Comments on: To all the Knitters

By: Nilda Broomes

Nilda Broomes — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:30:32 +0000

Nice article, i was thinking about you the other day. What you wrote is great advice any way that you look at it. Follow me on Twitter

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:34:08 +0000

I’m in total agreement with poster that said that it helps immensely to have a seasoned knitter show you the ropes and help bail you out when you get in a bind. My co-worker showed me and while I’m an on again, off again knitter, once you get the hang of it, it really is a rewarding and relaxing hobby. I only have scarves and dish clothes under my belt but my one day I’ll venture onto sweaters and socks. Keep at it MJ!

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:04:20 +0000

I have a knit in the past and still have an ongoing project I pull out once and a while. I found out that it is not automatic. I hate to redo stuff but I found out that’s the only way to do it. Problem is, I’m also a utilitarian and I hate for something to go unused. I’m in a house of men, non of whom will touch my projects. Good luck.

By: Jacque

Jacque — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:26:12 +0000

My first atempt at knitting was a Cable Knit sweater for my boyfriend. Thank God for Granny Pop who was teaching me. It took months and was torn apart many many time. But it did turn out very nice.

If you don’t have someone like her to sit there and fix all of your mistakes then start with a scarf. At least when you are done you have something to add to your wardrobe that will make you feel good or make one for your nephew.

My second attempt was making golf club covers for my husband for Christmas. He was very proud of them and put them on his clubs. BUT when he went golfing he got them all muddy and so he thought he would wash them before I saw them. Not knowing any better I made them out of yarn with wool in it. Needless to say he ended up with booties. So choose your yarn carefully.
Have fun!!

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:38:40 +0000

I love knitting…but don’t try and do it on your own…You really need someone who can sit with you and help til you get the hang of it….Someone who can also can take out the mishaps when they occur….bird nests as your husband calls them!
I am still doing prayer shawls with just straight knitting….and it is so relaxing.

By: MamaMarathon

MamaMarathon — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:27:01 +0000

I’ve been an avid knitter since childhood. I had this awesome Learn to Knit book that is now out of print, and that I foolishly loaned out and never got back. I was crushed, as I still used it for a reference even 20+ years later. But I have found Stitch and Bitch to be very helpful as well – the diagrams are great, even if you have no intention of ever making the knitted bikini.

Also, I’d recommend a beginners’ class at the Needle Lady. And if you’re having trouble, just show up and ask for help.

I second the recommendation for something very, very simple and rather small, like a scarf, just to get the hang of the knit stitch. Next step should be a scarf in stockinette stitch, which is knit on one row, and purled on the next. Once you know knit and purl, the sky’s the limit!

I find knitting to be a lot like cooking – you need to know a couple of basic things, but once you have a few good “recipes” you can just follow those.

By: Ma Jaggers

Ma Jaggers — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:35:16 +0000

Keep at it! Did I tell you how many times I had to take out rows on the boys afghan? If you get real good then you can help me on my projects. Look forward to your visit in a few weeks.

Love,

By: Jen on the Edge

Jen on the Edge — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:35:18 +0000

I recommend either a kids’ knitting book (you can borrow ours) or “Knitting for Dummies.”

I also recommend starting off with something simple, like a scarf, so that you can simply master the knit stitch.

I have LOADS of yarn I can share, so why don’t we get together at C’ville Coffee or some other place and knit together? That way, I can look over your shoulder while you cast on and get those first rows going.

By: Jeff Uphoff

Jeff Uphoff — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:49:44 +0000

My wife, a “compulsive knitter”[1], recommends the classes at “The Needle Lady” on the Downtown Mall here in Charlottesville.

She also recommends the book, “Kids’ Knits” [that might not be the exact title], by Melanie Falick, stating that it’s a good book for any beginner.

[1] Her own words! To quote her, “I have a knitting problem.”

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:47:45 +0000

Many, many times I’ve tried to knit, and I’ve decided that my hands simply cannot make pretty things. I think it’s something, for me anyway, that’s too hard to learn from a book. I’ve had an easier time crocheting. (I can clothe a cat or a barbie doll with my creations. People? Not so much.)