DPNs 5" vs 7"

#1

I am making my first pair of socks. Self patterning sock yarn on #2 needles. I was using the 7 1/2 " ones. Well I bought 5" today to finish the socks and of course make another pair soon. I love them! Oh, the 5" are so nice to work with. They are much easier to work around. They sit in my under my hand so well and dont hit my wrists.
When I read all of these posts, it makes me wonder why so many of us are “afraid” to try something new. Are we so hard on ourself for possible failure in attempting something new? I have really enjoyed exploring this knitting world and all of the pictures and ideas people share here. Never again will I say to myself, I cant do something when it comes to knitting. Worse thing that could happen is I try again or try something else. Unlike some crafts, you really dont lose out if it doesnt work out. Just rip and start something new.
Oh one last thing… When my felting project came apart in the washer, I let it dry and went to my LYS and one of the owners fixed it for me. I realized that as nice as it is to save a few dollars by buying over the internet, supporting our LYS is important. Its a resource you cant get over the net.

Happy knitting :XX:
Cindy

#2

you’re right about the yarn stores!!! I buy a LOT of yarn from KnitPicks, because of the prices and quality, but there’s always a twinge of guilt when I do so, because I think “I shoul dbe getting this at the LYS!” I do buy needls, tools and those fancy expensive novelty/luxury yarn combinations at the LYS, but stuff for projects is definitly bought online. Luckily, my LYS people aren’t snobs about “well we won’t help you because you didn’t buy that yarn here”

Re: trying something new… we did a “knit a first” KAL in November… Maybe we’ll do a “try something totally new” KAL, too. Get people to spread their wings!

#3

I’m not so much “afraid” of trying something new, as to thinking that it’s beyond my abilities. My best friend has gained quite a few extra grey hairs by trying to beat it into me that “I can do it!!!” Once I knitted my first garment last summer, I no longer really have a fear of any skill in knitting… I just take my time before attempting something new.

When I had the original design for my booger, I thought it was a really profound way to do it up, and was very dismayed to have it not work out as planned. I just started over and got a better result in a different way. I did my first socks the same way. I wanted to make a cool pair of sandal sockettes, and “practiced” by making my DDs new socks. I used size 3 dpns and fingering weight yarn. Noone told me that I wasn’t supposed to do it that way, that I was supposed to use WW yarn and about a size 5 needle FIRST, before “graduating” to the smaller needles and yarn!!!

#4

I’m not certain that “afraid” is the correct word to explain things - perhaps “comfortable”? I think that I, personally, find a comfort level within my knitting and then tend to stay within certain perameters. I mean, most of my knitting is done for other people so I want things to look good or as close to perfect as I can. :rollseyes:

It’s funny that you wrote this today as I just started purshing my own comfort level by doing something new and different. No, it’s not turning out as perfect as I would like but “comfortable” is starting to feel boring.

I am also a convert to supporting my LYS. I have found inspiration, help and support that simply is not available from an on-line shop. Plus there’s that whole “instant gratification” thing of getting your yarn right away without having to stalk the postman!

Angela

#5

I agree with the others. I say I am “afraid” but it is not really fear, but mostly “is it really something that I can do without being totally frustrated???” Or, will it turn out nicely? I am signed up to do a Diamond Fantasy Shawl with some Fleece Artist yarn that I am dying to do, but still waiting to actually start… why? Again, because I am thinking it is beyond my ability. But, I am going to start it darn it. I can’t always shy away from those harder projects or I will never branch out and knit something really spectacular. Like Ingrids sweaters. :wink:

#6

because of this thread I bought DPNs in the 5 inch size today. I needed some for a baby hat I’m making and thought about this so…what the heck?

I agree with all about supporting the LYS, but if you only have one LYS and they don’t stock that yarn…
Nik

#7

I used dpns for the first time today. I had been too worried to really give it a go. I am glad i did though!

THis site is excellent encouragement to keep trying new things and learning more.

Nell

#8

I got over my dpn jitters/perfectionism by making socks for my girls. I knew they wouldn’t be perfect, but they wouldn’t care, and would be thrilled to wear funky socks that noone else could or would have. Now I always have at least one sock on the go at any time.