I've wanted to write this post on knitting for many weeks now. Seems like today is the day, finally. My half hearted attempts to reallly get into knitting have been well documented here in this space over the years. I purchased a Group On deal for knitting lessons for a local shop that closed down mere months after my purchase, I have a collection of books to help me... knitting just doesn't come easily for me. And yet, I still keep coming back to these needles. While visiting my sister and brother-in-law over the summer (who live a stone's throw away from Jimmy Beans Wool, I caught the bug again. Yes, I have loads of learning to do, and yes, as my sister showed me I've been knitting backwards (how does that happen?)... but my focus so far has been gathering the resources that will make this learning curve a bit easier. So far, I bought a really good set of needles. What I was using beforehand were needles that were way too big and trying things out on this set has been heavenly. I love having a set of needles that will work when I need them to.
I'm also learning about yarn. First and foremost, I'm learning that yarn is incredibly expensive, much more so than my beloved fabric! But learning about yarn is a must. Sport, DK, worsted... Ravelry has been an excellent source for that. So is this and this. Luckily I remember figuring out fabric weights quite well... I purchased more home dec fabric for the wrong projects than I care to remember on first learning to sew. With yarn buying, I've learned, it is important to have a clear project in mind.
My sister also gave me some really helpful video tutorials that have worked really well for her on her knitter's journey, though she's an incredibly talented knitter busily making baby sweaters and really amazing lace shawls. My sister knit the most beautiful shawl/scarf for me, which she gave me while we were visiting this summer. I love it and it is now in constant rotation as the weather turns chilly.
So beautiful! Yes, she is super talented that sister of mine. So to share some of her resources, and hopefully become as talented...
Knitting Help: a totally free website that my sister recommends for casting on, binding off and other essentials.
Knit Picks (on YouTube): some really fantastic videos on knitting in the round (which was paralyzing for me) and other basic and advanced techniques that appear in knitting patterns.
Jenn Wisbeck's Videos (on YouTube): I watched a few of these in the airport and really love the learn to knit series.
So here's my plan... practice, practice, practice. It has proven extremely hard for me not to revert to my backwards knitting when I'm not really, really paying very close attention to what I am doing. Old habits... they do indeed die hard. Soon though, I think it will be old hat. My first project will be a Honey Cowl with that beautiful snowy-gray yarn picked up at Jimmy Beans. Seems my fabric and yarn preferences run the same! I'm looking forward to enjoying this learning process and knitting a little each night. Find me on Ravelry here. Happy Monday everyone!
