I've been looking for a creative hobby for a while. Something to keep my brain occupied, but with the end result being something I can keep and think 'I made that'.
Lots of my friends knit. I visit a few blogs devoted to knitting (or written by friends who post a bit about their knitting projects), and I'm considering taking it up.
Now, this could be fraught with disaster. My grandma tried to teach me at least half a dozen times when I was a child, and I'd pick it up for a bit, forget it, ask her to teach me again, and then make a complete mess, requiring lots of unpicking.
And I've got a history of starting off a project with grand plans, purchasing all the necessary equipment, only to give it up within a week. I could list hundreds of half-cooked projects I've done at some time or another and still have the remnants of.
But knitting is pulling me in. I'm so jealous of what my friends are making, and with Grandma gone and therefore all chance of handmade family-made clothing gone; I'm thinking I should probably do it.
I just want someone to sit and teach me though. If I do this by myself it's going to fall apart, and going off of my mood lately - someone could get killed. Are there classes/group meetings for complete newbies such as myself?
I've heard of 'Stitch n bitch' meetings. A few of my friends go. I'd love to. But I don't want to be the frustrating newbie up the back needing someone to undo her feeble attempts at least once every ten minutes.
Any ideas?
7 comments:
great idea sasch.
A few tips:
- don't let anyone tell you you should start with a scarf. They go on forever, are boring and offer no new skills once you've mastered the basics. Do a hat instead. It's over faster and you'll learn all good stuff like decreasing, shaping etc.
- don't go out and buy a tonne of stuff for a big, grand project. You'll be overwhelmed.
- don't knit with novelty yarn or I'll laugh at you.
- do spend a lot of time on www.knittinghelp.com - great videos.
I'm happy to have a go at teaching you - but given that you'd have to come to Ipswich, and my teaching track record, I'm not sure you'll be keen to take me up on that :-)
Check out the local Spotlight? They often do crafting beginners classes.
Knitting is great once you work it out. It takes a fair while to get comfortable doing it, though, so don't be discouraged if you feel like a unco-ordinated loon for a few weeks. RELAX, understand the technique, try a few different things. You'll take a while to 'get' the needles and how they sit. Deep breaths :-D
I am with Bells on the hints for starting a project Sasch.....novelty yarn is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOo bad for beginners (from someone who began knitting with fluffy wool...GRRRRRRRRRRR).
A hat is pretty easy or even a face washer.
I am happy to sit with you and show you the ropes so to speak with bubs though it would mean a trip to my place (much easier to entertain Jacob with his activity bits).
knittinghelp.com is the best site for when you can't get to a person for help!
It is the most relaxing hobby.
Ok, so girls I picked up a book about knitting - and now I have questions!!!
a) I figure I'm going to have to buy some cheap & dodgy wool to practice on - right? All those pearling and casting offs and what not worried me. What wools should I stick to (for practice and then for hat stuff)
b) I've heard the books by Debbie Bliss are good to use. She also has wool apparently!
c) Knitting needles - what type?
d) Telle - where do you shop in Brisbane?
Thanks girls - and I promise to stay away from the novelty wools!!
a) I figure I'm going to have to buy some cheap & dodgy wool to practice on - right? All those pearling and casting offs and what not worried me. What wools should I stick to (for practice and then for hat stuff)
- Very basic 6 to 8 ply wool would be my recommendation for starting out, 4 ply and smaller (the baby stuff) is a bit fiddly and prone to spliting at times. (Plymouth Cleckheaton Country and Zhivago are great yarns but pricier than Patons which is ok to start on).
b) I've heard the books by Debbie Bliss are good to use. She also has wool apparently!
Never used Bliss yarn or books, though she is supposed to be awesome. My recommendation for a knitting book that is great for beginners is Stitch n Bitch by Debbie Stoller it explains knitting in laymans terms and has easy to follow diagrams. (I am a fan of Sirdar patons they are gorgeous!)
c) Knitting needles - what type?
4mm needles or higher for the moment are good to start. I prefer the nickel plated varitey (though I think Bells is a fan of Bamboo?). The Pony needles are cheap and ok to start with....we will introduce you to the wonders of Addi's and Knit Picks later me thinks! (Mine KPs turned up yesterday and I can't wait to use them!)
d) Telle - where do you shop in Brisbane?
- Sadly I haven't done much yarn shopping in Brissy yet, Spotlight has some basic yarns and some lovely yarns (Zhivago...drool) that are nice starters, I have discovered the Wool Shack and Morris and Sons online but not ordered anything yet, already have UFOs to finish before buying more!
There is a textiles show on at th Ecca this weekend:
http://textileart.com.au/
with yarn stores (sadly I don't think I will make it as I can't justify more yarn right now!)
Hope this helps gorgeous girl!
Chantelle's advice is good. I am very happy to lend you my copy of Stitch and Bitch. It will really be so helpful. It's a great book for beginners. Let me know if you want to borrow it.
Don't use bendy plastic needles. Anything else is fine. Yes 8ply wool on 4mm or 4.5mm needles is good but don't think you have to use crap to practice. If you use something that feels scratchy or ugly, you'll hate it. buy something that feels nice to you. doesn't matter what. Just make it something smooth and soft in a colour you enjoy.
Start by learning just basic garter stitch (see knitting help dot com) and the rest will flow on from there.
Casting on can be hard but again, knitting help should get you going.
And ask more questions!
How's it going? Hope you've been able to practice since the other night - and if you start getting cranky, put it down for a while and then pick it up again after you've had chocolate / wine / or a kiss from your hubby (and try not to take it out on him!!!) As all the others have said, it will be frustrating and you won't get it straight away but as I said the other night, use your left index finger to assist you in pushing it through - helps keep the wool over the needle! Whenever you need a hand give me a buzz!
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