I did it!I completed my first knitted garment!
I started it last Monday and finished it today. That's just under a week.
This morning as I was knitting the last six rows and working out how to stitch it all together, I started writing a blog post in my head about how hard the home stretch is.At that stage I still had no idea if it would fit anyone in this house, I didn't know how to sew it all together and then Miss Pepper informed me that she didn't want or need a new jumper. She already has a jumper in her cupboard and if that one gets dirty then she is still ok because she is a tiger and tigers have fur and don't need jumpers. Hmmm.
Then I started looking through the knitting patterns I have bookmarked for my next project and going through my yarn to see if I have enough. Who wants to finish something when they can start something new and exciting?
Sometimes the home stretch is the longest part of the journey.
But then I decided to stop thnking about it and just do it. So I knitted those last six rows, pinned it all together and had a glimpse of the finished product and got a bit excited.I decided to learn how to knit in the first place so I could knit fitted, shapely, practical garments for my family and I almost had.
And then I stitched it together, darned in the ends and that was that.Looking at it on her I am thinking I probably should have blocked it before sewing it together so I could lay it out flat. Is that right? Can I still block it now or do I have to unstitch it?
Mr google helped me with casting on and off and increasing with YO.
Ok what's next?
I'm thinking it's a bit tiger like indeed, a tiger of an unusual hue to be sure, still...
ReplyDeleteI am awfully proud of you for just jumping in like that! I have a fear of knitting going back to 13 and my granny trying to teach me to knit, I still refer to it as "The Great Knitting Debacle". I can't quite seem to get past it.
Your wrap is beautiful!
I'm completely and utterly impressed! I'm still at the scarf stage with my knitting (even after about 3 years and 20 scarves). I need to take the plunge just like you!
ReplyDeleteI can't help you at all Kate, I don't speak knitting - but it looks great!
ReplyDeleteHave a go with circular needles so you won't need to sew up the seams. I have a good, easy kids pattern if you would like a look. I've done it on straight needles too for a size 5
ReplyDeleteNice work Kate, I'm not sure about blocking either. I'm thinking I'll have to find out about it though as I am getting close to finishing the crochet scallop edging to my knitted scarf : )
ReplyDeleteKate, I'm not an expert but I would just give it a press with a cloth (tea towel) over the top!! A bit of steam and be very gentle....
ReplyDeleteIt looks really good, I'm impressed!!
Lizzie
xxx
I believe you can block now and not have to undo it! it looks great! Now you get to join the circular needles vs regular needles debate! I think I want one for me now.... what is next!!
ReplyDeleteI think it a marvellous creation befitting of a wonderfully imaginative little girl. I just adore what you said in that you, "stop thinking about it & just do"...I have to do that to myself all the time. I have to stop myself from thinking about it and just do it. I overthink FAR too much!
ReplyDeleteLove it.
ReplyDeleteLove the colour.
Love the style.
Love how it looks on!x
congrats! welcome to homemade mama knits ! :))
ReplyDeleteI learnt to knit when sofa ridded with a broken ankle and became very bored. I found a pattern for knitted bunting, who knew there was such a thing? Had such fun doing it, got all enthused bought loads of wool and some patterns for my baby boy. Unfortunately he's now two and a half and they are all still in the bag. Your first attempt loos much better than mine. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work Kate! You dont have to unpick it to block it, just put a teatowel or a piece of cloth and give it a gentle steam press. It should iron out the wrinkles. Perfect fit too for the little tiger!
ReplyDeleteYou have officially made my world seem lazy, un inspired, and 'have-a-go-less"...You ROCK Kate I think you are now officially some sort of 'stick master' (mistress/madam)..you get my point or do you? Do I? I am that tired from the kid coughing cacophy/concert I no longer know what I think.....Peta xo
ReplyDeleteLove your work!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea about blocking etc but I do know that I LOVE IT! It looks fantastic Kate :) Kx
ReplyDeleteWell done - you canblock it now - dont worry about unpicking it:) But it would make it easier for joining it together if it was blocked before han.
ReplyDeleteOk - off to find some patterns and send you an email.
It's the same with writing. As the end of the book draws near all you can think about is how much easier and more fun the next project will be. The excitement of the beginning has worn off and all that's left is hard slog and sewing in your loose threads.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you finished this little crossover for the tiger though. It looks beautiful. I love the colour. Can't wait to see it on her in person. xx
It’s gotta be the soulful hues knitted cap sleeve thingy...
ReplyDeletehttp://soulfulhuesknits.blogspot.com/2008/02/girls-cap-sleeved-spring-top-with.html
Non? The best bit, is that there aren't any seams at all, so finishing isn't nearly so traumatic and it looks fabulous. You will need to block that one though because it will come out looking like it would only fit a pixie. Speaking of fitting, one of the ones I made, fits both the eight year old and the two year old. Not only that, both of 'em actually WANT to wear it. Versatile, or what?
Great job, knitter lady!
YAY for you Kate, it looks gorgeous and totally perfect to me!
ReplyDeleteI've never blocked any of my knitting when I knitted- but they were bear clothes so it might be different. But I honestly think it's beautiful. xo
Just too cute, I want one. Love the colour as well. You can still block it now, im pretty sure thats how you do it when the thing is sewn together. Well done!
ReplyDeletethat came out so great!!! I love it =)) I would not block it, I tend not to at all with my knitting.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! Beautiful colours! I am considering learning to crochet myself - can you recommend any good how to books or websites?
ReplyDeleteoh Kate you are amazing and totally put me to shame, I am still just knitting scarves after years and years
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the colours and the style.
Well done!
You've inspired me... again.
Wow - that is the most proficient first project I've ever seen. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYou can block it whenever you like - no need to undo.
