Thursday, June 30, 2011

My Friend Melissa's New Book - Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting, "tags" and a Giveaway

Today my blog is the last stop of a Blog Tour for my friend Melissa Morgan-Oakes' fabulous new book "Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting." Melissa is also the author of two other very successful books Two At a Time Socks and Toe Up 2 At a Time Socks. Melissa lives one town away from me. Most of the time when we run into each other, we don't talk knitting or books - we talk farming. You see, she is a chicken farmer! besides being a great knitter, teacher, and author. Melissa also loves cooking our lamb which she buys from us here on the farm. And a dirty little secret - on Sunday, she is coming to the farm to pick up some "tags." Do you know what they are? Yeah, most of you know them as words you add onto flickr, facebook, and the like. But sheep tags. That's another story. They are the end bits that come off the sheep and they are usually covered with lots of manure. They aren't much use for spinning wool but they sure are fine for mulching a garden. Here's the pile from the other day. I don't think Melissa will take it all but I don't mind sharing the wealth with her!


Now, onto the business at hand - Melissa's new book! I wish I had this book when I was learning to knit in the round many, many years ago. If you have never seen any of the Teach Yourself Visually books, let me explain the theory behind them. They are similar to a textbook, breaking down the steps SIMPLY in words, photos, and very clear illustrations. And that's why the series is so successful - any newbie CAN teach themselves to knit circularly with Melissa's new book. She makes it look extra easy. She gives all kinds of great instructions for different methods (double pointed, circular, and magic loop) and includes a bunch of nice basic patterns that will get you right to work.

I will admit to you all today - I pretty much always knit in the round (or circularly). Even if it is a small swatch (I use double pointed needles for them). I just like the simplicity of it - always working on the right side of the work, very little purling. I wish I had had this book when I was teaching myself to knit circularly. Learning would have been much easier! That's the great thing about learning to knit in the year 2011. There are lots of great books being published - way more than 30 years ago! 

So if you wanting to learn to knit in the round, run right out to buy Melissa's new book. Or enter our Giveaway and hope you win! Check out Carol's great review of the book over on her blog Go Knit in Your Hat.


Here's what Melissa and I have for you today - a signed copy of her new book Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting and three assorted skeins of my Best Foot Forward Sock Yarn. Now the cool thing about this giveaway, besides learning to knit circularly from Melissa's book is that these particular 3 colors of BFF Sock Yarn have NEVER BEEN AVAILABLE ANYWHERE BEFORE! They were test colors when Westminster and I were developing the Best Foot Forward yarn. These three didn't make the cut, even though they were lovely colorways. (We can only produce so many SKU's, you know!)

The lucky winner will be able to take Melissa's Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting and make their own version of the basic sock pattern included!

Here's how you enter: Answer the following question: What is the first project you ever knit in the round? Or for newbies, what is the first project you want to knit in the round. What kind of needles do you prefer for circular knitting - double points or circulars with a cord? Please leave an easy way to get a hold of you.

Deadline: July 6th at midnight considering this is a holiday weekend and many readers have already left their computers! Good luck everyone!

135 comments:

710 East Myrtle Avenue said...

My Finnish grandmother taught me to knit socks with double points many many years ago. I've never used the circulars for knitting in the round but would love to give it a try.
Thank you for your always inspiring blog and a great give-away.

eevavalentine@gmail.com

Sally said...

I haven't the foggiest memory of my first circular needle project, but my current circular needle project is an earflap hat for a two year-old. Thanks, Kristin!

Cami said...

I knit socks in the round first. It was a great moment to figure out that I could do this with sweaters, too! Thanks for the give away!

Marcia said...

My first circular knit was a hat. And it actually turned out to be wearable. I used Addi circulars to knit it. I love making hats and love knitting in the round. Even when I'm knitting "flat," I use circular needles. I wish though that I'd learned to knit at a younger age -- maybe I'd be better.

owlette said...

I taught myself how to knit in the round and I remember my first project was a wonderful hat knit from lopi, it was so much fun almost all I do is work in the round now.

Anonymous said...

I prefer circs when knitting in the round. I use 2 if needed for a smaller circumference.. I can't remember what my first project was that I knit in the round, but probably a sweater back in college.
Leslie B
bagatelle@comcast.net

fracksmom said...

socks are dpn, hats and sweaters on circular. Now I am an old knitter, and I can't remember what I first knitted in the round. But I do know I have just started knitting socks, and would love to learn to do 2 at a time and toe up.

fracksmom on ravelry

Geraldine said...

