tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post6964995840707048137..comments2024-03-16T02:18:16.412-07:00Comments on Salt and Chocolate: Knitting--Ugh!Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15147791473133449106noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-74188098479986777922009-02-14T14:07:00.000-08:002009-02-14T14:07:00.000-08:00Again, I'm responding to an old post, but I'm just...Again, I'm responding to an old post, but I'm just catching up. I really enjoy your blog. I'm not a blog reader per se, so this is all new to me. I'm a knitter (still learning) and found Stitch 'n Bitch to be the best resource for stitch descriptions - and you can't beat the photos for clarity. Another you might try is Knitting in Plain English. <BR/>This is all considering that you're still looking for resources and haven't already heard as much as you can stand about what to read :)<BR/><BR/>Nellie (I don't have a profile - nbewley@gmail.com)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-53714276311925052042008-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:002008-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00Go for some great yarn and some nice bamboo needle...Go for some great yarn and some nice bamboo needles. It makes all the difference to be working with something that inspires you and feels lovely while working. Also if you spend a bit of money on the yarn you are less likely to just abandon the project (or at least I"m that way!)shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03704002710400579565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-88325469120999352792008-09-02T11:13:00.000-07:002008-09-02T11:13:00.000-07:00oh, yea, I just completed my first project. I can'...oh, yea, I just completed my first project. I can't post it yet or else my son will see it, but it's a moebius strip basket. Very cool! Ha, I laughed when I was reading the comments because I still haven't gotten over "full body knitting", which means I lean this way and that when I'm struggling to get the stitches from one needle to the other. *grins*Its_Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13029549444114874421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-38815909812044355262008-08-23T02:02:00.000-07:002008-08-23T02:02:00.000-07:00I am sure you'll be doing it as well as you sew pr...I am sure you'll be doing it as well as you sew pretty soon!<BR/>your blog is lovely!zeliaevorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15773727926995838316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-78520730050781590392008-08-21T13:02:00.000-07:002008-08-21T13:02:00.000-07:00as a knitter, was going to weigh in here, but it l...as a knitter, was going to weigh in here, but it looks like you have tons of great advice already. just don't give up. keep at it. it's a nice skill to have and once you get the knack of it, it's soothing and calming AND productive!Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13777646600848360144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-66420234622104837602008-08-20T02:04:00.000-07:002008-08-20T02:04:00.000-07:00Hi Mary Beth, I've given you an award on my blog, ...Hi Mary Beth, I've given you an award on my blog, best wishes, ClareAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-36503042059024330282008-08-19T01:47:00.000-07:002008-08-19T01:47:00.000-07:00I also taught myself to knit this year and I have ...I also taught myself to knit this year and I have to say it has been the most rewarding, theriputic experience. The rhythum of knitting is addictive, almost like a form of meditation. <BR/><BR/>Stick with it. I was lucky enough to stumble across lots of different yarns in a thrift shop and I read lots of different books at the library. <BR/><BR/>Dont feel under pressure to master it. Change yarn, choose a quiet corner, and focus on something simple. Maybe you could sew up some of your square to make a purse (thats what I did, I attached an old doily and now use it as my wallet, lol).<BR/><BR/>Your so talented you'll get there, I have faith.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes, ClareXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-49156763499292000872008-08-18T19:58:00.000-07:002008-08-18T19:58:00.000-07:00I agree with harper that a scarf is not the best b...I agree with harper that a scarf is not the best beginner's project as it drags on and on (you may however, use it as a way to watch how your tension relaxes and your stitches even out as you gain experience with each row). Hats in the round (on circular needles) are not as difficult as they seem and they give you a chance to learn several new techniques in one project. If you are using 100% wool, you can always felt your project and the inconsistencies (and mistakes) just melt away. <BR/><BR/>Another book suggestion is Teach Yourself Visually Knitting and Crocheting. <BR/><BR/>Have enjoyed your blog for a while now; thanks for your yummy recipes, ideas for craftiness with my young ones, nice photography and all around inspiration.eight feethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17642978183328338371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-64242564057668086672008-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:002008-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00I taught myself how to knit using a dvd aimed at p...I taught myself how to knit using a dvd aimed at pre-teens. It came with yarn and a pattern for a hat. It really worked well, though, as I could slow it down to a frame by frame version during bits that confused me.<BR/><BR/>Crocheting was taught to me by a friend in the space of an hour. Before that I couldn't follow what the books were showing in their diagrams.