Can you help this newbie make a beginnner's shopping list?

[fullofgrace]

As part of prioritizing stuff for ME (both a gift to myself and a new year's resolution), I want to finally take the time to learn and hone a craft. My kids are all three in school and all three doing amazingly well so I feel like I can devote more of myself to... well, myself.

My grandma taught me how to knit when I was much younger. (and in watching videos it looks like she taught me the continental method) I also heard that crochet could be faster to pick up, so I'm considering trying it, as well. I'm not too concerned with what I can make, but rather with what I can do and what will be enjoyable. (the journey vs the destination) Does that make sense?

I need some suggestions for good beginner needles or hooks and yarn. I'm ok with how-tos thanks to the links posted in here (perfect for my geeky self). Joann Fabrics (a few towns over) has too much stuff on their website and I feel a wee bit overwhelmed. Help?

[katelove]

When I was starting to knit I would just buy needles/yarn as I needed them for specific projects. I was also fortunate to be able to borrow my Mum's needles so I could see if I liked it. If you wanted to get a collection together then maybe pick a few patterns you would like to try and buy the needles etc you will need for those. I would find it really hard to just select the equipment I thought I might need.

For starting out, I personally found bigger needles and heavier yarn easier to manage (still do actually) than fine needles and baby yarn. I also prefer metal needles to plastic as I think they slide better.

Once you start doing things with a knitted pattern, a stitch/row counter will be invaluable.

I also keep a little pair of embroidery scissors in the bag with my current project so I don't have to go searching about when I need to cut an end.

Nappy pins make great stitch holders for a small amount of stitches. They're also much less cumbersome than proper stitch holders.

You'll need a blunt needle with a large eye for finishing off ends and sewing seams. Most packages of needes have one but you can also get a pack of darning needles if you prefer.

I don't pin my knitting very much but, if you need to, pins with the large plastic heads are better than the little metal heads. Also get stainless steel so they don't mark the fabric when you're blocking.

I keep my current project in a clean pillow case or wrapped in a tea towel (if it's small enough) to keep it clean and stop the cat sleeping on it

That's all I can think of for now. Enjoy the new journey.

[iowaorganic]

Well if you are fairly sure you will continue knitting- I would buy a set of interchangeable needles. I have a set of Denise needles- but there are other sets. If I had the spare money I would go with a set of knitpicks harmony. Cheaper- would be Boye and you can get those at JoAnns and use a coupon and get them for like $25. A darning needle, stitch markers (you can use anything from little loops of yarn to super cool ones to the plain ones at the knitting shop- I love Fyrestorms stitch markers- she is an MDC mama). sharp little scissors and some big safety pins. And loads of beautiful yarn.

[Peace+Hope]

i wish i'd had someone tell me to start off only buying circular needles. the 12" or 16"length are fine for most projects. if i had $$$ to get anything, i'd make sure i had 2 circlular needles in every size!

i never use the standard 2-needle sets i bought at first.

and you can buy sets of double pointed needles for smaller circular projects as you need them, or even better, learn to knit in the round with two circular needles! (i still need DPNs occasionally)

in addition to a darning needle, i'd say get a tapestry needle, and a crochet hook for finishing.

personally, i almost never use the large needles or chunky yarn i learned on. i think looking at some finished work will give you an idea what your preference might be.

[Stayseeliz]

Good advice!! My basic list:

Darning/Yarn needle
A good knitting bag with pockets (bought an "Everything Mary" bag from Michaels with a coupon for $12)
Worsted weight yarn
Size 8 or 9 needles-That's a good generic size. I'd also suggest buying bamboo or some sort of wooden needles. The metallic needles are harder to use when you're just starting out. I honestly still hate them!
Stitch Markers

I agree that if you're going to stick with it you should buy a set of interchangeable needles. I have the Denise set that I bought off ebay for $30. I love it!!! Something like this also helps you avoid double pointed needles because you can learn the "magic loop" technique later on and do the same thing on the circular needles.

Good luck!! It's so fun!!

[iowaorganic]

Oh- I forgot to add- I sew and have made myself several little drawsting bags to keep my differnt projects in. Keeps them clean and together and best of all keeps the kids from grabbing out the needles. I just throw a couple of my project bags into my main knitting bag when I go anywhere.

OH- and this is very important- a little tape measure. I have a retractable one- but anything would work.