I knitted a sock in the round... and it's actually still sitting on the circular needles...see...I need the help this book would provide! Thanks for doing this giveaway...

Barb Chio said...

It has been a long time ago as I have been knitting since I was 8 or 9. I think the first "project" was a cable knit sweater. Since I didn't know the difference between Knit through the back or front loop and knit through the back..the ribbing turned out spirled! The cables looked great and I loved the sweater. Barb Chio
bschio@firstenergycorp.com

Reneelynn said...

slippers on double point needles were the first, but now I use Addi circular's for everything esp. my socks which I have 3 pair on needles now!!r.lang@live.com

Heather said...

I haven't knit in a circular manner, but would love to know how. I have a santa hat pattern that I want to try. I bought double pointed needles for the project, but am scared to get started. I do like using circular needles with the cord. I made my first afghan with circular needles.

Claudia Horner said...

Mine was a hat out of gorgeous hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn in colors I had been dreaming of while I was supposed resting at the end of yoga in corpse pose (its hard to shut down those creative wheels). I used big double points and kind of taught myself as I knit around and around. Plus, I wanted a certain amount of extras, and added bobbles, some garter ridges, and a bit of fun. I enjoyed it thoroughly and then wondered why anyone would want a seam in a hat or gloves or sweater or.... Happy knitting! (reach me by typing my name as one word, then at yahoo dot com)

Kamin said...

The first circular project I tackled was a chemo cap to donate to our oncology hospital . I like circular needles with a cord, my stitches don't sneak away as easily.

Thanks,
kamknits@yahoo.com

Susan said...

I think it must have been a Christmas stocking, on four needles. Then more Christmas stockings, this time on circulars. So much easier!

Christine Lima said...

I believe a hat was the first thing I made in the round, but it may have been socks. Not entirely sure...

D said...

I like circulars with a cord, I use them quite a bit. My first (successful) project that I knit in the round was this one- http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=19076.20 - Jayne's knit hat from the show firefly! whyeatcrayons03 *at* yahoo . com.

Rebecca said...

My first project in the round was a cupcake: http://ravel.me/knittingwithwords/c1

Now I try to knit as much in the round as possible. I started out using Denise needles, which I still use for travelling, but I find it much easier to avoid ladders with my KnitPicks set.

rebecca at knittingwithwords dot com

Leslie said...

I do believe the first thing I ever knit in the round was a dog sweater for a mini-pin. Second was a tam. I sure would love that book as one can never learn too much about the different techniques.

Turtle said...

Having only taught myself 5 years back to knit and now knitting daily, spinning dyeing, etc... (say addict??) I can still remember and still use the item today! I knit a knit bag using some of the crystal palace yarn that appeared to be like tshirt material. I had to rip it apart a few times due to twists, dropped stitches etc. It is in two colors and mostly a seed stitch. It was the first "higher end yarn" I ever purchased. This book would have been so handy! I still would like to learn magic loop knit and knitting two socks at once, and trying to hook my daughter on the hobby as well but..... someday!

phaedra96 said...

My first project was a hat; knit it on circulars and then went to dpns. It turned out pretty well; first project with ribbing, too! bonnieanne@omnicityusa.com

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

My first had to be a hat on circs. The first time I used dbl pnts was for fingerless mitts, and I learnd to knit back backward on that project too. I'd love to have this book because I have zero visualization skills. Words just don't turn into pictures in my brain. But pictures do turn into knowledge. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

for me it was a hat in the round where I cast on for the brim and knit up. I fell in love with knitting hats and knitting in the round! I hate dpn's though and almost always resort to magic loop for small circles.

Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity!

Victoria said...

I know my first project was a hat, which I kept trying on as I knit. I like dps because they always amaze non-knitters.

Victoria

See you at the Amherst Farmers Market.

Pat said...

I made a sweater for my granddaughter that was knit with the back and two fronts together up to the armhole and then the sleeves were joined for the yoke. I knit the sleeves in the round and that was the first thing I knit in the round. It was great and I was hooked. I have had my eye on this book for a while and would really love to get it. Thanks

Pat

Kate/Massachusetts said...