If it's any consolation, my knitting chest is full of unsewn projects: there's a complete cardigan from last year, and some gloves I knit my mum in 2005. Use your momentum while you've got it!
Kate your wrap jumper is adorable....and I think tigers would love to wear something nice and smart like that to tea. Wouldn't they look so smart and fashionable ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt is easier to sew together after you have blocked it but after is fine too. I have a steamer (an upright iron) which is brilliant for gently blocking garments. I pin them onto the doona of our bed to keep the shape then gently steam to relax the fibres. You can see them plump up before your eyes. Don't let the iron touch the garment or even the towel as you can scorch the wool. Just heat it up which is what relaxes the fibres, then pin it flat into the shape you want, and let it cool. Sometimes it is easier to pin and adjust the shape as you go for bigger articles. This sounds like I know what I am talking about but let me tell you that I almost ruined a little jacket in the microwave by not paying proper attention at the time! So I am no expert!!
There is a link to the sideways shawl on my blog a way back or just look it up at Pickles as it is a winner for me. So easy to make and fun to wear. I have made 4 now and keep getting orders because they are just that little bit different.
Well done to jumping in the deep end!! You will enjoy what I have posted on my blog this weekend :-)
oh, it's wonderful, well done! I'm about to start on my first ever jumper (for myself...because I need such things) and I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm happy to give it a go. I think we can do anything if we try. Well, you've just proven that, haven't you?!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's adorable! I love tops like that which are cozy for the core. The colors are very pretty. Good job!
ReplyDeleteNice work Kate. Very impressive indeed... most impressive of all is the discipline to finish it. It is after all so much more fun to start new things.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful.
PS - we have a tiger at our place too... a very very very loud one!
If you want to block 'properly' .... spread an old sheet on the floor, dampen the pieces, then pin out to the correct size (it should tell you on your pattern) However you could press the pieces gently with a steam iron and a cloth (take care not to stretch them). As far as this one is concerned - wait until you wash it (which won't be long given the average child's ability to get dirty) then pull it into shape and dry it flat on a towel. Well done on knitting this so quickly!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! Your Tiger is too cute haha....I am itching to finish up my latest knitting project for scott so I can make something else. So I know the feeling. Can't wait to see where you go next :)
ReplyDeleteWow - this is gorgeous!! An amazing effort and a brilliant result, especially for a first-time knitter! Well done, it looks beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThere's a great blocking tutorial here: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2010/05/26/really_every_time.html
ReplyDeleteExcellent job, looks great. Boy you do get busy in your "down-time" ☺
ReplyDeleteSorry can not help about blocking, but very well done , the colours are divine and look beautiful on little tigers!;)
ReplyDeleteExcellent Kate, you can tick knitting off the list! Great looking wrap. I think everyone else has answered your question about blocking. Good luck with the next project. xx (I just started knitting a horse for Ella)
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous Kate , I agree finishing things off is the hardest part. I make a point of finishing a project off before I allow myself to start a new one otherwise my cupboards would be full of UFO's !( unless I really dont like what Ive started) Its hard getting there but the satisfaction in having something finished is HUGE!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed, so impressed I am speechless!!! I'm still stuck on scarf's!!!!! I've printed off the pattern so I hope I can adapt it to a larger size for miss A.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!!!
Well done Kate. It is simple and sweet. I am crocheting madly but have knitting on my "to do 2010" lsit after a 20 year break. I think I can, I think I can,...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work Kate... I think it is perfect just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteBut you can definitely block it without unpicking it. I am with the circular needles group....no seaming YAY!!
Blocking before seaming can make it easier to seam as the seams lay flat and dont roll up.... saying that though I rarely block anything too lazy!
Wow, it looks freat. Congratulations! I can knit but I want to learn to make a garment too. I have two different instructions for the baby jacket and I don't know where to start. On the other hand I have just discovered crocheting and I would love to learn more of that too and crochet a beanie for my girl but I get stuck understanding if people are posting US or British terms and I just want to give up already. lol.
ReplyDeleteAMAZING KATE - your first knitting project - well you can tick that off your list of "can do" - can't wait to see what you learn next.
ReplyDeletebeautiful colours, I like the way the yarn changes tone.
Bloody fantastic! Good on you for finishing it!
ReplyDeleteRoooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr!
ReplyDelete(that's for Pepper)
For you? Well done :o)
Ab x
adorable and genius all at the same time.
ReplyDeletenow i am off to check out your rss feed- i haven't ben getting your updates and had thought you'd been taking a bloggy break or something- only to discover I have missed loads of posts. hmmm....
You're fantabulous ... what a clever, talented women you are ... genius ... like what else is there to say? LOVE your knitting, LOVE it. xo
ReplyDeleteKate, you really are quite amazingly talented! It looks fantastic, and you're a super-fast knitter already (especially compared to the snails pace at which I knit!). You can definitely block after seaming, even though knitter legends like Yarn Harlot strongly advocate blocking before sewing the pieces together. There aren't really any rules (that I've discovered), just personal preference.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love the logic of 2 year olds?!
Well done Kate, it's just gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs - Jodie :)
I love this Kate, it looks awesome. I tried one of these for Annie but it's a bit of a fail and I haven't sewn it up. Maybe I should. You are amazing, everything you try turns out incredible!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Such lovely colors and a really cute pattern. May have to make one for my Bebe. I am so impressed with your speed, I'm a very slow turtle when knitting.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen ravelry?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ravelry.com/
You have to sign up for it, but it is an excellent resource/community.
oh those cheeks!!! she's so grown up now :O
ReplyDeletebut look how far you've come now, zipping through SOCKS! a bit tricksy but so lovely!
xo