Monday, December 8, 2014

So you think you can/want to knit and a question...


Good morning everyone!  Thank you for stopping by today.  As a brand new blogger I really have no idea yet what I'm doing but I wanted to share a little bit about one of my favorite stress relieving hobbies that I have...Knitting. Just a little background before I begin. In Real Life I work in retail, at my local Target store (which means my life is in a total upheaval and I'm up to my eyeballs in stress right now).  When I first started at my job my now sister-in-law one night on a whim taught me and another one of our co-workers how to knit on a 30 minute lunch break.  At the time I just thought I was learning a new skill, but now I realize I was learning a new way to reduce stress in my life.  Best skill EVER! You can literally teach yourself how to knit the basic beginner stitches in about 15 minutes (and I'm being generous with the time).  Below I have included links to some of my favorite YouTube tutorials and links to some great beginner patterns.




Materials Needed:

  • Knitting needles - I recommend learning on straight needles.  Needles can be found at craft stores, the craft department of some hobby shops, the craft department of your local Walmart, your local yarn store and sometimes even your local thrift store.
  • Yarn - Worsted weight is a good beginner yarn. Red Heart Super Saver is a great starter yarn.  Yarn can be found at your local craft store, the craft department of some hobby shops, the craft department of your local Walmart, your local yarn store (if you want to start with higher end yarn) and even sometimes your local thrift store


Youtube Tutorial Links (Note: I am including videos for stitches that will be needed for some of the patterns I will be sharing):

How to Knit - Casting On
How to Knit - The Knit Stitch
How to Knit - The Purl Stitch
How to Knit - The Bind Off
How to Knit - Making a Gauge Swatch
How to Knit - Knitting through the back loop
How to Knit - Yarn Over
How to Knit - Knit 2 Together

Favorite Beginner Patterns:

Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth



 
Waffle Knit Dishcloth
 


 
 
 
One Row Lace Scarf
 
 
 
 
 
One Row Handspun Scarf
 

 
 
I didn't want to include to many patterns.  These are just 4 of my favorite "mindless" knitting patterns that I use when I need a quick project.  I also find a lot of really neat patterns/tutorials/tips by searching "knitting" on Pinterest too.
 
Question:  What do you do to reduce the stress in your life?  I've shared with you one of the things that I do so now it's your turn.  I really want to know.

2 comments:

  1. Great information for first time knitters. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  2. My grandma taught me how to knit when I was a little girl, but I've completely forgotten. I'd like to pick it back up again one day.

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