5.24.2013

32 Things Before 32 // #3 Learn to Knit

Knitting

I am very happy to say that I have taught myself how to knit. When I say taught myself, that means I've learned some basics from watching some videos on YouTube. I have to say that I did not expect there to be so much to knitting. All the needles, different types of yarn, different types of stitching patterns and all these terms that made me feel like knitters have their own language. I still have a lot to learn but I am excited that I have made something already.

Learning Knitting

For my first project I decided to make a coffee cozy. There are tons of free patterns online. I found some of the patterns confusing though since I didn't understand any of the basic knitting terms. I went to Hobby Lobby and just bought the things that the pattern called for. The first pattern I attempted I purchased some thick yarn and circular needles.

Learning Knitting

Can you say FAIL? hahaha I tried following the pattern but had no idea what the person was talking about. I attempted looking at the photos of "what to do" but they were confusing and not getting me anywhere. That first night of knitting I was doing everything wrong and became very frustrated. That is when I resorted to YouTube. I needed actual directions I could understand. I needed to see the motions of knitting. A picture did me no good at all. Also starting out with circular needles and thick yarn was a mistake. I learned really fast that I needed a yarn that was thin and that would not unravel easily. Back to Hobby Lobby to get different supplies...

Learning Knitting

I ended up finding a different pattern that did not use circular needles. It was way easier for a beginner. I did cheat and only used knit stitches and not pearl stitches. Knit stitches look more like rows (see below picture for an example) and pearl stitches have more of a zig-zag pattern. I plan to make my next cozy in only pearl stitches. Baby steps! I figured this way I could really learn each style.

Knitting

I have to say I am loving how relaxing knitting is. I really hoped that I was going to enjoy it. Every time I saw someone knitting I thought they looked so peaceful. I've just been knitting in bed at night while we watch TV. The cats are loving it because they get to play with the yarn and apparently it's a good pillow.

Knitting
Knitting

I am really happy with the results of my cozy. I can't wait to keep making more of them and try new projects as well. It feels so good to learn a new hobby and to create things. Now I won't have to use a cardboard sleeve from Starbucks ever again. Of course Cody wants a cozy as well, but has requested less girly yarn. ;)

The videos I used to teach myself the basics are done by Knitting Help.com.
If you are interested in watching them go HERE.

23 comments:

  1. It's so awesome that you know how to do this. Would you believe that my husband can knit but I never have? I think that's kind of funny. Apparently a friend taught him in college. He says he's going to teach me but we just haven't gotten around to it.

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    1. That is pretty funny. Cody helped me out a little bit. I keep telling him, "Do you want me to teach you?" Of course he says no. hahaha With those videos learning it makes it pretty easy. I highly recommend them. :) I'm sure you would love knitting.

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  2. uhhh i have to learnnnnnnnnnnnnnn :P

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    1. Check out the videos! It's way easier when you have someone explain it slowly and you can SEE it in front of your own eyes. :)

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  3. Yaaay! I loved that you shared every bit of your journey in knitting. I'm still just learning the basics too and the language and it will take me some time before I finish anything because I've pushed knitting down on my priorities for now but I can't wait until I finish the things I'm working on creating so that I can finally knit a complete item.

    I just love the beauty of creating. I find the process of creating in general (be it knitting, writing a story, starting a shop) is so peaceful, calming and invigorating.

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    1. I had not created anything in a long time. I used to draw but don't do that anymore. It felt good to learn something new. I was worried I would hate it and just give up on the whole knitting journey. Seems I love it though. I really can't wait to try something harder. Since I have backed away from social media and the blog I had time to knit. :) YAY!

      Years ago I had a sewing machine and was horrible at making anything with it. Since then I've always said that I hate sewing. I hope to also give that a try again in the future. Hell, I've changed so much that it's not fair to just assume that I would still hate it. I would love to make my own dresses using the vintage dress patterns you see at the thrift stores. Maybe that can be a goal for next year? ;) haha

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    2. I'm so glad you are enjoying it. And I agree- it's when we find ourselves changing views that we ought to try things again. Sewing is one that's higher on my priority list because I already know some basics. I want to do it because it will help me to be more sustainable and will also allow me to create some products for my shop that I have in mind.

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  4. It looks really good for a first attempt! My grandma is a knitting pro and she's tried to teach me several times but I just can't concentrate on it, it's so boring to me.. I get why it can be relaxing to others though.

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    1. Yes, if it's boring to you then you shouldn't do it. hahaha I can see why people would also find it boring. I needed something to relax me and give me something to focus on. When I used to have a sewing machine and attempted making stuff I found that frustrating and boring. Hopefully I can give that another try sometime in the future. I want to make my own clothes.

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  5. I like the yarn you picked, the colours are beautiful. I have a really hard time reading patterns, they're like hieroglyphs to me. I always understand better if somebody shows me, even if it's a YouTube person.

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    1. Yes, I have to have someone show me! It will be interesting to see if I can make harder things. This was super basic. You should see how long it's take me to get off my bike properly! haha Cody will just some me over and over, finally after watching him a million times I got it! :)

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  6. I think it turned out really well Jessie! Congrats on picking up a new hobby! Hopefully you'll be a pro by the time winter rolls around for some scarves and hats!

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    1. Thanks Bekka! Yes, scarves will be happening for sure!!! hahaha

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  7. IT LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! I love it. No holes or dropped stitches and the colours are fantastic. Well done. :)

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    1. Thanks Cazz! I was excited when I found the bright colored yarn. I can't wait to make more colorful things. :)

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  8. That's exciting! YouTube is the best way to learn how to know or crochet. I constantly have to refer back to videos to see how to do certain stitches. Your cozy looks great!!

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    1. Thanks so much Karen! :) I'm sure I will be using YouTube a lot.

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  9. Well done! I can't knit very neatly, so this is super impressive to me! Haha how did I guess you'd be knitting a coffee cosy!

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  10. Knitting seriously relaxes me SO much. But I can't knit anything. I just do random lines of knitted string....I should probably learn how to do something with it :P

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    1. hahaha That's funny. I did a lot of random things as well and it all ended up being cat toys. ;) Well if you cast on about 35 stitches you can make a coffee cozy pretty easily.

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  11. You've made me now want to learn to knit! Looks fun and relaxing :) your cozy is so cute!

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    1. Thanks Michelle! I'm sure that you would love it. :)

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