Knit Talk

[mperran1974]

I am not a knitter either. My mom tried to teach me when I was younger, but she gave up and said I have 2 left hands. lol I do love seeing all the things you create though. They are all so beautiful.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Verbena

Oh that sweater is so cute. I am going to go get needles. What do I start off with? I have no clue. I figured I will be stuck in bed for a while I would try to start my learning to knit. Recommendations for needles and a project? By the way I am left handed. Thanks

Originally Posted by Carmeow

I've tried to knit. Chalked it up to something I'll never learn because I'm left handed lol. I know lots of lefties adapt and can either do it left handed or right, but I actually use my left hand for writing only.

Maybe I'll try again. I get so jealous of everyone's talent here!

I initially learned to knit and crochet in high school through friends whose moms or gmoms taught them. We all made scarves, lol. Now, 40 years later, I decided to try them both again, but I didn't remember too much of what I had learned back then.

I bought the 'Learn to Knit' and 'Learn to Crochet' kits by Boye at WalMart, to use as a refresher course. They come with most of the things you will need to do a project, except the yarn, with easy to follow diagrams and instructions, for right and left handers and even a few patterns. They may have come with a CD, I can't remember, lol. They cost about $10. each. They show all the basic stitches, and the abbreviations used so you'll be able to follow a pattern. I highly recommend starting out with these. I still refer back to mine a lot.

They come with size 8 or 9 knitting needles, and size G/6 crochet hook, respectively. To start with I bought the Red Heart Worsted weight yarn, it's easy to work with and gives good results. The fancier yarns can be trickier to work with and I would not try them as a beginner.

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by DBlain

I would love to see more photos of knitted or crocheted items, am sooooo trying to knit but it is hard for me to figure out how to fix or figure out my mistakes, but in the fall I know I will be joining a knitting circle that is the only way I will improve.

I LOve that case what a clever idea, LOL sometimes I am in search of the needle only to find it stuck way inside the wound up yarn bundle. Is Denise on YT

I do encourage you to join a knitters group, I am in one that meets twice a month and they are so helpful. I'm in a sewing circle as well but those ladies allow me to knit while they sew, such a friendly bunch too.

I take it you have mastered casting on and off? Are you working in stockinette or garter stitch? Purling was difficult for me when I first started, it felt so awkward but like everything else it came with ease over time. Hang in there Donna.

I really thought you crocheted those flowers onto the harnesses, I was like soooo impressed with you lol!

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by kjc

I am trying to find a pattern for this sweater and a similar yarn... anyone have any ideas? TIA!

Attachment 384662

How cute. I'd say if you can't find it, work the basic sweater pattern and extend the neck and arms using circulars/DPNs.

For some patterns you'll need to improvise, like sizing and little added extras

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

Oh my gosh! That pic with Tessa is too sweet!

Thanks Terri. Tessa does steal the spotlight doesn't she? even when it's not about her lol

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by Verbena

Oh that sweater is so cute. I am going to go get needles. What do I start off with? I have no clue. I figured I will be stuck in bed for a while I would try to start my learning to knit. Recommendations for needles and a project? By the way I am left handed. Thanks

I recommend that you start off by watching free videos on left handed knitting for proper positioning of your yarn and needles. For beginners, make many sample swatches before you move onto reading patterns. It's important to familiarize yourself with the motions of knitting first. Once you've mastered the "K" and "P" you can apply it to make any combination of patterns. And remember mistakes are all part of the process.

Purchase straight needles US-size 7,8, or 9 and medium weight worsted yarn (it should say on the labels). Practice away using the knit stitch and move onto purling. Like another member said, don't give up. Simple patterns can be purchased at your local craft store, browse through those selections and start there.

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by Kamilla

I started to knit about 6 months ago, and now ive made myself my first knitted jacket. If your on Instagram there is pictures there, user ultima_mom. Ive knitted a dog sweater, mittens and socks.

I found many videos on youtube, i guess there is also some for left hand knitters. The circular needle is for projects that is knitting around, and i use them alot. The circular comes in various sizes, but i use them mostly for bigger projects. You can also make blankets and knit back and forth on circulars, its easyer because the heavy blanket will lay in your lap and dont press on your shoulders when you knit bigger items. I use 5 needles and circulars when i knit. 5 needles is for socks and mittens, circulars for hats and bigger projects.

