27.11.09

Knitting 101

This year for Christmas presents I am knitting a few scarves for special gift giving. My Grandmother taught me to knit when I was 5 and I have continued to knit on and off over the years. I love going into yarn shops and feasting my eyes on all the colors and textures available. On my last trip to the yarn shop I was captivated by this most exquisite shade of teal blue. It is a blend of wool mohair and silk, and knits up as soft and light as a spider's web. I love working with bamboo needles. This scarf is super easy. Cast on as many stitches as you need to make the scarf the width you want and then just knit every row until it is long enough. For this season extra long and very narrow scarves seem to be all the trend.

Happy Knitting If you have any knitting projects on the go please leave a comment [here]. PS I am going on a plane trip...does any one know if knitting needles are allowed through security??

Helpful Videos: Knitting 101 Casting on Stitches Knitting 101 The Knit Stitch Knitting 101 Casting off Stitches Knitting 101 Knitting Tips

Patricia Gray is an award winning Interior Designer in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who blogs about "WHAT'S HOT" in the world of Interior Design: New and Emerging Trends, Contemporary Design, Modern Architecture and Travel, as well as how your surroundings can enhance the world around you. © Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog™ 2009

24 comments:

  1. I was so lucky to see this wonderful scarf in person - It is so cool to see that one of my favorite designers is also very talented in other fields, and who can top the fact that she is making these wonderful scarfs for her love ones.

    Very impressed!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a coincidence! that is also what i am doing for a few Christmas presents. i found this beautiful cashmere yarn and will be knitting hats and scarves. As for the knitting needles through custom....my son just flew back from College and went through the LAX airport with his biology dissecting kit including a scalpel....he had forgotten that it was still in his backpack!! I would suggest packing the needles though...
    So looking forward to seeing you in NY, Francine

    ReplyDelete
  3. No knitting needles on the plane, sorry. Looks fun and easy i haven't knitted in years, just might start.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been knitting the same scarf for 3 years. I keep it out in a bowl as decoration and all of my friends think I'm a huge knitter. They have no idea it's always been the same one sitting there:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've always secretly wanted to learn how to knit, but never have. I think hand made scarves, hats, blankets, etc. are a perfect gift!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tips:


    •take either (non-metal) circular needles, or wooden straight ones - they are the most obviously 'safe'.
    •try to take the smallest needles you need - the bigger they are the more dangerous they look.

    •take a some back-up entertainment in case you're denied knitting!

    •don't take any expensive or favourite needles you'd be heartbroken to lose.
    •try not to start the project until you're on the plane - that way if the needles are confiscated at least you won't have any work on them to get unraveled in your bag!
    •don't argue with the security or airline staff - their word is final, and you'll just have to lump it. Kicking up a fuss could mean you won't be allowed on your flight, or worse!

    •pack some spare needles in your checked luggage, then at least you won't be without knitting your whole trip!
    •take waste yarn/thread to move live stitches onto if you cannot continue to your flight with your work in progress.
    •in some cases you may be permitted to mail your needles back to yourself, so bring an appropriate SASE.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Roslyn28/11/09

    yes its no problem to fly with bamboo knitting needles

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rosemary28/11/09

    Yes, they are allowed in your carry-on luggage.
    See link: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm
    Happy knitting,
    Rosemary Beck
    Content in a Cottage
    http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rosemary - thanks for the link....

    here is the info from the web-site:

    Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint

    Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.

    Items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside which cannot go through the checkpoint and must go in your checked baggage.

    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

    Note: I would print out this web-page and carry it through security just in case the security agents haven't read this ruling from Transportation Security Administration.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lucky, lucky friends that receive a handmade gift! I have knit in the past and your scarf picture has tweaked my interest in making one for myself and see if I am good enough to make them for gifts, maybe by next year...lol
    Love the teal colour you have chosen...
    Regards, Carol Ann

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have not knitted for years but it would be such fun to start again. My mother use to knit beautifully,something I took for granted. Your scarves are going to make terrific, personal gifts.

    You've inspired me to pick up those needles!

    ReplyDelete
  12. YES - you can take your knitting needles on the plane with you - I've done it many times - no questions asked - enjoy your trip

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've started to knit and crochet a few weeks ago too. I'm loving it. Actually I've posted about decorating a xmas tree only with crochet snowflakes.

    http://elianatomas.blogspot.com/2009/11/white-knitted-christmas.html

    About needles on the plane, anything sharp with more than 6cm is not allowed: i've lost so many things, like nail file.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kara Gibson30/11/09

    My boyfriend is a HUGE NFL fan so last season I started knitting a scarf. Well this season...it's still a pot holder. Maybe by next season it will actually be a scarf!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Andrea Mundell-Bowen30/11/09

    Hi Patricia,

    I am not sure if you can take any sharp object on board in hand luggege. . . I though you would have to put them in the cargo luggage.

    I will be heading to NY for 5 days on Friday and this friends and family a lovely soft and warm faux fur throw.

    I will be learning to knit soon.

    Enjoy you holidays,

    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  16. Glad to see people still love the basic beautiful hand crafts. There is nothing more relaxing than knitting and a traditional gift that is much appreciated. We need to get back to basics.

    Bette

    ReplyDelete
  17. Patricia, it makes a big difference, if you wash the
    finished scarf in baby shampoo and let it dry.

    All the fluff of the yarn without the the chemicals
    that are used to finish the yarn; all washed away.

    Then, crochet a finished edge, such as the corded
    edge, which years ago, was called the shrimp stitch.
    Crocheted left to right and leaves this gorgeous
    little cord around the scarf for the most beautiful
    finish. So glad you are knitting.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Patricia,
    I just read your blog and can't believe it! It's so similar to mine, it's uncanny - Great minds...knit? ;)
    Lets hope so!
    Anyway, you have a wonderful blog and it's great to tap into the lively design scene in beautiful Vancouver!
    All the best,
    Cobi

    ReplyDelete
  19. Audrey3/12/09

    You have inspired me to start knitting again, and it will give me something to do while this wonderful transformation is going on. Best regards Audrey.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Audrey
    I am glad that your are going to take up knitting again. I find it wonderfully relaxing and inspirational. My favourite knitting shop is in West Vancouver called
    Knit & Stitch Shoppe 604-922-1023
    Next time I am over you must show me what you are knitting.
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Palazzo
    Thanks for the good tips. I'll try the 'shrimp stitch' edge.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a great idea to relax and unwind, painting, knitting, traveling...you are amazing.
    Have fun in NYC!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm knitting a soft gray wool scarf. I had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so I hold her and knit. The scarf will be full of memories!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Patricia, I wish I could knit, because I would love a scarf in this color!

    ReplyDelete

Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

I love to hear your comments and welcome your thoughts and feedback. Please use the comment form as a discussion format pertaining to the topic at hand.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...