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

(source)

 

Waffle Knit Dishcloth

 



 

(source)

 

 

One Row Lace Scarf

 

 

 

(source)

 

 

One Row Handspun Scarf

 



 

(source)

 

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.

A Girl and her Dog Walks into a Blog.....

Hi blogging world!  My name is Jamie and along with my faithful K-9 companion, Libby we are bringing you A Girl and her Dog take on the World.  I am really excited about venturing into blogging.  In "Real Life" I'm ADD so my blog might be a bit ADD at times until I figure out what "direction" I really want to take.  Here are some things you should know about us.....

• Jamie is very into losing weight and progressing on her lifts (I LOVE weight training!!) right now, so there will more than likely be 'Wellness' posts here on the blog.
• Libby while very loveable is not always the brightest crayon in the box...she likes to eat them as well.
• Jamie is a knitter.  I'll show you mine if you show me yours.
• Libby loves her "tiny human's" (my nieces Kendall and Kaydence...there mommy says No though to pix on the net.)
• Jamie has a nifty cool Nikon D3000 DSLR camera that needs some loving right now.
• Libby is a Beagle/Miniature Australian Shepherd mix
• Jamie is getting her feet wet in DIY stuff...If I can find a pin for a DIY Foam Roller I'm all over that BIOTCH.
• Libby destroys anything shaped like a ball....this also includes center pull balls of yarn.
• Jamie loves to read...you have been warned.
• Libby recently decided that she likes to ride in the car.
• Jamie works 3rd shift stocking at Target.

We're pretty easy going gals.  So thanks for stopping by our blog and we hope you drop by again.  If you want you can even follow us.  It's all there in the side bar.

Have a great day!

Jamie & Libby