How to Knit Along with Us
May 15th, 2008
We’re so excited that over 25,000 of you have read about our first knit-along of the Tree of Life Afghan and that over 200 of you have commented. Since many people have mentioned that they are new to knit-alongs, we wanted to go over some basics of the knit-along with you.
So how do I join the knit-along?
Just download the pattern, pick up your supplies either at your local store or on our website, and start knitting! No need to sign up or anything. Just read the posts and share your thoughts with other participants.
How often will you update?
For this knit-along, Corinna will be updating the community every two weeks on her progress, but you can knit at your own pace! Knit-alongs are all about helping each other through a project, so we want to hear from you!
How do I share my thoughts or questions?
As you’re working, share your questions with other knitters by adding a comment (click on the “comments” button at the bottom of each post), and if you have an answer for someone else, a suggestion, or just an anecdote, share it with us too! If you’re responding to someone else’s comment, it’s helpful to include their name and/or comment number, so we know what you’re referring to.
Please read others’ comments! Someone might have already asked/answered the question you have, or maybe you can answer someone else’s question! It’s all about helping each other!
How do I share photos of my progress?
If you have a blog or an account on a photo service, feel free to store your pictures there and just include a link to your photos in a comment. If you are a Flickr user, tag your photos “lion brand,” “tree of life” and join our Flickr pool! Flickr has a great explanation of how to add your photo to a photo pool. (Note: all links appear in orange on the Lion Brand Notebook, so if something is orange, you can click on it!)
Can I invite my knitting group to join?
Absolutely! This knit-along is all about building community. Feel free to invite your friends. If you have a blog, pick up the badge above (Right-click the badge and “Save image as” to save it to your computer — Ctrl+click and “Save image as” on Macs) and add it to your blog, so that your friends can see it too.
Again, I just want to welcome everyone who’s participating! See you next Wednesday for Corinna’s next post!
22 Responses to “ How to Knit Along with Us ”
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May 16th, 2008 at 3:19 pm |
Well, I am trying this knit along. This will be a challenging pattern for me. Bought Lionbrand yarn in seaspray. I am looking forward to working on this project with everyone!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:12 pm |
i love the idea of the kni a long, however, this is a pattern for an experienced knitter and just started six months ago.( i have made 5 projects) i would love to join a knit along with a more basic pattern
May 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm |
I started this afghan for a wedding present. The wedding is June 21, so I think I will have it done in plenty of time. It is going very quickly and is a joy to knit.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:18 am |
This looks like it will be fun.:) It’s been a very long time since I’ve knitted an afgan, but have been looking at this one in the Lion Brand catalog and wondering if I could finish it after getting used to quicker things like socks (can’t wait for your new sock yarn, btw!!)
This KAL (my first) is the very thing to help me get going in time to finish before Christmas when I’d like to give it as a gift to my brother and SIL. I’ve got to get the supplies, but should be able to start in the next couple of weeks. I’m doing it in sage green, because that will highlight the tree and leaf motif. I absolutely love the edging!
Thanks for making the pattern free for download–it gave me just the nudge I needed to take the plunge! Happy knitting everybody!
May 17th, 2008 at 1:36 am |
I just began this pattern this evening, and it is much simpler than it looks. I have chosen aran white.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am |
I bought my yarn for this yesterday. What cast on method is suggested for this piece? The instructions don’t make a suggestion. Does it matter? I planned on using a crochet edging so I don’t know if that would matter.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am |
I’m with the group! I am just starting row 18 of the Tree pattern, but who’s counting? We all are.
Here is a tip that might be useful to my fellow KALers: For the first section, I placed stitch markers before and after each group of 40 stitches as well as a stitch marker noting the completion of each 4 knit stitches that link the “columns” together. That way, if you detect a mistake, it is easier to frog out 40 (or so)stitches than the whole row. A row counter that fits on the needle is mandatory for me.
I can’t wait to see the design start to take shape.
Lois
May 17th, 2008 at 12:16 pm |
I just started this afghan. On the chart some blocks are listed as “no stitch”. What does this mean? How do you do this?
Thanks, Carol
Zontee says: Hi Carol, please read Ginger’s comment on the knit-along post; she wrote a really good explanation of it. Hope that helps!
May 17th, 2008 at 8:03 pm |
Hello yal, just joined the kal, and i am very excited to start. i have been looking for a special pattern for my cotton/bamboo blended yarn that i purchased in anchorage at a craft fiber fair. It is for a very special person in my life that i see rarely, my mom.
I also find the pattern abit above my current level of experience, but i look forward to the challenge. I believe that you will never learn unless you challenge yourself. So for those that are shying away from this kal, DON’T, just jump in. it will be fun, and we all will help.
