I still consider myself relatively new to the whole world of yarn. I taught myself to crochet just over 2 years ago and I am still learning.
But I felt the urge to learn something new. A challenge. Something to keep the ol' cerebral pistons and cogs turning and stop the rust from taking hold. Feeling reassured by the whole adventures-in-yarn so far, I decided knitting would be the way to go.
Knitting?
I recall that childhood memory of squeaky yarn on needles and triangle-shaped pieces of 'knitting', no matter how hard I tried to make rectangles.
But I had been reassured by the well-lush ShabbyChicSarah (on our recent Instagrannies knit-and-stitch meet-up) that I would, indeed be able to knit. Sarah told me matter-of-fact that not only would I be able to knit, but that I would love it.
Game on, I thought.
And so, armed with some freebie needles (thanks to the also well-lush County Rose) and a book (see below) I began my knitty journey:
Lesson 1: Casting on
Hey, I can do it!
Lesson 2: Making the knit stitch
Oh, blinkin' 'eck! MAJOR disaster.
This is actually terrible. I felt a terrible sense of doom and disappointment.
(Naturally I blamed the glass(es) of wine which accompanied me on this lesson.)
Lesson 3: Try again with bigger needles, chunkier yarn and TEA, not wine.
Ahhh, a bit more successfull and I have something which actually resembles knitting.
A bit more and I'm trying the purl stitch too.
Buoyed by my new-found yarn-confidence, I try this:
And this:
And this:
And I feel genuinely chuffed with my efforts.
I don't really know what to make for real yet; I'm searching out Ravelry and Pinterest for something very easy to get me started (any suggestions gladly appreciated) but I'm really pleased that I've tried.
It may come to nothing and I may decide that it's not really for me, but who knows, eh?
Have a great week!
Xx
PS the book I learned to crochet with was this:
'Stitch and Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker' by Debbie Stoller:
And for knitting:
'Stitch and Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook' also by Debbie Stoller
I would recommend them both! And I bought them from Amazon.
X
Posted with Blogsy
Well done, your knitting looks fab - I'm sure you'll be sipping that wine whilst clicking your needles with no problems soon! I'd recommend Erica Knight's cabled wristwarmers - they are sooo quick and easy, with super-chunky yarn.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Xx
I am so proud and happy for you. I am a knitter and a crocheter and you can love both. Somethings just scream crochet and somethings scream knitting. You can do both and and by the looks of it you are doing a great job. I suggest several different dishcloths. Short easy projects to help you feel comfortable with the needles in your hands. My favorite book is The Knitting Experience by Sally Melville. She has a whole series out but she really helps take you from a beginner to making things you will love.
ReplyDeleteHooray for you!
Meredith
Hey...get you! Not only do you begin knitting, but then you are doing cables too? Very bloody impressive!
ReplyDeleteHi !...good job,I had try many times and I just can't knit.May be I might need a little more time and to be patience .....you did good.I guess I may have to buy your book for knitting.I'll go to Amazon to see it.
ReplyDeleteThanks and have a great week.
Luna
You're doing intarsia already!?!?!?!?! You must be a natural! x
ReplyDeleteWell done! You're going great guns with your knitting.
ReplyDeleteI love Debbie Stoller, she taught me to knit too. She has a group on Ravelry, you should check it out. Citizens of Stitch Nation. Great jog with all of the stitches.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new skill! You're doing great so far :-) I tried once recently and gave up; mine looked awful! It'll be awhile before I try again. But I love yours; great job!
ReplyDeleteYou clever old tart. Right, sorry been so quiet and not in touch. The Prince and I were poorly. Nasty illnesses now healing. I suggest lunch at our usual hang out soon and you can show me all this. Happy to do with or without the bairns in next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteBig love and really miss you, been way too long.
Also, fancy night out, if Debs is up for it? x x x x x x x
Wow! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI made the move from knitting to crochet because I think it's easier but you're doing so well!
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/
Just knit when and if it makes you happy and if there is something you want to make - no big commitment necessary! Hats are good to start with, or mittens (fingerless or usual kind with thumbs), scarves, shawlettes. Learn as you go. There is heaps to know in knitting and you will always encounter something new, when you do, just look it up and do it! It's all basically made up of knit and purl. If you can do those then you can do anything. The only other important thing is tension and patience - don't make a woolly jumper or blanket if you don't have so much, stick to smaller but lovely items.
ReplyDeleteIt's all good, crochet, knitting, sewing. So much fun and different textures and results with each. It's all manageable and doable if you want to.