I would be guessing because I have been knitting since I was 5 and that was more than half a century ago. sheesh! My guess would be either a hat or mittens was my first project knit on dps. I don't have a preference for circular vs doublepoints - I like and use both depending on what I am doing. Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway! My addy is:
dfuller55(at)verizon(dot)net

Kathy at Knitting Off The Grid said...

It just had to have been a pair of socks on dp needles. When I first learned to knit, I probably didn't even know what circular knitting was!

Thanks so very much for a chance at this wonderful giveaway.

tehachapisockcompany@gmail.com

Suzanne said...

Thinking back, it must have been a hat. I started knitting socks during the Ravelympics last time and I have only used double points for socks. Hats I use 16 inch circulars and then go on to double points.

Jo Morgan said...

My first in the round project was a yoke pullover with an easy lace pattern at the bottom of the body and sleeves and in the yoke. I liked it so well, I knit a second one. Jo

Susan B. said...

My first project in circular knitting was a Harry Potter scarf knit as a tube. After that it was a hat. Now I use circular needles for everything except for very small projects where I have to use double-points. I've given away all my straight needles.
susanabarfield(at)gmail(dot)com

Wendy said...

After thinking really hard since its been so long ago, my first circular project was a pair of socks on double pointed needles, which I remember being a very frustrating experience. It was not long after that I taught myself the "Magic Loop" method and have loved knitting socks ever since. I have even knitted socks two at a time with the help of Melissa Morgan-Oakes book "2-at-a-time Socks".

Wendy
wenkruger@gmail.com

deidre said...

My first circular project was Fetching mitts,but I had to make 3 of them because my gauge was so loose on the first one. (on dpns) Rav id is lostinkansas

Margo said...

My first project was a felted bag. I knit it in the round. And hated the solid color it was so I got out my Pro Chem dyes and dyed it. Still too plain so I needle felted a floral design on it. This was my first knitting project also.
Margo
mwhiterug@att.net

Patty C said...

Wow that was many projects ago but I think it was a hat for one of my boys. I am always afraid that I will twist the yarn when I join it. I like Addi lace needles because of the nice points. I have used circulars for most of my knitting as I have less of a chance to loose a needle!

pclark204@comcast.net

DataGoddess said...

The first thing I ever knit in the round was a pair of socks - no easy first project for me, it was also my first FO!

evie said...

I think the first thing that I knit in the round was a hat. But the one I really remember was a beautiful wood turtle neck with raglan sleeves. I was really proud of it. I wore i few times and my Dad in a fit of mid-life crisis decided he would start to do laundry instead of leaving it to me and my Mom. In the sweater went with everything else in hot water. It came out doll sized and stiff. I made him go buy new wool but I couldn't get the same color and I didn't like the replacement nearly as much. I usually use a variety of circulars depending upon the project and the yarn. For small projects I like double point and I am coveting some signature needles after buying a pair for my sister for her birthday.

PJ said...

The first project I knit in the round was the first project I ever knit - a strawberry cap for a baby. I knit it on double-points. I have tried all the methods, two circs, very short circs (painful), magic loop (makes me crazy) but I still prefer double points for socks and mittens. I prefer two circs for sleeves.

You can reach me on Ravelry - PJknitsufos.

Liz said...

I think I knitted a couple of market bags in the round during one of my first, very early forays into knitting, which I don't really remember that well. But I think I knit two of them out of white cotton, and then I dyed one of them purple and one of them blue and gave them to my best friends.

I've recently fallen in love with knitting in the round magic-loop style.

I've been hoping to get my hands on a copy of this book--I've always been scared of steeking, but Melissa's books have taught me to conquer lots of other things I was scared of! (Also, your yarn is beautiful!)

elizabethhayesrutledge [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

It's been EONS since I knit my first project in the round--either a sleeveless vest (with cable) for my husband or a sweater with sleeves for my Mom. I was taught by a fabulous knitter named Connie Perlman (sp?)in a class at my LYS in Pacific Grove, CA. I love knitting on circs, whether I'm knitting in the round or not. I had a 20+-year hiatus in knitting and finally took it up again two or three years ago. Am sure I could use a "refresher". I so enjoy the blog with all the farmy stuff. (Have to confess to not being keen on lamb, though). Thanks for taking the time to write the blog. Best wishes for all continued success.

Pam
bpamela@lycos.com

Michelle said...

Oooh, sock yarn! I already have the book, so if I win I will gift that to someone else (share the love, so to speak!).