[doubledutch]

wool yarn is the most forgiving, and bamboo needles are my favorite.

i love reading everyone's helpful hints! i've been knitting for 10 years or a bit longer, and i just - just now - have started using circular and double-pointed needles. however, i do think it's smart to buy circular needles. i keep a fingernail clipper in my bag rather than small scissors because nail clippers are allowed on planes. (not sure if scissors are allowed now, but at one point i think there was a problem with them.) i keep pony tail holders on the ends of my needles (at the points) when not knitting, so the stitches don't slide off. i try to choose patterns that are lovely for themselves, not for the fancy yarn or wild colors or whatever.

i would not go out and drop a ton of money right now. just choose a free pattern online (from knitty or ravelry) and buy the needles and yarn for that. also, if you can find a yarn shop (rather than michael's or the fabric store), the people there want to help you. they are actually desperate to help you! not just with shopping but with your project, especially if you find out when people hang out and knit, there or other places.

i don't think it's any easier to begin crocheting if you've already learned to knit in the past. i feel like they're about the same, but i actually find it easier to follow a pattern while knitting (and easier to make something up while crocheting).

have fun!

[MeepyCat]

In knitting vs. crocheting, keep in mind that crocheting takes more yarn.

I agree with the recommendation that you hit knitty or ravelry, pick a free pattern for something you want (to make or have), and go from there. I get that the journey is more important than the destination, but I think that you'll have a better time if you don't feel like you're wandering aimlessly.

[Think of Winter]

I use my needles, a large tapestry needle, a small pair of scissors, and a basket. That's about it. Great advice about the circs. I have tons of needles, but I only use my circs.

Pick a pattern you love, go buy the yarn you love, and get started. Don't stock up on supplies that you may decide later that you don't need. If you have a local yarn store, go pet some yarn. Maybe pick a pattern that they have a demo of so you'll know how it's going to turn out. If I wanted to splurge, that's what I'd do.

If you don't have a lys, join Ravelry and pick pattern. Then come back and we'll help you find some yarn for it.

[fullofgrace]

Well - I really want something like this hat/scarf for myself for those cold days where I am waiting for the kids' bus. - http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Lott...oasty-topper-2 It just looks so comfy! I probably need to work up to that, so just a basic scarf would make me happy! I'm a perfectionist, so I know I can't set the goal too high for myself, or else I will get discouraged and give up. It's a pattern I fall into, which at least I now recognize so I can try to avoid it.

I will putter around Ravelry some more. I've had an account that has sat all lonely for awhile now.

[Dreamy]

I don't know how it will be for you, but I never had any success with knitting in the past because I always started with scarves - I'd end up dropping the whole thing altogether from sheer boredom!

I decided to get serious about learning in July because I wanted to knit a shirt for my son. I decided to make a small, easy project until I got the hang of it, so I made this pathetic washcloth: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Drea...ing-washcloths

It's not even square because I got bored - I felt like I had the tension and control I needed to move on to more interesting projects.

This was project #2: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Drea...ar-earflap-hat

Knitting has really "taken" this time, and I'm soooo happy!

I second the Knitpicks Harmony interchangeble needles. It's not expensive to order just one cable and one set of needle tips - I found knitting on these wooden needles so much easier than with the cheap acrylic ones I started with, they've made knitting a pleasure instead of a headache! I made that hat using the Magic loop method with 5mm tips and a 40" cable.

[gingerstar]

You have gotten some great advice, but I wanted to share one thing I had to learn the hard way - use the best/nicest yarn you can afford. It makes all the difference in your finished project, and it also makes the process much more enjoyable. I just finished a beautiful One-Skein Tapestry scarf for my sister, out of the softest, most lustrous one-ply merino wool - and I almost cried when it was done, because it was such a joy to knit.

[geekgolightly]

If you think you'll be a knitter, get these as your needle set.
http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Opt...t__D90335.html

You might need more cables later on, or if you pick up sock knitting, some smaller sizes, but generally speaking this is all you will ever need.

I prefer options because the tips are sharper and you can knit quickly. Knitting with straights is very annoying and cumbersome to me now. I greatly prefer knitting on circs.

Other than this, you really don't need anything other than yarn.

I generally use bits of yarn for stitch markers, and I use pen and paper for a row counter.

Knit a garter stitch scarf with some aran or chunky yarn on larger needles (9-11) and see if you enjoy getting the hang of it.