Tying Up Loose Ends

By: Ha Tien Nguyen

Book: Knitting for Dummies by Pam Allen, Shannon Okey, and Tracy Barr 

To finish your knitted piece, you have to bind off, which is securing the stitches in the last row worked so that they don't unravel. Binding off can be done in a variety of ways, each resulting in a different look. Knowing a couple of the available methods can help you choose the right one for your project. 

Standard Bind-off:

1. "Knit the first 2 stitches from the left needle.

2. With your left needle in front of your right needle, insert the left needle into the first stitch worked on the right needle. 

3. Bring this loop over the second stitch and off the tip of the right needle- sort of like leapfrogging over the stitch.

4. Knit the next stitch on the left needle so that you again have 2 stitches on your right needle. 

5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until you have 1 stitch remaining on your right needle.

6. Cut the yarn 6 inches form the needle and pull the tail through the last stitch to lock it"(Allen, Okey, Barr 77). 

Yarn-over Bind-off:

1. "Knit 1 stitch, yarn over the right needle, and then knit 1 more stitch.

2. With your left needle in front of your right needle, insert the left needle into the yarn over on the right needle. 

3. Bring this loop over the second stitch (the last stitch knit) and off the tip of the right needle. 

4. With your left needle in front of your right needle, insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.

5. Bring this loop over the second stitch on the needle, leaving 1 stitch on the right needle.

6. Yarn over the right needle and knit 1.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until you have 1 stitch remaining on your right needle. 

8. Cut the yarn 6 inches from the needle and pull the tail through the last stitch to lock it"(Allen, Okey, Barr 76).

Tying up loose ends is the last step and the most satisfying step of a knitting project. Unfortunately, I still haven't finished my scarf project and won't get to experience that rewarding moment. But that's not to say that I haven't enjoyed every step of the journey. I've learned many things during this process and I'm glad that I've gotten to learn how to knit. During the past few months, I've found that I really enjoy the hobby. It's brought me both great joy and frustration. Often, I would look forward to the time I spent with my knitting needles and my ball of yarn. It was the only time I got to step back from the stress and the chaos to reflect on my thoughts and immerse in the silence. I'd say that the art of knitting was my true accomplishment and the scarf is just an afterthought. Would you agree that when you make something, the skill is the true achievement while the actual product is the bonus? 

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.

Techniques Every Knitter Should Know

By: Ha Tien Nguyen

Book: Knitting for Dummies by Pam Allen, Shannon Okey, and Tracy Barr 

Often times, you may encounter knitting projects that requires more than the basic continuous purl and knit stitches. For more complicated projects, you may need to manipulate stitches by making increases and decreases.

Slipping Stitches

 If your directions tell you to slip a stitch (abbreviated sl st), they mean for you to move a stitch from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without knitting or purling it and without changing its orientation. Slipped stitches are used in a number of ways. This technique is used as a method to decrease the number of stitches on your needle. They also form the basis of a family of stitch patterns like the garter stitch (Allen, Okey, Barr 88). 

Steps of slipping stitches:

1. "Insert the right needle, as if you were going to purl, into the first stitch on the left needle.

2. Slip the stitch off the left needle onto the right needle" (Allen, Okey, Barr 88).

Yarn Overs

A yarn over (abbreviated yo) is a way of making an extra stitch on your needle and creating a deliberate little hole in your fabric. This technique are used for lace knitting, decorative increases, buttonholes, and novelty stitch patterns(Allen, Okey, Barr 88).

Between 2 knit stitches:
To make a yarn over between 2 knit stitches, follow these steps...
1. "Knit the first stitch
2. Bring the yarn forward between the needles into purl position.
3. Knit the next stitch on the needle" (Allen, Okey, Barr 89).

Between 2 purl stitches:
To make a yarn over between 2 purl stitches, do the following...
1. "Purl the first stitch
2. Wrap the yarn around the right needle front to back to front so that it ends up in purl position again.
3. Purl the next stitch" (Allen, Okey, Barr 90).

