Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting!
Ok, maybe that's a bit cheesy, but it's heartfelt. As a knitting instructor at my LYS (local yarn shop) I'm always on the look-out for resources for new knitters. There's so much out there, from blogs, books & DVD's, to free online tutorials. You'll find all of these here as well as encouraging insights interjected by a professional knitter! (Ya, that would be me. ;)
Contents at a Glance
The Very Basics
How to cast on, knit and purl
Once you've got those stitches sittin' pretty, you've got to know what to do with them. The two basic stitches are the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Think of these as two sides of the same coin. The knit stitch creates a flat suface with a bump in the back. When you purl, that bump ends up facing you and the flat side hangs out in the back. I like to think of these little bumps as "pearls of barley." Even if you're not agriculturally minded, the word association still works and will help you remember which is which.
Once you're done knitting your project, you've got to safely take the stitches off the needle. I say safely because if you just take out your needles willy-nilly, your knitting will run like a snagged stocking. You may also cry. To avoid tears of frustration, just bind off. It's easy, and will keep your knitting free of errant tear stains. (Be sure to watch this one all the way to the end so you know what to do with the last stitch.)
"OK lady, whatever." It's ok, you don't have to say it. I know that this doesn't make a whole lot of sense right now, but it will. Just go with it for now and all will become clear soon. (If only everything in life were so simple, eh?)
Knitting Books!
What to read while you're not actually knitting.
Warning: Knitting books are very social and require a large group of friends on the shelf to feel comfortable. This well known fact can be confirmed by asking anyone who has been knitting for more than about two months.
Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
This is the starting point for a great series of knitting and crochet books.It's way fun, it's way informative, and it's got nifty patterns. It's become a new classic, completely capturing the mood of modern knitting.
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 10/10/2008)
Used Price: $2.16
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Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
A true classic in the knitting world, Knitting Without Tears is a wonderful read for beginner knitters, especially if they are planning on knitting sweaters.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/10/2008)
Used Price: $9.25
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A-Z of Knitting: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Knitter
Every knitting library needs a reference book of techniques. It can be a great help when you want to make up your own patterns or modify an existing one.
Amazon Price: $18.45 (as of 10/10/2008)
Used Price: $15.00
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I Can't Believe I'm Knitting: Updated Edition
We sell more of this book than any other at the shop. It's got great pictures of basic techniques, and some patterns perfect for trying out your new skills.
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 10/10/2008)
Used Price: $5.00
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The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience)
Only know the knit stitch? Then this is the book for you! This well written book of patterns only uses the knit stitch. Yup, it's a "no purl" zone, with patterns great for gently stretching your garmet knitting muscles.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/10/2008)
Used Price: $10.49
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Increasing and Decreasing
Changing the number of stitches on your needle
Knitting Supplies!
aka: Stash in Potential
ebay is such a great resource for cut price knitting supplies. You can find needles, yarn, patterns and accessories to fill out your new stash. Oh, what's a stash? It's all those yarns and stuff that live at your house while you are working on other projects. Some people make it a contest, even. Seriously, I have heard these very words at the shop: "She who dies with the biggest stash wins." I think that pretty much sums it up.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Free Patterns!
can't get much better than free, huh?
- Knitty
- A fabulous source for free patterns, Knitty is a free online magazine. The patterns here are very "now" and the articles are wittily written. (um, is wittily even a word? oh, well) Their pattern archives are defiantely worth a peruse.
- Ravelry
- Kind of like myspace for knitters and crocheters but without all the spammy stuff and with tons more fun stuff. Even though ravelry is still in beta it has tens of thousands of users. You can post your projects, join groups, participate in forums...oh, and search for links for free patterns. Because it's still in the testing stage, you'll need to sign up to receive an e-mail invitation to join. But, it's so worth the wait. You can even look me up as MerryChicky. Feel free to stop by and say hi!
- Lion Brand Yarns
- Lion Brand is one of the most well known names in yarn. They are also becomming famous for their online collection of knitting and crochet patterns. They have a huge seleection with a lot of great beginner patterns for everything from baby things to throw pillows. You must register to view the actual patterns, but it's totally free.
Knitting Blogs
Feel free to indulge in a little yarn envy
- Knitting look so easy
- Knitting look so easy when u do it nitting iz rly hard espshully wen u haz 2 maek a brudda picture: dunno source, via our loldog builder. lol caption: mielikki ยป Recaption This.
- Knitting, talking and dancing
- I told her that, at the risk of her laughing at me, I was going to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. Turns out, she's really keen to learn to knit and while she can't make the Ally Pally think, she might come along to ...
- Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008
- In keeping with the tradition and high standards set this year by the folks that produced the Men's Spring Knitting Retreat 2008, we are excited to present this opportunity for an all male retreat located at the continent's edge at the ...
- Speaking of sales... Twisted's big Fall Sale 'looms'
- Twisted is getting ready to clear out the summer yarns. Their Fall Sale is set for next week, Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 14-19. The email from Emily and Shannon says they'll have 10 percent off select "summer" yarns including:...
Other Ramblings
Mad ravings...er, I mean: Articles written by me about various fiber arts
Hey, thanks for sticking with me all the way to the end. :) If you're in the surfing mood, you can check out other things I've written about knitting and crochet below.
Happy Knitting!
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byStitch N...um, Comment!
Let me know what you think. All feedback welcomed. :)
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happy-jack
I live in Europe, and can not get some Posted May 12, 2008 |
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Nice Lens. I crochet but I've never tried knitting. Your directions are clear and easy to understand. Posted May 07, 2008 |
