Whenever I meet someone new, I often don’t like them. There are exceptions, of course, but in general, I don’t like new people. I have to get to know them first. It’s good that I finally know this about myself– that given some time and conversation it’s quite possible that I will really love someone. Case in point: one of my bridesmaids was someone I REALLY did not like initially. When I was younger this was a big problem for me. I made quite a few enemies just because I wasn’t self-aware enough yet to get that if I just spent some time relaxing a bit and talking… we could be friends. Good friends.
Well… for some reason… I’m thinking about this fact as it relates to trying something new and crafty. Knitting. I had asked my Mom (who is not a knitter but has a good friend who is and who works at a yarn shop) for needles, yarn and a first how-to book for Christmas. Yesterday, March 26, I finally sat down to try it, after seeing this dress on Etsy. The book my Mom gave me is lovely and lays out all sorts of what I presume is very useful information, but I have issues with reading instructions in any sort of linear way. (Are you getting some insight here on how difficult it might be for Adrianna to keep up with my rambling in real life?) So I skip to page 59 where it talks about casting on. And I try it. Somewhere between step 3 and 4… I am missing something. Which is pretty good, for me. Usually when it comes to knots or stitches I’m lost by step 2.
Yes, one would think that there should be some knitting-in-progress in this photo. Sadly, I did not get that far.
So, because I decided to try this at around 10 pm (woo hoo! wild Friday night!), I decided that:
1) Maybe I should try new things a bit earlier in the day.
2) Maybe I should look up some YouTube videos about it.
3) Maybe I should read the first 58 pages before I start on page 59.
4) Maybe I should use the needles as part of a collage project if the knitting doesn’t work out.
5) Maybe the needles would make nice hair sticks.
6) Maybe I should put the needles up high when I’m not using them because K will likely pretend they are swords and jab her baby sister in the eye.
Any suggestions on site with good getting started videos online? Because I don’t like it… yet. But maybe I’ll have a sweater for a bridesmaid someday.
If you you-tube “L’Atelier Tricot by Phildar”, you should find some handy videos! If you need some translation, ask away (it’s in french) Good luck!
I learned to knit via youtube this winter. “Knitting by Judy” was very clear and concise. There are tons of people to choose from. Good luck.
Some friends showed me this website: http://www.knittinghelp.com/ The videos are easy to follow, make sense, and make it seem doable. (I say “make it seem doable” because I haven’t actually started knitting yet. Just interested in it, I did a bit of research.)
definitely knittinghelp.com. I started knitting about 5 years ago and am still going back to that website for any questions etc. If you have any knitting stores in your area I have found that they are usually really helpful too.
I tought myself over a year ago with videos on youtube and knittinghelp.com as well. Also the thing that made a huge difference for me was starting out on a pair of circular knitting needles I love the Addi knitting kneedles they are a little more, but they are very faithful :) For some reason me and straight needles and bamboo did not get along. To this day I have yet to use straight needles and I knit all sorts of items. Good luck and dont give up it is truly a fun hobby :)
ok first of all…LOVE your blog name..it made me smile. gonna be a new follower!!
I’m the same way, the best friends in my life had been girls I didn’t like at first.
most yarn shops have private lessons – and you tube. watch different ppl to learn different cast on methods to see what works best for you.
definitely try different things – different yarns act differently (natural fibers vary from synthetic vary from combined blends)
different needles slide the yarn (metal slides while bamboo tend to catch natural fibers and slide synthetic)
…. they all have a different feel when you combine different yarns and needles.
just like with fabrics – experiment a lot to find what you like best.
and patience. I learned to sew because knitting took so darn long and I wanted results right away :)
Omgosh, you have to pick up a copy of “Stitch N Bitch”, it’s how I learned to knit. The way she describes the steps, & the pictures that go along with them, SO EASY! I swear by it! (I too am directionally challenged when reading boring directions) Just get the first one, she’s come out with sequels but the 1st is all you need.
Self taught knitter here who learned from knittinghelp.com. (although my mom has always knitted, I never asked her to teach me). I have only been knitting for 1 1/2 years and started with a scarf, very simple. then moved to a simple hat on circular needles. Don’t be afraid to pull your stitches out and start again…the best way to learn is by doing (over and over again sometimes!). Also, if there is a senior center near you, ask if anyone would like to help teach a new knitter…usually they like to help pass on the craft.
Hey, wait…..I was one of your bridesmaids.
I just read this post. How has the knitting progressed? The most I’ve done are some scarves and I made a hat for my mom. My cousin picked up needles one day and the next month was making baby sleepers and all sorts of other amazing things.