My first circular knitting project was a hat on DPs, I think. Then I got Addi Turbos; THEN I learned Magic Loop and never looked at DPs again!

mmcmillen at macnet dot com

Alexis W said...

The first project I knit in the round was also my first official project (part of my "learning to knit" class). Talk about an awesome beginner knit project - start off with circular needles with a cord, lots of practice with the knit stitch, we switched needle sizes after the brim was done (just a simple rolled brim), we practiced color changes by putting in 3 stripes, and then practiced using DPNs as we decreased our way to the finish.

Took all the steam right out of any intimidation you might feel with different needles (straight needles seemed so elementary, if still elegant) and meant that things like socks and sweaters didn't seem so complex either.

lexiworthington (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

My first project on circular needles was a hat for my 5 yo daughter. At the top of the hat instead of ending up flat, I somehow ended up with a point that looked like a stem. Fortunately she liked it. Then because it was a little too big, I tried to shrink it just a bit. Oops. It was felted and too small. I think I really bummed her out at that point. She wouldn't wear it, but she wouldn't give it away either. I think it's still in the drawer 3 years later!
Melissa M
tinissa@epix.net

Lindsay said...

My first project in the round was probably mittens. I fell in love with dpns immediately. People are so overwhelmed by the look of a sock on the needles that they must think I am showing off when I say, "Oh it's just the simplest kind of knitting!"

Lindsaywise79@verizon.net

beth said...

I'm pretty sure the first thing I ever knitted in the round was a hat from some lovely yarn my mom brought me from Scotland. I like using circulars better than dpns. Thanks for a great giveaway!
beth@expository.org

JackieLemon said...

My first projects in the round were Islandic sweaters. Large needles, big yarn, great designs. I highly recommend this for new knitters.

Sharon said...

My first "in the round" project was a pair of socks on dp needles. I expected it to be hard but loved it because I hate to purl :)

Renee said...

My first circular project was a hat with cables on double points. I like using circulars and double points. It just depends on the project. For me it is all about the yarn:)

Renee
fryejeff@cox.net

Janelle said...

My first in the round project was a hat - the next was socks!

jerredawson said...

I was an exchange student in Copenhagen in1971 and couldn't afford the wonderful sweaters with the patterned yokes that I saw in the shops so I bought some lopi wool and circs and taught myself how to knit in the round and do color work! With MMO's other books, learning to knit socks both ways has been much easier!

thepaintedsheep said...

the first thing I knit in the round was a pair of fair isle mittens. it was also my 2nd project - I had a fabulous knitting teacher, who never told me anything was "hard" - it was all just another skill to learn.

Unknown said...

My first knit in the round project was a sock (before I discovered 2 at a time socks!). I love circular needles with a cord the best, but use dpns when a circular is too large. I NEVER use straight needles - EVER!

Stoney said...

I was 8 years old when my mother loaded up four dpn's and started me on mittens for my younger siblings. Up til then I had knit flat items, so having her trust me to do good work on a new and difficult to me project made me feel like I had suddenly landed in the world of grownup women. She and her mother did perfect work on everything they did, so the bar was set high for me. It worked. Rather than discourage me, I worked hard and long to master every skill they taught. To this day, when I use dpn's--which are still my favorite--I remember that magical moment when I was graduated from flat work to working in the round. Women handing down the skills they know to younger ones--isn't that the greatest gift we can give? I now have eight granddaughters and when they ask, I teach them knitting. Or crochet, or quilting, or.....

NanciKnits said...

My first knitting project in the round was a handbag. I barley knew how to knit and I loved a sample hanging in the store. So I purchased the pattern, DPN's, and yarn. I needed lot's of help, but I completed it!

Dianna said...

Socks with DP's made the old fashioned way; cuff down and one at a time. First pair knitted around 1969. Now that I've discovered the magic loop method, two-at-a-time is the only way I knit them. Love Melissa's books and can't wait to get her new book.

dllew70@embarqmail.com

Abbie said...

My first project, if I remember correctly, was the sleeves of a cotton lace cardigan. Not easy trying to incorporate increases into the lace pattern! I prefer using DPNs, if possible, because I never seem to have circulars in the correct length for my project and I have a hard time maneuvering the stitches around the cord. One thing I still have trouble with while knitting in the round is avoiding the "ladder."

Thanks for another great giveaway.

