You were right
So, I'm hooked... hooked on knitting, that is (or "yarning" as Jesse likes to call it!). Those of you who said I would enjoy it were right. I stayed up late trying to finish my first simple project last night and even worked on it on the boat this morning while the others were water-skiiing.
I've got all the basics down and would like to find some more simple patterns as the book I have doesn't have very many. Are there any good websites you could recommend for me? I'm going to check out our library at the next available opportunity, but I'm sure there has to be at least some free patterns online as well. So, all you knitters, stand up and tell this newbie about your favorite knitting helps and resources. Does anyone have pictures of things you've knit posted on your blog? I'd love to take a peek!
As an aside, does anyone on here have and use a spinning wheel? I've always wanted to learn how to spin and now that I'm beginning to knit, I'm even more motivated to consider it. Anyone know where I'd even start to look into something like that? I'm pretty clueless as to what all is involved.
posted by Crystal Paine at 11:35 AM
30 Comments:
Dear Crystal, I just learned to knit about two years ago, and I agree that it is a very comfortable and fulfilling hobby. After learning to knit I also became interested in spinning...and I must confess that I enjoy spinning even more than knitting! I ended up purchasing a Kromski Prelude wheel (New Voyager is the distributor in the US)because it is very well made for a great price (and because I prefer the traditional models that Kromski makes). I took a spinning class at a local yarn shop (it may take awhile to get the hang of it, but then it all clicks- like riding a bike). A long-time friend, Jeanne Hubbard, sells great spinning fibers at www.simplemarketfarms.com . She specializes in spinning with a spindle and sells those as well (great price and value- I have one of these too and enjoy spindling also) Once you start spinning though, you better watch out because then you'll want to dye your own fiber...then grow your own plant dyes...then...(you get my idea) Best wishes! Diana
Hi,
I just got hooked on knitting too -- I blame my mother in law! :-) If she did not knit so beautifully I would not have had to learn too. Same thing happened with quilting!
I don't know anything about spinning, but like you I am intrigued.
As for knitting, I have kit my 14 month old a sweater out of a Debbie Bliss book (although I did not use the expensive yarn she recommended, but picked out one with the same guage), and it turned out great! I just read through her book for an easy pattern, and it worked. I was so proud!
If you do decide to knit for your daughter I recommend going a size up, just in case your gauge ends up being smaller, or it shrinks, or it takes a while and she has a growth spurt! Besides, a big sweater can always be layered up and sleeves folded up!
Happy knitting!
Kristy
P.S. I tried one download pattern and it did not work, the sleeves were too long, and the body too small, so I don't have any web sites to recommend.
I just learned to knit this year. I've completed (drumroll please) one dishcloth. But started many other things - only to mess up and take it all apart.
One book that I love is called Teach Yourself Visually Knitting. Each chaper teaches a skill, then gives projects that help you practice it. Each chapter builds on the last. And as the title says, there are lots of pictures.
Well, you've inspired me to go get my needles and knit - even if I don't actually make anything!
Hi Crystal,
I don't have any ideas on knitting patterns...(I'm hoping to learn myself here pretty soon, so I'll enjoy seeing what patterns people suggest, for future reference.) However, in regards to the spinning wheel...My mom got a Majacraft a few years ago (http://www.majacraft.co.nz/rose/rose.html) and likes it as far as I know. She was a beginning spinner, and it worked well for her.
Hi Crystal~
Another knitting convert! I'm getting ready to knit some things for the little one on the way. I have a couple of sites I like to go to that have free patterns and also varying degrees of difficulty.
www.knittingpatterncentral.com
www.lionbrand.com
I hope that both of those will provide you with some ideas.