Although my project did not require me to use these skills, it was fun expanding my knowledge of knitting. I hope to place this knowledge into use with a future project. As I'm learning more about knitting and knitting techniques, I've realized that knitting is actually very flexible. There are multiple ways you can accomplish a look and missing a step or making a mistake wasn't that grave. I recommend experimenting and exploring after you've felt comfortable with the basics. I myself am beginning to experiment with different knitting techniques and methods. What would you like to explore in your real life?

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.

Knitting: Choosing a project

By: Ha Tien Nguyen

Book: Knitting for Dummies by Pam Allen, Shannon Okey, and Tracy Barr 

When first starting a project, first consider your own ability. If you are a beginner, opt for an easier and less complicated project. However, if you are confident in your skills and want a challenge, pick a harder project like making socks and such.

When first beginning a project, you will have to choose from a variety of yarns and needles. According to Knitting for Dummies, "yarns come in different weights or thicknesses. The thickness of a yarn determines how many stitches it takes to knit 1 inch" ( Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 17). The weight or thickness of your yarn can determine the look and the amount of time it takes to knit your project. Therefore, choosing the correct type of yarn is important. 

If you are having trouble choosing your yarn, use this chart as a guide to help you decide upon the most suitable type of yarn for your project.

After choosing a type of yarn, you must also select needles. Needle sizes range from 0 to 15 and there are around three different types of needles; Straight needles, circular needles, and double-pointed needles. The needles that you choose will determine how many stitches you knit per inch. This will have an affect on the amount of time it takes for your project and the overall appearance. Knitting for Dummies suggests that you use your yarn labels for guidance when deciding upon your needle size because "yarn labels suggest appropriate needle sizes, but the best needle size for your project is dictated by your yarn, your gauge, and... how tightly you knit" (Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 30). You may want to knit a sample with the suggested needle size before starting your project to decide whether the needle fits your expectations. After knitting a sample with the suggested needle sixe, you may feel that the fabric is more open than you want (needle too large) or too stiff (needle too small). In that case, try another needle size. You can experiment to your heart's content with different needle sixes until you produce a fabric you like.

There are certainly many options when it comes to picking the right needles or yarn. Fortunately, the process of picking the right needles an yarn can be reduced. Luckily for indecisive people like me, a specific project will often recommend a certain type of yarn and needle. When you pick out a pattern for a specific project, it will also include suggestions on which type of materials to use for the project.





For my project, I've chosen to make a Garter Ridge scarf. It's an easy project for beginners. For this project, you'll need...

Needle: US 5 circular needles

Yarn: White Lion-Brand worsted-weight yarn

Pattern: 

Cast on 60 stitches on to needle.
Row 1: knit all stiches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Repeat these four rows until piece measures as long as you desire it to be.
End on row 3.
Bind off and sew in loose threads.

Although it's very simple, I tend to mess up quite often. In addition, it's very time consuming since there are so many stitches in one row. However, I've enjoyed working on my project. It's very easy once you get the hang of it and I've gotten skilled enough to not have to look while I knit. I can't wait to finish it and see the outcome. It would be a great winter accessory. What is your favorite winter accessory?

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.

Knitting: Slip-ups

Common Mistakes of Knitting

By: Ha Tien Nguyen

Book: Knitting for Dummies by by Pam Allen, Shannon Okey, and Tracy Barr 

When knitting, there tend to always be mistakes- the slip-ups. Some mistakes are minor, such as a dropped or added stitch that you can easily fix. Others might ruin the entire project, if you are so lucky. In this post, I'll go through the common mistakes I've often made and methods for which you can correct these mistakes.

Dropped Stitches:

Dropped stitches are very common for both beginners and experienced knitters. According Knitting for Dummies, they are "stitches that, for one reason or another, fall off the needle and don't get worked" (Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 108). Errors like these are small but can often lead confusion and damage to the project later on. Catching a mistake like this early on is the first step to fixing it and preventing future mishaps. Knitting for Dummies warns that "you need to fix the error because dropped stitches don't look good, and they unravel when the piece is pulled or stretched, leaving an unsightly ladder of yarn up your work" (Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 108). Think of a dropped stitch as a run in pantyhose.

