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cpartschick wrote: Sounds like you are learning alot already.
How do you cast on? I like to use the "e-wrap" method. This is done by starting on the left, yarn between the last two needles, and wrap back, then come up between the next two needles and so on across to the end. This wrap looks like the incursive "e". After knitting one row, carefully pull out the needles, holding on to first row, to make sure they knit on the next row, hang weights and go. This makes a really nice edge.
Yes, I like to crochet edges on blankets and things, sometimes also around a boxy jacket or edge of a skirt. Most sweaters and things have ribbing edge, or you can hang a hem. Should be directions on hems in your book. I like EON (every other needle) for 10 rows, then every needle (just put the needles into work) for 10 rows then hang hem. This gives a picot edge that is nice and really easy. Also by using EON at first the underside is thinner making the hem not so thick.
Make sure after removing your item from the machine to let it roll and stretch it lenghwise to set the stitches. The machine makes everything short and fat and you need to put it back into shape. A good steamer is very important.
I almost always cast off with the latch hook.
Starting at the right, hook latch hook over last latch on needle. Grab the stub sticking up through the needle bed and pull back dragging your latch hook with the needle backward. This slides the latch through the stitch and unhooks from the needle on the bed. Now just grab the yarn and pull through for one stitch bind off, you are ready to hook the next latch as it slides by (when you push the next one). This makes the nicest bind off.
If you are using crochet edge, you can use scrap yarn of contrast color and knit a few rows. Break yarn and run across letting the knitting drop. Then fold over at edge and crochet in the little loops, after just unravel the contrast scrap yarn. That is an easy way for a blanket.
I used to have all kinds of patterns, but let them go with my machines. I see there are baby patterns on the internet, some free, like little hats and sweaters to get you started.
I hope I could help a little, it is too hard to try to write directions, when this machine is so visual, but maybe some of it may sound familiar and might help.
good luck.
My easy stocking cap
Using medium wieght yarn (fingering weight) T-10 (kinda loose)
E wrap EON 65-0-64 (from needle 65 thru 64 on other side)
Knit 50 rows.
Bring ribber up and put EON on ribber in place T-8 and knit one row, hang ribber weight and knit 80 rows.
Move all stitches to main bed.
Knit 70 rows starting a pattern if desired at row 20. (stripes or fairisle)
Transfer every other stitch to the next door needle to make EON in work. Hang hem from EON at first row (this is the lining of the hat)
Knit 8 more rows at a tighter tension.
Break off yarn leaving about 2 to 3 feet for sewing and binding off. Using double eye needle remove stitches and gather for top of hat. Continue sewing up seam of cap, inside and out.
here is a picture of the caps.
