Knit-Along Clue 1: Spoilers and Photos

[KnitKnacker1234]

I have a problem. I have only ever knit a couple simple things before this, never did anything on a diagonal, may even have driven my husband nuts as I sat through the helpful videos on the first page of the clue. I thought I was doing really well considering how much of a newbie I am at this. But once it was finished it is way too big (10.5") and floppy. I mean really really floppy like. I just wanna cry. I thought I was doing so well and it took me about 5-6 hours to make just one square. Now I don't know if I need to take this first one out and start over (which I have never done before) or if I should just forge ahead and pray for the best? Or instead of removing this one should I just switch to smaller hooks/needles for the remaining 7 squares?

It won't shrink. I tried blocking it to get it to go smaller, blocking only helps things get bigger, not smaller!

I knew this would take me a long time to make each square, I figure about 2 weeks for just these 8 (half a square a day) and never dreamed I could keep up, but I for sure thought it would work out better than this. I really wish I had someone in person who could tell me what I was doing wrong instead of me trying to figure out how to do it right.

I wish I could come to Canada to help you!! But since I can't, I just want you to know I understand! I had the same thing happen to me. My first one ended up being the same way as yours. So what I did was went down one size in needles and knit another square. It is closer to the correct size so that's what I'm sticking with. The middle of my square is wider than the ends so after I block it, it may end up being 10" square but I think that'll be alright. You can go down 2 needle sizes if you want. So I ripped the first one I knit apart to reuse the yarn. Good luck to you!! BTW, the KAL gives us an extra week or two at the end of the clues so we can get caught up if we need to.

[zhanie]

Hi Karenarp,

I will give you my opinion and advice. I am sure others will put in their two cents and agree or disagree with me too. You could stop now, make a guage swatch, and adjust your needle size. Or, you could keep going, notice that with practise your tension changes and the squares get smaller, then go back at the end and re-knit your first few squares if you think it is necessary then.

But here is my advice: Keep going! You are awesome! Enjoy the process:) The end product may be "bumpy" but for the most part the sewing together reshapes the pieces to look the way we want. I have helped lots of beginner crocheters make blankets in the past and the squares were all different shapes. But they are very pleased because they did not give up and now they have a blanket to snuggle up with that looks beautiful, has imperfections, and they can be proud. They remember that this was their first big project, No one else will pick it apart like you will, and your friends and family will be impressed!

You may have to buy more wool and if you do that wool will have a different dye lot', but I heard someone say that the colours we choose should go together like an aged quilt. I think different dye lots fit the bill don't you?

Also, if your tension stays loose and you want to block, I still think we can do that. I am good at math, we'll figure out different measurements for your pieces before you block them.

Your blanket will be lovely! Congratulations for taking this on Keep in touch, I would love to hear that you get it done, (btw it doesn't have to be done in 8 weeks either, the clues won't vanish on week eight.)

[thelittlereader]

finally finished 2 squares!

i'm sure it's not just me, but i'm completely doubting my color choices now. i know it's hard to know what it will look like in the end, but i'm not crazy about these color combos at the moment. i'm really just hoping that it will come together as we work through the rest of the clues. *fingers crossed*

[lemonyzest]

AFTER FINISHING THE FIRST 3 SQUERS, I HAVE THE "COURAGE" TO WRITE THIS POST
WE ARE A GROUP OF ISRAELI WOMEN WHO DECIDED TO KNIT THIS WONDERFUL PROJECT TOGETHER.
WE ARE EXTREMELY EXCITED AND LOOKING FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING WITH YOU ALL.
HERE IS MY SQUARE

Oh this is very exciting to know you are joining us - what a small world it has become! I am so thrilled to be doing this blanket with you! My daughter is knitting her blanket in another state and I thought it was so fun that we are working together in different states, but Israel! Wonderful! So glad you posted and hope you post again as we go along!
I'm a beginning knitter but I will post a photo when I finish my squares - I'm just getting started after the work week.

[lemonyzest]

finally finished 2 squares!

i'm sure it's not just me, but i'm completely doubting my color choices now. i know it's hard to know what it will look like in the end, but i'm not crazy about these color combos at the moment. i'm really just hoping that it will come together as we work through the rest of the clues. *fingers crossed*

I actually like those color combos very much. Looking at your balls of yarn piled together it looks like a really nice combination of shades and I think you will have a very nice blanket. I hope it looks better to you as you go along. I love your color choices.

[judyx]

I finished my 8th square yesterday and can't wait for the next clue. My squares are larger, also, than the stated guage but I'm keeping them that way since I'm an experienced knitter and know my guage will stay consistent.

[cindymattsmom]

Karenarp,
Please don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone has gone through this at one time or another. But you truly will be harder on yourself than anyone else. Take pride in the fact that you are trying. In my opinion, I would go down a needle size and try a new square. Otherwise; you are going to run out of yarn. I wouldn't worry about taking out the first one just yet. You can do that later. Forge ahead on a smaller needle. Do as many squares as you can before the next clue. You can do the next clue and go back to the other squares on the lighter weeks. I think there are 8 clues and 15 weeks. Ortake the two weeks you need to finish your first clue Even if it takes you past when all the clues are oute if that is more comfortable for you. I am sure the Bernat ladies will still be here to help you as well as a lot of others. I am only done two squares and I am an experienced knitted. We all have other obligations besides knitting. Unfortunately. Hang in there! You are doing great!

[purplefrogs]

I am being a rebel and not using the Bernat Waverly... figured this was an opportune time to use up some of my stash! I did have to be some yarn, but better than buying it all! I am using the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. Here are my first 2 squares - can't wait to start using the other 2 colors to see how they will work together for this project!

[missdarling22]

I think it's so amazing that so many people are workin on the same blanket all around the world!! I can't wait to see all the finished blankets and see if anyone chose the same colors as I did!

[Trudi]

Hi Karenarp,

I will give you my opinion and advice. I am sure others will put in their two cents and agree or disagree with me too. You could stop now, make a guage swatch, and adjust your needle size. Or, you could keep going, notice that with practise your tension changes and the squares get smaller, then go back at the end and re-knit your first few squares if you think it is necessary then.

But here is my advice: Keep going! You are awesome! Enjoy the process:) The end product may be "bumpy" but for the most part the sewing together reshapes the pieces to look the way we want. I have helped lots of beginner crocheters make blankets in the past and the squares were all different shapes. But they are very pleased because they did not give up and now they have a blanket to snuggle up with that looks beautiful, has imperfections, and they can be proud. They remember that this was their first big project, No one else will pick it apart like you will, and your friends and family will be impressed!

You may have to buy more wool and if you do that wool will have a different dye lot', but I heard someone say that the colours we choose should go together like an aged quilt. I think different dye lots fit the bill don't you?

Also, if your tension stays loose and you want to block, I still think we can do that. I am good at math, we'll figure out different measurements for your pieces before you block them.

Your blanket will be lovely! Congratulations for taking this on Keep in touch, I would love to hear that you get it done, (btw it doesn't have to be done in 8 weeks either, the clues won't vanish on week eight.)

Karenarp,
I so agree! Keep going..... if after you have finished all the other clues and wish to go back and redo the first few blocks do, but we all have a "first" project that reminds us of where we started. I was a quilter before I began to knit, and trust me ---- my first few quilts are some of my FAVORITES because they are so like me "NOT perfect'! Relax and enjoy this project. Keep working on clue 1 until clue 2 comes out, and then work on clue 2 ----- clue 1 will still be there when you are ready to go back to it!!!
Keep knitting and be proud of the progress you are making
Trudi