Anonymous said...

My first project in the round was fingerless gloves (and it was also my first proper knitting project after the compulsory dishcloth). I always use circular needles.

barb a said...

first it was socks, then mittens and then one of your pillows!

Pam said...

I learned to knit mittens in the round on dpn's. I still prefer to use double-points for socks and mittens but circulars are my favorite for larger items such as sweaters. Thanks for the contest. My fingers are crossed.

The Village Queen said...

Oh how fun that you know her. I ran across the 2 at a time sock book at the library and its on my purchase list. I took a class and learned socks on 4 needles and have now forgotten how to finish them. I made a sweater years ago on curcular needles and I do shawls and throws on them too. I like the needles not sticking out and catching on things. Too hot to knit right now but will pick it up again in the fall. I want to finish my socks! Thanks for the chance.

Lisa C. said...

My first "in the round" project was a yoked sweater. Been knitting in the round ever since!
paul.lisa.c@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

My first circular project was a pair of slouchy socks made out of self-striping worsted weight. I prefer wood double points... Believe or not, I don't accidentally pull them out of my knitting as much as I do with circus on a cord!
Carla- woodscarlamichel@gmail.com

Cinderellen said...

My first knitting was in the round - my mother taught me to knit socks on double points so she could keep my father in hand knit work socks. I have a friend new to knitting in the round who would just love this book!

Marlena said...

I absolutely love knitting anything in the round! I already have both of Melissa's sock knitting books and love them and I'd sure like to have this one too, the yarn is an added bonus too.
megerianm@yahoo.com

Jane said...

My first project in the round was a hat for my husband. It was also the first time I knit with wool from my own sheep. The hat was a bit big for my husband but he was a champ and wore it anyways! I like circular needles with a cable. I love your yarn!

Jane

pjkettlewell@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I knit socks first in the round on double points then learned magic loop and was hooked! Also have done a baby sweater on circular needles and am finishinh another and a summery vest for myself. I especially love to knit socks though as you can knit them up quickly. Also love to knit two at a time on circular needles using magic loop!

Patty said...

The first circular project I knit was a nordic style sweater in 1989. It was for my father. I was so pleased with myself!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy knitting socks with dpn in the round and other larger projects on circular needles. That yarn is lovely!
Diane

d.laughlin@comcast.net

crazyjane said...

My first knit in the round was last year , and it was socks. I taught myself to knit them on dp needles and althought he first one looked like a large green wellington boot I've carried on and made 2 more pairs, not yet knitted on circluar needles, so keeping my fingars crossed I win, thank you
Jane
crazyjane07@googlemail.com

Bonnie said...

My first circular experience was a fair-isle sweater. Pretty ambitious. Love working on circular needles. Thanks for a great giveaway.

Spiffypaws said...

My first circular project was my first sweater. It had drop shoulder sleeves and I even picked up and knit the sleeves down from the armhole. I had some very good teachers; I was lucky.

Anonymous said...

oh,
any my address is spiffypaws@yahoo.com

Rosemary said...

The first project I knit was a pair of socks during a sock class given in Santa Barbara, California. I used double pointed needles and the sock was way too big.

Now 20socks later I prefer two circular needles. I tried the magic loop but was not able to get the sock off the ground.
I have a knit project in a clear bag with your yarn and can,t wait to give it a try.

Thank you for your wonderful blog and sharing your family and animals with us. Rosemary

Jane L said...

My hands were freezing so my college roommate taught me how to make mittens using double points and double yarn above the cuffs. They were wonderful and warm. Wool is so great. Jane
lymaberryATearthlinkDOTnet

Barb B said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Resident Squint said...

My first was a stuffed baby rattle done on double points. I quickly switched to circulars for hats and am now a big fan of magic loop & 2-at-a-time socks.

Beth said...

My very first project, at age seven, were mittens knit in the round. That was a very long time ago. Now I have to really, really love a project to knit it flat.

Maureen said...

My first project was a baby hat. Thank you for the giveaway. Maureen715 on Ravelry.

Debby said...

The first thing I ever knit in the round was a sweater.

Deb said...

I honestly can't remember the first thing I knit in the round, but I'm guessing it was mittens. If not, then it would have been a hat. I learned to knit so many years ago! I do know that the first thing I knit was on a spool! I coiled my i-cord into a hot pad for my mom.

Kathy Bridges said...

