Knit Slouchy Lace Beret KAL

[Shandeh]

could I use Bernat Waverly for the Berat?

I'm not sure if it would work or not.
Bernat Satin is a very slippery yarn, and Waverly is very cushy. They feel so completely different from each other, so they might not behave the same with this pattern. I'm thinking that the stitch definition with the Satin yarn will be clearer and cleaner, showing the lace design well. The Waverly yarn might fluff out a bit, and hide the details of the lace.

[Lucy]

This is my first time doing an online KAL. I'm not quite sure what to do to get started and I don't want to miss anything! Thanks for any help.

[Shandeh]

This is my first time doing an online KAL. I'm not quite sure what to do to get started and I don't want to miss anything! Thanks for any help.

Hi Lucy!
Welcome to our KAL. We will be getting started tomorrow, Saturday, April 7th.
All you need to do is have your yarn and knitting needles ready.

You might want to do a gauge swatch, just to make sure your needles will work well for the beret. We want to be able to wear our berets when we finish, and the only way to do that is to make sure we are knitting to gauge.

GAUGE for Beret: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" [10 cm] with larger needles in stocking stitch.
(Stocking stitch on straight needles is knit one row, purl one row, then repeat those two rows. Stocking stitch in the round is knit every row.)

Just keep checking back here in this discussion, and let us know how your beret is coming along.
We especially love to see photos of each other's work.

Here's a tutorial on how to post photos here in the forum:
viewtopic.php?f=191&t=1181

[Shandeh]

Today is the day we start our knit-along!
Does everyone have a skein of yarn, and some size 4 and 8 dpns or circular needles?

Last night, I made videos of all the techniques we will be using for our knit-along. They have been uploading to YouTube since 2 a.m.

I just added links to all the videos on my earlier post:
viewtopic.php?f=253&t=2279&p=33811#p33811

[Shandeh]

Today, I was able to knit the brim of my beret. Switching from the K1tbl to the P1 was tedious at first, then I got used to it. I'm using Bernat Satin Sparkle in the color "Diamond".

Brim Complete by Shandeh, on Flickr

[Shandeh]

Last night, I was able to work through Row 5 of the pattern. Looking good so far!

Through Row 5 by Shandeh, on Flickr

This pattern requires a lot of concentration, because of the lace design. Every row is different. I started out by following the written pattern, but switched to the chart on the second row. It's easier to follow while I'm knitting.

I enjoyed the challenge of the lace design, and soon got a nice rhythm going with my stitches. On Row 5, I realized that the stitches weren't lining up correctly, so I had to tink about 20 stitches, one at a time. Tinking some of those stitches is quite a puzzle, but I was able to work it out.

I would recommend that you avoid any distractions while working this design. Use a row counter, and keep a post-it note on the row you are currently working. If possible, make an enlargement of the chart, so it's easy to follow as you work.

[Shandeh]

You may notice that my circular needle has two different colored needles.

I'm using my Boye Interchangeable needles, with a size 8 needle on the right, and a size 7 needle on the left. This way, it's easy for me to work into the stitches as they are held on the smaller needle. It's a great trick I learned from a knitting friend. The stitches are still worked onto the size 8 needle, so they will make gauge.

[laceyj1204]

You may notice that my circular needle has two different colored needles.

I'm using my Boye Interchangeable needles, with a size 8 needle on the right, and a size 7 needle on the left. This way, it's easy for me to work into the stitches as they are held on the smaller needle. It's a great trick I learned from a knitting friend. The stitches are still worked onto the size 8 needle, so they will make gauge.

I've thought about purchasing the Boye interchangeables, but have read quite a few reviews about the joining places stripping out and also about them coming undone while knitting. Have you had any of these issues with them?? Thanks in advance.

[Shandeh]

I've thought about purchasing the Boye interchangeables, but have read quite a few reviews about the joining places stripping out and also about them coming undone while knitting. Have you had any of these issues with them?? Thanks in advance.

I've only had the join in my Boye Interchangeables come undone ONCE, and it was because I was knitting a very large blanket (300 stitches). So, now if I'm working on a large, heavy project, I always use regular circular needles, with a 36 or 40 inch cord. I only use my interchangeable needles for projects that are not heavy.

I also have a set of Denise Interchangeables, and have had the same thing happen with a very heavy project. Like I said, it's best to stick with fixed circulars for large projects.

[REEGYNA]

I think I'll join this knit along. I have never done one and this hat is lovely.