a new ball of yarn, then weave the ends in when you are done with the cloth.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Kudos for knitting again. It's a wonderful feeling to have something "on the needles" and such a leisurely thing to do while watching t.v. I have a collection of dishcloths knit by Mom, the very last of her varied stitching career before her fingers got too stiff at 85. They are a great way to practice various stitches and patterns too.
You've gotten great advice re your knot issue; thankfully that doesn't happen often.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Oh I forgot to say I checked out Althea's site. Just so amazing! I was thinking what great Christmas ornaments some of them would make.

Jill said...

Oh my Kathy has been bit by the knitting bug. While learning to knit especially on a dishcloth, I would keep knitting. Other items no, I would not knit a knot. Brave to learn a pattern that changes every row. Thanks for sharing Althea's site - amazing.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I've been watching my Craftsy videos on knitting, but I still need a lot of practice. Right now I am busy with designing and sewing for Autumn Jubilee 2020.

Sherrie said...

Hi Kathy,
I've never knitted before...but I love looking at projects people have...beautiful work...have a great day!

CathieJ said...

I don't knit enough to know what to do with knotted yarn either, but I usually just keep going. Your grand-dog is adorable. Yes, he looks like he wants to play with that yarn. I love the color of it.

Karrin Hurd said...

Looks like you are doing a fine job knitting. I have been thinking about trying that out too. I usually just try to work the knot in somehow the best I can. Don't know that that is the correct way though!

Miaismine said...

I have tried knitting, but crocheting is more my cup of tea. I so admire those who can knit! I so love the drape of knit projects. Good for you! I hope you have many happy knitting hours!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I would think that a washcloth was micro knitting.