What are /r/casualknitting's favorite Products & Services?

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It definitely looks smoother.

Your marker - Have a look on amazon for 'O' rings. They are used in plumbing. You can get a big box of various sizes and they are great. Cheap too. My dad suggested them and they are now my go to for stitch markers.

I'll find a link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jubaopen-Conditioning-Electric-Appliance-Appliances/dp/B08LKPJWYW

If you're in the US and close to a CVS, I highly suggest ichthammol to get the splinter out.

Apparently it's on Amazon also!

I really like BeeCount! It lets you set multiple different counts for the same project and also lets you set alerts. It's a pretty simple app developed by someone from Ravelry, so it's free and ad free, but doesn't really have anything fancy like anything for charts.

I got both the ball winder and swift on Amazon. I'll give you direct links to the items I bought.

Stanwood Needlecraft 4oz Capacity Ball Winder

Swift. Definitely chineseium but at the moment I'm not worried about it failing catastrophically.

They're available on Amazon! If you search Rod Desyne Twine, they have many sizes, colors and single bars instead of double bars

I think they are these. Oddly enough, I just bought a set and am really excited to try them out tomorrow!

I have a little hook ring that keeps the yarn off my finger. Something like this

3 Pack Adjustable Knitting Loop, Crochet Loop Ring Knitting Accessories, Adjustable Braided Ring Peacock Open Finger Ring, Braided Ring for DIY Knitting Crafts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R5RNQYJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9JHPDQFD4Y4MD9SS123Y

Hey! Actually I kind of improvised. I used Lana Grossa Lei yarn (for example:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003I0C886/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MCa9Fb4Y6M0RC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1). I did the whole thing in purl stitch with 10mm needles. I watched this video beforehand: https://youtu.be/l9wdcYAVfw4 I did the sleeves like her and did separate pieces for the back and the 2 front panels and mended them together with the mattress stitch. I hope I could help you out!

Typically all the notions I buy come with little cases or pouches and I keep them in those same little storage cases they came in. For instance, my tapestry needles came in a little plastic "vial" and my ring markers usually come in a little vinyl pouch. As for clippie markers, I actually bought a ton of em on Amazon and they came in these really great plastic divider bins and sorted by color!

To throw out one that is not great, just so you know what to avoid -

I went real cheap with this one from Amazon and while it technically works, it's really not a pleasant experience. The little wire piece that you run the yarn through before it goes onto the actual winder part just doesn't stay put. It's collapsible and likes to collapse midway through all the time. Basically have to hold it in place with one hand and crank the thing with the other.

I just thought of one more thing you might want to get. The thin, metal stitch markers are really essential if you're going to do any type of lace knitting. The thick, plastic stitch markers can be so large that they can affect the stitch you're making. This set of stitch markers comes in 24 colors! They sell smaller, cheaper sets, but that one is my dream --- sometimes you need lots of different colors.

There are hand cranked ones too. It’s not the same as hand knitting, but might still scratch the itch for making things, and the results are nice.

This is the kind of thing I mean (forgive the Canadian link): https://www.amazon.ca/Knitting-Machine-Weaving-Rotating-Machines/dp/B07SRMGCQL

I made it! I bought a four 8x11 felt sheets from the Dollar Store ($3.00) and a snap button set/fastener kit from Amazon ($10 on sale) and loosely followed this YouTube guide. Allowed me to make 2x6" and 2x8".

I want to make all of them! 😂 But right now I am making Harry the Ram with the suggested clothing. My daughter will be 2 soon, and I think it will be fun to make her a new animal each year.

Have you seen that another book of wild animals is coming out next month.

(https://www.amazon.com/Knitted-Wild-Animal-Friends-accessories/dp/1446309088/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=PQNHCBL0GFEX&keywords=knitted+wild+animal+friends&qid=1649860726&sprefix=Knitted+wild%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-2)

For the embroidery, check out https://www.interweave.com/article/knitting/add-embroidery-knitting/ and the book "Embroidery on Knitting": https://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Knitting-Designs-Stitching-Garments/dp/1782217649

My favorite stitch markers are actually for jewelry making. They are called jump rings. Very thin and different diameters.

AGCFABS 50pcs 20mm Round Gold Jump Rings Twisted Open Split Rings Jump Rings Connector for Jewelry Makings Findings Supplies DIY (Gold, 1.8mm20mm-50pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QVC7626/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_80VCAHPZFSFQA95A2QNF

You can buy the bulb ones from amazon. They are cheap, for what feels like ought to be a lifetime supply. Search on bulb safety pins for all the different options. There are lots.