Socks, on double points. But, I love using circular needles. I am always loosing a double point in my recliner, which is almost impossible to rescue.

Dianna said...

The first think I knit in the round was a preemie hat for the local children's hospital. Now I knit everything that can be in the round - mostly because I hate sewing up!

Diane Eskritt said...

I love to knit in the round - not because I hate to purl but because I hate to seam. The first item I ever knit in the round was a pair of socks with self striping yarn. I use double points for socks but have used circulars for hats and abotanicity. I don't have many knitting books but would love this one!

Kere, the Knitting Knerd said...

Yay, purty yarns! And a book! I'd take some of those tags if I were closer!

Gaylene said...

The first project I knit in the round was a pair of mittens in 7th grade. Some time has passed since then.
I have recently been using the Kollage square circulars and have found that they are comfortable to use and have an amazing cable.
comfortATecksor.net

patriceod said...

I think it was hats with fair isle snowflakes my friend and I knit together back in high school. Thanks for another great giveaway! patriceod on Ravelry.

Geri said...

The first project I remember knitting in the round was a sock. I prefer knitting in the round using one long circular needle (magic loop).

inglisg@sympatico.ca

Anonymous said...

I purchased my first set of circular needles to try the Reverse Bloom Flower Washcloth from Weekend Knitting. So much fun! Diane

TheNJBaldwins@gmail.com

Connie Drye said...

How can I forget the winter cap I knitted. Brand new knitter and I went into a panic when I had to decrease on the double points.

Big lover of circulars with a cord.

condrye@windstream.net

Thank you,
Connie

Cathy said...

I too love knitting in the round - my first object was a hat. Where was this book?? Also, I cannot tell you how much MMO's book "Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time" improved my sock knitting. She has a wonderful way explaining all things knitterly. I'm all glad I discovered your blog. Thanks for the give-away!

Linda said...

In Iceland with family, 16 years old. Knit an Icelandic pullover with yoke and "nits" from unspun wool in plates. Ended up much too long because I just kept knitting around!

mommalou said...

Oh Kristin! I need this book! The first project I did was a sock, and I've never started the second one! I definitely need the pictures and step by step. Thanks!
Jane26.yates@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Great give away. My first project in the round was a beautiful baby hat. I used the circular needles with cord. I believe that is what I prefer but also use double points. I have made socks by the magic loop method. The book sounds great as I seem to need so much help with knitting socks-don't do enough to get good but I love it. Love a challenge in knitting. How neat to have special one of a kind yarn!! Thanks and love your blog.
Ruby

Ruth Ann, OK said...

My first circular project was a cable stocking hat. I was so proud of myself and still wear the hat today. I have so much more to learn.

Karen said...

My first knitting in the round project was teaching myself to knit socks, so I had the DPN experience for the first time as well. Turning the heel was a hyperventilating experience!
p.s. here in New Zealand we call them sheep "dags," not "tags," and people use them to fertilize gardens! Karen c/o http://www.struanfarm.typepad.com

Michelle F said...

My first in the round project was a Lopi Icelandic sweater for my then boyfriend.

Barb B said...

Posting again since I did not leave my contact info. My first double point project was 40 years ago golf club covers for my mother, long before I fell in love with the sport.

bobakaro@gmail.com

massmom24girls said...

First project was a hat but I quickly realized that knitting on circular needles whether in the round or back and forth meant no more dropped stitches when putting the project down for a while. None of those silly end caps etc. Plus need less elbow room to knit. Love those circular needles

Karen said...

My first circular project was also my first knitted garment - a sweater for my mom. It was done on circular needles. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely prize!

carol said...

My first project was a pair of socks which I knitted inside out. Got half finished and my daughter noticed this. Had to rip them out. Quite the learning experience.
Carol
cdeck21@sbcglobal.net

DNA said...

Oh I just have to learn how to do circular knitting! The first project I will do will be slouchy berrets for my daugters and I prefer circular needles with a cord. I am Rivi
rivido@smile.net.il

Ms. Knitsalot said...

My first knit in the round project was a pair of stripey socks from 2 skeins of earthy barn red, rusty orange, brown and dark yellow colors.

http://theknittedlamb.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-am-so-excited-for-two-reasons-1-i.html

Thanks for the great giveaway! And who doesn't LOVE some unique yarn.

RubyC said...

