| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| HeirloomMomma |
Posted - Jul 18 2011 : 2:33:50 PM
For many years I have wanted to learn to knit. I actually did learn to knit when I was about 11 years old from an elderly pastor's wife who lived in the small town where I grew up. I made a pair of bedroom slippers. :) However, I didn't continue so I have lost the knowledge.
I am now 50, and I really want to learn how. I bought a skein of yarn and two sizes of inexpensive knitting needles, and I have bookmarked several videos on youtube to teach me how.
Do you ladies think I can do it?? I think I just need a few words of encouragement!
Thanks one and all! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 1:02:16 PM
Kirsten, stocking stitch is knit one row, purl one row. (st st) Garter stitch is knit every row. You should be able to crochet a border and it will lay flat. To knit with a simple border - For example: Do say, 5 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) for your bottom border. Then knit the first 5 stitches pm (place a marker) knit across to the last 5 stitches, pm, knit the last five stitches. The next row, knit 5, purl across, knit 5. The next row knit across all stitches. Then alternate between these two rows and you will have a piece with a garter stitch border that won't roll. On the final end, just knit another 5 rows of garter stitch before binding off. Does that help? This works well for knitting a scarf as well.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran
http://farmsteadfripperies.blogspot.com/ |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 11:48:50 AM
Sheri, I have no idea what those stitches are so I will look them up. But I am already more than halfway done. I'll just have to figure out what to do. I am planning on crocheting all the panels together and maybe crocheting around the edges so that might make it lay flat then.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 9:59:33 PM
Kirstin, stocking stitch will roll without a border stitch. When I do blankets, I do several rows of garter stitch (knit every row) as a border and then do the same number of stitches on each end of the row in garter stitch with the stocking stitch in the center. This will prevent the edges from rolling like that. You could also use seed stitch as a nice border as well.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran
http://farmsteadfripperies.blogspot.com/ |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 4:13:09 PM
I just learned to knit recently too. I am loving it.
I have a question. I am knitting a small blanket and I am noticing when I knit a row then purl a row, the sides and bottom are curling alot. What am I doinf? The other 2 are not doing that with the plain knit stitch and purl stitch, Just wondering. Maybe I have it too tight?
Jonni, a newborn? Do we need to know something?
Happiness is simple. |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 1:45:07 PM
I really thought I'd posted on this thread...no, one is never too old. I'm 38 and just started knitting not too many years ago. I love it, but I do wish I had more time (and that my hands were less cramped from typing on the computer all day...numb fingers do NOT help you knit better, just an fyi :))...I took one class that taught me to knit and pearl and the rest I have taught myself. I found that there are some knitting tutorials on youtube that are really helpful, and if I'm stumped, I'll take my project and head over to the knitting shop and have someone help me there.
I am currently knitting 2 hats--one for my wee girl, and one for a newborn. I always think I'll make someone something wonderful for Christmas, but I just never have the time. Working full time, and being a mom to a toddler cuts into creativity :)
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| Cherime |
Posted - Oct 20 2011 : 08:51:01 AM
Have not knitted anything in years, picked it up again to do a ribbing on a crochet slouch hat, got ribbing done and now will have to go on the internet to find out how to flex bind off again. This is a riot I am having a good laugh over this one.
CMF |
| Cherime |
Posted - Oct 19 2011 : 2:41:54 PM
You go girl!!!!
CMF |
| Nana Shirl |
Posted - Oct 19 2011 : 2:14:15 PM
Kudos to you!!! I too am trying n I almost gave up...but having read about y'all...I am going to keep after it till I get it!!Blessings girls n thanks so much for perseverance..I can do this ..I can do this..
You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~C.S. Lewis |
| sweettea |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 6:32:27 PM
You're never too old Linda! I'm 54 and I'm teaching myself how to tat. I also picked up knitting and crocheting a couple years ago after 40 years or so of not utilizing those skills. I began learning to play the guitar three years ago. I know you'll love it and you will be knitting socks, sweaters and slippers for everyone in no time!
"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein |
| HollyG |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 7:35:36 PM
My theory is unless you're dead, you're never too old to learn anything! 50 is far from dead and I applauded you for doing something you have always wanted to do. You inspire me! Good luck and post a picture of your accomplishments. I would love to see them!
HollyG
Farmgirl #2513
www.mydeepwoodslife.com |
| texdane |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 06:24:46 AM
Linda,
I teach knitting for my Parks and Rec here in my town. Two word answer for you darlin': HEAVENS NO! I have taught women who have never picked up needles who are older than that. Never too old to learn anything, especially something wonderful like knitting. Funny to see this post today....check out my blog this week...I mention someone who just learned to knit two years ago and now owns a yarn store. YOU GO GIRL!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| emtfarmer |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 8:06:02 PM
Too old??  no, no, no, no, no, no. And it sounds like you've got a good start. I didn't start to experiment with crocheting and knitting until the last couple of years. I've made many simple scarves; I'm just now trying to step out of my comfort zone and try something more challenging.
At 53 years old, I try to eliminate the term "too old" from my vocabulary. Now, I DID tell someone once that I was just "chronologically challenged".
Have fun!
Darlene
"Support your local fire departments and rescue squads...volunteers making a difference" |
| Terre |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 5:53:51 PM
Hi Linda,
You're never too old! I'm older than you and I'm also learning. I started last Fall and then thought it took too much time away from other things I like to do such as quilting. However, then I had some little hints of arthritis in my fingers and found that the knitting seems to be actually helping my fingers feel better. I even took a small pair of plastic knitting needles with me on the airplane recently and really enjoyed the time for knitting. So enjoy---and also check out the YouTube videos. I've found some really helpful ones. Helps to have your knitting right there so you can pause, practice, rewind, etc. I recently did this in trying to learn the correct way for binding off. Hope you have fun.