I came to say the same thing. I’ve had it with the markers that came with my chiaogoo needles, too.

My favorite purchased markers are the lightbulb shaped ones in a huge bag from amazon. . It should be a lifetime supply, but, well, given me, it’s probably not.

Do you mean gimp? That flat stuff 0 we made keychains and lanyards out of at summer camp? I never thought about using it for stitch holders, but I bet it works well, if you round out the cut ends.

link to needles I want to say thank you for everyone and to any new knitters who want to knit in the round but the tube part is too long. I really love these. You can cut the tube parts and make them as short as you want and then stick them right back onto the knitting needle. They're really cool and all the bigger needles use sort of the same tube so you can keep some different lengths, and they're super affordable !

That's fabulous! It's amazing how much the scales look like garter stitch!

This prompted me to do some Googling...

According to Richard Rutt in A History of Hand Knitting, garter stitch is "so called probably because a few rows of it were used at the tops of stockings to prevent the curling.... It was also the simple stitch used for making knitted garters."

The Online Etymology Dictionary says that the word "garter" comes "from Old North French gartier 'band just above or below the knee'" and that "garter snake" is "so called from resemblance to a ribbon."

So I still don't know about which actual thing came first, but the terms have a common ancestor!

Yeah I'm not sure if they're available outside the US but if they are Knitpicks is a good quality brand. Here's a link to the US Amazon listing so you can at least see them.

Knit Picks Options Aluminum Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Set (Prism) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K1KK418/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_QW98XR5RWESDZH4SM3FR

They look great!

If you get tired of using buttons, you can use these squeeze frames that you sew into the top edge of the case. I made sunglass cases for my whole family one year & used them:

https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Sewing-Making-Silver-Different/dp/B07VBRFJ5V/ref=sr_1_4?crid=WVF2QGDQ5IJE&keywords=coin+purse+squeeze+frames&qid=1642816238&sprefix=coin+purse+squeeze+frames%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-4

There are lots of very specific instructions online that give exact color matches, yardages and row counts... There are also several versions of the scarf for different seasons of the show so you really need to know that's the one you want to make. I made mine off the Cascade color guide and it took me about 8 months on and off because it's so wicked boring to knit and the colors are sort of unexciting. Good luck 😎

Here's the link to the original BBC instructions which would be a good place to start for yardage http://www.openculture.com/2015/12/instructions-for-knitting-the-iconic-dr-who-scarf.html

I enjoyed meeting new people. I will recommend you go and check them out. My experience has been nothing but positive. I met Pam in a local craft group I found out on meetup.com. Pam introduced me to another group where they meet at the hostess' home. I received an invite to attend. I love the experience.

I highly highly recommend Fearless Knitting Workbook. I learned totally by myself using this (with a few odd YouTube tutorials here and there). It’s a series of small swatch projects to develop progressively advanced skills, ending with knitting in the round.

The thing that makes this book different is she teaches you how to “read” your knitting and understand how the fabric is constructed. This is a vital skill as you move beyond the book and start learning new techniques. It’s also a great intro to reading knitting pattern instructions and charts, which can be wildly intimidating if you don’t have a strong intro.

I’ve bought it for many friends over the years!

https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Knitting-Workbook-Jennifer-Seiffert/dp/1596681497/

I recently bought these fingertip grips to use while knitting because I also rely on my index finger a lot. It’s been helpful for when I go on long knitting binges with yarn that’s not sloppy enough.

https://www.amazon.com/Griply-Rubber-Finger-Grips-Protector/dp/B07GRBDJR8?pd_rd_w=aCUoA&pf_rd_p=de28a4b0-e3d5-4d62-a7ec-045d2f5964b4&pf_rd_r=BPKFP1XYTD34N3CX2GA0&pd_rd_r=ee383867-b533-4769-b290-3cf745ceafa0&pd_rd_wg=pcsHr&pd_rd...

I do but I use “Gloves in a bottle" and it helps. My local yarn store owner/mentor told me about it.

Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion for Dry Skin, 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UBN5S8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QV70R6SGG4EH9FDYTM12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I used to have the same problem, always index finger & the top knuckle area, on the inside part of finger. I use https://www.amazon.co.uk/Griply-Rubber-Finger-Grips-Protector/dp/B07GRBDJR8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=griply&qid=1621589648&sr=8-1

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My tension is not tight & I used to often get blister & I do encourage you to use an intensive hand cream every day.
I have been doing this for a month & have had NO sore fingers hands since. I hope it helps

I’m still new to socks so the most “complex” I’ve done is Vanilla is the New Black. I have saved Operation Sock Drawer for when I feel more confident to do more complex sock patterns.

