Lately I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have a hobby, except this here blog. But the whole blogging thing isn’t really new to me anymore and I’m wanting something fresh to learn. I always think about going back to school, but I already have a Master’s degree and I’m a stay-at-home mom so that doesn’t seem very practical.
So I did some thinking…
I decided that I want to learn to knit. The only person I know that knits is Todd’s brother’s wife, Patti, but she’s all the way in Texas. It might be just a little difficult for us to get together. Ha!
So I headed to Borders with Todd and Ryan to use our gift cards, since the one near us is going out of business. The place was a mess because of their sale, but I managed to find the knitting section. I bought what any other newbie to a hobbie would buy – Knitting For Dummies, of course!
I started looking it over and it seemed like it was in a foreign language or something. There were so many stitches to learn, it was overwhelming. I decided to check out the internet to watch some videos on knitting and crocheting, thinking maybe crocheting would be easier. After all, my friend taught me how to crochet a blanket in elementary school during lunch and recess. I never finished that blanket and I’m not sure what happened to it either. Regardless, the stitches were familiar.
Watching the videos on crocheting brought back the memories from when I learned before, so I chose crocheting. I headed over to Michael’s (the craft supply store) a couple days ago and bought some crocheting needles and some yarn. I was going to make a scarf.
I taught myself from one of the videos I found, but I was moving slowly. I was doing each stitch too tight so I wasn’t able to get the hook in the yarn easily. The first six lines didn’t look bad, but at the rate I was going, it would take me several hours to make the scarf.
I took a timeout today and looked over some more videos to see exactly what I was doing wrong. Not only was I making the stitches too tight, but I had messed the stitch up a little bit and it didn’t quite look how it should.
Basically, I’m going to start over tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Meanwhile, do any of you have words of wisdom for me? Here are some questions I have…
1. Do you knit or crochet?
2. Do you belong to any groups to help you when you’re stuck?
3. Where do you get your ideas?
4. Any advice on yarn or crochet hooks?
5. Do you know of any knitting or crocheting blogs?
6. Do you attend a knit or crochet group?
7. Any advice for me?
Your help is appreciated!!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Crochet. It’s faster, you can make more stuff, it’s faster, its MUCH easier, it’s faster and I bet I can teach you how to crochet over the phone or by txt message. And you can make stuff much faster!! If you’re going to knit, get one of those knitting machines. My sister has one, those things are slick!
Oh, I wish I had a moment of your time BFJ! Have fun learning…I am no help. Sorry
You can fly to Nova Scotia and my mother in law can help you. She can wip up anything in a flash!
I don’t really watch much tv. I use my spare time for reading, blogging, and whatever else I want to do. Not watching many shows gives me more free time. Nap time for Ryan is also helpful!
Thanks EDee! I might have to take you up on the phone call or text messages. Ha! A knitting machine sounds fun too!
Have you thought of trying the Knifty Knitter? It’s really easy and might be a good way to start. You use a loom, and there are different sizes. I have only made hats, but would love to do a scarf. Michael’s has free classes on this too and on regular knitting and crocheting too, I believe.
Hi Jen! I’ll have to check out the Knifty Knitter. I did ask at Michael’s to see if they had any free classes, but they don’t have any at this time (at the location by my house anyway). I definitely think I should look for a class though!
I crochet. I have never knit so I really can’t compare the 2.
I do not have groups to turn to but check out The Art of Crochet by Teresa on facebook. She has great tutorials and patterns. She also has her own channel on YouTube full of instructional videos.
I get my ideas from Lion Brand website. I love their yarn and patterns. Also another one of my favorites is allfreecrochet.com. They have tons of patterns.
My favorite cheap yarn is Red Heart Super Saver. My middle is Lion Brand. When I want to splurge on something I love to buy handspun yarn on Etsy. When it comes to hooks, all mine are metal minus the extra large ones that are plastic (I hate plastic crochet hooks by the way). I do like the ones that have a larger handle and are a little rubbery at the end. Makes it easier to keep my grip.
Just keep going at it. It took me a couple months to find my rhythm with it but once you do…you won’t be able to stop!!!
I learned to knit, very basically. I’ve forgotten it all. My mom did both but told me knitting was easier which is why she taught me that first!
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I crochet. Although, I used to know how to knit but I didn’t keep up with it and forgot where to even begin. No, I don’t belong to any groups. I just go to the internet or ask my mom for help if I get stuck. I don’t get my ideas from any particular place. I just go to the craft store and browse the yarn selection and something usually comes to me.
My advice would be to just stick with it. It may take a while for you to create something that looks halfway decent but when it comes to crocheting practice makes perfect and will help you find your rhythm.
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