Be true in heart. |
| tammyknit |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 5:28:59 PM
I was a crocheter for years in my 20s and 30s, but about 6 yrs ago I decided to teach myself to knit. I figured out scarves, then found an easy mitten pattern and made lots of mittens and hats. I was watching an HGTV knitting show one morning that was about knitting socks, so I printed off those directions.....and have made LOTS of socks. I still use that basic pattern as a travel project, soccer games and softball games go faster with socks on the needles. Amazing how fast you knit when your team is losing:) About 3 yrs ago our local yarn shop taught a class called the Great American Afghan and that really took my skills up a notch. I have started the first block in the Great American Aran Afghan now and still love knitting. My biggest regret is that there is no group in the town where I live to get together and knit..
Tammy |
| SarahJ |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 09:01:43 AM
Hey Linda,
I've been teaching myself to knit out of a book, and after a couple of disasterous attempts, I dropped by my local yarn shop for inspriation. One of the owners, after hearing about my calamity, sat me down right then and taught me more in 5 minutes than I learned in the three days of puzzling over the book. A day and a half later, I finished my first scarf, and took it back so she could teach me to bind off. If you have a local yarn shop, I encourage you to visit, because it helped me tremendously!!!
SarahJ
Farmgirl Sister #116
http://bayoumama.wordpress.com/ |
| barnagainkristin |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 8:51:47 PM
Linda,
Oh my goodness... 50 is not too old nor is 100. You will do great and be hooked soon. I was thinking as long as you have your vision and use of your hands you can knit. I took my mother in law to the blind center and met a woman who was totally blind who knit beautifully. I guess all you really need is the will to knit. Best Wishes with your new skill.
barnagainkristin
"Others Before Self" |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 8:20:48 PM
Happy Dance just for you, Linda!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 5:15:06 PM
Yay Linda!!!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| HeirloomMomma |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 4:48:17 PM
Ladies, you have fed my soul with encouragement and kindess.
I watched several youtube videos today and began knitting!!!!!!!!!!!! I only have two little rows done, but tomorrow I will sit in front of the air-conditioner, as it is going to be sweltering heat here tomorrow, and I will KNIT.
Thank you so much!
I will post my progress.
In Sisterhood,
Linda
http://hoovershomesteadhappenings.blogspot.com
"Leap and the net will appear." |
| SantaTeresita |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 11:49:07 AM
Linda,
I would like to tell you honestly that you are never too old to learn and never too old to a new adventure. I was one of those crocheters who always wanted to learn but each time I tried something didn't go right. So I had convinced myself that I couldn't do it. But 5 years ago this month I decided to take a class for learning to knit that just so happened to be right on the day of my birthday. Maybe it was just good luck and having a good instructor this time around. But I did learn this time.
Let me tell you that the regret is not in learning to knit. IT is in not learning sooner. Oh, I still crochet of course but knitting has its own magic as well. I've been loving knitting and continue to learn something more each year.
Don't feel ever like it is too late or think about all those other knitters who can do all sorts with their knitting needles, double-pointed needles and circular needles. Just go at your own pace. I'd recommend knitting on bamboo needles and start with a size 8 or 9 needles for starters and a worsted weight yarn to begin. In no time you'll be able to cast on, knit and purl along and bind off as well.
I had especially good luck with learning to knit a good tension by making a lot of dishcloths. People made fun of me in a class I took at MICHAELS once upon a time for sticking to dishcloths while they were making hats and scarves and afghans. But I was determined to build up my skill and am proud of what I have accomplished. THese days I do knit plenty of hats and am making a cape in the round on my circular needles. I am also beginning to knit intarsia finally.
Everything just begins and you start your own adventure. IT never matters what everyone else can do. It's your adventure. There are many wonderful books now and lots of videos.
I love knittinghelp.com and Ravelry.com.
Good luck and always remember, yes you can. THere's even a book too entitled "NEVER TOO OLD TO KNIT" and that is the honest truth Linda!
"Yes you can/Si se puede!"
Farmgirl Sister #2503 |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 6:19:16 PM
You go for it!! And reading this makes me want to re-learn knitting! I was taught by my mother when I was little and am now 36 and haven't picked up knitting needles in maybe 20 years. You've made me want to go for it too!
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 5:46:26 PM
Oh heavens! You have more patience now than you did when you were 20, and you are wiser to know that with practice, you can improve any skill. Young people tend to get frustrated much quicker, and are much more critical of themselves. Now that you are over 50 you know that with perseverence comes many rewards, and the confidence that comes with it !
I have a lot of extra hand-knitting patterns that came from a knitting shop that was closing. If you send me an email with your address I would be glad to look for some simpler patterns to get you started.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| nubidane |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 5:39:57 PM
Jenny
Those socks you recently made are gorgeous! I still cannot believe how tightly knit your socks are. Better than a machine! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 4:50:19 PM
You are never too old to learn anything. I love to knit..and learned as a kid but I still learn new things now and then even though I am now as old as dirt! You can do it!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 3:01:21 PM
I have been teaching myself to knit this past year. I am 47. I have found that I actually retain it better because I am more serious about learning the skill than I have the last few times I have tried over my life. I say you are never to young to try to something you really want to do. Of course, if you don't want to do it, you can always use age as an excuse!!!! =)
Do what you love, love what you do. |