Oooh, I just recommended one in another knitting post - here's a quick cut and paste :D

I have this book - 400 Knitting Stitches and I really like it as a thorough stitch dictionary. It's divided up into groups, like lace or cables. The instructions are clear and there's pictures and charts to show the s

Hey! That is great! I am also really, happy with how it turned out. I used Lana Grossa Lei yarn (for example:https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003I0C886/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MCa9Fb4Y6M0RC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1). I did the whole thing in purl stitch with 10mm needles. I watched this video beforehand: https://youtu.be/l9wdcYAVfw4 I did the sleeves like her and did separate pieces for the back and the 2 front panels and mended them together with the mattress stitch. I hope I could help you out!

I have two Pompom makers, one large one small. They’re really fun to make here’s a how to video in case you want to DIY. Plus a link to the set I have on amazon. https://youtu.be/W7tb_9YKoMU Clover Pom-Pom Maker Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WV1XGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GWfmCbVWP3997

I have that book! Last year at Stitches West, I took a class from Gayle Roehm and she was fabulous! This is an app she suggested we all download that wlll give you visuals on the stitches. If you don't have an android search nihon vogue sha in the play store, I believe it is in there as well. Every symbol is in there, with a description and a video.

We started with the hat pattern in the back of the book, and once you got the hang of the stitch it was not difficult, I promise. :)

I recently got some of these https://www.amazon.com/addi-160-2-2-5-Addi-CrazyTrio/dp/B0759QTDQT/ because I hate DPN's with a passion. These have made small knits like gloves enjoyable.

I’m new at this too! But I bought a set from Amazon that has all the sizes I’ll ever need for $15. They bend and they’re not perfect, but definitely adequate. I’ve liked having such a variety to experiment on until I find what I really like/need. Here are the links to the two sets I have. The bamboo set came with a a little kit of other supplies too. I love the little scissors in there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HLQGNFV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZQcgFbGJV75C7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FMB73R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JRcgFbN5QSJZ9

Here's a kit I found on Amazon that definitely isn't pink or for kids. This is a well-known brand too so hopefully it's a competent kit.

Knit Picks Learn to Knit Club Scarf

Once you've mastered the basics (Cast-on, Knit, Purl, Cast-off), looking into a beginner's pattern on Ravelry or from a book is definitely doable. There's lots of things you can make with just those four techniques.

Don't be afraid to search on YouTube for how to do something. I still use this as a 10+year knitter.

Or come back and ask here.

The second book is 250 Japanese Knitting Stitches: The Original Pattern Bible by Hitomi Shida Paperback – October 23, 2018; I bought my copy from amazon.

I don't use scrap yarn for that either. I use dpns and just leave them on the other 2 needles. nothing falls off. You have made an ad hoc stitch holder. Congrats

So many options! Where are you? You might find someone here who has a knit group you could drop into.

I taught myself with the Klutz Press book but there are so many youtube videos out there these days that those might make more sense.

I have these, they have a locking mechanism (the orange tab) and a plastic sheath that slides over the sharp blades. They're also nice and small and light which makes them easy to carry around. You really don't want to loose the plastic sheath though since the blades are pretty sharp.

I might recommend buying them in person rather than online to make sure you get the version with the plastic sheath. Like I said, they're pretty sharp otherwise.

I can't find the one I got on Amazon anymore, but this one is similar: http://www.amazon.ca/knitters-Pride-40inch-circular-knitting/dp/B0090R1XP0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1448822753&sr=8-2&keywords=knitting+needles+25mm

It was $12 and with shipping and conversion to the Canadian dollar, I paid $21.

Circular Knitting Workshop has an excellent mix of instructions and explanations along with actual patterns,

Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns has patterns for mittens, gloves, basic vests & sweaters, hats, socks and scarves. All patterns are given with variable stitch gauge, so you figure out how many stitches per inch/cm YOU are getting with YOUR yarn and YOUR needles and then follow the pattern for that gauge. This is incredibly helpful when your supplies are limited, as it's much easier to look at a different line in the pattern than it is to haul yourself to the yarn shop to buy yet another different needle size to try to get gauge in a pattern written for only one gauge.