The Biggest Ball of Yarn - ever

After taking (a well earned, IMO!) break from knitting for over a month, burned out from a mammoth none-stop knitfest over winter, I redeemed myself last week somewhat by buying the biggest ball of yarn I have ever, ever seen (almost 900 yards!) and cast on for not one, but TWO vests - for the boys.

The pattern is free on Ravelry and I ditched the call for cable in favour of speedy knitting instead. I am crossing my fingers - last time I knit this I managed to make the head opening big enough only for someone with a head the size of a peanut. I am a bit nervous about whether these will be finished unscathed.

I don't have high hopes, so wish me luck. The weekend will hopefully see the finished results.

:S

Comments

[Four Dinners]

Hey! You must have known my old Auntie! She knitted me a new jumper every Christmas for years. Only problem was she always used the same measurements she used the first time when I was 5. I think one was only slightly to large for my Action Man figure at 11 years old...;-)

Good luck!!

[Mu Mu Design]

thanks. Might need ..

[fouzia]

i wish i could knit! i can cast on and then...nothing! But i have picked up needles from shop and plan at some point to learn...any tips??

[Mu Mu Design]

I learned about two years back. The main ingredient to learning is that you really WANT to do it, and even if you have to rip things out you are prepared to start again. My first project was a Debbie Bliss jacket for a baby which (to me now) is relatively easy, but I swear to allah I ripped the first stitches out at least 20 times before it clicked, and I only stuck with it because I'd bought expensive yarn and I wanted to knit a baby gift.
 
Soulemama wrote a good post about learning to knit here:
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2009/01/on-knitting.html

with lots of useful links in the comment as well.

This site has actually videos for some stitches that you might want to see - I learn better by viewing than reading I'm sure thats true for most people:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/

And finally I have some simple patterns up on my sidebar designed for novice knitters. It's great to start with small things and feel the sense of accomplishment when you get it - try the hat first, most hat patterns call for 4 needles but I've written mine for two needles.

Just keep at it, and really one day it WILL come.

Good luck!
xx

[Amy]

Good luck - yes, knitting is super frustrating and unpicking is a nightmare - I just learnt crochet - unpicking that when you've made a mistake is a joy in comparison. Jan Eatons knitting compendium is invaluable to me.

[Amanda]

knitting hats (mitts and socks) is on my 'todo list' I might try your patterns. How easy are they??

[Mu Mu Design]

easy peazy lemon squeasy. I would call the hat an absolute rock bottom beginner hat. If you are brave enough to try four needles the mitts shouldn't be too taxing ;-)

[Jude]

Hi - I wonder if you could let me have the ravelry link for the vest pattern - love that wool! Thanks - and btw I love that Ikat mug and everything on their website!! Oh dear I think it's going to be an expensive spring.

[Mu Mu Design]

Sure, it's http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-vest-2

[Amanda]

Are there any photos of hat/mitts just so I now what to aim for?

[Mu Mu Design]

sign yourself up to ravelry and wander over to my page
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Qalballah

[Amanda]

I'm there. Thankyou!! I will have a go soon, and put pics on flickr.

Now its time for stupid questions.. lacey scarf what does YO mean?

[Mu Mu Design]

yarn over

[fouzia]

thanks for the encouragement...i WILL get started soon inshallah

[Mu Mu Design]

A stubborn determination is all you need ;-)