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Is there a pattern or skill that you don't yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don't even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make but can admire the result of those that have.
I haven't knitted a lot of lace since I started knitting again. Two reasons, I think. The first is that I'm not a great shawl wearer - I don't quite know what to do with them or how to wear them!! The second reason is CHARTS! I look at them and I'm baffled! It's like some secret knitting language that I've somehow missed out on learning. How can there be 'no stitch' on a row? It doesn't make sense to me. I like my patterns written out row by row. However, I have set myself a challenge - to become more comfortable knitting from charts. I've signed up for a pre KnitNation KAL to make a shawl. The first clue was released yesterday, and I've printed it out! Even though the pattern is written as well as charted, I'm determined to use the charts as much as I can. I used the chart for the swatch without too much cursing! I'm going to buy myself a magnetic board so that I can keep track of which row I'm on, and wait until the school holidays start before casting on! Wish me luck!
How about you? Do you prefer knitting from charts or a written pattern? And how do you wear your shawl? All fashion tips gratefully received!
16 comments:
Once you learn how to read charts, they really are wonderful to work with. But, I remember how confusing they were at the start. (The no stitch thing messed me up too.) Something that really helps me is a magnetic board. I find that having the chart upright instead of on the table or sofa makes it much easier to follow. (Got mine form Knit Picks.)Hope that helps.
I haven't tried to knit from charts. I like my directions to be row my row written out XD
I don't mind charts too much but like it when it has the written with it so if you don't understand one you can fall back on the other.
I do find now that my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be that the chart is a little harder unless I scan it and reprint it at a larger size.
I like charts! Used to hate them but persevered and they suddenly started to make sense. One thing I do is to colour in SSK and K2tog symbols with different colours - otherwise I get the two mixed up ;o)
Charts! I've never even contemplated doing a pattern from a chart, but I would really, really love to knit myself a shawl this year. I even have the yarn ready for it.
I much prefer a written pattern, don't mind if there is a chart as well but must have the words. I intend to knit a shawl at some stage, have a gorgeous cashmere yarn and a pattern waiting just never seem to get started.
I know charts seem intimidating at first but once you get comfortable with them, they're great. A magnetic board will be a GREAT idea and a big help.
I prefer charts now, but as for wearing shawls -- I've only knit one and it's rectangular so I kind of wear it more as a scarf. I'm knitting a huge circular one now and I'm stumped on how I'll wear it!
I prefer the written word as I haven't really knitted from a chart. As for wearing a shawl, you can wear it the traditional way or wrap it around your throat like a scarf, or I believe what all of young Hollywood and kids are doing today is they have main v in the front and wrap the ends around their neck and let the ends hang down: http://files.clubplanet.com/sitefiles/ArticleImages/2197/square.jpg
I have to say I'm a fan of a chart, I find I lose my place too easily on written instructions. And with a chart I think I can "see" what it's supposed to look like - if that makes sense!
As for wearing shawls, I came across this - http://thewifeknits.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/how-to-wear-a-shawl/ - a while ago, and saved it as I thought it was so useful.
wising you luck. I'd love to knit a shawl too but think it would take me years as I'm very slow at knitting and it is a big project to take on. I think a shawl would look really good to keep warm with a snazzy dress on a night out where you just pop it a round your shoulder's to keep warm. Leah X
Charts are great! I tend to get lost in the middle of the line when I use a written out pattern. Best is if the instructions include both, so you can double-check yourself.
As for wearing: a lot of times in regular point down the back little old lady fashion, and if I'm feeling spiffy, with the point towards one shoulder and then wrapped scarf style.
Good luck with your KAL!
I like charts for both knitting and crochet. It is sort of like learning another language but thankfully, the vocabulary is much smaller! :)
Misty
www.crochetyourway.com
I'm with you on preferring written instructions. I can knit from a chart, but it takes me much longer and always induces a headache. I wear the smaller type shawls wrapped around my neck like a scarf.
I prefer charts now to written instructions because it's a picture of how the pattern will look and it's easier for me to spot mistakes.
As for wearing shawls, I wear them as pretty, delicate scarves. There are some tips on various groups on Ravelry but I don't think shawls will ever really suit me, I just enjoy knitting lace so will make more. Good luck with yours.
I've totally not got to grips with charts! I'm not yet a lace knitter, but I found a gorgeous pattern that was only charted, and spent ages translating it into row by row written instructions!
Here are a couple tips for reading charts, I put something like a post it note over the line above what I'm knitting. That covers up the lines I'm not working on so I'm not jumping up a line by mistake. I also use lots of stitch markers, if you put a stitch marker for each pattern repeat, if you make a mistake, you have a good chance of figuring it out in that repeat section, not after you've knit the complete row and find you aren't ending on the right spot. Charts are wonderful! You will be surprised how easy it goes after a few rows.
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