The best way to increase my skill in knitting. - Page 2

[llamalluv]

I recommend you do a sock, or a baby sweater. When I first learned to knit, I didn't know any better, so my first project was a scarf (which I still have), my second was a hat for my sister, and my third was a baby sweater (which I promptly gave away).

Only after the question "Is knitting hard to learn" did I realize that most people spend years making scarves, potholders, and dishcloths because they think that they "can't" do anything more complicated until they are "experienced". But of course, they never challenge themselves, and socks and sweaters are "too difficult".

Take it one stitch at a time - it's really not as scary as you think it is!

[flapjack]

Yep. If you have a baby in cloth diapers, longies or soakers with short rows are great because it's mostly knitting in the round but you need increases, decreases, ribbing and short rows. If you don't CD, hats are great for similar reasons. Then socks are the logical next step from longies.

[Leilalu]

For me, it was to knit about a hundred million soakers, and all sorts of things. Try somethign new, and embrace it with the mind that you are going to overcome whatever you face trying to get it done. You won' t learn anything if a project spends half it's life in the naughty corner.

Also, nice quality yarns, that you really enjoy. Something you will want to touch several times a day to get it done.

[kuhlmom]

I've been knitting for years now, but I recently took a class at my LYS and was surprised how much I learned. I'd advise that or finding a knitting group. There's nothing like being around other knitters to expand your skills.

[Cate]

The very best thing I ever did to improuve my knitting skill, was to join a local stitch 'n' bitch. There's always someone around to help you with whatever you need advice on... or to egg you on to try something new... or who's doing something you've never seen before... just being around other knitters drives you to try new things. It would *never* have crossed my mind to try socks if it weren't for my SNB.... and now I've even designed my own. I never even knew that knitted lace existed until my SNB. Definitely, find a local SNB, and attend regularly. Not only will your knitting improuve more than you ever thought possible, but you'll make some great friends in the process.