Dear Knit-Behinders,

Due to the proliferation of spam that attaches itself to this entry daily, I am closing the comments. If you feel an insatiable need to join the knit-behind, comment in my most recent entry and I'll add you to the list. I apologize for the inconvenience, but the onslaught of viagra advertising has become too much for me to fight!

Elissa - scrap socks for me too I'm afraid! There's not really enough for anything else, although making the shawl longer could be a good idea - you'll need to do it with colour 1 or 2 or 3 as you don't get much left with the other colours.

Elissa, I had planned on making some scrap socks...maybe child size?

I am knitting the
Charlotte's Web Shawl. I decided to do a bit of research as I have a question:
What does one do with all the extra yarn? Has anybody incorporated it into the shawl--making it bigger?

Hooray I've finished!! Pictures on my blog. Really enjoyed this, and it was a lot quicker than I thought it would be.

I finished my first Charlotte at the beginning of Sept, after only a week on the needles. I'm starting a second one, ok, I'm up to the first color change...can I join?

Finally I got around to casting on and starting - this is my first experience with Koigu and I am so in love with this wool! Watching those magic colours unfolding - sigh - just lovely!! And I haven't got to the really nice colours yet ;). The web is lovely to knit up as well, and is coming along nicely, even though I've only just got to the 2nd colour.

Where have I been all this time??? I just started reading about this shawl and MUST knit it. I know - I'm about 6 months late - but better late than never! I just ordered 837, 829, 446, 405, and 305 from Patternworks.com - so it will be another week before I can start. Can I still join???

Ricki

Well, since the deadline isn't until 2005, I thought I'd jump in here also. I found this knit-along looking around for comments regarding the lace pattern. I decided to swatch the lace pattern first to become familiar with it, and that proved to be a wise decision since I've made many errors. Has anyone used a selvedge stitch? Also, has anyone tweaked the lace pattern a bit, e.g., by using ssk instead of skpo? According to Barbara Walker, it makes a neater-looking decrease.

So, now you people who thought you were way behind are now ahead! :)

I have posted a picture of Charlotte today ~ even though she's a moody one, that one AND I am still mad at her.

Me too, me too!! I wanna join. Knit WAY Behind. I like that. I just visited the relocated Threadbear (practically in my back yard!!) on Saturday and got sucked in to the Charlotte's Web experience. OK, I was sucked in **before** I went there--I was on a KPPPM mission! Rob and Matt are soooo nice and soooo helpful. I am already up to the alternating B & C section. (Only had to frog 3 times so far...LOL) Can't put it down! Adding a lifeline next. Thanks for letting me play too!!

Seeing as there seems to be a push for a Charlottes Web Knit WAY Behind, I'd really like to join too! I've got the yarn coming, and am sourcing the pattern (Australia's a bit barren on the pattern front) and would love to have support....!

Ricki, That is hilarious. You are SO in!

I made my first Charlotte in Dec. '03, my second in Jan. '04, then got a little carried away. I've got three more off the needles, but still unblocked and finished and one (my first single color in black)about one third of the way finished. I guess I would fit into Charlotte's Web Knit Before, Behind and Far Behind. I plan to post the whole gallery when I'm through, actually it figured in my decision to start a blog after reading them for so long....

As yet, I don't see any Charlotte's Web Knit WAY Behind, so if you'll still take me, I'm in! I've got the Koigu and the pattern, and I know I've got the time around here some place---if I can just find it---damn!

Uh, that was supposed to be a link. Okay, wanna see? http://www.click-clack.net/index.php?p=7

I'm finished. I'm really, really finished. Woo! Wanna see?

I'd like to join, if I still can. I have the pattern, and am going to get the Koigu from Threadbear when their stock comes in. I can be done by April of 2005!

I have finished knitting up Charlotte a little while a go. It just took me some time to boarder her up! She's blocking today... pins, pins and more pins. Pictures soon!

I just got my yarn and I'll be knitting behind. I can finish by April 15, 2004. I just can't start until I get some other project off of a size six circular. Or buy another circular needle for Charlotte. . .

