Knitting Newbie - HELP!

[SAHDS]

I've been wanting to knit since I was small and I've decided that the time is now!

However, I have absolutely NO knowledge of knitting - none. What are some good books, tapes, anything that could help me learn the basics.

I've seen the Knitting For Dummies, is that any good?

Thanks from me and DD will thank you too (she's been bugging me for a while...)

[gingerstar]

If you have a local yarn shop (LYS) they frequently offer classes, and even those that don't, often have knitting groups you could attend.

For the best free online instruction, KnittingHelp.com is a wonderful resource.

I also heard someone say that they posted to their local Craigslist (or Freecycle) saying "Wanted: knitting supplies for beginner" that they were going to learn to knit, and they even had offers from nearby knitters who were willing to teach them. If you know anyone who knits, see if they would help you - it is just easier to learn from a real person, IMO, than a book or video.

HTH! (Maybe we'll see you on Ravelry soon!)

[iowaorganic]

I agree with the PP- go to your lys with a project in mind and get your supplies there- perhaps a little more expensive- but you are really paying for them to help you! GL!

[CorasMama]

I tried three other times in my life to learn to knit, and totally failed. Then, I bought a kit (Caron's Learn To Knit) at Joann's, with a dvd, needles, and a really easy yarn. A dvd is so, so, so much better than a vhs tape for learning from, because you can skip around, go slow, etc. Considering my history with learning to knit, I couldn't justify spending the $$ on a class at my LYS (Local Yarn Store -- that took me a while to figure out!)

The dvd worked, so I graduated to a class. And now I'm totally hooked. I knit every day, and I'm on Ravelry (it really only takes a couple days to get your invite, and there's even an MDC knitters/crocheters group there )

Another thing I'd recommend is youtube! I'd used it before to learn new crochet stitches, and so I automatically checked there for knitting help. Like anything else, there's some good, some bad, and some great, like Vicki Howell.

Good luck, and welcome to the most addictive hobby I've ever encountered!

[sabrinat]

I found knitting help tremendously helpful. However, I have gotten a lot of help from my LYS, not taking a class but stopping in for help. In fact the LYS closet to me doesn't do classes, just one on one drop in help. I can't get over how amazing that is and they don't charge for it.

[SAHDS]

Thank you all so much, great advice!

Is a LYS that specific or would a Michael's or Joann's work? Not that I mind, but I just don't know where a LYS is.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by SAHDS

Thank you all so much, great advice!

Is a LYS that specific or would a Michael's or Joann's work? Not that I mind, but I just don't know where a LYS is.

I think you really need a real yarn store. Although some of the workers might knit, I don't think they have the time to show you like they do at a real LYS

[SophieAnn]

Originally Posted by SAHDS

I've been wanting to knit since I was small and I've decided that the time is now!

However, I have absolutely NO knowledge of knitting - none. What are some good books, tapes, anything that could help me learn the basics.

I've seen the Knitting For Dummies, is that any good?

Thanks from me and DD will thank you too (she's been bugging me for a while...)

I have Knitting For Dummies and it's fantastic! I found it very useful, great diagrams (both right and left-handed) and I still refer back to it pretty often - especially for the translations of the short-form codes in knitting patterns. There's an index/summary of all the codes and their meanings which is really handy when trying to read a pattern. The book also has some patterns in it that would be great starter projects.

[gingerstar]

I agree, it really needs to be a yarn shop, not Michaels or Joann.

If you don't know of one, just google your nearest good sized town and "yarn" and you should be able to find one. I live in the middle of nowhere, but I have three LYS within decent driving distance.

[samstress]

i took a four week class at a local yarn shop. it really helped. i think it's a good way to start -- to actually have a real human being in front of you explaining things and watching you knit (don't want to establish any bad habits). for brush ups i just look in books or watch instructional dvds that i've found at the library or ask the always helpful knitters at mdc

[SAHDS]

Again, thanks!

Googled the town and "yarn" and presto! I'll be calling "The Yarn Garden" tomorrow for class schedules!

[kdmama33]

My LYS is also called The Yarn Garden. The people who work in my LYS are lovely and very helpful. I'm sure you'll find the assistance you need at yours, too.