Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting!
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: $10.04 (as of 12/30/2009) 
Used Price: $6.25
Usually ships in 24 hours
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: $12.20 (as of 12/30/2009)
Used Price: $9.14
Usually ships in 24 hours
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 12/30/2009)
Used Price: $16.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
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 12/30/2009)
Used Price: $62.17
Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks
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 12/30/2009)
Used Price: $10.25
Usually ships in 24 hours
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
- Coffee and Tea Gals: Knitting Diplomacy
- I always have some knitting with me. Usually it's the "no-brainer" knitting project, something I can work out without having to look at it much, something easy to remember (no looking at the pattern). Usually it's a scarf. ...
- Patterns and Articles About Knitting From the Knitting Magazine
- During the 17th and 18th century, the Scottish Isles main occupation was knitting. Colorful patterns were made by using Fair Isle technique. The Indus.
- Needles and Things: Travel Knitting
- I have not talked about travel knitting yet. Yes there was travel knitting, though not nearly so much as I thought there would be. I am, it seems, an inordinately good sleeper when flying. There were many times, where I'd wake up and ...
- Welcome to WoolWinders: A Knitting Salon: SCHAEFER KIT DAY!
- Winter provides an opportunity to get back to your own knitting and crocheting! Enough of the selfless gift giving. Take a deep breath and join us this winter for the Saturday Knitalongs and/or our shorter Sunday in the Salon programs. ...
Stitch N...um, Comment!
Let me know what you think. All feedback welcomed. :)
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- MerryM MerryM Nov 7, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
- Thanks for the kind comments, I'm glad you liked my lenses! Good luck on your knitting adventure. It can get quite addictive. :) [in reply to Tiddledeewinks]
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- Tiddledeewinks Tiddledeewinks Nov 7, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
- I'll be coming back as I have a scarf I didn't know how to finish off. A girl way back in my junior high days showed me how to knit during English class! I don't have relatives that knit. I self taught myself to crochet, but never really got too far. My daughter (Eelkat on Squidoo) taught herself to crochet. I love all things handmade and used to sew a lot. I like knitting I think better than crochet. 5 star lens and thanks for the info.
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- MerryM MerryM Oct 30, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
- thanks, I'm glad it inspired! [in reply to kmax]
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- kmax kmax Oct 30, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
- I've been wanting to learn to knit, and your lens inspires me! You've done a great job. Thank you.
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- Susan52 Susan52 Oct 10, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
- Nice lens, very well done! Winter is coming, I'm cold, need to learn to knit - fast!
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by MerryM
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