I'm in! I just got my yarn today and started this evening (only up to row 15 - not much knitting time tonight). I think I might be able to finish by 2005.

Can I join, too? I got my Charlotte last night. Don't know when I'll start!

Am I too late to join? Because if I'm not, then I'm in!

I'm done I'm done!! and she was blocked this weekend too. Pics up tomorrow!

In the true spirit of a "knit behind", I am behind the times and would like to sign up now! :)

i'm blocking now!!

----------> http://theknitlette.typepad.com/the_knitlette/2004/07/charlotte_somet.html

woot!

I finished my first Charlotte -- it's the Bonne colorway from Threadbear. Here's the link to my blog: http://www.monkeyknits.com/monkeyknits/2004/07/oldies_but_good.html

I'll keep checking back to see how everyone else is doing. I've decided I'm not going to start right away on the second Charlotte. I've got too many projects on the needles right now!

I am finished! I blocked her out yesterday and I scheming about creating a second. I did a two color twisted crocheted edging using colors 2 and 3. I didn't want to create fringe, but I still wanted a way to tie some of the earlier colors into color number 5. The crochet patttern came from an older book called "Mon Tricot Knitting Dictionary". The end effect was pretty interesting.

please sign me up too
i'm already doing it
but i'm behind!!

hi. it's a bit late but i'd like to join the web knit behind. all i need to do is order yarn and pattern.

Woo hoo!! I'm done!!! Well, I'm blocked, but that's as good as done!

Count me in for the Charlotte knit behind. I've already started and am just getting into color #2. I too am quickly becoming a Charlotte addict and can't wait until the kids are in bed to work on it.

Can I join in on the Charlotte Knit Behind? I don't have the yarn or pattern yet but plan on ordering as soon as I can decide on a colorway... Love your blog by the way...

I know I'm two months late, but it kinda goes with the whole knit-behind concept, right?

Can I join the knit behind, please?

I'm doing the cheapie Charlote, I'm afraid. I've got two colors of Over The Rainbow yarns Twinkletoes yarn, and I'm alternating them as if they were 5 skiens of koigu. What can I say, I could afford $20 of hand-dyed yarn, but not $50.

And I think I've figured out that I'll have enough left over to make a 2nd one with the colors alternated the other way.

I'll be posting updates, with pictures and everything to my blog. :-)

Just hit the first color change- the blending area between color A and B. Since I messed up due to knitting too late at night and started again today, I don't think 28 rows is all that bad. Vacation next week, so I hope to put a serious dent in her then. Thank you, Dawn for your suggestion on putting all the markers in- including around the center stitch. Makes it much easier to figure out just where you are and where you are going.

Although I don't have a knitting blog, I'd love to join the knit-a-long if it's not too late. I'll cast on when the bulk of my other projects are finished so probably late summer. I'm all worried about my colourway "flowing". My first lace project, I'm itching to cast on!

Sign me up, please! I just got my yarn and pattern a couple of days ago and I've already cast on!

As one of the original procrastinators, I just received my yarn. I'm not above begging, grovelling, and otherwise debasing myself to join. It's my first shawl, so I could use the help!

Sign me up! I started a few days ago. Guess that qualifies me as behind...

Just wanted to let you know I finished!

http://www.livejournal.com/users/skittl1321/1008914.html?mode=reply is the link to the finished shawl!

Hello, can I join as well? I have the yarn, just got the pattern, and would like to get started. Thanks!

I just came across your lovely knit behind (rip/knit again) group and I would love to jump in. I have knit another Koigu shawl prior to Charlotte and the patterns are a true beast of the "drooling-in-the-closet-at-bedtime" kind. I think that a knit along for this particular project would be immensely helpful. Is there a penalty for joining late? I might even be talked into giving you my first born child...if she doesn't stop whining.

My yarn is on the way from the boys. I already feel a million miles behind. Does that qualify for a Charlotte Knit Behind? I would love to join and need all the support a girl can get.

