| Author |
Stitching & Crafting Room:  Is knitting hard??  |
|
|
catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 06:06:04 AM
|
I can crochet but I never tried knitting and would like to make Charlie a little blanket. Is it hard? Where should I start?? Thanks.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
|
|
KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 06:17:37 AM
|
I took an hour class at my local knitting store and after my first scarf (which was really more of a cape because I kept adding stitches :)), I was on my way. I really enjoy knitting, and shoot, girl, if I can do it, I know YOU can!!!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
 |
|
|
Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 06:18:59 AM
|
Heather, if you can crochet, you can knit. It's not hard at all. Two basic stitches can get you far, knit and purl. Have a knitting friend show you how to do both stitches and then you're on your way.
Jami in WA
Okay, so now I have a blog. http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
|
|
|
willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 06:49:31 AM
|
I disagree. I found knitting to be VERY hard. Some one taught me the american style and I couldn't do it at all. I finally found a online video that taught the European style and I did a little better and was able to get trough a scarf but with a lot of difficulty. Some people take to it real quickly though. It was just always akward for me so I stay away from it! I am sure if you get someone to teach you you will have better luck than I. :)
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
|
|
|
|
moxieblossom
True Blue Farmgirl
121 Posts
USA
121 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 07:46:38 AM
|
Knitting takes a bit of getting used to, but ultimately there's only two stitches you have to learn, the knit and the purl. All other stitches and techniques are just variations on the two basic stitches. In my experience, knitting takes longer than crocheting, because it's not as open-weave as crochet. A blanket, scarf, or other square/rectangular item makes a great starter project. If you have a local yarn store near you, they nearly always offer a class to teach you. If not, I highly recommend the book "Stich'n'%itch", by Debbie Stoller. Despite the title, she shows you very clearly how to knit, purl, and do basic variations, and there's some cute but simple first projects there as well.
http://vintage-moxie.blogspot.com |
Edited by - moxieblossom on Jun 25 2008 1:54:17 PM |
|
|
|
yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 07:59:27 AM
|
I first learned to knit in public school in Bermuda. It was British school and boys and girls both learned. I was only 9 years old and we all learned.
It's not hard but like Stacy said it can seem slow compared to crochet.
I will never forget seeing the little boys with serious concentrating faces sitting in the tall windows (no screens then) and doing their knitting homework. A memoriable sight! LOL
:-)
When I got a little older I was making dresses for Barbie doll. Easy square or rectangle. That was fun.
I stopped knitting and picked it up 20 years later...:-)
I still like to knit because it's like meditation, very relaxing.
Give it a try!
I'd like to have a topic/thread started about knitting so we can ask questions and help each other plus show pics!
****************
"NEVER underestimate the power of a woman."
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
|
|
|
Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 08:26:05 AM
|
Knitting is fun! My grandmother taught me when I was young...she learned to knit as a little girl, back when she lived in Germany around WWII. She can knit so fast you can LITERALLY watch a scarf GROW in length as she knits. I'm so much slower, so the main issue I find is just having the patience for it. But I think you'd like it. Once you know the knit and purl stitch, you've got the basics pretty much covered, and then it's just learning the combinations of those to create the pretty patterns and such. I think knitted blankets are so beautiful. :)
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 11:09:17 AM
|
If traditional knitting doesn't set well with you Heather, you can always try the loom knitting. Actually , for blankets/afghans, I prefer them to be crocheted. Crochet seems to make for a sturdier less stretchy fabric.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
|
|
|
|
yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 11:43:52 AM
|
I also do the European way. I just figured it out because the American way was slower and kind clumsy.
I would suggest a personal lesson or two and a book with pics to show you. There are many beginner books out.
I also got a very sore muscle and problem with pain in one hand and the Dr. suggested to knit more for a while to cross train my hands...which used different muscles. I found the European way so much faster too.
The right needle is used to sort of "hook" around the yarn and it works for me.
****************
"NEVER underestimate the power of a woman."
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
|
|
|
KnitSteph
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Stephanie
Longview
TX
USA
39 Posts |
|
|
Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 12:21:30 PM
|
Stitch N [bleep] is by Debbie Stoller. Good book.
Because you already know how to crochet, you should look for learning to knit continental. With continental, you hold the yarn the same way and do the same sort of motion as you do with crocheting.
I taught myself from a book seven years ago. Not hard. Don't listen to people tell you it is, or you'll have the preconceived notion that you can't pick it up.
There are far more patterns for clothing and such in knitting than there are in crocheting, IMO. I am partial to the crocheted toys and amigurumi though.
Just try it out. No pressure and don't worry about how the first item looks. Just learn those two stitches- knit and purl.