 How to fix a dropped stitch (knit):

1. "Insert your right needle into the front of the dropped stitch.
2. With the right needle, go under the lowest unworked strand front the front. Both the strand and the stitch are on the right needle.

3. Insert the left needle into the stitch from the back and pull it over the strand.

4. Put the new stitch on the left needle in the ready-to-knit position and knit as normal" ( Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 110).

How to fix a dropped stitch (purl):

1. "Insert the right needle into the dropped stitch and the yarn strand from the back.

2. Using the left needle, pull the stitch over the strand and off the needle, forming a new stitch on the right needle.

3. Place the new stitch on the left needle in the ready-to-work position and purl as normal" (Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 112).

 Ripping (Your Heart) Out:

Perhaps you've noticed a mistake several rows down in your work that you can't easily rescue by backing up a few stitches. In such a situation, ripping out might be the only solution. Although it's painful, no fun, and you'll mourn the time you've lost, sometimes ripping everything out is necessary. 

How to rip out without having to start over (stitch by stitch):

1. "With the knit or purl side facing, insert the left needle from front to back (away from you) into the stitch below the one on the right needle.

2. Slide the right needle out of the stitch and gently pull on the yarn to free it.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2, stitch by stitch, to the point of your mistake" ( Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 117). 

How to rip out without having to start over (row by row):

1. "Locate the row your mistake is on and mark it with a safety pin. 

2. Slide your needle out of the stitches.

3. Pull gently on the working yarn, undoing the stitches; when you reach the row above the mistake (which you've marked with a safety pin), slowly rip to the end of the row.

4. Place your knitting so that the working yarn is on the right (flip the fabric over if you have to).

5. Insert the tip of the needle into the first stitch on the row below (from back to front, toward you), and gently pull to free the yarn from the stitch. 

6. Repeat step 5 until you reach your mistake. 

7. Rip out your mistake, turn your work, and start knitting again"  ( Allen, Okey, Barr, Bird 118).

As a beginning knitter, you may not notice the mistakes in your project, and that's understandable. After all, you're trying to figure out what to do with your hands, the needles, and the yarn. However, take heart. All knitters at all skill levels make mistakes. Because you can't avoid mistakes entirely, your goal should be to make as few mistakes as possible and, when you slip up, catch them early.  

I've made a lot of mistakes on my scarf and nothing hurts more than having to rip out an hour's worth of work. However, all the work is worth the trouble at the end of the day when I look at my scarf and feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that it's perfect. Are you a perfectionist? If so, does it feel like ripping your heart out every time you make a mistake?

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.

Knitting: Not Just Two Needles and a Ball of Yarn

Knitting: Not Just Two Needles and a Ball of Yarn

Ha Tien Nguyen
Knitting for DummiesPam Allen, Shannon Okey, Tracy L. Barr, and Marly Bird

Knitting has always been regarded as a grandma's hobby. However, many would disagree. Simply ask Cara Delevingne, Lorde, Kate Middleton, and Amanda Seyfried. Knitting is more than just two needles and a ball of yarn. The past-time is calm, relaxing, and centering. In this fast-moving world in which we live, we often forget to take the time to do something that requires us to slow down and refresh ourselves. The repetitive rhythmic movements has shown to help  manage stress, pain and depression. Not to mention, there's a certain thrill and sense of accomplishment that comes with holding up something you've just made with your own two hands. In Knitting for Dummies, the book educates and nurtures knitters in their process of crafting a product worthy of pride and satisfaction.