Your knitting looks lovely and neat by the way. You did the right thing practising before starting to make a 'thing'. Now just choose the thing you would like to make and just do it - Ravelry people will help if you get stuck, but I bet your book has the answer anyway as it's a good one.
Look at you go! Your swatches are impressive. I'm learning too, although I haven't made it past a dishcloth. I would so love to make socks. I really need to practice fixing dropped stitches. I wish you could just unravel like in crochet!
ReplyDeleteI also just bought the Stitch n Bitch knitting book. I have learned so much from it already!
You are doing wonderful!!! I learned to crochet when I was 6 or 7 and to omit about 10-12 years ago... And now I cannot choose ... When I go too long doing just one of them I miss the other :) most days I do a bit of crochet and knitting ... That really makes me happy. You are dng wonderful and I suggest to start with a scarf... You can never have too many scarves :) hope you have lots of fun learning :)
ReplyDeleteI think you've got it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEach picture showed something with more skill and more confidence.
Well done.
The sky is the limit now. We expect great things from now on.......
Have lots of fun as you explore this new skill. What's next on the list of skills you want to achieve?
Your knitting looks so good, at the moment I am most of the time crocheting, but I wouldn't mind to try knitting more and learn something new like that heart :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week!
Lluisa x
good results!!! keep going!!! ;oD
ReplyDeletexxxx Alessandra
Check out that knitting!!! VERY impressive indeed!!! You must have a natural GIFT for the art of knitting as well as crochet! :-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you next knitting project will be......
Carly
x
You go girl! GREAT job. I am an instructor over at craftsy.com and have a Classic Cabled Cowl Workshop if you are interested. http://www.craftsy.com/ext/SZ_Cowl
ReplyDeleteI also have a pattern shops with beginner patterns and beyond.
Visit my Ravelry store here http://www.ravelry.com/stores/creative-design
Craftsy pattern store is here http://www.craftsy.com/user/25217/pattern-store
My Patternfish store is here http://www.patternfish.com/shop
You can follow my blog here http://sheilazachariae.blogspot.com
Best,
Sheila
Oh good grief woman, you're a natural!!! I love your dear little hearts.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I can't recommend a pattern - I can't knit for toffee. Maybe one day ...
Hxx
Well done on your knitting. Once you've mastered the knit and purl there's no end to what you can create.
ReplyDeleteAs somebody who does both, welcome to the club :)
Well done you on mastering the knitting. Your stitches look really neat. Looking forward to seeing your first project - completed, x
ReplyDeleteHi there ,
ReplyDeleteI have an award for you . When u have some time
Just go check it out :) I live your blog:)
Your knitting is fabulous. Well done. I suggest big chunky needles and a ball of chunky wool and knit a cowl - just sew it up at end. Easy xx
ReplyDeleteChosen as BEST BLOG!...you can see my Top 10 list here... http://chimichurritejidos.blogspot.com.ar/2013/02/mis-10-best-blogs.html
ReplyDeleteKisses
Ana
Bloomin' heck! That's amazing! I recall my mother's attempts to teach me to knit. I wasn't very good at it and she was a cow of a teacher. My father ended up teaching me and I must admit, I am not bad at it, but I discovered quilting a couple of years ago and that has been my go-to craft ever since. However, I feel inspired by your efforts and should drag out some yarn and do some stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
Excellent skills
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed! My knitting only goes as far as knit stitch or purl stitch. Or alternating the two!
ReplyDeleteChunky needles and thick wool are a godsend, and yes - tea instead of wine! :)
Enjoy the 'sticks' they have a place right alongside the hooks.
ReplyDeleteYour first attempts are gorgeous. Love that you have played with some different techniques already.
What a fun blog...enjoyed browsing!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAward for you round my gaff but don't worry if you can't be arsed.
ReplyDeletex xx x x x x
Missed this! Well done!! Cables already!!
ReplyDeletePattern recommendations. It depends what you fancy knitting but Stephen West's Boneyard Shawl is great for a first project.
Happy knitting :)
I love how you've said what you've done each 'lesson' - really helpful for beginners not knowing where to start!
ReplyDeleteAs for a really easy knitting project - check out my moss stitch scarf pattern here: http://creativelyinclinedways.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/emilys-easy-scarf.html
It can also be found (free!) on Ravelry!
It's an easy scarf that alternates from purl and knit and is a great project for those wanting to practice their knit and purl :)
The pictures don't show the scarf in all it's glory, but it's super soft and quite light, and bumpy to the touch.
I hope you get a chance to make it!
Fabulous progress with your knitting! Well done! Laura x
ReplyDelete