addicted to knitting

[untonuggan]

I picked up a copy of "Knitting for Dummies" from my local used bookstore on a whim (and because I had extra store credit). I learned how to knit (but not purl) years ago but never got farther than 1/3 of a scarf.

I think I have a new addiction.

The book's illustrations are definitely not created by the person who actually wrote the text, so the actual "how to knit and how to purl and how to cast on" are not completely clear. However, I managed to pick up the extra info from friendly YouTube videos.

Currently, I'm practicing different stitches on some inexpensive wool yarn I got at Michael's. I've done garter stitch, stocking stitch (or was it stockinette?), reverse stocking/stockingette stitch, that stitch you use to make ribbing, seed stitch, and am now working on horizontal stripes. (You can see I'm slightly fuzzy on the names).

I am SO proud of myself.

I can also see what people may be getting for Christmas.

So now that I'm finally into knitting...anyone have any favorite online yarn/supply stores? Beginner tutorials? Basic projects beyond scarves and hats?

Comments

[jumpuphigh]

http://www.knitpicks.com/knitting.cfm Very dangerous

[untonuggan]

Dangerous and AMAZING! Thanks so much.

[jumpuphigh]

If you are truly addicted, it is worth buying the Harmony needles from the knitpicks site. Somewhere I wrote a review about them but the tl;dr version is "these needles are awesome and once you start using them, you'll never want another type again." I'm completely serious there, too. I am currently making a hat with 3 sets of circulars and only one is the Harmony. I'm sad for 2/3rds of the time each round. :D

I use Ravelry.com for free patterns. Also, I have some cool scarf patterns I've found if you want them. I'll have to dig up the links as I just have them memorized at this point.

[untonuggan]

Scarf patterns would be awesome, thanks!

[jumpuphigh]

I like this pattern a lot. It knits up really fast and is gorgeous. You do have to pay attention to the pattern as it is pretty close to impossible to fix if you mess it up.

http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/scarves/cameo-faggotst-scarf.html

ETA: When you want something similar but a bit more complicated and substantial, try the first one on this blog post. http://ddrbroderick.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-pal-got-her-scarves.html

[untonuggan]

Ooh, that is pretty. Although the name (however ancient) does make me wince.

*plots scarf-making*

[jumpuphigh]

Also, dishcloths are a great way to have a bit of knitting around for fun without making enormous commitments of time and yarn. I particularly love Grandmother's Dishcloth and it is the most frequently used pattern round these parts. If you buy the large skeins of Handcrafter's Cotton Yarn from JoAnn's when it is on sale, or when you have a coupon, you can make a ton of dishcloths for only a few dollars. You would be amazed how many people are excited to get dishcloths for gifts, too.

[daedala]

I don't knit, but I've asked several friends to make these headbands for me; they're reportedly very easy, and awesome with long hair (or under bike helmets...)

[untonuggan]

Those look awesome! Especially for when/if I have long hair again. Or Christmas presents...mwahahaha.

Thanks for the tip!

[daedala]

I forgot to mention -- be careful of cats! For some reason she just loved trying to eat them. The other two cats have been fine, though. :)

[indywind]

knitty.com for free patterns of a variety of projects at various levels of difficulty.
For projects, I recommend hats, for working in the round and reading patterns. Once you feel comfortable working in the round, following pattern instructions, and doing increases/decreases, then socks. Thick socks from worsted or even bulky yarn first, so they go faster. They're not a lot harder than hats, they're small enough to be portable and quick to work, and people are always impressed with the results.

[untonuggan]

Thanks for the ideas! I'm intrigued by the idea of donating hats to hospitals for premie babies. May have to ask around in my area...