| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 06:00:12 AM
for a total beginner? I'm also a lefty, and I want to be sure I get the most out of my class. I can cast on fairly easily, but it's after that when I get into trouble! The classes are through "Knit Happens" a great little shop a couple of towns away. When I asked the girl what we do in class--learn basics, etc.? She asked me if I had a project in mind (and I do), but I'm a TOTAL beginner. She said, we'd work on my project idea....Maybe I'm making it more difficult than it is?
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Oct 14 2006 : 2:08:36 PM
I'm a new knitter also, and the lady teaching me suggested that a good project is a felted "booga bag"-I've started it,and it is a little harder than a scarf, but not too bad, as you still just use a basic knitting stitch. A website with the pattern is www.blacksheepbags.com.
Good luck with your knitting!
Jennifer |
| Libbie |
Posted - Oct 12 2006 : 10:45:15 AM
I couldn't resist looking at something called a "squid case!" They are SO cute! I think I'm going to have to get a move on that one...
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 5:45:43 PM
Here is a page with lots of small projects on it. http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/cases_caddies.php look at them and see if any appeal. I like the squid cases.
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 |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 5:39:58 PM
If you are trying out several stitch patterns while you are leaning, you might want to think about potholders! Just make sure your yarn is not synthetic (if you are actually going to use them as potholders, you don't want a fiber that will melt). Cotton and wool should work well.
Another project I did when I was learning was a headband - you know, like the ones that skiers wear. Much maller than a hat.
Another possibility is a cell phone holder than can be put on a knitted cord around your neck.
It is so encouraging when you are beginning to actually finish a small project! Scarves can get a little long when you are struggling with completing a row.
After a while your fingers will learn how to make the stitches on their own and you don't have to think about it anymore, then bigger projects seem to fly by.
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 |
| Jana |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 08:43:32 AM
Jonni,
I'll bet that you aren't slipping all your stitches off the needle once you've knit them, and then knitting them again. This is pretty common with beginners. Until you feel secure that you are maintaining the correct number, you may want to count your stitches at the end of each row. If the number is "off", look back to any stitches that look "funny". It is much easier to correct at this point than having to rip back several rows! 
You had also expressed concern about knitting left-handed. I wouldn't worry about it at this point, as when you learn to knit with multiple colors, you will be knitting with both hands anyway. 
Jana |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 07:30:09 AM
Kathy--
I was also going to say, how kind of you to offer to share. I'd be very glad to buy some of your handspun from you--just let me know. If you had the color, that would be fabulous, but beggars can't be choosy!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 07:28:22 AM
Hi all....I am anxious to get to my lunch hour so that I can see what I've done. I do agree that it's the wrapping--without much experience, I'm bound to make a gazillion mistakes my first time out! This scarf is for me, so only I will know that it's a bit dodgy.
Kathy-
the color of my hat was a natural wool, mocha in color. There were some natural variations in the wool--a heathering (grey in color), I guess you'd call it. My friend Sarah had bluefaced leicester sheep and derbyshire gritstones. She traded wools alot since she and other farmwives were involved in the "Cornwall Collective". A wealthy farmers wife from the area opened a shop took their wares on consignment to supplement their income. So, who really knows what or who it came from!!!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| ktknits |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 06:42:55 AM
Jonni, what color was your handspun hat? I've been spinning for years and have a "boatload" of handspun that I'd be happy to share! I can't knit as fast as I can spin!
Kathy |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 06:29:15 AM
My daughter did the same thing on her first knitting project (also a scarf) and it WAS at the end. I think wrapping it is what does it..like Julia said.
Jenny in Utah
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 |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 06:13:38 AM
Check that when you turn your work (starting a new row) you haven't wrapped the yarn around again. Kind of hard to explain but just make sure the yarn from the skein at the end is attached to just one stitch.
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 11 2006 : 05:54:46 AM
Alright--my first knitting class was last night--it got moved up to Tuesday from Wednesday because the Wednesday night class is for "socks" and the beginners were weighing the teacher down :)...anyway, I am starting with a scarf, as suggested by several posters, and also the teacher. Here's my question. If you start out with 34 stitches, how do you end up with extras? I mean, I started with 34, and now I have 40. So, my scarf will be all wonky, I guess. I had to take several out. Where on earth am I picking up a stitch? Personally, I think it's towards the end--my very last loop. It's awkward to me and the actual "knitting" part seems kind of weird on that last loop before you get to your other needle.
I know it's difficult to advise without seeing, but maybe many of you have had the same troubles starting out?
Thanks for any help you can provide....
