knitting

[i'mbraindead]

I just couldn't decide which topic to put this question in, so here goes, any other topic suggestions if i don't get the answer i am looking for here??

What name is given in knitting to alternate plain and purl stitches along each row and in succeeding rows?

I always thought this was 'rib' but i am told there is another name for it, anybody any ideas on this one?Thanks

[reffgt]

I was brought up in a wool shop and I was told it was how to do a rib. Is there a new word I havent been told about either.good luck on your answers.I will be watching.

[ipek]

Well 'rib' is what springs to mind - but there is moss stitch which is plain/purl but not matching on the alternate row. i.e......

rib would be row 1 kpkpk - row 2 pkpkp.
moss stitch would be row 1 kpkpk - row 2 kpkpk

Funnily enough, I was just lamenting with my Ma about how rare knitting is these days. Any help?

[i'mbraindead]

Why i didn't think of 'moss' stitch, is beyond me, i have knitted for years, but not lately and the word had just gone from my head, yes i am sure that is what i am looking for, so thanks ipek.

[dilf]

i was just about to say that

[xanderma]

ipek...knitting has found a new lease of life with the mums on our school playground - thanks to the wonderful wools around for knitting scarves. The appeal of creating something in 2 hours or so is fab! Other than that, I always assume that there are so many cheap clothes around nowadays that people just don't NEED to knit, whereas a few years ago, making own clothes was the norm. Comments??

[shaneystar2]

It is enjoying a revival. I have been an avid knitter since my nan taught me to knit when i was seven. I am know 58. I have a huge collection of knitting ephemera .The new fashion yarns are great and I have knitted loads of scarves in them for my nieces.It's a lovely hobby,very relaxing .

[smudge]

This is an interesting site for knitting tips, etc.

[reffgt]

What a lovely lot of answers,and I remember moss stitch as well.biggest pity where I live is NO wool shops.All local have shut down.Where are Sirdar,Patons etc these days.Can I request an answer from you ladies.

[shaneystar2]

I am lucky to have a local wool shop but I can highly recommend
http://www.cpu-enterprises.com/. who trade as Dianes Knitting yarns. I have used them loads of times and the service is superb.They have a great selection of yarn and patterns and stock all the new fashion yarns,needles etc.They also have a knitters forum where you can chat to other avid knitters!
A good site for patterns is
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/ ..although this is an American site and you have to convert yarn weights and needle sizes but the patterns are lovely.
If you want inspiration try and go to the Knitting and Stitching show which is held each year in London at the Ally Pally http://www.twistedthread.com/knittingandstitchingshow/in dex.asp

[ipek]

Well yes xanderma knitting (and indeed sewing) is no longer a necessity, however, both are skills I'm glad I was taught. I do enjoy both as hobbies and agree with shaneystar2 that knitting in particular is very relaxing.

We are fortunate to have an old-fashioned wool shop in my town (along with the requisite old-fashioned ladies manning it), but for how much longer is the question. I have noticed more patterns being included in the women's magazines these days, but usually you need to send away for the wool - mostly to the northern counties. There are, as you say, a lot of lovely new yarns out now but I used to love to browse the shops to get ideas.

I notice too that our european cousins continue to be inovative with yarns and patterns - always were adventurous, even in my younger days. Still the good thing is that the craft is still alive and well........and it can't be only us old 'uns that keep it going. Mind you, neither of my grand-daughters show an interest, which is sad, because my fondest memories are of my gran teaching me to knit - very intimate learning a skill from a loved one.

Now then, where are my crochet hooks.......?

[xanderma]

Hi again ipek - yes, I agree that knitting & sewing are valuable skills.

I have done much sewing since my children started school - you know the scene...Friday night 'Oh by the way Mum, by Monday I need to be a reindeer / fairy / pirate / 3-legged hobgoblin with a penchant for chiffon' !!! I was surprised at first how many people couldn't do the most basic sewing, having been taught these so young I can't even remember!

I'm teaching my daughter knitting now, and my 7-year old son loves cross-stitch-type sewing - a whole new generation to make nativity costumes for the future!

I'll be checking out those websites recommended earlier as well. Thanks - Diane

[shaneystar2]

Oh I am glad to see other people like knitting !
It would be a shame to see these crafts die out .
A few years ago I knitted myself a jacket from a Kaffe Fassett pattern from Rowan. People always compliment me on it and won't believe I knitted it myself.
Mathematical knitting is very easy and is especially interesting for children. This lady here http://www.woollythoughts.com/
teaches knitting in schools and does workshops.She trades on Ebay and I have bought several patterns from her.
Anyway ,I shall stop boring you all now and wish everyone Happy Knitting !!

[knittingnor]

hello just found this site.

knitting one row plain and one row purl is called

"stocking stitch"

i work in a school and am helping to run a craft club. a lot of the children would like to learn how to knit so i am looking for some cheap knitting needles for about 20 children. if anyone has any ideas of where i can buy some please let me know. thank you.

[knittingnor]

one row plain and one row purl is called

"stocking stitch"

i am trying to find cheap needles for about 20 school children to learn how to knit in a craft group that i help in. any ideas will be welcome

[shaneystar2]

Hi knittingnor
Have a look on Ebay under Crafts. In the knitting section under
Needles/ Accessories you will find loads of cheap knitting needles.