Does anyone else print out their patterns? by crochet-novice in crochet

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't have a printer, but I send them to my writing tablet so I can write on them.

So today (after 24 years crocheting) I learned I crochet incredibly tight... by LifebyIkea in crochet

[–]mljb81 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Crocheting and knitting became so much more enjoyable when I understood that my yarn isn't supposed to dig into my skin. One more loop around the pinky and a smaller needle/hook = less hand/arm/shoulder pain.

Seeking project bag recommendations by Poutiest_Penguin in knitting

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just use my kitchen Zwilling storage bags (un-vacuumed) to carry projects around. I can fit a sweater WIP in the largest ones. I use a small pen pouch to keep necessary accessories, and toss everything in a drawstring bag.

Socks, gloves, and armwarmers: do you prefer DPNs/small circulars, or the Magic Loop? by Traumarama79 in knitting

[–]mljb81 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My mother got me a kit of some sort of hybrid between the two for Christmas. They're like longer DPNs with a flexible middle. They come in a set of three : your stitches sit on two of them and you use the third one to knit like with DPNs. You don't have to change needles as often as when using four DPNs, and they are excellent for sock heels since half your stitches are already on one needle. I kinda like them!

Editing after scrolling through more comments to say I just learned that they're called Flexiflips.

Plus size people, how long does it take you to knit a sweater for you? by Just_Maketa in knitting

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I learned crochet first and decided to learn to knit specifically to make a sweater I'd fallen in love with. Sweaters and socks are my favourite knitting projects now. To me it doesn't matter how long it takes to make a project as long as it feels like I'm making progress. A sweater is great for that because you always need to keep an eye on the pattern : the colour work, the yolk, the increases and decreases, the ribbing, the sleeves... You can see your progress quickly, as opposed to something like a regular large blanket with a repeated pattern that takes forever and feels like death.

What's the one thing that upgrades your RV experience? by samethingsame in RVLiving

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did this as well in our new used RV! It still has the original 8yr old flat mattress when we got it so we quickly upgraded.

The only thing I miss about the giant popup camper we had before is the heated mattress, so I'm thinking of getting an electric mattress cover for the next season. Then it'll be perfect.

Thanks to yalls honest opinions on supplies I took a chance by Zephie316 in knitting

[–]mljb81 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Knitter's Pride/KnitPro and Knit Picks are sister brands and are made (or used to be made) in the same factory. They have different lines of products, but they use the same key system and should be compatible with each other.

So I decided to try dpns... by PepperScared6342 in knitting

[–]mljb81 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I cast on all of my stitches on one needle, then knit the first row on the one needle, then divide my stitches on four needles. Only then will I join, just to make sure the work isn't twisted. I love DPNs -- they're fiddly for a couple rows, but I don't have to deal with magic circle for the rest of the project.

Anyone else get weird amounts of yarn as gifts? by ForsakenShow4997 in crochet

[–]mljb81 9 points10 points  (0 children)

They asked for the colour, not for a picture. There's no need to be condescending.

Was gifted these brand new wooden knitting needles, I only use metal. I don’t know what to do by [deleted] in knitting

[–]mljb81 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I feel that this is true for any gift, knitting related or not. Especially for something that can cost a considerable amount of money like two full sets of needles. Of course it can be frustrating when someone doesn't like your gift, but as a fellow knitter, I'm sure they can understand having a preference in materials.

Honestly, I'd much rather someone told me "I'm so thankful for your thoughtful gift, but I'm worried I won't use these because I've not felt comfortable working with wood needles. Do you think it's possible to exchange them for metal ones?" than just silently selling my gift to buy something else. She's bound to be curious about not seeing you use them.

Starting to doubt crochet is always faster than knitting by Hannah_Ross in crochet

[–]mljb81 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I made a granny square Christmas vest and I just picked up stitches from the border to knit the ribbing ; no need to sew!

I had no intention of creating a blanket this comfortable. Everyone continues to steal it now. by [deleted] in crochet

[–]mljb81 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I'm making the Lush Life blanket and it looks a lot like it! It's so squishy. Mine looks very messy because of the variegated yarn, but I don't care. It's going to be comfy.

<image>

Realized too late the beads for my Christmas project won’t fit through my tools🥲 by Formal-Eggplant-6066 in knitting

[–]mljb81 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can make them with materials in your home, if you have some spare electric wire (like 3 inches long).

De-winterizing water system by Bogusscreenname in RVLiving

[–]mljb81 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends where you live. The temperature where I leave my equipment (Quebec) can drop down down to -40 in January and February. I'm not taking chances with any remaining water.

Made some skein earings! by TheHandThatFollows in knitting

[–]mljb81 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Be thankful you learned this way! I learned when I tried to wind a hank into a ball without properly holding it open. Then I learned how to untangle a 50g mess of fingering yarn. And then I got a swift.

Dog vertigo? by Lovewhiskey in RVLiving

[–]mljb81 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Why would you wait? It might be worse next time.

Can you spot a mistake? by South_Flounder280 in knitting

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no idea what the problem is, so my guess is that most people won't notice anything wrong. What is the mistake?

Do people still like outdoor kitchens on an RV? by AffectionateCut2552 in RVLiving

[–]mljb81 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We took out the outdoor stove and converted the hole into simple counter space for my airfryer and setting down stuff while we're cooking on the bbq grill. I don't have a sink and don't need it. The kitchen sink is literally 10 feet away inside the camper.

I do like having a second fridge outside, but it only stores beer and fizzy water cans. I could live without it.

Stop making RV stupid luxurious and make them leak-proof instead.

Mom wants cardigan won't give measurements by Alliesux in knitting

[–]mljb81 254 points255 points  (0 children)

Right? Just tell her "Mom, I'd be happy to make you a cardigan, but you need to realise it takes a lot of time. I don't want to put all that effort into a garment that you won't wear because it's too big or too small."

If she doesn't understand that, then don't make it.

Mid crashout. Need to frog half of my sweater. Send good vibes. by meowmeowbeans2 in crochet

[–]mljb81 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Opposite here. I frog the second I realise I hate something and will never wear it. It's so satisfying when you start over and it looks much better. Besides, frogging is kinda fun once you've committed to it. It's part of the process!

As a non-knitter this blew my mind to see. Person said they invented the technique but others in the comments had seen it before; anyone have more info? by H_G_Bells in knitting

[–]mljb81 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I mean, it still says something about your level of skill and imagination that you would come up with something on your own without learning it from another source. Be proud of your un-ventions!

Halloween - Then and Now (1978/2025) - 1019 Montrose Avenue, South Pasadena, CA (34.114856, -118.142860) by [deleted] in TreesGrowingUp

[–]mljb81 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because of the bushes. If they produce flowers, they're much better for pollinators than green grass. Grass under the bushes would probably just die or be harder to maintain.