| Author | |
msclavel
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 26 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 781
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 9:00am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I taught myself how to knit yesterday afternoon. I can cast on, knit and purl and I have been just practicing just doing the garter stitch (that's alternating knit and purl rows right?).
So now what? I would love to make some socks. Can I do this with these basics, or do I need to learn something else. I also looked online and I think I can manage a cable stitch to make some pretty scarves.
I already know how to crochet pretty well, so I learn quickly.
I am so excited, I've wanted to learn how for a very long time and I would love to be able to knit some simple gifts for the holidays.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mary G
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5790
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 9:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
msclavel wrote:
I taught myself how to knit yesterday afternoon. I can cast on, knit and purl and I have been just practicing just doing the garter stitch (that's alternating knit and purl rows right?).
So now what? I would love to make some socks. Can I do this with these basics, or do I need to learn something else. I also looked online and I think I can manage a cable stitch to make some pretty scarves.
I already know how to crochet pretty well, so I learn quickly.
I am so excited, I've wanted to learn how for a very long time and I would love to be able to knit some simple gifts for the holidays. |
|
|
First, YEAH!!!!! I'm doing the happy dance for you.
Second, if you're knitting one row, turning and purling back, and getting a smooth fabric, you're actually doing "stockinette stitch". Garter is when you knit one row, turn, knit another row -- that gives you purl bumps on both sides (and the way you count the rows is by counting the "ridges" or bumps and doubling.
Are you knitting flat or in the round? If you're knitting flat, rather than jumping right to socks, make a simple sweater -- maybe for a baby so it goes fast. What you want to do is practice knitting (I've been practicing for almost 40 years  !) and get so adept that you don't have to look anymore.
Go get the
Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann -- if you don't want to buy it, most libraries have it. This has great projects and does a great job of explaining knitting. I had a dear friend tell me the other day that I needed to get this book (and any Zimmermann) books into the 20-something's hands to evangelize them to learn to knit before they start having babies -- she's finally taken my advice and thinks EZ's books are the best at explaining and teaching knitting.
__________________
MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Kristie 4
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 20 2006
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1508
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 3:17pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
How is it going with your knitting Maria??
I just finished an adorable little poncho for my niece- a complete no brainer. Just two rectangles knit in garter stitch, sewn together, fringe a few adorable wooden buttons and voila!!
Might be a nice project for a beginner (my dd 10 is busy on one too... a nice break from scarves for beginners).
__________________
Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
msclavel
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 26 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 781
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 8:02pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I knitted 3 dishcloths for my mom, alternating ribbing and garter stitch. I'm knitting a scarf. It kinda just started as practice for a stockinette (spelling anyone?), but I joined another color and just kept going, though I'm not happy with it cause its curling and rolling terribly now.
I love the poncho idea...Hmmmm, I have some nice wool blend yarn. Thanks for the idea.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
ladybugs
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3732
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 8:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Kristie 4 wrote:
I just finished an adorable little poncho for my niece- a complete no brainer. Just two rectangles knit in garter stitch, sewn together, fringe a few adorable wooden buttons and voila!!
Might be a nice project for a beginner (my dd 10 is busy on one too... a nice break from scarves for beginners). |
|
|
How much do you cast on to make a poncho for a girl who is 5'1" (at 10!)?
Thank you!
__________________
Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
asplendidtime
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 14 2005
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 744
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 7:47am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Yay Maria! It's not really that hard is it? I taught myself to knit too, people always act like it is a special talent that is above their ability... But it is easy, and it gets so much easier.
Can't wait to see all of the wonderful projects you'll make. I would recommend to start with small fun projects, it helps me with not getting discouraged.
__________________
Rebecca~Mama to
Noah 17,
Katie 16,
Mary 14,
Tim 13,
Jonah 12,
Josh 10,
Zoe 9,
Will 7,
Peter 6,
Laura-Mae 4,
Emily-Joy 2,
Genevieve & Gabriella 1
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Kristie 4
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 20 2006
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1508
|
| Posted: Dec 17 2007 at 10:28pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
My daughter is doing a poncho right now. She is making rectangles that are 15 inches by 26 inches. This may be a bit too long, but we left it so that we could tear out a few rows if we need to when we pin it up.
She made a swatch (about 5 inches by 5 inches) and we measured it to decide how many stitches to cast on. She is working it completely in garter stitch (all knit) which is what I did as well.
She is really enjoying this (spending lots of time with books on tape and her needles!)
Merry Christmas!!
__________________
Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: I knit!