Kim in NC |
|
|
|
palmettogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
571 Posts
sue
camden
south carolina
USA
571 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 12:59:56 PM
|
| i never heard that there is a "european" way to knit??? i can crochet a lot easier than i can knit.....would i specifically ask someone to show me the european way or is it called something/anything else? ...by the way, good luck!! |
|
|
|
Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:04:17 PM
|
IMO, knitting is not hard but can feel very awkward at first. The one thing to remember is that with a little time and patients you'll get a better at it. There are a lot great resources on the internet, plenty of books, and hopefully you have a knit shop around that can give you some lessons. Give it a try!
TTFN
Cheeky
P.S. I'm left handed and dyslexic if I can knit anyone can! They may not want to but they can.
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Cheekyredhead on Jun 25 2008 1:05:53 PM |
|
|
|
catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:24:21 PM
|
Thank you all!! I should have expected some many responses from my farmgal friends!!! I may treat myself in the Fall and take a knitting class. Thanks!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
|
|
|
Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:34:33 PM
|
Heather,
I know you can knit. Get a good book, or have someone teach you. I knit and I crochet. I found knitting easier to learn and I am sure that some found crochet easier. I guess that it all depends on the person. But I KNOW that you can do it. If you have any questions, ask away. I'm sure that everyone here would be willing to help.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing with this.
Take care,
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
It's never too late to be what you might have been.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. |
|
|
|
catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:42:39 PM
|
Thanks for the encouragment Marcy. I will give it a go and see what happens. I taught myself to crochet using that basic book everyone sells and I made a cute throw so I will give knitting a try. Now just to not get crazy with buying all that pretty yarn....
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
|
|
|
Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:46:05 PM
|
Oh, I hear you on that one, lol. The yarns that they have available are so beautiful. Sometimes I find it so hard to choose between them. I especially love hand dyed. Now that is something that I would like to learn to do.
Take care and best of luck with the knitting,
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
It's never too late to be what you might have been.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. |
|
|
|
catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 1:48:41 PM
|
They have this pretty kinda marbled looking fabric that looks like my boxer and I thought..how cute would that be??? Oh my!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
|
|
|
debinmtns
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Debi
Hope
Idaho
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 11:17:07 PM
|
I remember when I started knitting, that I was not allow to knit anything until I had my tension under control. my first project was a pin cushion that I still have. I made as a freshman in high school. Just take your time and try to relax. Good Luck! I would go find a Yarn shop or someone from church or another group your in.
debinmtns #63
http://www.handcraftedncreated.blogspot.com
http://www.abunchofcountryswappingals.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 12:01:19 AM
|
I love to knit. I learned how to both knit and crochet as a kid, but I like the look and feel of knitting better. I think crochet is much easier to do and to learn (and to teach!) but if you can watch someone knit it helps. I don't hold the yarn like anyone else I know..so just know that there really isn't a wrong way..if it works it works!!
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 |
|
|
|
nitere
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Amy
Hickory
NC
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 06:16:40 AM
|
i absolutely love to knit. i don't find it hard at all. and i agree with Stephanie, the website www.knittinghelp.com is amazing! i have never seen anything as helpful. seriously. i can't give it enough compliments. i have learned all of the stitch variations from that site. you will love it!
farmgirl sister #37
http://www.buraellen.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
dkelewae
True Blue Farmgirl
1310 Posts
Diana
Saint Peters
MO
USA
1310 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 08:52:17 AM
|
I love knitting. Being a southpaw it's easier for me to knit than crochet. My favorite thing to knit is socks, because they're a great portable project I can take anywhere to work on. Right now I'm making a cotton yarn market bag.
Diana
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city! |
|
|
|
HAINAngel2000
True Blue Farmgirl
157 Posts
Mary
Sweet Home
OR
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2008 : 09:26:05 AM
|
Willowcreek (Julie) its because you didn't find a good teacher!! lolol Knitting is VERY SIMPLE! Really. If you find a good teacher that makes a difference. Some people ought not teach period. Not saying this is your personal experiance. Also if you are trying to learn knitting from books it will def be hard. I learned 4 things from my grandma and the rest was self tought from books. It is more difficult to learn from books period. I cried many a tear. Well I now teach others who want to know how to knit. Its really not hard if you have someone teaching you right and thy are with you. Knitting takes practice. I teach others that its not how you hold the needles that matter, its that you hold them your way. Whatever way works for you is great!
I taught my mom how to knit and many teenagers and my 9 now 10 year old daughter. It really is great, but if you don't have help it can be frusterating and confusing!
Website: http://Heavenlyangelsinneed.com
Email: info@heavenlyangelsinneed.com
Bereavement: http://Heavenlyangelsinneed.org
Blog: http://Heavenlyangelsinneed.blogspot.com/
Home: http://rockypointschool-homestead.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - HAINAngel2000 on Jun 29 2008 09:30:31 AM |
|
|
|
HAINAngel2000
True Blue Farmgirl
157 Posts
Mary
Sweet Home
OR
USA
157 Posts |
|
| |
Stitching & Crafting Room: Is knitting hard?? |
|
Is knitting hard??