<BR/><BR/>So, I think it helps to see a live person do it - even if it's on the screen - to get a grasp of the basics. The internet probably has loads of free videos.UK lass in UShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01991775987342643954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-30129079364373741302008-08-17T17:03:00.000-07:002008-08-17T17:03:00.000-07:00I think your little patch looks good. Just as a ne...I think your little patch looks good. Just as a new knitter's patch should(rhyming unintentional). I used to work in a knit shop and I used to teach knitting to beginners. One of the most important things to realize is that knitting is a slow craft. Just relax and keep going and don't beat yourself up you are doing just fine. I wish I could come over and give you a few tips and talk you through them! A book recommendation - Knitting Without Tears- This is an old book and it is a wonderful read. It changed my attitude about knitting. Keep on knitting and if you want any assistance I would be happy to help. Keep on knittin' KristinKristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17078478370206751594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-67593321291718443012008-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:002008-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:00I am fortunate in that my public library offers fr...I am fortunate in that my public library offers free knitting classes so that's how I learned. However, in some ways, I've learned more from the internet because a human teacher usually teaches their personal style which may not fit you. I can search a technique and try several methods until one clicks. <BR/><BR/>If you feel your stitches are too tight you might try going up one or two needle sizes. I also recommend bamboo or wooden needles over metal. And I prefer to knit with circular needles even when I'm knitting a flat piece -- the needles don't tend to fall out of your knitting. Also, I agree you should use smooth yarn, preferably wool because it has a lot of give.<BR/><BR/>Rather than knitting a scarf [which I think is not the best beginner's project because you begin to despair of it ever ending] what about a garter stitch fingerless mitten? Cast on until it seems long enough for the recipient [say, from 1.5 inches below the wrist to just above the knuckles, knit a rectangle until it is a little smaller than the circumference of the hand [you want it to stretch some to help hold it on], cast off, hold the cast-on and cast-off edges together making a tube and determine where you think the thumbhole should be then whipstitch the seams together above and below the thumb. Voila! There are much better patterns out there for this kind of thing but this is pretty easy. And much quicker than a scarf.<BR/>This one at http://ysolda.com/wordpress/patterns/ has shapingHarperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00831291068861524089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-64354440521608031532008-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:002008-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00Good luck with the knitting, I always shout for my...Good luck with the knitting, I always shout for my mam when I get stuck. Once you get going its quite theraputic - don't give up. <BR/>lisa xperiwinklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02061430927732039062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-89891684402271719642008-08-16T15:26:00.000-07:002008-08-16T15:26:00.000-07:00Oh I have no suggestions I'm afraid - I'm just com...Oh I have no suggestions I'm afraid - I'm just commenting to say I know how that feels. I've never really been able to knit properly even though I know theoretically how. My mother is a great knitter which makes it worse and now my daughter wants to learn. I think it's one of those things that if you stick with it (i've never wanted it enough!), find a yarn and needles that you love then it will fall into place. I'm going to read all your comment now to see if I can get any tips for teaching my girl. Good luck! xBarbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05547954004777827420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-43630702467475046112008-08-15T21:28:00.000-07:002008-08-15T21:28:00.000-07:00so interesting - i have had learn to knit on my to...so interesting - i have had learn to knit on my to-do list for ages. i tried once with an instructional dvd and didn't get very far, but maybe i will try again if you report on your success!Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05009765610878354051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-79807425579092227352008-08-15T16:01:00.000-07:002008-08-15T16:01:00.000-07:00I concur—www.knittinghelp.com for web.With that sa...I concur—www.knittinghelp.com for web.<BR/><BR/>With that said I enjoy (and continue to enjoy) taking classes at my local yarn store. I always wanted to be able to knit and was so frustrated with how hard I found it to be. But, I stuck with it and it's been one of the best things I ever did for myself. I am now enjoying making my soon to be born son his first handknits and I'm so thankful I stuck with it.<BR/><BR/>You could also check to see if your library has any videos. I personally like Elizabeth Zimmerman and Lucy Neatby videos. <BR/><BR/>Good luck and just keep knitting it gets easier and more relaxing!<BR/><BR/>Happy learning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-90328309433272174792008-08-15T15:00:00.000-07:002008-08-15T15:00:00.000-07:00i haven't read the other comments but just wanted ...i haven't read the other comments but just wanted to chime in since i consider myself a somewhat 'frustrated' knitter. i tried learning from books and all i really picked up was bad habits. i really think it's important to have a real live person help guide. they can tell you when you've made a mistake, explain why/how and help teach you to recognize the mistake before it's too late. then, the books and videos become great references when you need a reminder on something.