My first knitted in the round project was a bag. And I have not stopped knitting with circs ever since that time. Would love to win the giveaway for the yarn. But I already have a signed book. I am doing some two at a time toe up socks. The yarn would be great for that. Yeah!
Rav: MzCruse

Anonymous said...

My first knit in the round project was a pair of mittens 50 years ago -- but I only finished one mitten -- and I still have it! I have since done sweaters from the top down and hats.

slbeeson@debevoise.com

Anonymous said...

The first project that I knit in the round was a tam pattern from Seventeen Magazine. I felt so glamorous whenever I wore it! I love knitting with double pointed needles...especially wooden ones.

Acadia
k.freshour@comcast.net

nancy said...

I remember making several little strawberry hats for my son and his friends when they were all toddlers. I enjoy working with circular needles, but I don't like to use double points very much. Perhaps this book will inspire me to give them another try.

Lovely yarn, too.



nancylerer@yahoo.com

Claudine said...

I made socks. I think that was when I learned I enjoyed process knitting, learning for technique's sake. I still like to choose projects simply to learn a new aspect of knitting I have not tried yet. I have gone through aran and lace phases and I am in the middle of a fair isle phase at the moment. I still have entrelac and steeking to go!

Anonymous said...

My first knitting project ever was a hat, knit in the round on a loom. Since then I've graduated to needles. My first choice is a circ, but I'll use DPNs when I have to.

Biddywink said...

What a nice giveaway and great book! My first in-the-round project was a winter hat with earflaps and a pom-pom for my husband, in which I unknowingly twisted every single knit stitch! That hat sure does look spiraled.

Kristin said...

My first project in the round was an Ann Norling pumpkin hat. I used to use dp's, but I taught myself to knit on 2 circulars.

kristinfitzgerald on Ravelry

Joan said...

I think my first circular project was a hat. I use circular needles for large projects like a sweater and now prefer them to straight needles even when not knitting in the round. Much easier to handle and they hold the weight of the project better. I use double points for smaller projects like socks.

jmcarr49@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

~ FAB-ulous give-away Kristin !!!

19 years ago, my first circular knitting was a baby hat for my son.
A friend gave me a circular knitting needle,with a cord, and we laughed about HOW could you possibly use it to knit ?? We both knew nothing of how to actually USE it !!
I took it with me when I moved from the East Coast to the MidWest and was determined to figure it out.
Finally, I taught myself. I felt like a rocket-scientist :)
I have used both styles of needles for many years, dp's or circulars with cord, depends on the size of the piece of knitting, which I prefer. Its all still exciting to moi !!
~ Would loVe to WIN the Sock Yarns.
Wonderful C*O*L*O*R*S !!
Shell ~
YarnSoup@yahoo.com

Emma said...

The first thing I knitted in the round was a stuffed ball. I had to keep pulling out my work and re-starting since I was learning from a book and had no clue what I was actually doing. I like double-pointed needles much better than circular needles, although I use both. my email is toemma@gmail.com.

knitalatte said...

My first? A purse. I like metal with cord.
Sweet giveaway...

Susan said...

The first project I ever knit in the round was a felted "Booga" bag....our whole knitting group was making felted bags at the time.....

Lexi said...

Boy, based on coincidence I would sure like to win! I am almost done with my first circular project - a pair of socks! I was so tangled that my teacher separated them so I have one finished sock and the half of another! My teacher recommended Melissa's Toe Up 2 at a Time Sock book which I just purchased. I plan to spend Sunday afternoon at the knitting shop finishing my heel and than I am home free! an easy way to reach me if I am a lucky winner is lisaandrod.mims1@gmail.com. Thanks and Happy Summer!

Evelyn said...

I made a hat as my first knit in the round. And then mittens. And I looked at a mitten cuff and said, ah, I see. Socks aren't that much different than mittens...I actually tried my mitten cuff on my ankle to prove it to myself. And the rest is history!

Evelyn said...

Oops. Need to read the instructions! Evelyn can be reached at Ravely as EvelynU. And I don't use dpns, if I can help it. Ok, for i-cord, maybe the top of a hat. Mostly magic loop.

Penny said...

For a first project I would like to knit my Dad a hat in wool so his head will stay warm during farm chores. I think I would prefer using needles with a cord.
Great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to enter!

Stoney said...

PS I forgot to leave my email address in my prior posting.

spirit.in.stoney@gmail.com

Laura Timmerman said...

