Since I’m out from work recovering from surgery – I figured now would be a great time to try my hand at knitting. I’ve had a gauge size 8 needle and two skeins of yarn since the spring and a good yard sale. I even found a really spiffy looking (and collapsible) vintage knitting bag with wooden legs at another yard sale about a month ago for a quarter. So I’ve been ready to go.
Scouring YouTube via google for videos on how to knit wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped it would be. There’s a lot of crap out there. If you can learn how to do something with just a video without audio or instructions – good for you.
I have 2 favorite videos I’d suggest in getting started. One from VideoJug, and one from Threadbangers. The Threadbangers video has the easiest slip knot and cast-on methods I’ve seen out there – and great video quality so you can really see what’s going on. VideoJug’s Knitting session really captures the actual knitting bit the best – very slow, exceptional video quality and a clarity that I think the Threadbanger’s video lacks in its reviewing the basics format. These two combined though? Perfect for learning without a live person to help!
My first attempts were pathetic at best. Not being able to stand up and walk away easily after a few failures was frustrating to say the least! But doing my best for a short while then coming back the next day proved best.
I’ve also got a hold of a larger 15 gauge needles – as my size 8′s were a bit ambitious to start with. I also suggest going with wooden needles – mine were metal – and far too slippery for a beginner. And seriously? Nothing beats having a person who can help you! Some local craft stores have free sessions to get people started – some now charge for classes, but the prices aren’t unreasonable. My cousin wound up catching a small mistake I was making — which basically means you’re doing it completely wrong — and it’s really hard to figure out where you’re going wrong all on your own!
So – still very much in the early stages of the process – but feeling good! Goal #46 to knit a pair of mermaid fingerless gloves just feels reaaaaaally far away right now. But hopefully I’ll be able to upload a photo of a pathetic looking potholder in the very near future!