Well, I have been chugging along on this knit-behind (perfect name Julia) and I reached row 74 last nite. Anywho, I posted this on my blog, but I was wondering how people were dealing with color changes? I mis-read the directions and have really changed up the color changes. I knit the first 26 in one color (P) then mixed P and the next color (V) for 2 repeats of the lace instead of 1. So I fiddled with the color changes and here is what I came up with, see if you can follow along: (all colors are caps letters) P to row 26, mix P & V to row 58, V to row 74, mix V & G to row 106, G to row 122, mix ? & G to row 154. Then I'll have plenty of ? (where ? is a unknown since I am picking it out this weekend) to make the crochet edging. I think that will work and I doubt anyone will say that I wasn't making a nice shawl. Or else I can add an extra 16 rows (eek!) to make the blending better... but I think that I will only do 4 colors instead of 5 for my first CW because I refuse to frog. I will just forge on. What do you guys think?

Sign me up! I've caught the bug too, finally. I've got my yarn on order and plan to start by the end of June. I figured I can get it done by the deadline or come up with a good excuse.

I just started this past week, in what I guess I could call my own colorway, since I just bought what looked pretty at Maryland Sheep and Wool. I'm 90something stitches in, so somewhere in the 40s in rows. It definitely helps to have a chart of what row number you're on, which row in the lace repeat, what color it should be, and how many stitches there should be once you're done with the row. Uli made a great one with Excel. Her blog is at: http://www.ulisneedleworkworld.motime.com/

Yes, the edge on Charlotte is crocheted. It was the first time I crocheted, and I got help getting started at my lys. It's just single crochet along the bottom edge, then you chain 9 and crochet into every 5th stitch (two times) to make those loopy loops.

As for blocking. I soaked mine in cool water, then rolled it out in some nice white fluffy bath towels to gently expel some of the water. It dried in no time flat with a fan. I used lots and lots of pins. With my growing interest in lace knitting, I'm looking into some dressing wires, which will cut down on pinning.

I'd also love to join!! Now all I have to do is pick my colorway.

I've been wanting to knit Charlotte since January, and cast on today. I'm even behind the knit behind!

I'd love to join too! I have the yarn waiting for me when I return home from school in a few days - I'm very excited!

a two week hiatus from the computer and now i'm in a frenzy. i spent my time off for mother's day yesterday catching up and trying to prioritize my knitting projects (impossible, i know. i just need a clone to do all the mom things so i can knit all day and relax...). anyway, talked to the guys at threadbear this morning and they are low on koigu but expecting a shipment soon. hopefully i'll get mine by the end of the month and knit like a fiend.

Oh count me in! Just ordered from Threadbear; hope it doesn't take too long to get. I'm sure I'll be back for help soon!

Hi! I'd love to join the Knit-Behind Knit-Along; I started (and frogged : ) due to a disasterous moment of distraction) my shawl the other night. In one of the knitting forums, someone recommended that you run a strong piece of thread (I think something like dental floss might work well) through all of the stitches on your needle after every few inches of completion; that way, if you make an irreparable mistake, you only have to frog to the row with the stitches on the thread, and it'll be much easier to keep things under control. After realizing how easy it is to make a mistake that's difficult to repair, I think I'm going to try the thread thing. Good luck, everybody! I love this project so far - so many pretty colors! : )

I started on my 16" just because it was easier...I made it to row 53 but was going to change to a larger size at that point...so since 53 is about one-third, I would get 32" if you need to get new needles.

Can I jump in on the Charlotte fun, please? My one question: what length of circs are people using for this? I need to buy some for this project, and I want to make sure that I won't be losing stitches by the end.

Oops - forgot to ask you to add my name to the Knitalong when I posted the other day.....
At any rate, count me in!
Thanks,
Leslie

Funny Jen...I became so addicted too that when I was at the MD Wool and Sheep festival I bought enough for another one also!

Whew! I also "just dove in" last night, and I'm already up to my first color change. It totally makes sense once it's on the needles. That's not to say that it's been totally easy-going. No, sir. I've knit and tinked several rows, but I think I have the hang of it now. Yay! I can do this. I'm so glad I ordered two kits from those dealers at Threadbear, bc I can't wait to finish the first one so I can start on the second! A true addict...

