So...my sister asked me to knit her a hat, scarf and some mitts for Christmas.  I'm still not a skilled knitter so I am staying away from anything too lacy for the scarf and the hat will be a basic toque with a pompom (at her request) but I'm worried about the mitts.  I'm really not too good with dpns and am hoping to avoid them unless absolutely necessary (like at the very top of the hat, until that point I'm using my short circ.).

My question is this...are there any negatives I should know about when it comes to knitting mitts "flat" as opposed to on dpns?  Are mitts knit in the round better?  That is, should I just whip my lazy butt into shape and do them that way?

Also, has anyone here knit "Wavy" from Knitty?  It seems everyone ditched it for Wavy Gravy from SNBN but I want to know if anyone did complete it and maybe apprx how long it took them.

Thanks!

Edited: because I can't spell.   

Okay, as far as my understanding goes...
Most yarns today are spun on giant machines.  Handspun yarn is done the old-fashioned way...with a spinning wheel or a drop-bobbin (is that what they are called???).  Handspun yarn tends to have more "character", like variations in thickness, depending on the skill of the spinner.

I've only ever used a bit of handspun before, I wouldn't say it's better or worse than machine spun yarn, just that it's more artisanal (sp??? I can only think of the word in french right now).

Try bead or jewelry making stores.  The ones I've been to have always had a crazy selection of stuff and would try to order something in for me if they didn't have it in stock.

OMG...it's adorable!!!  I'm so jealous of your daughter!!!!  My mom was never able to make cool things like that!

Fantastic!

I don't know of what you could use with engagement announcements but I've heard of this being used before on wedding invitations:

The only gift we request is your presence.

And make sure all the family members and friends know to spread the word when asked about what you, the couple, want as gifts.  Putting a note on your invite isn't going to do a thing if Auntie Maggie keeps telling people she thinks you need new kitchen appliances.

Just keep pounding it into people's heads and you should be okay.  My friends had to constantly repeat this as their mantra but they were successfully in keeping gifts to a bare minimum.

Good luck and Congratulations!!!  

I've sent you my info...this should be a fun swap...Not too crazy hectic AND you get a chance to better understand your swappee than you might normally.

I'm with ctgirl...if you post up a message in the knitting or crochet sections I'm sure you'll get some offers of free yarn.  I have a few balls I inherited that I'm NEVER going to end up using and was going to send off to the thrift store.  I can send you a few if you PM me your address.

Good luck on your quest!

Hmmm...the pants are a little extreme for my knitting skills (I'm lying...I'm just too lazy to pick up another project).  I DO however, have the dog.  I'm not sure if anybody modelling next to my pooch would have a smile on their face though...he's a very friendly dog but quite a stinker.

 

Like Vanessa said...a hollow needle is hollow.  Think of it as a pointy metal straw that you're jabbing through your skin...lol

I'll be keeping an eye out for this one...I would love to sign up for it.

Maybe we could come up with slightly larger lists to choose from for each month though???