October 16, 2007

Time to Knit


I have long had the urge to learn to knit. Then last week, after seeing the manicure socks that Brin featured on her blog from the book knit.101, I have felt a feverish need to learn this art. This morning while having a little couple time with Sweet Hubby and a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Barnes and Noble, I discovered the above pictured book. It's wonderful! I can't wait to make every single thing in it. But first things first. I found a local shop called Knit Stop that offers beginner classes. I'd love to hear any recommendations on books for beginners that you may have. I just hope that I can manage to squeeze in time for yet another hobby. Can't you just imagine a rainy fall day spent knitting and eating soup? I love the need to nest, that autumn inspires in me.

38 comments:

  1. It's cold out today...will you knit me something?? Good luck with learning how...I'm all thumbs and would end up only being able to knit a long, crooked tube...if I was lucky!!
    I know whatever you turn out, it will reflect your great style!!

    Linda

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  2. That was so beautifully written, it makes me want to did out my knitting needles and try something new :-)

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  3. Sounds like fun!
    Enjoy the knitting.
    Pumpkin Latte sounds really good about now.
    Rosemary

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  4. I crochet, but never learned to knit. My daughter does both. I could cast on, but never could figure out the rest! Perhaps I should give it another try.

    This looks like a wonderful book. I can't wait to see what you make!

    Pat

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  5. MMm, pumpkin! No knitting in our house, either, but I've been know to buy knitting magazines and pretend like I would someday learn! So far...nothing knit.

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  6. I love that cover on the book. Good luck with knitting, I have not gotten that bug yet.
    Bristol

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  7. The single best resource I've found for learning to knit is knittinghelp.com It's AWESOME. She has short video's and shows you how to do everything from casting on and biding off and everything in between. It's a great hobby and I hope you enjoy it!! Can't wait to see what you make :)

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  8. I second Ashley's comment! I wanted to learn to knit my whole life - without success. When I googled knitting videos and came up with KnittingHelp - wow! No stopping me. And you can find plenty of FREE knitting patterns at www.knittingpatterncentral.com

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  9. Hey Jen!
    I just want to sit at a Barnes & Noble and have coffee, that would be so incredibly wonderful! I am a beginning knitter myself, and could really use a lesson, I just read instructions and tried to figure out the diagrams, don't recommend that. :) Take lessons!

    Teresa
    xo

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  10. Hi Jenn,
    When I was a young girl, probably 5th or 6th grade, my paternal grandmother taught me how to sew (first on paper) by hand and on the very modern sewing machine that she had. I remember her telling me that grandfather bought the newest most innovative model for her. It was homekeeping that was important, just as his car was for him to go to work, she made all of the family clothes, knit socks and could cook like no one else I ever will know. She also taught me how to knit (which was my point on your subject) I remember when I very first started, I could NOT stop. I knit everyone something for Christmas that year. I think its a wonderful fun craft, you will have a blast.You might want to have your girls sit by your side when you start. I know, if they have any of your interests they too will love it. Especially much later in life.. Thank you for reminding me of my grandma! Sweet thoughts to you tonite!
    Lisa
    coastalnest

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  11. It's somthing I'd like to learn too...maybe after the Holidays are over. I'm easily addicted to things so I hate to start it now.

    Hugs!
    Kat

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  12. Good luck with the knitting. I know there are tons of knitting bloggers out there ready to help.

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  13. I need to improve my knitting skills, right now it's just washcloths and scarves. That book looks delicious if such a thing can be said about a book. I'm going over to Amazon.com and see about it.

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  14. As soon as I saw the mention of the Knit Shop, I knew you were an Indy girl! There's also the Mass Ave. Knit Shop. Have you checked it out? I think I'm signing up for crochet lessons there.

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  15. I learnt to knit from my babysitter when I was 4 or 5 and I've only just discovered that I have a really weird and inefficient technique. I had never seen anyone else knit until recently so I didn't know.

    It doesn't stop me trying, though.

    Kate

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  16. Too funny, Jen, that you were over reading my blog at the same time I was reading yours. I am SO not a knitter...but my daughter is. Her 4th grade teacher taught her how, and she hasn't stopped since. I think she finds it relaxing too. I have a friend who has a wonderful business selling hand dyed wool, and roving, and felting kits. I think I'll feature her on my blog today! Her website is www.decadentfibers.com. I can vouch for the fabulousness (word? lol) of her yarns and wool...incredible!

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  17. I just found your blog and loved all the pictures that you found for Halloween! I love this time of year!

    glad I found your blog!

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  18. I am still trying to learn. I am knitting a wash cloth right now and I think I will pull it and start over! I miss my little knitting classes at the library in Hudson. I'll have to look around for one here, I guess.

