Lightfocus: Knitting and Such
There is nothing like recruiting another knitter to warm this knitter's heart.
Donna (aka DLPerry) wrote to say she used to knit and wants to get back into it and what would I recommend....
So glad you asked!
Just in case others would like to get back into knitting, here are some "getting started again" ideas.
Since you already know how to knit, even though it has been a while, you will pick it up rather quickly. It's sort of like riding a bicycle. You may wobble a bit at first, but you'll remember how.
The way I started again, after leaving knitting behind for many years, was to grab some Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a circular needle, US size 8 or 9 and knit up a small blanket for Misser, the cat. He still loves it. (Red Heart is almost indestructible and is perfect for heavy use items like kids sweater, afghans, pet blankets and the like.)
Knitting needles: I use circular needles for everything, even back and forth knitting; then I can't drop or lose a needle. (The exception: I use double pointed needles for socks and mittens. There are other methods for doing socks, etc but I stick to the "DPNs")
If you want a small project to "get your feet wet", you could get some cotton yarn- such as "Sugar'n Cream " and knit a dish cloth.
Here's a really easy pattern to start with:
(You are starting at a corner and knitting diagonally.)
Cast on 5 stitches.
Knit 1 row.
Row 2: Knit 3, yo, k 2.
Row 3: Knit 3, yo, k 3.
Row 4: Knit 3, yo, knit to end.
Repeat Row 4 until the side is a long as you want the dishcloth to be.
Then, begin decreasing:
Decrease Row: Knit 2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k to end.
Repeat the Decrease Row until there are 7 stitches on needle.
Last Row: Knit 2, k2tog, k2tog, k to end.
Bind off remaining 5 stitches.
Common knitting pattern abbreviations:
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 together
st(s) = stitch(es)
yo = yarn over
You can use this same method for making an afghan or baby blanket. Easy, mindless knitting.
An online store to purchase yarn at a great price is Smileys Yarn It is a good place to stock up. I do this a couple times a year when I am hungry for yarn stash!
Free knitting patterns are all over the 'net! Here are just a few places to get started:
If you like email lists, there are several to choose from. The KnitList is very active and covers a lot of ground. I learn bunches just reading the posts.
If you have any questions about returning to the knitting fold, Ask Me. I love to talk about knitting!
© 2006 Mari Bontrager