Well, not really, but I'm learning. I once had a friend who knitted a pair of socks for me, and I loved them and have wanted to learn how to knit socks ever since. Not scarves or hats or mittens, just socks. I've never knitted before in my life, and my quilting friends who also knit told me I couldn't start with socks, so I never bothered to learn.
A couple weeks ago my friend DonnaB mentioned that she was teaching a sock knitting class at a local craft shop. She said it was just fine if I'd never knitted before, so I signed up for the class.
She did tell me it would be helpful if I could at least learn the knit stitch and the purl stitch, so I bought a couple of books, a pair of knitting needles, and a skein of inexpensive yarn. I sat down one evening with one of the books, I Can Knit, which is supposed to be a book for preteen girls. I couldn't make heads or tails of it, so I ditched it and moved on to the second book.
The second one had what looked like a pretty good series of step by step photos; but try as I might, I just couldn't seem to understand how to cast the stitches onto the needle. I tried holding my hands and the yarn just like the photos, but it still wasn't making any sense to me. Meanwhile my husband, who was sitting on the sofa with me watching television, was also watching me out of the corner of his eye and snickering. He finally got to laughing so hard that I couldn't concentrate anymore. By then I was pretty close to heaving it out the window anyway. He suggested I try to find a video on YouTube.
Turns out there are all kinds of knitting videos on the internet, and as soon as I watched someone actually cast on stitches, it all clicked and away I went. I taught myself the knit and purl stitches, which was a huge help once I got to class.
A couple weeks ago my friend DonnaB mentioned that she was teaching a sock knitting class at a local craft shop. She said it was just fine if I'd never knitted before, so I signed up for the class.
She did tell me it would be helpful if I could at least learn the knit stitch and the purl stitch, so I bought a couple of books, a pair of knitting needles, and a skein of inexpensive yarn. I sat down one evening with one of the books, I Can Knit, which is supposed to be a book for preteen girls. I couldn't make heads or tails of it, so I ditched it and moved on to the second book.
The second one had what looked like a pretty good series of step by step photos; but try as I might, I just couldn't seem to understand how to cast the stitches onto the needle. I tried holding my hands and the yarn just like the photos, but it still wasn't making any sense to me. Meanwhile my husband, who was sitting on the sofa with me watching television, was also watching me out of the corner of his eye and snickering. He finally got to laughing so hard that I couldn't concentrate anymore. By then I was pretty close to heaving it out the window anyway. He suggested I try to find a video on YouTube.
Turns out there are all kinds of knitting videos on the internet, and as soon as I watched someone actually cast on stitches, it all clicked and away I went. I taught myself the knit and purl stitches, which was a huge help once I got to class.
Working with two knitting needles is awkward for me because I'm new at it, so what's two more? I really didn't think working with four was much more difficult. This is the top of the sock, the ribbing, which is two inches long, and I'm thrilled that it actually looks like it's supposed to. Before the next class I'm supposed to knit five more inches, which will be easier and faster than the ribbing. At the next class we're going to work on the heel, which looks a little more intimidating.Not bad for my first time, eh?
14 comments:
Hi SueR..
I have just last week finished, (they are on my blog) knitting a pair of socks..on two circular needles, I was told it's easier on them.
The hardest aprt i found was turning the heel, I look forward to see how you go.
Julia ♥
Wow you have been a busy gal...BOM look great....I am not smart enough to figure out how to do it on my own....oh well, knitting looks good...I make big knitted Christmas socks...with name on them...fun to do but no time to knit...do need to do some chemo hats...happy quilting...
Good on you Sue, and all on your very own - I'm sure you will be a super knitter - looking forward to seeing progress!
Hugs - Lurline♥
Wow, 3 posts in one day. I have never knit socks. I used to do a lot of knitting when my kids were little, mostly sweaters. Good luck on the socks.
Wow! Learning to knit and right to socks and using 4 needles. I am so impressed! Good for you!
What a fun project!
My Mom taught me to knit a long time ago but now my fingers protest too much when I try to knit! Never did get the idea of crochet...maybe I should check out You-Tube. Thanks for sharing that idea :)
My Mom taught me the basics of knitting when I was about 10 & I still have the Barbie blanket that my scarf turned into!! I never tried again. Your Stars turned out great.I love the colors!
I am impressed! I used to watch my Nana knit socks and mittens - that's the only things she ever made! Try as I might, I could never learn - I'm so very lefthanded!! I too bought books and patterns last year to teach myself, but I gave up! I'd rather make quilts. Look for these at a future "auction" - you know where!!
great job on the first sock! it looks like interesting yarn, too. unfortunately I have two "single" socks in my basket, because I haven't gotten inspired to make their mates yet...
It must be something in the air...I've been thinking I'd like to learn to knit, based on all the lovely soft yarns that are now available!
You are off to a good start! My son's favorite socks are hand-knit so I usually knit him 3-4 pairs a year. I learned how to turn a heel by watching a video on youtube also. Good stuff! With socks - it is good to buy the expensive yarn that will hold up to wear and washing. Cheers! Evelyn
I tried knitting for a bit, and have put it aside for awhile again, maybe I should look for a class. I love your Star Bom blocks, they look so clean and sharp. Your little strippie quilt is going to be really soft and pretty.
I saw you knitting at BR last week and didn't realize you were such a beginner! Good for you and welcome to the happy land of knitting. If you find the three/four needles too much, you might look into knitting socks on two circular needles. However, it looks like you are getting the hang of it. If you ever want some help, just ask!
Great job. So many people are knitting now. Makes me want to start and try.
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