Seriously who thought up arm knitting? Genius. Arm knitting is one of those things I look at and think, mmmm harder than it looks, not for me. Over the long weekend I wanted to crochet a scarf for someone, turns out my wool was far to chunky for any of the needles I had, and I had up to 10mm. I thought I would knit it, again my needles were just not big enough and I have 12mm. While it looked ok it's wasn't the chunky loose look I was going after.
In comes the arm knitting. I actually was looking at it Saturday night, then a friend sent an image on the Monday morning [public holiday], and I found the video tutorial for the above image from Handimani, here.
I love it, I love the look, the feel, how easy it was and now all 3 of my girls want one! What a perfect gift that takes little to no time at all and you literally make it with your hands. Taking handmade to a whole new level.
To start with I did cast on a little then play a little before actually sitting and making it. I wanted to make sure I could do it and not make mistakes. Even so I did, but they were easily fixed.
What I did learn : Make sure you have the 30-45 min set aside, go to the loo first too, best not drink tea before hand, like I did. I got closer to the end and almost ran out of wool, which I then made the cast off a little tight, and they didn't match up the best. I used one ball, two would had been perfect.
I absolutely love my knitted blanket. But I tell you what this is coming a very close second to one of my favourite things I have made to DATE. I can't wait to make more. Heading to get more balls today [I got the 100% acrylic from my local reject shop for $8 a ball. My local fabric shop has them as well, better quality for $10. The local cheap shop ball is still just as soft]. If I hadn't made this with someone in mind, I would keep it for myself. Already I have a few people I want to make for, best of all I could get two made in a sitting.
Hey Kellie. Did you make it to wrap twice or just once? I love the chunky look but feel a bit claustrophobic with too much bulk around my neck.
Posted by: Tanyalee | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 08:05 AM
I'm trying this as I have loved knitting in the past but have no needles here. Also LOVE the tip to go to the loo first. Gold! xxxxxx
Posted by: Jodie | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 09:22 AM
Yeah it's wrapped around twice Tanyalee. I made another last night that is longer and when wrapped twice has a little gap and not so all up around your neck. Even known it might look it in the photo, it was still rather lose. But if you were to make one you could just make it longer. x
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 09:23 AM
Let's just say, my knitting got a heck of a lot faster towards the end Jodie, haha. Can't wait to see how you go!
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 09:25 AM
wow!!! looks great!
Posted by: Carly W | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 09:30 AM
Thanks so much Carly x
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 10:49 AM
this arm knitting looks awesome. I'm going to try it myself. I must check out the video tutorial :)
Posted by: Karyn Schultz | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 12:49 PM
Looks awesome!! Now this could be a way of knitting even I could do, I guess ;) Maybe I'll start with arm knitting and then "real" knitting next winter ;)
Posted by: Sandra Klary | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 02:50 PM
what an awesome idea! i'm going to show my mum, she's going to love it!
Posted by: Sue K | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 04:44 PM
I absolutely love this! Love the chunky look and the colour is fab too. Would you recommend this for a beginner? ? Ive only just learnt to crochet.
Posted by: Kaitlynne Roil | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 08:16 PM
Hi, Kellie
Just in case you're interested, I've blogged that rope coil basket I made. http://chezstutters.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/a-new-craft-rope-coil-basket.html
Posted by: Heidi S | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 09:53 PM
Just awesome!! I am so trying this.... Thanks for sharing as have never heard of it before.
Posted by: Sian Barnard | Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 11:46 PM
This is so awesome Kellie! Super inspired to try it myself now. :)
Posted by: Nicole | Friday, 13 June 2014 at 04:52 AM
This is ace! Thanks so much for sharing, I'm determined to have a go! Off to get some chunky wool...!xx
Posted by: Arline | Friday, 13 June 2014 at 07:52 AM
Let me know how you go Karyn x
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:47 AM
Have fun while making one!
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:48 AM
Let me know how you go Nicole and if you end up giving it a go.
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:48 AM
No worries, I hope you share when you make one x
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:48 AM
Oh, off to check it out!
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:49 AM
ABSOLUTELY! I had never done one before and learnt from the attached youtube link. Give it a go, you will be surprised how easy it is.
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:49 AM
YES of course you can Sandra, finally some use for your wool, lol!
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:50 AM
Why not make her one Sue :)
Posted by: Kellie Winnell | Monday, 16 June 2014 at 10:50 AM