Hi everyone,

Well I made it to row 53...well, I had, and then I had an incident that involved the cat, the dog, and my shawl...need I say more! ARG! After a while of trying to recover, I gave up and frogged the whole thing...but it wasn't all that bad and I managed to get back to Row 31 during my lunch break. I just thought I'd pass on some tips and hopefully clear up some confusion of those beginning. Dawn gave some excellent tips that I myself also used. This is my first try at a lace pattern too...So my best advise...DIVE IN...I know it looks confusing...but it all makes more sense when you just start doing it and see it visually. It works up fast, so don't be afraid to start working it, and if you flub it up...rip it out and start again. I had to do this a couple of times in the beginning, but I figured out the pattern better than trying to "see it" in my head. If you don't understand the diagram, start with the (partial) row-by-row written directions given, but compare it to the diagram as you go along to understand the diagram. I eventually found it easier to read the diagram instead of the written directions. Also, a post-it note (especially the long ones) make great line markers to keep your place on the pattern.

Use the markers between the lace patterns (the gray shaded section on the diagram) as Dawn says. After I finish a pattern row, I go back and count between the markers to make sure I had the right number. I also put the total # of stitches next to line number on the diagram. I found that if I was short in number, it was usually because I forgot a YO somewhere, and if I had too many, it was because I forgot to passover a stitch.

For those of you confused on where you are starting (like I was)...It is with the seven CO stitches which will end up beginning the triangle that sits in the middle, on your neck. In my mind I couldn't figure out how this would happen until I started knitting. Basically the shawl will start there and start fanning out greatly making the long straight edge on both sides of those 7 stitches.

The pattern gets easy and really is fun after you get a better understanding. I hope this helps some and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Hi everyone,
Since my last post, I spent some time disecting the Charlotte's Web pattern and finally just dove in. I'm up to row 42, and so far so good. Here's what I can tell you that's been helpful to me: definitely use markers so you can easily see the pattern repeat. I put a marker on either side of the center stitch, and around each pattern "set". I'm also keeping track on a piece of paper how many stitches I have at the end of a pattern row. I just count on my way back on the purl side. You will see that each pattern row (the odd numbered rows) add 4 stitches each time. This way, if I get to the end of a row and my number is off, I immediately know that the mistake must have been in the previous row. I've also made a photo copy of the chart, and I've marked it up with highlighters in a way that makes sense to me. Marking up my chart is what finally allowed me to "see" the pattern and identify the repeats.Anyway, sorry for the lengthy post, but I hope that helps somebody. Feel free to email me if you want to compare notes. Have a good night!

Dear All,
I'm trying to enlist the help of someone who has started to do a tutorial and am also thinking of making some space for a Charlotte forum on my site to aid you with your Charlotte lace issues. This is a busy time for me, so try to be patient! In the meantime, you can post ideas here as you experiment with the pattern. I would be more helpful myself, but I haven't had a chance to tackle the pattern yet!

I'm with Dawn and Leslie... This is my first lace project, too, and I'm a bit confused. I consider myself an advanced beginner (intermediate, maybe?) knitter, but this pattern is all over the place. I do see a spot where it says CO 7st. I think I'm going to try writing out the first few rows so I can get a sense of it. I'm still winding up the skeins, but I'd like to cast on tonight. Anyone have any advice for us newbies?!?

Hi everyone,
My "Trinidad" colourway and pattern just arrived from Threadbear. It's gorgeous! It's my first attempt at lace and just like Dawn, I'm overwhelmed by the pattern.
I can't wait to start, but not sure how to read the pattern. ANY words of advice would be most welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone,
I just received my "Neverland Sky" colourway and pattern today from Threadbear. My excitement upon seeing the gorgeous yarn was quickly squelched however, when I looked at the pattern. Huh? Is it just me, or is this pattern a lit bit confusing to follow? I'm not even sure I understand where to begin. ANY advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi, I just got my CW yarn from the boys...So I'm in. I also got the Bonne colorway (Sorry Jen L.) When I called they told me it had already been taken (now I know who it was that beat me! :))...but Rob was able to recreate another one. It will be interesting how we choose the order of our colors though!

