Attention to anyone who knits...
#105768 - 09/14/04 07:49 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
I need some help/advice! I have wanted to learn how to knit for a few years now. I finally treated myself to a class at a local craft store and it was an absolute NIGHTMARE  I was the only person in the class who couldn't "get it". I was so humiliated and embarassed. I know how to crochet (although just the very basics) so I didn't think knitting would be all that hard. The teacher would only show me one way of casting on, which for some reason I couldn't get. Finally another person in the class showed me how she does it and I was finally able to cast on. When I got home and looked up how to cast on in one of my knitting books, they showed it the same way the other student showed me. Ugh! Why couldn't the teacher have been more flexible? That class was a complete waste of my time and money
Anyway, I am wondering how people learned to knit? I don't know anyone who knits so I have a couple of books (The Knit Stitch, Stitch and Bitch) but I get so confused looking at the pictures and I wish someone could show me (that's why I took a class!!!!). Are there any videos or better books to buy to learn how to do this? Now I am determined to learn how to knit more than ever!
Thanks for listening!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm sorry I can't help you with it too much, I have been knitting since i was a kid- my grnadmother taught me.. I have taught a lot of people, but its always been one on one and I know I have a lot of patience. I know a variety of ways to do things, and am good at using pictures to show what I can't do (there are ways to cast on I can't do at all!) good luck! let me know if I can help in some more specific way.
Amie
--------------------
Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I'm not going to be terribly helpful either... a friend showed me how to knit a couple years ago. But interestingly, it was a friend who can't knit! Don't ask me how we managed that one. 
Also odd: my mother, who is an AMAZING knitter, couldn't teach me how to knit. (Or crochet - I'm a self-taught crocheter, and VERY good at it; I've had several published designs. For crochet, I learned from a 4-H manual geared towards children, but I know that's not the sort of thing most people can find.) Some people just aren't "right" for teaching, I'm convinced. Any chance of finding a different class?
Don't give up yet!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Aw....
#105791 - 09/14/04 10:11 AM
|
|
|
|
jenX
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 3252
Loc: Richmond, VA
|
|
|
That's so frustrating! Knitting can turn you upside down and all around, for sure. I'm lucky, my teacher was AWESOME.
at any rate, check out Knitting for Dummies (not Knitting and Crocheting for Dummies). It's good.
And the easiest thing to do is spread the word. See who you know in your neighborhood, church, etc... who might knit. Knitters almost never mind helping other knitters. Invite someone over for tea and share away! Also, many knitting stores have knitting circles or Knit and Bitches. That's a nice place to check out other knitters and steal their knowledge.
Be patient. As soon as it "clicks" you'll be unstopable! 
*jen
--------------------
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
You can do this. BELIEVE ME, you can do this. If you can crochet, even just the basics, you can knit.
I taught myself how to knit in 1963. My fiance was just killed, and I was distraught; I found a great knitting shop near my home and threw myself into it.
I didn't take any classes; I taught myself. I got some basic instructions from knitting magazines, went to the knit shop and bought enough for a sweater. Most knit shops will help you IF (and only if) you buy the yarn from them. However, I found that a lot of knit shops are very impatient, and I think it's because they're just too busy, and they don't make any money from instructions; they make their money by selling yarn.
I've been knitting ever since my first sweater, which I wore throughout dating my second fiance (and later, future hubby); it was part of my ice skating outfit, and I wore the thing to shreds. I still knit -- at Christmas, everyone gets a sweater!
So I can help you. But I think the best way is by e-mail; my address is: RowHard@comcast.net .
Whether you e-mail me or not, let me just tell you that YOU CAN DO IT. There are several ways to cast on, but the best way is by knitting it, using both needles, as opposed to just looping it with one hand. You will find that produces a stronger first row that will not come un-done.
I like your attitude: "Now I am determined to learn how to knit more than ever!" That's good -- and that proves to me YOU WILL! Check out other yarn shops, though, because I think you got a bad one. Also, check out the online knitting sources -- they offer free patterns! Lion Brand is my favorite, but there are many others. My favorite sweaters are knit up in Lion Brand "kitchen cotton" that is used to make kitchen washrags. Yeah, it's great yarn -- and 100% cotton!
Okay, enough. Good luck, Miss Pepper, and don't hesitate to e-mail me if you want some help.
Bev
--------------------
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I taught myself with Knitting for Dummies and whenever I have questions (whenever I actually take the time to knit that is!  ), Bev is EXCELLENT with advice. She helped me lots through emails!
Good luck! Don't let that class discourage you - you can do it!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Seriously, you guys are awesome. Bevrs, thank you so much for giving me your e-mail for questions - that is so sweet
GUESS WHAT??? I went home last night and pulled out one of my books -"The Knit Stitch" by Sally Melville - and I was finally able to do it!!! I'm really sloppy, but I figure I'll just keep practicing until I'm comfortable. I'm so excited
Thanks again for everyone's advice...Hugs to all of you 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
