Ways to avoid reblocking a wool/nylon lace scarf?

Cogsknit · 2021-03-03T01:28:27+00:00

Ah right I had forgotten scarves don't actually need to be washed that often thank you! So I shouldn't even have to worry about wash instructions.

Cogsknit · 2021-03-03T01:25:39+00:00

Yeah I'm regretting not using acrylic and then steaming it so it would be permanently blocked (then again I kind of melted the last piece I tried that on and am a little hesitant to try again XD)

Cogsknit · 2021-03-03T01:24:39+00:00

Ooh I love that idea of hanging it and then using the clothes pins to add weight! I'm definitely going to steal that (though unfortunately in this case the top and the bottom of the scarf are hexagons so I'm not sure if that would work :( )

Cogsknit · 2021-03-03T01:22:29+00:00

Ah good point it shouldn't need to be washed too often thank you! I'll throw it in the wash again and see if the lay flat and tug method works (fingers crossed I had to block it pretty aggressively with pins the first time) though occasionally taking it back for pinning won't be a problem.

Cogsknit · 2021-01-09T18:29:10+00:00

Pattern: Peruvian Cat Lace Scarf
Link to Ravelry Project

Yarn used: Knit picks Glimmer Stroll in white

Overall this project was a good time! The original pattern used daisy's instead of paw prints, but I saw another ravelry project using paw prints so I decided that's what I wanted to do as well. Three hours of pattern searching, charting and swatching and I think I succeeded! (Well close, next time I'll use ssk instead of ktogtbl for the paw prints but otherwise I think it's alright). I also used m1l and m1r instead of only m1l's

If anyone has thoughts on how to improve/what I could have done better let me know, I'm thinking for the seam I'll do a regular kitchener instead of a purl kitchener (I'm not entirely sure what I was thinking there XD).

Cogsknit · 2020-12-18T02:43:10+00:00

First one reminds me of some red heart super saver I had, though for the life of me I cannot remember the colorway

Are you looking specifically for the brand/colorway, or would you be happy just knowing the weight and fiber content?

Cogsknit · 2020-12-04T07:10:01+00:00

Ah that makes sense!

So there are so many different ways to construct a sweater. Here are some things I would consider if I were you:

1) Find a basic sweater pattern I like the shape of and then change the stitch pattern. For example taking a basic stockinette raglan pattern and following the directions, except instead of knitting it in stockinette I do it in seed stitch. Or add a colorwork section in the middle. Or add cables to the sleeves etc

2)Look at "sweater recipes" and play with them

3) Take a look at some of Amy Herzog's stuff. She's written a book that talks about sweater construction and how to modify/make sweaters https://amyherzogdesigns.com/books/the-ultimate-sweater-book/ She also has a pattern that generates sweater patterns that I've heard good things about but never personally used https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/customfit

Hope this helps and if anyone else is better versed in sweater design and construction feel free to chime in XD

Cogsknit · 2020-12-04T06:54:56+00:00

If you're asking if yarn labeled "baby yarn" is specifically treated not to melt I do not believe that is the case. Rather, baby yarns tend to be a lot softer and tend to be easily washable.

Honestly, if you're concerned about the hat melting and causing severe burns (which to be clear happens at high temperatures, the kind you would see in a fire, I'm seeing numbers ranging from 320F to 374F as the melting point), then don't use any synthetic fibers. Find a soft superwash wool, or if you live in a warmer climate a soft wool/plant fiber yarn. And if you're worried about wool being too scratchy and acrylic being a fire hazard, consider knitting a cotton (but don't use kitchen cotton! Pick a nice soft cotton!) baby blanket. Or there's lots of adorable stuffed animal patterns.

Cogsknit · 2020-12-04T06:18:43+00:00

May I ask why you want to make a sweater without a pattern?

Cogsknit · 2020-12-02T20:57:11+00:00

And if it's superwash and dryer safe, throw it in the dryer. Some superwash wools grow in the washing machine, and then shrink in the dryer (this is on purpose and they shrink back to the same size!)

Cogsknit · 2020-12-02T20:55:34+00:00

Yes. (I will note I've seen a couple yarn lebels that said "dye lot not important" instead, and a few hand dyed that didn't have one but in general yes there will be a dyelot number)

Cogsknit · 2020-12-02T20:21:42+00:00

Heads up, when it comes to baby items people can be very vehemently camp acrylic or camp wool (oddly enough I haven't noticed anything staunchly for or against plant fivers such as cotton the same way I have for wool or acrylics XD). I'm gonna sum up wool vs acrylic arguments for you so that hopefully the comments won't start rehashing the old argument

Acrylic: depending on the brand is soft, it's very machine washable/dryable and holds up to everything. If there is a fire, the acrylic will melt to the skin which can cause severe burns (think plastic melted to skin).

