Let's Talk About Knits, Baby

Let's talk about knits, baby... lets talk about yarns and wools...

I tried to make Salt'n'Pepa's song into my own for this, but it didn't work. My other half is much better at creating lyrics that fit. You should hear his rhymes! They are always a joke that he doesn't take seriously, but he sounds so good! He really should be a ghost writer for some rap artists.

Anyhow, let's talk about knits! I started knitting in September 2020. I probably should have started in March or April when the went into a two month lockdown, alas, I was late to starting. Though, I am so glad that I did. I found a true love for knitting. I started out with some scarves... well quite a few scarves. I made some small and some long scarves, plus all sorts of basic knitting patterns were used.

Then I began making hats. I started with making a hat with flaps. Usually when learning to knit, the first hat style that is made is just a generic toque, but toques aren't my friend (they just don't fit on my head properly), so I made a hat with flaps!

Now I'm in the process of making clothing! Super exciting, right?

So far, I have been aiming to make extra bulky projects. Using thick yarn (weight 6) makes for easier and quicker projects. Plus, when knitting, if a mistake is made it is way more visible.

Where does one buy yarn? Everywhere! But I've mostly been able to find some great yarn at the dollar store, though because I'm pretty sure I bought all the highest quality yarn from my local dollar store, now I strictly buy online. I found the best yarn company online! Yarn Canada is great for quality and variety while having a standard shipping cost of $7 CAD.

I recently bought a rather large order of yarn where I was able to complete my first garment with half of that order. I plan on using the rest of my order to make a cardigan for my grandmother. Right now, my go-to favourite yarn is super bulky yarn from Bernat. What I like about the Bernat brand is that the yarn is 100% acrylic, AKA not itchy!

The scarf beautiful purple scarf that I made in the above photo unfortunately, had some wool in it that had me overheating and itching like crazy when I went inside buildings from the cold. I'm sure it was because the scarf was on my neck which can be super sensitive, but I was not fond of that feeling!

Now, I'm more keen on acrylic on my skin. Plus I recently learnt that, my grandmother, Grammy, is unable to handle any wool on her skin too. This means I can make better use with my acrylic yarn!

So, the garment I made for myself was a cropped sweater. I decided on a cropped one as my first piece because less skeins of yarn are needed for such a project. However, I do not wear cropped tops or anything that short. I much prefer tunic tops, but I have been having the roughest time finding a tunic top knitting project.

As I do not wear cropped sweaters or tops, I will likely have to donate my sweater. Though, I am super happy to know that I am able to knit up a big project such as a sweater.

I got the pattern from Etsy for just under $10. After getting a few patterns on Etsy, I have learnt that ten dollars for a pattern is pretty pricey, but I still got it. If you are interested in getting the pattern as well, go visit Girl That Makes and check out her Sunday Brunch Jumper. I do want to note that in British English, (or Aussie English as the creator of this pattern is Australian) a jumper is a pull over sweater. Though, it can occasionally be referring to a cardigan as well. Just pay attention to your fellow knitters or Englishmen.

Before I show you my final project, I do want to note that I realized I had made a mistake at the front of the sweater. I know it is there. But, as I said before, this was my first successful big knitting project. So, I kind of expected a mistake or two.

How great does the popcorn effect look? That is called a seed stitch and it is awesome! The cuffs and trim at the collar and waist are called a rib stitch or 1x1 rib stitch, while the chest part of the sweater is your basic stockinette stitch. Stockinette is such a great pattern for socks and sweaters, but I suggest you do not use it for scarves as that will create a rolling problem. The edges of a stockinette stitch tend to roll up way to easy making a tube-like shape.

Except for my little mistake, I am super proud of my first project.

What do you think? How do you think I did?

Thanks for reading and have a great day!