Learning to Knit - Wool!

[hollyecat]

I'm visiting my mom and she's going to help me learn how to knit. I am a little craft-challenged, so I hope I can do it so I can learn how to knit my own diapers and clothes for my 3 little ones! Any advice or thoughts for a beginner?? A good diaper or article of clothing to try first?

[A.Fred]

Honestly..I'd suggest trying some scarves first..then maybe a hat or 2. Then get into longies/sweaters etc

[hollyecat]

I was afraid that would be the suggestion. I live in a place that scarves are never used and I already have about 12 of them (for some strange reason!).

[stevensmom]

you can always start of with wash cloths then move up

or be brave and just go for the longies

[hollyecat]

Oh, wash cloths...good idea! What kind of yarn would you use for that?

Originally Posted by stevensmom you can always start of with wash cloths then move up or be brave and just go for the longies

[stevensmom]

Originally Posted by hollyecat Oh, wash cloths...good idea! What kind of yarn would you use for that?

Cotton.

And get on knittinghelp.com

I went straight from doing just one washcloth to knitting garments. Had no problem.

**I do know how to spell...my iPod on the other hand does not**

[nonipie]

There's a steep learning curve when going from learning how to knit and purl to all the techniques needed to knit a garment. I took a class to learn some correct basics then moved from there. I started with a scarf but realized I only wanted to knit other things so I dove right in to longies. Took a while since I had to teach myself to use circulars, long tail cast on, increases, kitchener, short rows etc. I would say don't read ahead in the pattern LOL! Just learn and work on one thing at a time. Also join Ravelry, search Youtube and Knitting Help. Hats and newborn soakers would be good starting patterns to practice. I LOVE making hats now.

[hollyecat]

Thanks y'all. Knitting 101 is t minus 1 hour!

[sprout47]

My first knitting project was a pair of longies, because that's all I wanted! I got some advice online on picking out a pattern where I basically knitted two flat rectangles then joined them in the round to make the hips and waist. It wasn't that bad, and I think knitting with wool was much more forgiving than cotton. I did lots of searches online, found free patterns and forums with knitting advice. I stopped by my local yarn store twice and asked the lady there for help, but if your mom knows how to knit, you'll be fine, since you'll have a free resource!

[hollyecat]

That's what I'm hoping! I don't have my 2 boys to take care of right now (they are home with Daddy while I have my 4 mo DD), so hopefully I can get over the learning curve quickly.