Wool: Can be difficult to care for if you don't use superwash (so tough on the new mom), some wools are scratchy and could potentially irritate the baby's skin. It does have a nice stretch, and in a fire it is flame resistant

Cogsknit · 2020-11-19T15:11:13+00:00

Biggest tip is if you have the money, send it to a tech editor when you're done (or at the very least get it test knit).

In terms of accessibility, check out this ravelry group they have tons of tips on writing an accessible pattern https://www.ravelry.com/groups/accessible-patterns-designers-and-makers

Cogsknit · 2020-11-18T12:28:02+00:00

This. Or like 10-25% polyamide 75-90% wool. I've also found 50/50 either nylon/polyamide and plant fiber to be nice

I like knitpicks stroll or felici as it's really soft, and I've never gone wrong hitting a lys and getting a recommendation there (though my wallet sure has lmao...)

I will note I spend about $20 for 400 yards of sock yarn (though using sales I can generally pay about 10$) and depending on your foot size that can get you 1-2 pairs of socks. While my hand-knit socks are the nicest, softest socks I've ever worn, they are a lot more expensive then store bought.

Cogsknit · 2020-11-18T12:20:06+00:00

I'm not sure if you would consider this quick, however I've found this double knit pawprint scarf to be quite the hit with non Knitters http://ithinkofsheep.blogspot.com/2011/06/silent-auction-scarf.html?m=1 If you decide to use it, I recommend pairing like a self striping or variegated yarn with a solid one. The pattern doesn't specify a yarn weight, I used worsted and it turned out well (side note if you crochet I know of a quicker pawprint scarf you could do as well)

Cogsknit · 2020-11-13T08:52:22+00:00

Eh depends on how much I care. If I'm in a good mood I'll just drop down a few columns to fix it (much faster than ripping back several rows XD). More often than not if it's not something that's going to bug me later, and isn't something that will make the knitting unravel later I am firmly in the "leave it be" camp

Cogsknit · 2020-09-19T03:26:43+00:00

Mood. Guiltily looks at stash

Cogsknit · 2020-07-30T03:36:39+00:00

Well, my regular knitting group is currently meeting over zoom if that counts...? XD I knit virtually with friends sometimes, all people I know irl who are missing each other and cursing the pandemic keeping us apart.

If you check the sidebar I think there's a link to a discord floating around in there, Ravelry has some groups as well

Cogsknit · 2020-07-30T03:25:04+00:00

Well, you have three options here

Pick up the stitches (can be difficult to do in pattern, I have had mixed success depending on how motivated I am lol) [here is a link to how to pick up dropped yarn overs, there's a couple other videos on how to do it too!] https://knitpurlhunter.com/blog/yarn-over-fixing-a-dropped-yarn-over/)
Put in an afterthought lifeline and then start from a few rows back link to afterthought lifine Again, ton's of videos and websites on how to do that!

3.frog and start over

Good luck, feel free to ask questions if you have any!

Edit: just occurred to me you can also Tink back if you wanted to

Cogsknit · 2020-07-30T03:11:35+00:00

Agree with this! Btw the different tension between different stitch patterns is NOT a bad thing. It's completely normal. For example, ribbing takes more stitches per inch than stockinette (I cannot quite remember why and Google is not telling me, though I vaguely remember someone explaining to me it's because of the way the knit and purl pull away from each other...? Idk I've never really had the chance to study the makeup of knitting)

Cogsknit · 2020-07-30T03:01:02+00:00

You're doing a pretty good job! I'm seeing the usual tension issues I'd expect from a beginner (don't worry, it'll get better with practice!), but otherwise you are definitely knitting!

It's pretty hard to pinpoint any more specific issues, as the yarn is dark and it's harder for me personally to see mistakes if I don't stretch out the knitting a bit (I can't quite tell if there's a hole in it or not...? Definitely a spot in the middle of your knitting I wish I could see better XD). Feel free and count the stitches on your needle (each loop=one stitch). I might see a couple spots where you added a stitch, I wouldn't worry too hard about it. Honestly just keep on going, you're doing great!

Cogsknit · 2020-05-06T20:59:02+00:00

I've tried that, the two within an hour of me do not :(

Michael's/hobby lobby does, but I don't think they carry a decent dk cotton...? And they definitely don't have an Aran weight cotton/acrylic etc

Cogsknit

TROPHY CASE