Happy Knitting,
Sommer
I've seen some great knitting photos and references here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rene/
Along with Sommer's idea, there's a Crochet Pattern Central for those of us who like holding only 1 think in our hands. :)
www.crochetpatterncentral.com
Hi Crystal,
I like www.knittingpureandsimple.com for patterns, they are simple and beautiful. The children's poncho is especially easy and fun. If I were you I would peruse knitting books and select one that shows EACH and EVERY possible stitch in clear pictures, then you will be set if you need to refer back to figure out a stitch. I also heartily recommend Denise knitting needles! They are a money saver in the longrun if you really take to knitting. Another tip- if you want to save the things you knit spend a little bit more money on yarn and get wools, and cottons. They now have washable wool yarns and it is very durable and warm and won't get all pilly like acrylics. The Lion yarn website also has many free patterns www.lionbrand.com
Hope that helps!
Sarah
Did you teach yourself??
I've been TRYING to learn for about 2 years, but just can't make much sense out of a book showing you how. *sigh*
I'm pretty sure I'd get 'hooked' too. :)
Hello! I wanted to tell you that I just posted pictures of my current knitting project on my blog!
http://kittenwhiskers.blogspot.com/
~Flibby
Crystal~
I subscribe to your blog thru bloglines, and I enjoy it very much! I have a Christian knitting blog: www.faraboverubies31.blogspot.com
I journal my knitting projects and sometimes other things. I have a page with free pattern links (look on my sidebar for "Ton 'o patterns"). Also on my sidebar is a link to my Wists page that has links to patterns I like with a photo preview. Enjoy!
Have you ever tried crochet? I crocheted a blanket over Christmas break one year. It's pretty fun as well (and easier I think) :)
-Amy Jones
Hi Crystal,
We are avid knitters around here! One of my favorite websites is this one:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/
They have videos! For me, to see the stitch being done by someone is far more helpful than reading it out of a book or looking at a picture. I need to see it being done to 'get it'. I have also made a baby sweater from the pattern on this site. It's very simple and good for an intermediate/beginner. Keep us updated on your progress! I always enjoy chatting about knitting!
Happy Knitting!
Crystal, I just recently started knitting...haven't completed a project yet but am determined to finish this dishcloth before the weekend! I can't say I'm completely hooked; if I stopped adding/dropping stitches maybe I'd feel a little better about it. I think I just need more practice.
Here are some websites for beginning knitters:
http://www.allcrafts.net/crochetknit.htm
and this one is a video (I haven't seen it because we have dial-up)so I can't recommend it:
http://www.fiberartshop.com/knclbg.htm
And this site from the yarn esp made for dishclothes:
http://www.sugarncream.com/
Also, I recently put the Mason-Dixon Knitting book on my sidebar and mentioned this knit-a-long blog that members share pictures of their finished works. The ballband dishcloth I'm making now came from this site:
http://www.masondixonkal.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on learning to knit! Isn't it a wonderful hobby? Productive, rewarding, and fun!
I don't know about beginner patterns (I just learned what I could from various sources as I went along on more advanced patterns), but once you're up to a substantial project, I also recommend Knitting Pure and Simple. Their patterns are exactly that, pure, simple, uncomplicated. I also will endorse KnittingHelp.com -- that site is so important to me that it's on my navigation bar in Netscape! Another great source of instruction, inspiration, and encouragement for me on my knitting journey have been KnitBlogs, blogs specifically devoted to knitting. If you're interested, you can search for the KnitBlogs Webring, and from there you'll find hundreds of such blogs.
For inexpensive quality yarn (merino wool, cotton, etc) I heartily suggest Knit Picks (www.knitpicks.com). I have always been more than satisfied with the quality and price of their yarn. HandKnitting.com offers yarn at discount prices, but I've never bought from them, so I can't speak to the quality of their product. Elann (www.elann.com) is another option for inexpensive yarn, although you have to look harder for yarn that isn't some kind of frou-frou novelty. (I much prefer Knit Picks.)
If you have the time and the desire, I also recommend eBay. One can find great yarn for great prices if one just takes the time to search for it. (For example, the seller foiled48 sells some great New Zealand wool in all weights.)
