Knitting has had a huge comeback in the past few years. It used to be just for little old grannies to make afghans, dish towels, and mittens. Knitters these days can make those things if they want, but the possibilities are endless. I've come across patterns for trendy little cardigans, sweet eyelet skirts, curtains, piano bench covers and (gasp) lingerie. I've even read about groups of young people that roam the streets at night, knitting covers for street sign posts, lightpoles and the occasional bench. Could it be-- knitting graffiti?!!
People tell me all the time that they'd love to knit, but that dear old grannie no longer lives close by. If you've ever wanted to knit, but never knew how to get started, then this blog's for you. There are lots of wonderful resources out there for new knitters, and I'll list a few of my favorites.
www.knittinghelp.com This site offers free knitting videos that clearly show many of the techniques you'll need to know to get started. You can watch the videos over and over again until you've mastered each one.
www.knitty.com An "e-zine" for the knitting obsessed. A fantastic resource for free (but still fresh and fun) patterns. Just click on archives and search for what you want to knit.
www.jimmybeanswool.com A great resource for clearance yarn. Search their sales and see what you can find.
And if you really want a source of cheap yarn, try http://www.peaches-creme.com/. They sell mostly cotton, but you won't find better prices anywhere. And if you find you really love knitting, you can buy a 1 lb. cone (that's nearly 800 yards of knitting bliss, ladies and gentlemen).
If you scan the shelves at your local library, you'll find lots and lots of books about knitting. A few are gems, most are pretty good, and many are BLAH. Here are my favorites so far:
Vogue Knitting: the ultimate knitting book
They weren't kidding about that title. This book contains everything you could ever want to know about knitting. I only recently discovered it and am already mourning the day that I have to return it to the library.
Mason-Dixon Knitting, by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne
The most entertaining knitting book I've ever come across. And there's not a pattern there that I don't love.
The Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics, by Julie Carles
A great book of patterns for newer knitters.
Knitted Toys, by Fiona McTague
Sick of knitting scarves, sweaters, and dish towels? Maybe you should try monkeys, caterpillars, or penguins. I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, but they're all adorable.
And for those of you that live in Utah County, Heindselman's is the oldest yarn store in the nation. Their customer service is wonderful and they have a great selection of yarn.
Have fun!
P.S. a blog about our fabulous Florida vacation is in the works, just keep being patient...
2 comments:
aren't you going to post anything about your vacation!? I've been waiting for an update, but you haven't posted any pics like ang did. I'd love to see what your camera captured. :) cool post on knitting though. imagine,.. knitting graffiti,.. haha.
I had never heard of knitting graffiti. That's awesome.
Can I just say, I love Mason Dixon knitting. What I really really really want to make is a log cabin quilt. I think it will take me probably like 12 years to make it, so for now I'm sticking to socks. I've totally started stashing yarn to knit it with someday, though.
Also, the knitted toys book is fun, but I've not knit anything from it either.
(PS, are you on Ravelry?)
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