In chapter 4 of Kitting for Dummies, the book enlightens the reader with a step-by-step instruction of knitting techniques. The very first step of any knitting project is, "creating the first row of stitches... call casting on" (Allen, Shannon Okey, Barr, Bird 58). The casting on process is very important since these create the very first stitches for which every other stitches will be knitted upon. From there, "knitted and purled stitches are made by using a continuous strand of yarn and two needles to pull new loops through old loops" (Allen, Shannon Okey, Barr, Bird 64). Knit and purl stitches are two stitches upon which all other knitting techniques are based since they are undeniably the most simple and important stitches of any other stitches. Through the whole of the text, the authors provide encouraging advice such as, "Learning to knit can be a little stressful. Your fingers have to work in ways they're not accustomed to... When you feel yourself getting tense or frustrated, set your knitting aside and do something else for a while, or head to Chapter 21 for suggested exercises to unkink yourself" (Allen, Shannon Okey, Barr, Bird 57). In Knitting for Dummies, the authors cover every single detail of knitting and provide a very comprehensive manual for learning to knit.

There I was, a ball of yarn in one hand, two knitting needles in the other, and perhaps the most enormous headache of my life. Beginning off, I was quite confused. The hardest part of learning how to knit was learning it off a book. Being a visual learner myself, I had trouble interpreting the given directions into actions. However, by following many of the authors' advice and carefully examining the visual aid, I managed to master the techniques. Through it all, I found the encouragement in book to be very helpful to a struggling novice like me. I personally had a great time learning this new skill and found that my hard work paid off.

What was your predisposed opinion of knitting and what is your opinion of knitting now? Would you like to learn to knit? Why? What would you make if you knew how to knit?

Works Cited

Allen, Pam. Knitting for Dummies. John Wiley, 2014.

You Can Knit: LEAN MEAN KNITTING MACHINE!!

Finally, after making four different swatches, I am now ready to make an actual project. In this blog, I will show you how I made this cool color block scarf. Out of all of the projects in my book, I chose the color block scarf. I chose this scarf because I liked the pattern and it looked cool in the book. This scarf was pretty easy to make because it used the easiest stitch which was the garter stitch. The only thing that I disliked about making this scarf was how boring it was. It was boring because it was very repetitive.

Color Block Scarf

Materials

-        1 skein of super bulky yarn (any color)

-        1 skein of super bulky yarn (a contrast color to the first skein of yarn)

-        Size US 10 knitting needles

-        Tape measure

-        Yarn needle

-        Scissors

-         Yarn needle

Gauge

-        11 stitches x 26 rows = 4”

STEP 1

If you don’t already know what the first step is, I don’t know what to say. The first step it to cast-on, obviously. For this scarf, you’ll need to cast-on 10 stitches. Use your contrast color for the first part of the scarf.

STEP 2

Knit with your contrast color until it is 7 ½ inches long.

STEP 3

Now it’s time to add your main color onto the scarf. Cut the contract color from the yarn, leaving about a 6-inch tail. Take you main color, and tie a knot around the tail of the contrast color and continue knitting.

STEP 4

Continue knitting with your main color until you reach 47 inches. A tip while doing this step it to "stop every few rows to count the stitches on your needle and make sure you haven't added or dropped any" (White 32). Doing this will help you catch your mistakes, and  if you catch them earlier, it'll be easier to fix.

STEP 5

Repeat step 3 to change back to you contrast color. Knit you contrast color for another 7 inches. To keep the scarf consistent "make sure you join the yarn on the same edge you did previously" (White 33).

STEP 6

The final step is to bind off and weaving in the ends. Undo all of the knots throughout the scarf that connect the main and contrast color, and weave them in. now bind off the end of your scarf.

NOTE: If you do not know how to bind off and weave in the ends, check out my very first blog post for detailed instructions.

STEP 7 (optional)

For this optional step, you can make pom-poms to attach to the ends of your scarf. I skipped this step because I prefer my scarf without the pom-poms. 

 After reading my blog(s), would you consider knitting?

White, Stephanie. You Can Knit!: Knit and Purl Your Way through 12 Fun and Easy Projects. Cincinnati, OH: Fons & Porter, 2015. Print.

Knitting on Circle Looms: Part 5

Reflection time!

Hello guys and welcome to my fifth and final blog post. For my last post, I have decided to reflect over my previous projects and look at how much I have learned, improved and mastered in the last 3 months. 