Have a joyous day!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm |
Thanks for the tips Lois. I will try that. I am waiting for my yarn to come in. I just ordered it yesterday. Right now I am working on a small square in basketweave in purple for an afghan a woman I know is making for two little girls that lost their sister and mother in a motor vehicle accident. So sad…she requested purple or pink squares. I hope it makes the girls feel better. Then I have to finish a dishcloth for a swap I have then hopefully I will receive the yarn and start on my Tree of Life Afghan. I have never done a project this advanced but hey…gotta try it! Lets keep each other updated with our progress. Pictures would be great. I have a Flickr account and I will post there with links here if that is acceptable for this site.
Anyway, have fun everyone and
Happy Knitting!
Cecily
May 18th, 2008 at 11:40 am |
I have viewed this pattern from time to tome, as I like leaves and trees. I have started knitting the first 18 rows. I have 18 st/4 in, but I am a little surprised at how small the quage and how light weight the project is. I am using an acrylic weight afghan yarn and I am actually doing it in a bright cranberry color. Before I move on, I am wondering if the stocking st is actually the wrong side, or I have I done something wrong…In other words, the trees in the dividing row are stocking St, the background is the purl st. Thank you
May 18th, 2008 at 1:44 pm |
Hello all - I’ve been wanting to do this pattern for a while now and when I saw the knitalong it was like a sign…lol. I’ve got my fisherman’s wool (my favorite yarn - I love aran knitting) and am casting on today. I’ll also be keeping notes in my blog with pics so feel free to stop by and giggle at my frustrations - I’m not a great knitter but I’m very persistent, so I’ll figure it out eventually. For those of you who are nervous about the pattern - don’t worry - I’ll be right there with you and we’ll struggle along together.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:43 pm |
I originally downloaded this pattern a few months ago to knit for my in-laws for their christmas gift, then I thought it might be too much of a challange. But when I saw the KAL, I new I was meant to do this. I am currently starting row 16…so far so good.
Heather
May 19th, 2008 at 11:34 am |
When I saw the Tree of LIfe Afghan pattern I just HAD to make it. I was NOT an experienced knitter when I started the project in March of 2008. I’m now knitting the leaf border and attaching it to the finished afghan.
I ripped out my stitches some 10 times before I got the hang of it, but it’s worth doing, especially now that I feel “experienced”. I had to teach myself every stitch.
The one thing that really helped me was using a magnetic board to follow the written instructions. The chart is too confusing for me. I encourgae you to go-for-it if you like this pattern & don’t give up. Lynnie
May 20th, 2008 at 11:07 am |
Lynnie….what is a magnetic board. Where can I see one on the net? Lynne U.
May 21st, 2008 at 12:11 am |
OK, this is bad. I am on row 16 of the twin trees pattern of the TOL afghan pattern, and I am already stumped. When I work the pattern stitch through the entire row, I get to the end and have 20 stitches remaining. My questions- should I have 20 stitches remaining and, if so, what am I supposed to do with them?
Thanks for any input!
Perplexed in WA…
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm |
rebecca, i did the same thing. you have to include the k4 before each repeat. then you will have four stitches left over.
4 repeats = 44 X 4 = 176
180 -176 = 4
hope this helps
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:59 am |
I decided, hey, why not– just because I never finish big projects? Well, hopefully that will be aided with a KAL, just like weightloss or excercise — doing it with someone else.
I look forward to seeing this take shape
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am |
I actually bought this pattern and started it right before the knit-along. I’m using wool-ease in Natural Heather and size 9 needles. I don’t really care for the border so I’m going to do something different but I’m not sure what yet. I might just do solid garter stitch strips in a different color (maybe the Wheat or Mushroom), join those on, and then do a single crochet border in Natural Heather around that. I know I definitely want a wider border than the one in the pattern. I’ll decide when I get to that part
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm |
MY SON IS GETTING MARRIED IN NOV 8, 2008
I AM GOING TO START THE AFGHAN TREE OF LIFE IN
DEEP RED. PRAY I WIIL DO GOOD!!
May 29th, 2008 at 1:45 pm |
Hi,
I previously bought this pattern & began it this winter. I’m beginning my second Twin Trees pattern so I’m a little over half way finished. I wish I knew about Chris’s (#181) tip about doing the border before I started. I’m a little nervous about sewing it on at the end, but from previous comments it sounds like it turns out well that way too!
Looking forward to chatting with you all & learning more about knitting!!
Have fun!
And thank you!!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:54 am |
I am really enjoying working on the Tree of Life.
I was confused at first, but once I got things cleared in my mind……off I went.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve worked an afghan - they get bigger, snuggly and I take a nap.
Enjoy,
Carol