Now im knitting socks for my children, and after ill be knitting an ipad cover for my brothers ipad.

Wishing you good luck with all your projects! And remember to dont quit, there are many videos that will help you when you dont understand and get stuck.

6 months in and you're making socks, hats, and mittens? I'm really impressed! I haven't worked with cabling either but I figure it'd be easy. A dear friend of mine makes gorgeous beanies with intricate twists and lacey scarves in various patterns. Her preference is wool. I appeal more to the specialty yarns since they're so much fun to work with and knit up fast.

I'm not sure if I can get into socks but I do love warmers. I get kinda excited when I talk about knitting, so please indulge me ha ha.

I will be teaching a knitting class next week. Wish me luck!

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by My lil friend

You are most welcome for the case,it was my pleasure.

I have a question: Why would you choose to use circular needles instead of straight needles? Ive only used straight needles. Ive made two sweaters for Mina,both by the same pattern. When looking at other patterns,sometimes they call for circular needles.

Denise, straight needles are for flat knitting. Circulars are for tubular knits and can hold more stitches.

[DBlain]

Oh Thuy you are right I did not make those flowers I have to buy them from a lady on ETSY, she give me a good deal but it would be so nice not only to not have to pay for them, but to be able to make them when I needed them

[Kamilla]

Originally Posted by Tessa327

6 months in and you're making socks, hats, and mittens? I'm really impressed! I haven't worked with cabling either but I figure it'd be easy. A dear friend of mine makes gorgeous beanies with intricate twists and lacey scarves in various patterns. Her preference is wool. I appeal more to the specialty yarns since they're so much fun to work with and knit up fast.

I'm not sure if I can get into socks but I do love warmers. I get kinda excited when I talk about knitting, so please indulge me ha ha.

I will be teaching a knitting class next week. Wish me luck!

Tnx! I have used the time well, knitted every day. Learned alot I mostly use wool too, but were talking cold Norway here
There are so many nice yarn types you could use now adays, so everyone can find a favorite.

Socks is really easy, you should give it a try. Good luck with the class, please tell use how it went.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Kamilla

You can find many nice projects on ravelry, but also the norwegian site Garnstudio ~ DROPS Design has american recipies. Garnstudio has some nice dog sweaters

Thanks for the link, I spent most of the day on there yesterday looking through the patterns and yarns, lol! Love it! I still can't find the yarn I want, but I did find some options... I can redye my own, or spin something similar myself! Or special order it from someone who makes yarns.

[Tessa327]

Originally Posted by DBlain

Oh Thuy you are right I did not make those flowers I have to buy them from a lady on ETSY, she give me a good deal but it would be so nice not only to not have to pay for them, but to be able to make them when I needed them

I'd say make them if that's what you really want. Sometimes it's better to order them in bulk because it saves time when you need them in large quantities.

[Tessa327]

I won't be knitting today, hoping to catch the bluebonnets with Tessa this afternoon! It's finally nice and sunny out - gonna make the most of it.

[DBlain]

Originally Posted by Tessa327

I'd say make them if that's what you really want. Sometimes it's better to order them in bulk because it saves time when you need them in large quantities.

Oh I do order a ton at once and last time had custom yarn sent to her, but then there were a few colors I was not keen on and some that was mixed with colors that had I been there in person would not have done, she did everything the way I asked, but it would be better if I could do them, can you do those, are they hard to learn?

[Kamilla]

Originally Posted by kjc

Thanks for the link, I spent most of the day on there yesterday looking through the patterns and yarns, lol! Love it! I still can't find the yarn I want, but I did find some options... I can redye my own, or spin something similar myself! Or special order it from someone who makes yarns.

You're welcome! They have so many nice things, and the first time i was in there i spent hours too

Here in norway we have a knitting site om facebook called strikkesia (translated to american its the knitting site) Go in and take a look, and you would love it! There are over 26 000 members, they mainly write in norwegian but the majority of people in europe are quite good in english. So just ask if there's something you want to know more about. They help with problems, they show what they have made and many also shares where they got the recipie. A huge inspiration site that i must visit at least twice a day

Have fun!