Knitting, knitting, and more knitting!
Well, I ventured out today to the local knitting store, where I immediately bailed up the nice lady at the counter. Now, I was taught to knit by one of my babysitters as a kid, and about 6 years ago I tried it again - but I bought a terribly fussy yarn, with lots of fluffy bits, and it just got too frustrating. That project is still sitting in a box somewhere, needles attached!
So, I asked her advice about which yarn to start with, and which needles. I ended up with a colourful acrylic yarn, and some 5mm needles. Oh, and a Patons ‘Learn to Knit’ book. There are some nice simple patterns in there, but I thought I’d start really basic so as not to discourage myself.
The hardest part was learning how to cast on. There was a method described in the book, but I couldn’t figure it out - so I used the method outlined in this video on YouTube instead:
If you’re picking up the needles again after a long absence, it’s a great refresher! I’ll be going back and watching it again to learn how to cast off. So, my first few rows went well…
As of tonight, I have gotten this far:
I’ve only made two mistakes so far: I accidentally added an extra stitch in my second row, and I dropped a stitch a little ways back. But, overall, it’s been really easy.
Truly, as soon as I’d cast on and went to make that first knit stitch, it all just came back, and I just started knitting! My hands are a little sore from the unusual activity, but I’m hoping with time and practice this will disappear.
I’ve decided that this first project will be a headband, and I may try and find a few buttons to funk it up if possible. I’m really quite enjoying myself - I told Nick he may have to hide it from me, I just can’t seem to stop!
Those of you out there who knit - what was your first -completed- knitting project? And what cool things have you made?
October 05 2008 07:56 pm | knitting
October 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Oh dear, knitting. I warn you, it’s very addictive.
I can’t remember what my first project was, as I was just a kid, but I do remember taking a very long time to actually knit a full doll once. These days I’m more into knitting jumpers and socks and stuff.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Well, I’ve just added to my stash, buying a few more balls of yarn, a few more needles, and some wool needles… and little bits and pieces are starting to emerge!
October 15th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I don’t remember my first thing, probably a bunch of squares intended for a blanket (I never got around to making the blanket, unfortunately).
I haven’t knitted for years - but I do remember how addictive it can be! I got to the stage where I was making up patterns as I went along, and would churn out jumpers for my baby constantly (yes, wayyy too many of them). But then he got big and it started to be hard work! So I haven’t touched needles nor wool for many years. I’m suddenly inspired to knit again though, I may even try a headband