Questions ...

[motdaugrnds]

As some of you know I've taken up knitting to pass the hours when weather prohibits me from working outdoors. It seems a worthwhile project and I've called around here and found 3 agencies interested in getting some items (hats for now) for the clientele. These agencies are for homeless and abused people. Thus, my time will be well spent as I will know some one in need will be getting what I create...an uplifting project!

Now I'm using the round looms a friend sent me; and I've already created 9 hats. Each hat has a double brim and I'm using two strands to knit with. I've been watching many YouTube videos as to how to knit and, of course, my friend has given me some great information. I do, though, have a few questions I've not found answers to as yet.  I'm hoping some of you can provide either a link where I can get the answers or some information/guidance yourselves.

Question 1: What is the difference in using an "e loop" (I think that means one knits going counter-clockwise.) and the clockwise loop?

Question 2: How can the ends be hidden? (I know how to crochet the tails so as to hide them, especially easy when they're next to the brim. I also know how to use a needle to tie off the tails. However, still the ends remain; and even though I cut them near the knot, they can still be seen.)

Thanking you in advance for helping...

[mzgarden]

For question #1 - maybe this link will help? link to knit stitches

For question #2 - I take a yarn needle and go through stitches about an inch one way, double back and go through the stitches back the other way about an inch and then double back and go through stitches. Then I trim close to the garment. I use the needle to actually go through the yarn, not under/over/between. Mike from The Crochet Crowd demonstrates the technique at this link. link to weaving ends

and BTW - what a nice thing you are doing!

[motdaugrnds]

mzgarden, Thank you so much. Both of those links speak right to my questions and answered them beatifully!

Now....LOL....to find better yarn to work with thru the winter. I'm wanting some "synthetic fleece" if they make it anywhere. So far I have not found any for knitting. Even a google search brings up nothing on this.

I'm thinking yarn with a bit more warmth to it than the acrylics I'm now using would be better for those needing warm hats...

[Muller's Lane Farm]

Nov 27, 2016 14:50:10 GMT motdaugrnds said:

I'm thinking yarn with a bit more warmth to it than the acrylics I'm now using would be better for those needing warm hats...

Lion Brand makes an affordable wool blend bulky yarn that would be warmer than straight acrylic.

For something new and super warm, look into "thrumming" the hat.  

[Maura]

It depends on who you are knitting for. Yarn must be machine washable. If someone is going from a warm building to a warm car, acrylic as fine. If they are spending more time in the cold, then a wool blend is better. Lion Brand’s Wool Ease is 20% wool. But, Plymouth Encore is 25% wool. I would prefer 100% wool, but only for people not living in an institution/care facility. If it is bitterly cold, people will not be going outside except to the car.

Motdaugrnds, you might want to look for a knitting guild in your area. You will meet other tenacious people and have others to help you. Might even be able to carpool to the meetings. Our guild meets once a month and there are a couple of groups that meet once a week to knit and gab informally.

[motdaugrnds]

Muller's Lane, I cannot get that video to play on this old PC.

Maura, how does one go about finding such a knitting guild? (I see nothing in the phone book or the papers about it.)

[Muller's Lane Farm]

motdaugrnds, Here you go!



and how to do a duplicate stitch:

[Maura]

Ask at the library and at churches. If you don’t find a guild, you may find a group that meets and does charity knitting. A couple of our guild members also belong to charity knitting groups.

You can go to www.tkga.com It is The Knitting Guild of America, national organization. There is a page where you can type in your location and it will show guilds that belong to TKGA in your area.

To start a guild, put an ad in the paper. Your paper may have a section where they post local events for free. The ad should read something like: Interested in knitting? Knitting guild starting up. Experienced and newbies all welcome.” Give the time and place. The library may be accommodating, if not a church or township hall. Once you get together, you could meet at someone’s home until the group is too big. At that point, you step down and let someone else handle the meeting place.

You can

[Billie]

motdaugrnds, you can also go on Ravelry. It is a free site for knitters/crocheters. You do have to register to get on. They have a section where you can put in where you live and find people or groups near you.

[motdaugrnds]

Great! Thank you both very much.