Hello there,
I just ordered my yarn and pattern today from Threadbear (it's the neverland sky colorway). It should be here in a couple of days, I guess. This will be my first lace knitting project, and I already have a couple of works in progress, butI'd love to join y'all!

Hello to all you webbers....I can't wait to start. But wait I must, I have a baby sweater on my size 6 needles. Just got my pattern and yarn today from Threadbear. This is my first time for lace knitting. The pattern looks a little confussing to me. But please sign me up for the knit behind!

I just ordered a Charlotte from Threadbear. I was the lucky winner (stalker) of Berry Berry!! It should be here within a few days... I would love to join the knit behind!!

I'm in!

I just bought the yarn/pattern as a looking-forward-to-the-end-of-finals present to myself.

Beverly, You're on the list - all the details are here! Just get the yarn and the pattern, knit, let me know how it goes, maybe send some pics!

Please sign me up for the knit along

Hi I want to sign up for the Charlotte's web shawl knit along. Please let me know the details. Thanks

Sign me up for the knit-behind. I'm behind on the Becky Wantabe, Elfin and this...oh well, at least I get to fondle the yarn!

Yarnho's unite!

I'm IN! I'm getting a Charlotte... I stalked Rob's blog today, and as soon as he posted those puppies, I pounced on the "Bonne" colorway! Yippee! I've asked him to put some other things together for me, so the yarn won't be here for a while, but when it is, I'm IN! Yeah!

Just got my yarn from Matt at Threadbear on Friday last week. Started it on Sat, have torn it out about 4 X and currently on hold at row 29. A knit a long is just what I was looking for. I like a year time line, add me to the list!

Yeah for Matt! I think he's a busy boy these days! I'll let you know when I hear about mine... Two Charlottes for you!

Woohoo! I heard from Matt at Threadbear this morning. He has my colorwork done but he's still working on the photos. Even though I've already bought yarn, I might go with one he's chosen....

I would love to join the knit-along as well. I just ordered my yarn from Threadbear when I found your blog. Now I am itching to start, and will be happy for company!

Oooh...I'm so excited about having company. It's going to be fun!

I'm In! (I came here because i'm working on your honeymoon cami.) I'm so glad the knitty's finally out. anyway - I saw this shawl a while ago -and think they're so beautiful! I get kpppm from my lys, but where do i get the pattern?

I just might have to join in here . . . thinking about it . . .

hey , i love your design .I will make that top for the summer. love your site. i want to be a part of the knit along .please just tell me what yarn is good as i'm still learning things ...

thanks

Hi Julia, I've come to your site from your beautiful pattern in Knitty. I'd like to join the Charlotte's web-a-long. I have no blog but it'll take me a year to finish so I may well have by then!!

Can't wait to hear all about your wedding and see beautiful pics too. Congrats to you!!

Best wishes to you on your wedding! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back :-)

It does take 5! It's such a beauty. I'm thinking of making a Birch now cos I loved the lace so much - so I'm doing things the opposite way round to you!

Forgive me. Although I enjoy the instant gratification of the cell phone camera, I'm very jealous of your coolpix! I'm loyal to my Contax for the moment, so I'll just have to learn to "hold out" on posting.

Re: colorways, I've been swooning over the possibilities at Theadbear, but haven't yet come up with the final pick yet. That's on my list for pre-wedding, as the prices for Koigu go up April 1. Threadbear has great pricing, so if there's anything you want, let me know and I will add it to my order and then send it on to you. I also need to get the pattern for C's Web - I'm right in assuming it takes 5 skeins, yes? That's the number I've seen around. Thanks for "joining in". : ) I'm so excited to host a knit-a-long of my own! (You'll have to help me perfect the button!) Talk to you soon...

Hey!!! That picture sure looks familiar. [Slaps you on the wrist.]

I am so up for company with the Charlotte's Web shawl. Count me in! Have you thought about a colorway for your Koigu yet?

(Kooiguuuuuuuuuuu...I swear that yarn makes me dribble at the mouth. Love it, love it.)