Saturday, January 29, 2011

Done!

I participated in my first KAL. It was the Shirley Paden Cowl on her Ravelry board. It was an easy knit, but I had to pay attention. I have a tendency to let my mind wander and then oops! It was a KAL, but I know of only two others that participated and of this morning I was the only that posted. DH is wearing it here as yesterday was a baaad hair day.



Two Cables asked if I preferred hand or machine knitting. To be honest I don't know enough about machine knitting to have a preference. Right now hand knitting is easier because I can do it and turn out a reasonable garment. Machine knitting on the other hand is torture. It is quicker once I get going, but it takes a while to get going.

Hand and machine knitting are related only in the type of fabric that is produced. Knowledge of hand knitting doesn't help with the machine and in machine knitting gauge is paramount. Hand knitting is portable, I can take it any where. Hand knitting is limited only by the fiber you can wrap around the needle. With the machine you're limited by the yarn the machine can handle. The two machines I just got are standard machines and can't handle anything heavier than sport weight. So the part of my stash that's worsted I'll have to knit by hand. Hand knitting can be meditative, but the machine is noisy. The language is different. I guess you could say it's likes siblings - related, but completely different.

6 comments:

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

Give yourself time and you will be master of both..
Nice job on the cowl, should rate you a new dress :o)
or the material for one. :o)
Ginny

Beverly said...

Nice cowl. I love Shirley Paden but had too much going on to particpate in this KAL. Your husband is a great model.

By the way you can knit a heavier yarn on the standard if you use every other needle. I know you can knit DK this way. I'm not sure about worsted.

Two Cables and a Frapp said...

Wow you covered all of my questions and more ! I don't know anything about machine knitting. Who thinks about what weight yarn the machine can handle or how noisy it is. The cowl is beautiful.

Sheila said...

Congrats on your first KAL and so cool that your hubby was willing to model your cowl.

Leigh said...

Hi Melodye, I wanted to return the blog visit and thank you for the kind comment. I love the cowl! I have a very slow (but not neglected :) pair of socks on the needles for DH. Almost done! Maybe I should consider a cowl next.

Tee said...

That is really nice, looks so warm and cozy!