J
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Oct 07 2006 : 09:49:10 AM
Jonni,
Any new skill feels funny at first, but it will soon become muscle memeory and you will be knitting away with out even paying attention. I taught my self to knit two years ago and my first project was a scarf. It was AWEFUL, but hubby still loves it and says its the warmest thing ever for ridding the motorcycle on cold mornings. Also, that scarf never got quite as long as I intended it to be since I got bored. There are lots of beginer patterns out there that will allow you to create lots of pretty things with just a little skill.
Good luck, Trina
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
| Libbie |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 9:05:17 PM
You're going to love it! My first knitting projects were scarves - I must have made fifty of them (I'm really not exaggerating!) - that year, everyone (and their dog, really, in one case!) received a scarf from me for Christmas.
I agree that knitting is the perfect cold-weather activity - it's such a good, comfortable, cozy feeling to sit in front of a woodstove and knit when I can't sleep in the winter. I actually can't wait for a little insomnia to hit after reading this thread!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| cmandle |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 3:15:53 PM
Jonni! Knitting is THE BEST. I don't think you'll have to try to get addicted, that just sort of comes.
My two cents for your first project...make it a dishcloth. Here's why:
1. Scarves get boring after awhile and you forget how to cast-on and cast-off because you just knit back and forth for so long.
2. Dishcloths are relatively quick and usable, no matter how many holes!
3. You will get a couple of good practice rounds in to see how tight/loosely you knit before diving into your hat. If you just start with your hat, you may be disappointed if it doesn't knit up to the right gauge or has holes. (Every new knitter has holes, don't sweat it!)
Regarding which hand to knit with, I am a rightie but for some reason I cast-on I hold the needle in my left just like you. I knit "continental style" which means that the wool comes from my left hand. So really, even though I'm knitting in the traditional direction, the left hand has a lot of the control with this method (but again, I'm a rightie!). Just try whatever seems natural to you. I know lots of leftie knitters who have either adapted to the "right" way or have their own way.
Knitting is the perfect cold-weather pasttime. I can't wait to see photos of that hat! Have fun and good luck!!!
Catherine
http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 11:21:04 AM
Well, let's see.. I write left handed and bat left handed, and I do cartwheels and use scissors right handed. I could probably do either way, I really do favor my left hand though. Things are certainly less awkward. When I'm casting on, I hold the wool in the right and the needle in the left. Like I said, that's as far as I've gotten!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| AnnieT |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 09:38:30 AM
Are you a true left-handed knitter, or are you just left handed? Some lefties learn to knit the "right-handed" way, i.e. knitting from the left needle onto the right needle. If you are a true left-handed knitter (knitting from the right needle onto the left needle), you may find it easier to sit in front of the teacher, rather than next to her, so you can see how she's doing things from your perspective.
Visit me! http://bramblestitches.typepad.com/ |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 07:48:59 AM
Thanks so much, gals! I'm really looking forward to Wednesday night! I never had anyone to teach me--my grandmother was a Rosie Riveter, and not much of a homemaker, with no time, but I've always loved natural fibers, and the actual "art" that goes into knitting. I really want to become "addicted", like you said, Julia. I think I'll start with the hat, and if I can do it, I know what folks are getting for the holidays :) I'll let you know if I'm a total failure or if I get the hang of it. Thanks for the ideas and the support!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 07:45:56 AM
Oh a lace class...Julia that sounds so fun!!! I would love to knit a lace shawl some day.
Jenny in Utah
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 |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 07:14:34 AM
I'm a new knitter as well and just took a beginning lace class. I was nervous because I only know how to knit, purl, cast on and off! But it was so fun and now I'm addicted - I just signed up for the advanced lace class. I would start with a scarf or an easy hat. You are going to have so much fun!
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 06:57:53 AM
Oh Jonni...you will have so much fun. I learned to knit from my Aunt when I was 7 and she was left handed..I just sat across from her..it worked. My first projects were cotton dish cloths and then hats..I grew up in an area where we just didn't need warm scarves..my girl's first projects have been scarves..we use them here!! And hats are so fun to make...I also like to make wide "skier's headbands". The type that cover your ears...I like to wear them in winter..I am not much of a hat person...love the look but I get TOO hot! I made my boys and husband knitted ear flap caps last year and need to make some for the girls this year.
have fun knitting!! It is one of my favorite things.
Jenny in Utah
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 |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 06:37:34 AM
Good. I wanted to "recreate" my favorite hat that a friend made me while I lived in England. It was handspun and handknit, and while I don't want to go that far on my first try (handspinning), I do want the hat back in some capacity. I was careless one afternoon after sled riding with the dogs, and left it on the chair to dry--my one year old German Shep, Rose, has a "thing" for wool.....I've always wanted to learn, too, so no time like the present!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| sunshine |
Posted - Oct 06 2006 : 06:12:33 AM
knitted scarf or hat are good begining projects
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
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