Knitting

[Daisy]

Enfys - they're lovely and look really cosy. I'm no expert but I can see you're a really neat, even knitter.

[grannyjules]

Balaclavas.png Just catching up with this thread.
love the socks.
i marvel at those that can knit with double ended needles.
Can I ask if anyone has an old pattern for boys plain balaclava, to fit 5-9 yrs
I ve knitted the twins one each but the boys need a different style.
I thought they would keep their faces warm when they’re playing football.
The Boys are too old for the pointy bit.

[Gemini]

I'm not a knitter GJ, but hopefully one of those clever knitting ladies can help

[Enfys]

GJ, have you looked on ravelry.com. It’s a really good site where you can search for all sorts of patterns, an awful lot of them are free. I found a few but couldn’t put the link here. You have to sign up but then you can search for anything you like. Hope this helps.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/balaclava-11

Here’s one.

[grannyjules]

Oh thanks for the link. That's just what I'm looking for , but I've never used a circular needle and wouldn't have a clue. My Mam hasn't either. May be one of the Knitting Circle will be able to show me.
Thanks

[Enfys]

I,didn’t realise it used a circular. If you have a look you would probably find different patterns. Using a circular is ok, lots of you tube instructions.

[grannyjules]

Thank you for your help, I looked on the web and found a pattern I could use. I knitted one up last night, but there were no sizings with it and it looks a bit small. So tonight I'm going to try to make it a bit bigger, and see how it goes.

[Gemini]

I hope it works GJ

[Enfys]

Well done GJ. Maybe try bigger needles, good luck.

[grannyjules]

I was just going to start. Do you think bigger needles, rather than a few more stitches and a few more rows?
Bigger needles would be so much easier
Though I'm already on size 8 and double knitting wool, which seem bigger than my last knitting with DB wool

[Enfys]

Was there a gauge? I think it depends how much bigger you need it. Have you already undone it, if not maybe do a few rows on bigger needles and see how that compares. Otherwise I think I do a few more stitches, as you say an 8 is quite big already for DK.

[Nana]

I think I'd probably go up a needle size. I once tried adjusting a pattern adding extra lines & it was a disaster. The shaping went all to pot.

I've just knitted 18 preemie hats & a pair of mits. The local maternity ward at our hospital have put out a request. It goes along the lines of traffic light colours. Red, yellow/orange and green DK. The staff can see at a glance which babies need the most urgent care. Having my GS2 born prematurely it's good to be able to give something back. Parents get to keep them too.

[Plantaholic]

What a good idea to colour the prem hats in that way Nana.

[Nana]

It is Plant. Clever yet simple idea.

[Daisy]

It's often the simple ideas that work best. Nana - I'm sure the Prem unit will be very grateful for those little hats and mitts.