I had Orkin coming today to do a spot treatment for termites … oh the joys of living in Florida! We do everything we can to monitor and treat so I try not to worry too much about termites and the damage they do.
While I was waiting I decided I’d knit rather than sew because it’s easier to pick up and down when I know I’m going to be interrupted.
SO, how do you knit in the round? When I knit socks (several years ago) I used the method of knitting two socks at a time on two circular needles. For hats, I’ve always switched to double pointed needles for the crown decreases but I’ve been wanting to learn another method. I though I’d just relearn the two needle method but it wasn’t clicking with my brain when I read a pattern a few months ago so today I decided I’d learn Magic Loop.
I read a couple descriptions, watched a video, and still didn’t think I was getting it right so I did another search and a BluPrint class came up on Google (Craftsy is BluPrint now if you didn’t know). I have an annual membership so I can watch any of the classes — I went to the website, and pulled up just the part of the class that told me how to knit a hat using magic loop. One good thing about the annual membership is that I don’t feel like I have to watch the whole class to get my money’s worth and can just watch the section I need.
In addition to the video showing me HOW to knit the hat, I get the pattern in the course materials also. This particular pattern also has some color work which I’ve never tried before and I almost just made the hat without it but then felt that I might as well learn that today too!
I’ll knit a few hats using the magic loop method and then decide if it’s easier for me than switching to double pointed needles.
If you’re interested in the BluPrint class it’s this one – Knit Lab: In the Round. She also shows you other projects and ways to knit in the round but lucky for me, she demonstrates the hat using Magic Loop.
I use two circular needles to knit in the round (especially socks, baby hats). I’ve tried Magic Loop and don’t like fiddling with the needle so much. The two circulars are less fussy for me. I use them for the crown decreases, too. I have a set of DPNs, but I haven’t used them in years.
Pretty, but you are always speaking Greek to me with knitting, Do what makes sense to you and enjoy the heck out of it.
Thanks for the link to that class. I’ve tried to figure out the cast-on for Magic Loop so many times – maybe the class will get me past that hurdle!
Learning new tricks? What fun!! It’s always good to have a variety of options in you knitting bag.
I am not what you would call a knitter. I have completed a few easy knitted pieces but I don’t enjoy knitting. But I have done the magic circle. I always have to look at a YouTube video though because I can never remember how it’s done. I do more crochet work and am looking for a cute baby blanket pattern. I just found out that I am going to be a great grandmother in August…Yikes!!! I have several classes that I purchased from Blueprint when it was Craftsy. I did have a paid membership for a while but found I wasn’t using it that much so canceled. I have several purchased classes I never completed or started and I still have access to those. It is a great way to learn a new craft or improve your skills. Your hat will be beautiful. I love the Fair Isle type knitted hats. I think that’s what they are called. Wish I enjoyed knitting.