OOO, I'm so excited, another knitter! I hope we get to see pictures of your finished projects! (Called FO's [Finished Objects] in the KnitBlog world :])
~Molly M.~
I don't know how to knit...YET! But I do crochet, and I LOVE it.
In fact I have a picture up on my blog of my recent project.
http://highergroundtoday.blogspot.com/
There are tons of patterns online, and several places that have 'how to', I'm sure there are a bunch for knitting too!
I take my crocheting with me everywhere I go.
Dear Crystal -
After ages of lurking, and enjoying, I simply had to respond to your latest post. My maternal grandmother taught me to knit when I was about 4 or 5...worsted weight yarn on big needles, but I really got addicted about the age of 12. Since then I ALWAYS have several projects on the go. Sweaters, socks, hats, scarfs, mittens and of course, blankets. This is my favorite "baby" blanket pattern.
Cast on 4 stitches.
Knit 2, Yarn over, Knit to end of row.
Repeat until one side of blanket, from "start point" to needle is equal to the measurement you want for the finished blanket Baby blankets I usually go for 32" to 36". At this stage it will look like a triangle. Now for the decreases - Knit 1, Knit 2 together, Yarn Over, Knit 2 together, Knit to end of row.
Repeat until only 4 stitches remain, bind off and finish ends. This blanket has a wonderful drape and the yarn overs create a pretty edge. I've done this in worsted weight on size 8s, two strands of "baby" yarn on 10s; and two strands of sport yarn on size 13s. Depends on how you knit, how cold it is where the baby lives and what yarns you want to use. Largest one I ever made was 5' square as a 1st anniversary gift for my little brother and his wife. Wishing you happy knitting...Lucretia
I'm glad you've found the joy of knitting!
I agree with others that it is difficult to learn how to knit from a book - having someone show you is probably the easiest way to learn.
I'm sure everyone would love to see any finished projects of yours Crystal.
[another] Diana (in Australia)
I have a Kromski Polinaise, and I'm very happy with it. I like the more old-fashioned look, and as I'm not into really bulky yarn . . .
Berroco has a lot of free patterns. I've been pretty happy with the one sweater I've made from their patterns, though the sleeves would have been a bit floppy if I hadn't decreased somewhat as I knitted towards the cuff. http://www.berroco.com/pattern_library.html
www.knitpicks.com is another place we like to buy yarn, and they also have free patterns on their site.
Crystal, my first project was a scarf out of the book Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick. I later made a hat out of that same book. Even though it's geared toward kids, I found it to be helpful to a beginner -- the patterns aren't too intimidating and everything is explained.
Definitely check your library for other knitting books... sometimes just browsing all of those photos will give you inspiration.
As far as spinning goes, I would look for a local fiber arts store and ask about lessons there.
One of the places that I go for patterns is the library.
I can preview books before buying and decide if they're worth it. Some of my favorite online patterns are www.michaels.com, www.joann.com, www.yarnmarket.com, www.patons.com., www.coatsandclark.com, and www.knitpicks.com
Nelle's mother spins, Crystal. If you'd like to get in contact with her, drop me an e-mail and I'd be happy to pass on her e-mail address.
Crystal, I'm not a knitter but my mom has been ever since I can remember. (Her favorite line is "Wait until I'm finished with my row!") Now, she mostly makes baby blankets for friends. About 6 years ago, we were about to move and my mom had a whole trunk of yarn that we couldn't bring with us. She set about to knitting and used it all up making 13 baby blankets, which she then donated to a local orphanage. She has also made trivets and potholders to give out as housewarming and thank you gifts. When I was little, she would make matching sweaters for me and my dolls - which I loved. :-) Those are just some ideas if you are able to find patterns!
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/Chronicle/excerpt/0811835332-e2.html
These mittens are from the knit knack kit and the project I'm currently working on.
I've made one pair and I'm working on another pair in a different color. Fun and easy.