I don't remember my first project but I am pretty certain it was some kind of hat. I am currently trying to refresh my memory about knitting socks. It's been a long time and I need socks.

Laura Timmerman said...

laurat@crocker.com

Jill K said...

My first circular knit project was a pair of socks knit on dpn with the patience and help of 2 very sweet sister who own a LYS. They taught me so much and encouraged the use of circular knitting as a way of taking the weight off the wrists - so that I might have many more years of knitting to come! I prefer to knit socks on dpn but most other knitting is done on circulars - just adjust the cable size and I'm good to go! I'd love a copy of MMO's book as I did my first steeking project without much help and would love to learn new techniques for expanding my circular knitting ways. jill.kroneatgmaildotcom or texasjill on Ravelry. Thanks!

Robin said...

My first circular knitting project was in the late 1980's. It was a sweater with a yoke. Both the yarn and pattern was Manos del Uruguay. I still have and wear this sweater. My gauge in the body was too tight, although I didn't decide this until I had reached the yoke. I ripped out the whole thing and knit it again. I used circular needles. I have a bunch of double pointed needles too. These days for smaller items I mostly do magic loop with long circular needles. You can reach me on Ravelry as minnbird. Thanks!

Dawn Allen said...

I learned to knit in the round using Melissa's Two at a time book, the original. I got stuck a few times and Melissa actually answered my email questions and successfully "talked me down" when I got stuck on turning the heels! So the very first thing I knit in the round was a pair of socks for my toddler who still thinks that they should fit 2 1/2 years later. Guess I should knit her another pair. Thanks for the giveaway! I REALLY would LOVE to win!
Dawn Allen
dallen813@yahoo.com

Tracie said...

The first project I knit in the round was a pair of socks. I always used circular needles because my mother taught me that they were more convenient than straight needles: you eliminate the pitfall of losing one needle.

ikkinlala said...

The first project I ever knit in the round was socks, and I prefer DPNs but have never tried good circulars and am not sure if smoother joins would make them significantly easier to use.

ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

bren_na said...

Hmm, the first circular project was a hat, I think. So sad that I can't really remember and I only learned to knit a couple years ago. I enjoy circular needles with a cord, when possible, but DPNs are OK, too. I would love to win this prize! Bren7na on Ravelry.

Anonymous said...

My first circular project was also my first felted project: a purse. I almost exclusively work in the round. It's much easier on my arms & hands! I love the new smaller needles for socks. I would LOVE some new yarn!!

Michelle said...

This took some thinking. But, I went through a prolific felted bag stage and that would have been the first time working in the round. Now, I prefer to only use circular needles. I prefer them even over using DPN's. My preferred needles are the KnitPicks Harmony set.

Kathleen C. said...

I'm pretty sure that the first thing I considered knitting in the round was a multi-yarn pullover sweater. I started it anyway. but the first thing I actually finished kntting in the round would be a pair of socks. The sweater never made it very far and was returned to yarn a couple years ago.
I use DPNs almost exclusively for socks, mitts and hats, but my addi circulars for anything bigger.

SaraGL said...

The very first sweater (2nd sweater ever) i knit in the round was in college (late '60s!) using a multi-colored yarn. I figured out that I could make it pool and ended up with a rainbow sweater with diagonal blobs of very bright primary colors! I loved it and still have it packed away somewhere, only to be retrieved for a sixties costume party!!
I use circular needles almost exclusively for knitting flat as well as in the round, and only whip out my DPNs when I absolutely have to. They're hard on my wrists...
Great yarn colors and book - Thanks for the giveaway!

laura balsley said...

Hello!

I love knitting in the round.. and my FIRST project with round needles was a baby apple hat complete with a stem and two leaves. I loved doing it SO much that I made so many.. some I sold.. ( my first sell!) and gave many away. I have never done socks though.. Seems rather weird after doing it with 5 needles but I would indeed try it IF I win this!!! thank you

laurabal25@gmail.com

Juliaknit said...

Socks were my first circular project. Juliaknit on Ravelry

Libby said...

I'm trying to knit socks now. But have had to start over 6 times. Having issues with the short rows.

espence1@juno.com

Kathleen said...

My first circular project was a pair of mittens for my self.

koshea3@verizon.net

adodds said...

First project was a hat and my last project was a colorwork hat that I finished late last night. The book looks great!
adodds@bresnan.net

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