In my first post, I learned about two different stitches: the purl stitch and knit stitch. I applied that knowledge to knitting a scarf. It turned out to be pretty difficult for me because of the alternating patterns so the design got messed up in many areas. Through that project, I learned that to be a good knitter you should not rush but take your time! Denise Layman, author of Learn to Knit on Circle Looms emphasized that, there are many skill levels for knitting so work at your own pace (Layman 30). 

Place where I rushed and made a mistake

My first successful and favorite project was knitting hats. Although knitting a hat may seem more time consuming and complicated than knitting a scarf, I found it very easy! I was successful with knitting my hat because through learning from my mistakes in my first post, I took my time and learned to fix my mistakes rather than just leave them. This gave me the confidence to make another hat, not for myself but as a gift for someone else. I also realized that giving a gift that you spent time making and creating rather than just buying gives it much more meaning!

The third and final project I created was a headband. I was really proud of this project because I decided to step it up and add a twist on the front of the headband to create a better design. Although this step was optional, I still went for it and I am really happy with the results! Layman said, "Level intermediate: add an optional twist on the front of the band" (Layman 18). This skill set was for an intermediate leveled knitter while I only did projects that were meant for beginners! Knitting has taught me to challenge myself and always strive for something better. 

Overall, I am really glad that I chose knitting as my new hobby because it is a lifelong skill that I will cherish and hold. Thank you for reading! 


Question: How do you think a hobby or new skill can affect your life?

Citation: Layman, Denise. Learn to Knit on Circle Looms: 10 Easy Projects! Berne, IN: DRG Pub., 2006. Print. 

Knitting on Circle Looms: Part 4

Knitting a Head Band!

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog! For my fourth blog post I am going to be knitting ear-warmers/a head band! I decided to knit a head band because the process is fairly simple and goes perfect with the cold weather we are experiencing.

Knitting a headband is very similar to knitting a scarf because the instructions are nearly the same. Denise Layman, author of Learn to Knit on Circle Looms said, "Repeat alternating from a purl and knit stitch until you have reached 10 inches" (Layman 11). These direction are nearly the same for creating a scarf and if you've read my first two blog post, then you probably know the struggles I had with knitting a scarf and the multiple times I made mistakes. This time I am determined to not let that happen.

Materials:

- 1 skein of yarn
- Loom hook
- Circle loom with at least 14 pegs
- 1 plastic knitting needle (usually comes with the package     of circle looms) 

Steps:

1. Start by casting on the yarn to the first peg of the loom.
2. Twist the yarn from the front to the back then on the 14th peg, turn the yarn the opposite way 
3. Start alternating from a purl stitch to a knit stitch after you have turned around (the last pegs should always be knit stitches)
4. This step is optional but it you want a twist on your design then at around 10 inches of knitting, move 8 stitches from once side of the loom to the other- creating a criss-cross affect. 
5. Then proceed as normal(following steps 2 and 3) for the next 10 inches 
6. Do this for the size of your head (mine came out to be about 20 inches long)
7. After you have finished knitting to your desired length, bring your very first row of stitches to the row you are currently working on and place the first stitches onto the pegs.
8. Cut off the yarn and an extra 2 feet of yarn
9. Put the extra yarn into the needle and sew the yarn through both stitches.
10. Remove your stitches from the pegs and enjoy your new headband!

Throughout my blog posts, I have noticed lots of improvement compared to my first knitting project. I realized that this time I made minimal mistakes because of how much I learned from my past mistakes. As Layman discusses, as you go on, your skill levels will change with the more you learn (Layman 30). I found this to be true. My first project compared to my last has shown a huge difference in technique and efficiency. Although, I accidentally made my head band a little bigger than my actual head, so it falls off easily. I might just give it to someone else who has a bigger head than me!

Question: Do you think years of experience or pure talent makes someone an expert at any skill?


Citation: Layman, Denise. Learn to Knit on Circle Looms: 10 Easy Projects! Berne, IN: DRG Pub., 2006. Print.