<BR/>check knitting stores where you can go and knit there with the people. and then, all of a sudden, you'll draw other knitters to you and you'll have people to do this craft with. <BR/>good luck!kristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07862447137460152226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-20959855365198530572008-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:002008-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00I knit once in a while, but only simple things lik...I knit once in a while, but only simple things like dishrags. I'm much better at crochet. But I used a book years ago to learn it called "I Taught Myself to Crochet." See if you can find the one on knitting at your library. I found the crochet version to be easy to follow and would assume the knitty one is, too. Anyway don't give up!Mom2furhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09919967314390699344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-10946425871052900972008-08-15T13:36:00.000-07:002008-08-15T13:36:00.000-07:00Well I don't have much advice as I've just started...Well I don't have much advice as I've just started myself, except do keep it up, don't give up, one stitch at a time and soon enough you'll get the rhythm of it. :o)hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16320230079621565906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-90219541032236599072008-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:00Keep us the good work! I, too, learned to knit re...Keep us the good work! I, too, learned to knit recently, and without personal support. I have two suggestions that I have seen posted. First, knit in public. Knitters will come crawling out of the woodwork, and you'll find out who and where they are. Also, find the local knitting guild, and attend a meeting. The one here is very friendly, and eager to help.<BR/>Keep trying. I knitted several scarves and dishcloths before I felt comfortable knitting, and several more before I got bored enough to try something a little more complicated. I still have lots to learn, but I'm enjoying it immensely!debjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14194373879989473400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-74845939611459999702008-08-15T12:24:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:24:00.000-07:00You've done really well to do what you have done b...You've done really well to do what you have done by yourself. Keep it upJanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07473367240638223881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-48732662324771171892008-08-15T12:23:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:23:00.000-07:00You've had so much great advice here! Like a few ...You've had so much great advice here! Like a few other posters, I started teaching myself to knit last autumn using a children's book from the library. I'm still not doing anything fancy yet but I'm improving all the time. I read somewhere once a really good article about letting go of the perfectionism with knitting and seeing the flaws in your creations as part of what makes the items so special. That really helped me to just jump in and try things. I recently made my son a gnome hat from "The Children's Year" and he's itching for cold weather so he can wear it! <BR/>Good luck - you'll get there in the end!Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14556762165713581423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-28470410753739024362008-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:002008-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:00I would definitely take a class--so much fun and a...I would definitely take a class--so much fun and a great way to learn. Even though I have been knitting for a long time I use knittinghelp.com when I forget how to do something. Very helpful:-) But learning to knit with others opens up a whole 'nother world of fiber art and artists:-) Good luck!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11016058828515830560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-15350452246520215962008-08-15T11:50:00.000-07:002008-08-15T11:50:00.000-07:00Thank you knitters, so much, for all your encourag...Thank you knitters, so much, for all your encouragement, insights, and good advice! I'm so pleased with all your good vibes being sent my way. I'll press on!Mary Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15147791473133449106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-58055346465619253502008-08-15T10:47:00.000-07:002008-08-15T10:47:00.000-07:00The last commenter was right. Just learn to knit a...The last commenter was right. Just learn to knit and purl. I think the secret is, just get used to doing it and then worry out perfecting it later. It will always feel awkward when you first start knitting. That is normal.Knitting has saved my life in so many ways.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I like reading your blog. I am inspired by all the bread making, recipes, or just playing with your cute kids. Thank you for sharing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224074171829015497.post-70714343922390241702008-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:002008-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:00It took me a couple years of trying off and on bef...It took me a couple years of trying off and on before I really felt comfortable with knitting. First I started out using metal needles and acrylic yarn and the yarn kept splitting or slipping off my needles and I was so frustrated I just gave up. A couple years later I got the book Stitch n Bitch, some bamboo needles and wool yarn and tried again. That time it was a success. I started out really slow and only tried simple projects like scarves. The bamboo needles kept the yarn from slipping off the end and the wool is so much nicer to knit with than acrylic. Fast forward a few years later and I'm a knitting machine! Just give yourself some time and be kind to yourself. I'm a perfectionist so it was really hard in the beginning for me to see all the mistakes I made. You can do it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com