Hi Caroline,
here in South Africa we also use DK and much of our 'wool' comes from the UK - so I know just how you feel. I use 4mm needles and 40 stitches to get an 8" square. I found that using a big needle like a 6mm very uncomfortable to use with DK and it messed my tension up, horribly. Also had to get used to using the word yarn. And working in inches as we use the metric system here.
I have also tried using a DK and a 4ply together - it looks quite pretty with a dark and light shade of the same colour and because it is thicker, it knits up more quickly (on 5mm needles).
Hope we get to see some of your squares in the photo section !
regards - Jen
Welcome to our warm KAS community. It's great to see you. We hope you will enjoy the forum and your region's group. You should join the UK group!
There are lots of great discussions going on in the forum, including the monthly challenges.
We have a challenge every month, if you want to get involved please do. It's not compulsory at all but some of the work done is just lovely. Have a look at the November challenge - the SLIP-OVER (under challenges in the main forum) this will give you an idea of some of the fantastic work this community is doing for the children of South Africa. Here is a link to the November challenge photos:
Hi Caroline, welcome to the forum. It's always tricky trying to work our yarnbs and stitches with an international group. Don't ever worry, if a square is a little too big or too small then the team in south Africa can still use it. If we always aim to make 8" then at least 'most' of them will come oput this way which makes it easier for the sewers.
Jeni
Comments
here in South Africa we also use DK and much of our 'wool' comes from the UK - so I know just how you feel. I use 4mm needles and 40 stitches to get an 8" square. I found that using a big needle like a 6mm very uncomfortable to use with DK and it messed my tension up, horribly. Also had to get used to using the word yarn. And working in inches as we use the metric system here.
I have also tried using a DK and a 4ply together - it looks quite pretty with a dark and light shade of the same colour and because it is thicker, it knits up more quickly (on 5mm needles).
Hope we get to see some of your squares in the photo section !
regards - Jen
Welcome to our warm KAS community. It's great to see you. We hope you will enjoy the forum and your region's group. You should join the UK group!
There are lots of great discussions going on in the forum, including the monthly challenges.
We have a challenge every month, if you want to get involved please do. It's not compulsory at all but some of the work done is just lovely. Have a look at the November challenge - the SLIP-OVER (under challenges in the main forum) this will give you an idea of some of the fantastic work this community is doing for the children of South Africa. Here is a link to the November challenge photos:
http://forum.knit-a-square.com/photo/albums/slipover-variations
Did you receive the latest ezine? If not you can view it here:
http://www.knit-a-square.com/Square_Circle-backissues.html
Thanks so much for your contribution already, look forward to being in contact soon.
Happy Knitting!
Kalai & Sandy
Jeni