Don't forget to check out the angel hair yarn from JoAnn Fabrics.
As some have said, crochet is also a lot of fun...and it is easier! However, I do both and often feel more like one than the other. If you were able to teach yourself how to knit, then you should be able to work crochet out as well. My mom taught me to crochet when I was very young (maybe 5 or 6) and then just this year I taught myself how to knit. So far all I have made are crochet baby blankets and knitted dish rags. The dish rag pattern I got from:
http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/kpatterns/knitting.html
Have fun!
I taught myself to knit 3 years ago, from a Leisure Arts "Teach Yourself to Knit" book. Something you can do to learn stitches and practice on is dish/wash/face cloths, but be careful - they're very addictive! Just about all of my favorite knitting websites have already been posted (KnittingHelp.com and http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/ are my top two favorites), so I'll just do one more, a Yahoo group called Knitting Novices: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KnittingNovices/
Enjoy your new hobby!
Crystal,
I am so glad you found the joy of knitting. My grandmother taught me when I was 8 yo. Shortly before she passed away she gave me all her knitting needles and patterns. They are very precious to me as many of the patterns have notes in her beautiful handwritting with dates, adjusts, etc.
I am a mother of an active 2 yo daugther and I find knitting to be relaxing. Plus it is portable so if Abigail is playing outside I can bring my knitting outside with me. Many afternoons you can find me knitting & listening to books on tapes while my daughter naps. :)
Back to your question. There are loads and loads of free patterns on the internet:
Bev's Country Cottage (all free)http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/
Frugal Knitting Haus (all free)
http://www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/freepats.asp
Little Turtle Knits (free & buy)
http://littlturtleknits.com
This mama is a Christian WAHM. It's always nice to suppor them. :)
As you learn more about knitting you might find this site helpful:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/
I use it myself b/c I am a visual learner and there are video clips that you can play over and over again.
Make sure you post pictures of finished knitting projects on your blog. I am sure we would all love to see them.
Congratulations on learning to knit! I find that it is a very fulfilling hobby that also causes me to be productive rather than sitting idle. I have also found that keeping a blog journal of my current knitting projects keeps me focused so I do not branch out too far on too may projects before I finish my initial project.
For patterns, www.knitty.com has tons of free patterns...just click on "archives" to view patterns listed by type.
As for knitting skills, when I was learning to knit I found The Knitter's Bible to be very helpful. It includes virtually all of the skills you will need for knitting and includes a project for each. Whenever I need to learn something new or to refresh my memory it is the first reference I turn to. It also contains a stitch library with a great variety of patterns.
Hi Crystal,
The best place I've found for free knitting patterns is www.knitty.com
They put out a new "issue" 4 times a year on the internet and all the back "issues" are available in the archives. www.knitrowan.com is great but expensive. My favorite knitting magazine is Interweave Knits for about $21 a year it has great patterns without a whole lot of ads. (They just did 2 issues on knitted lace, fantastic!! and it's not as hard as it looks) It's available at www.interweave.com. Interweave also has a spinning magazine and many others including weaving, which I do some of that too. www.kyarns.com has good yarn from what I can tell at decent prices and if you sign up for their email you get more discounts. Even WalMart has some good yarns. I don't know if you have a Hobby Lobby where you live, but they sell "Yarn Bee" yarn. Nice stuff. The lady who gave the pattern for the baby blanket had a great idea, I use the same pattern but make it much smaller (only about 40 stitches or so) and use it as dish cloths. Make sure you use cotton yarn if you do this for dish cloths.
Have fun with your new hobby.
Chelsea
I second the Debbie Bliss books but have never used the yarn suggested as it is always expensive. One of her books has simple projects for young children and another goes through the basics of various types of stitches e.g. cable and fair isle as well as some very easy projects.
I find knitting very relaxing and prefer to knit easy projects to relax. The books have some lovely, easy sweaters for children.
Annaelisabeth
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