A stitch in time saves nine.
Got the winter woes? Wishing you could be like so many others, wrapped up in cosy wool reading a book with a cup of hot chocolate? Do you look on in jealousy as the nanna’s knit up a storm? Well why not take a leaf out of their well read books and pick up a pair of ol magic sticks yourself?
But who will teach you, you might ask? Why the lovely many volumes of whimsical wisdom upon our shelves, we’ve got everything from the Knitters handbook to Knitting Vintage. I’ll even give you a few cute projects to start you off, before no time you’ll be knitting like pro!
Start with something small, like a headband, they’re cute and easy to make and even if there are a few dropped stiches and it’s a bit wobbly it’ll look cute and can easily be tarted up with a couple of little pompoms. Don’t be too ambitious when it comes to size, even with something like a scarf, I find that far too often people start knitting huge monstrosities only to get halfway through and realise that there is no way they could wear something so large. If all else fails, a thinner scarf can be knitted longer and wrapped a couple more times for warmth. Less is definatly more in this case.
Another fun thing to try is these fuzzy jar jumpers and the adorable knitted bunting behind them. You can find the tutorial here for the jar jumpers. With the bunting I suggest 10 stiches across, and around 8cm long, why not mix it up making every second one a different colour? To thread each knitted rectangle onto the thread, use a thick needle, quilting needles are often blunter, making it easier to slip through every 3rd stitch or so.
If those don’t sate your thirst for woolly crafty fun why not have a look at ‘Sweet and Simple knitting projects’ in the teach yourself range, the projects are great for beginners and super cute. I’m rather in love with the hot water bottle jumper on page 58.
Another great way to get better at knitting is to join a knitting group. The Stitch and bitch website is a great way to find fellow knitters in your area. My favourite is the group that meets at the three monkeys cafe in west end (if you’ve never been there you must, their cake is to die for and the cosy little corner tables are brilliant to hide away within for a few hours deep reading. You can find them on the stitch and bitch website or email them to gorgeousfee@gmail.com. Which reminds me of another rather helpful little book of knitting wisdom, ‘stitch and bitch super star knitting’ this book is more focused on going beyond basic knitting, teaching such skills as knitting lace, double stitch and beading.
Now with all this talk of knitting and pearling and casting and tying it’s understandable that you could feel a little overwhelmed, but the most important thing is to remember to have fun! You’re creating something new and soft and lovely, it may not work out perfectly the first time but as long as you enjoy yourself it’ll all be worth it. You could even make something snugly for your pets.
If all else fails and you’re in need of inspiration, take a look at the lovely lady below.
Good luck fellow knitters, please feel free to send in photos of your current or completed projects, I’d love to see what you’ve all created. Happy knitting!
Knitters Handbook – 25.00
Knitting Vintage – Claire Montgomerie – 29.99
Stitch and bitch - Debbie Stoller - $24.95
Sweet and Simple Knitting Projects – Sally Walton – 22.99