    Jenn, while I am thinking of it. I wanted to say thank you for your visits and comments at my blog. I appreciate it very much, even if I am slow to say so.
    God bless.
    Terri

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  19. I love your blog!
    You are going to love knitting! I taught both of my girls with Debbie Bliss' book "How to Knit" ISBN# 1-57075-145-0. It has great photos and neat projects, each progresses to more advanced techniques.
    I'm going to have to find the book you posted about. It's beautiful!

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  20. I taught myself to knit with the book "Stitch 'N Bitch" and it is fabulous with terrif pics and great descriptions-totally recommend that book. Then you can follow up with its trendy sequel "Stitch 'N Bitch Nation"!

    You'll love knitting. It's so restful. Did you know that knitting is the new golf?

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  21. Learning how to knit "something useful" is on my want to do list to. I got a DVD cause I found the instructions in books confusing. You might want to look into that.

    Manuela

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  22. Hi! I am an avid knitter and I also teach knitting to elementary school children. Yes, Knittinghelp.com, is an amazing site. You can knit along with the videos and learn many techniques. I would also reccomend, children's knitting books. Like, Melanie Falik's children's knitting book and also, Teen Knitting Club, by Jennifer Wenger. Good luck and have fun. There is nothing like a cold day, the fireplace on, something hot to drink and your knitting project!!

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  23. The best book to teach you how to knit is ... a person! There's just nothing like a comforting voice that says, "That's okay, honey, we'll rip out all these rows and re do them. I'll help you!"

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  24. Hi Jen,
    Thank you so much for your sweet words!! It makes me feel so happy to know that people love what i make :) Yes, we should have lived near by each other,and thanks for the offer :) The book look so interesting, lovely cover. I am looking forward to se your progress! I wish i could knit,but maybe i buy the book later on?
    Aina

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  25. I don't knit but my old roommate did and I have one piece of advice.

    I you have cats...DO NOT LET THEM EAT THE YARN. Trust me on this. It never quite (ahem) makes it out.

    Ew.

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  26. Thank you so much for the chalkboard tip! I had no idea that would work.

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  27. Fall is my favorite! I always get all inspired. I'd love to hear what you come up with in terms of learning to knit. I crochet and every time I try to learn to knit it escapes me, but I really *want* to do both. Sigh! ~A :-)

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  28. You'll love knitting as soon as you get the hang of knitting and purling. There are some good basic instructions in The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life; I hope you enjoy it! I'm going to bookmark your blog; it's terrific.

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  29. I used to knit - very basic....Never more than a scarf or afghan...It does sound like fun to take it up again....Let me know how it goes!
    Penny

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  30. Hi Jen! I have also wanted to learn how to knit! I did know how to crochet at one point in my life but haven't done it in FOREVER! My mother says it's like riding a bike and once I start again I won't forget :)
    Kristi
    ps- Emma has her choice of either one! I showed them her picture on your blog and they said "mommy can she come over and play?" LOL!

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  31. Oh, I am so with you on this! How I wish we had a local knitting shop where I could learn more than the garter stitch.. I've made scarves before and that's it. It is so therapeutic to knit too. Good luck with your new adventure - can't wait to see what you create. I know you'll make something pretty!
    xo,
    Kim

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  32. I taught myself to knit with the first "Stich 'n Bitch" book. Her directions really made all the difference for me. Have fun! You'll be knitting in no time.

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  33. Enjoy your new knitting adventure!

    I have a friend that knits and she keeps after me to learn how.

    I'm kind of an "instant gratification" crafter, and fear I would lose interest in a knitting project long before it was finished.

    I'll be sure to check in and see how you do with it...there certainly are some beautiful knit projects out in blogland.

    Kimberly :)

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  34. Can't wait to see the results! I have always wanted to learn how to do this as well...but more of a cheaters method..by using a knitting machine!

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  35. Hey Jen!

    I taught myself to knit from a book when I was about eight years old. Believe it or not I found the exact book on Ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/TEACH-YOURSELF-TO-KNIT-SC-Learn-Needle-Work-Crochet-VG_W0QQitemZ120158309166QQihZ002QQcategoryZ83930QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

    I made my whole family slippers for Christmas that first year and mittens the second year! I still have the book in my library.

    Good Luck! Can't wait to see what you make first.

    Rosalie

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  36. Ok, so you can't link in comments...ooops!

    Here's the item number for ebay.... 120158309166

    Rosalie

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  37. Followed a link from Frosting & Sparkles today and enjoyed all your wonderful posts full of beautiful pictures and lovely thoughts. How could anyone resist a book cover like that.

    mmmm Pumpkin Spice Latte you are teasing us with that one.

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  38. I've added this one to my list :)

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