Good project for a beginner wanting to learn more?

[April Dawn]

Hi all! So I started knitting a while ago and at first was very pleased with my progress - I learned to cast on, knit, purl, bind off. I can decrease but I can't seem to get the hang of increasing. I've done basic stockinette stitch as well as ribbing.

But the thing is, I'm bored with scarves and very simple hats! I would like to start learning more advanced techniques, but I've tried several projects with more shaping, multiple colors, new stitch patterns, etc... and I get overwhelmed. I need a project that's harder than a ribbed scarf, but easier than a sweater with multiple stitch patterns, ykwim? I would like to make baby clothes - they're small and quick, and half my friends are pregnant! So... anyone got a link to a pattern that might help me learn new techniques, but won't be too difficult? Thanks so much!

[MamaWolfe]

The first thing I knitted were a pair of woolies! They were super easy!!! I used a free pattern I found on the Internet, but they're so easy I don't even use a pattern anymore! If you leave off the short rows then it's super easy, if you wanna small challenge, add short rows to the bum.

[flapjack]

Get hold of a copy of Debbie Bliss's Baby Knits for Beginners. It introduces techniques one at a time and has some cute patterns too

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

I second the Debby Bliss book. Otherwise I would look for patterns were there is only one or maybe two new techniques at a time. Read through the pattern first and see if you know how to do most of it.

[AlwaysByMySide]

Are you a member of ravelry? There are lots of cute patterns for all sorts of stuff on there, and people rank and comment on them so you can get an idea of what you're getting yourself into.

[DeerMother]

How about this? http://www.knittingpureandsimple.com/babycardi.html
It does have some increasing, here's a good resource http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/increases

I've made two but do about 5 rows of garter instead of the hood.

Ditto that you should join ravelry!

When I was learning new techniques i made quite a bit of felted stuff. That way if there were major mistakes they would disappear in the wash (usually) but I still got the practice and a finished object.

[gingerstar]

The first real project I made was Little Turtle Knits Easy Peasy Cardigan - it really is.

But definitely join Ravelry if you haven't already!

[34me]

I third or fourth ravelry. What about baby washclothes? There are literally hundreds of free patterns on ravelry with all different stitches.

[April Dawn]

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas! I have joined Ravelry, and my library's catalog says they own the Debbie Bliss book, so I will check it out! Thanks everyone!

[MrsAprilMay]

How about knitting in the round? I made a snake for my DD as my stepping out project. I wouldn't recommend it. 4 stitches divided on 2 DPNs was not a kind way to start knitting in the round. But after I got the hang of it I knit up a pair of Bella Mittens for my SIL. Those were a satisfactory challenge. Increases, decreases, cables, picking up stitches...I literally knit in front of the laptop so I could look up things I didn't understand. The first mitten was a mountain and the second mitten was cake. I felt so accomplished when I finished them in 5 sleepless nights. And they're gorgeous to boot. I know you asked for baby patterns, but I just wanted to share.

[sapphire_chan]

http://kimberlychapman.com/crafts/knit-patterns.html

Great introduction to knitting in the round.