New to Knitting- should I do this?

[LoveLife]

For my 2nd official post here... I just started knitting aroun a month ago. I love it. So far I've made a baby hat and am working on a poncho for my neice. Both very simple projects. Well, I found a pattern for a purse that I LOVE. But it seems a lot more complicated than anything I've done so far.

I'm worried that its way over my skill level since all I've done is knit and purl sitiches and nothing in the round.

So do you think I'd be in way over my head???

Here is the pattern.

Also, I adore the change this person on Ravelry made with the handles and have NO idea how she did it. So if someone could tell me how that's done I would really appreciate it!

Thanks ladies!

[Juvysen]

Well... if it were me, I would... but I'm really quick at picking up new skills when I want to. I'll say this to you, first, though...
1. find a good place for knitting tutorials - that is knittinghelp.com or something similar so you can learn the new techniques (or a friend who likes to help)
2. try knitting a swatch w/the cable pattern first - it'll help you figure out how the pattern works (cables can be tricky to learn initially, but are easy once you get the idea) and let you know if you think you can do that whole thing.

As for the alternative straps - it looks like she just didn't knit the straps as per the pattern, but instead used the straps you can buy from craft stores and either sewed them on or attached them via her knitting. I'd pm her and ask. It's actually probably a simpler answer than what it takes to attach the knitted strap.

[iowaorganic]

that is a great purse! I just favorite-ed it too! Also love the change in handles.... When you purchase purse handles lots of times they come with rings on each end that you can attach any which way you please. I think in this case the knitter just sewed them on where ever she chose- and of course she didn't knit the handles that are in the pattern.

I love the pattern- I think you should give it a whirl- It will teach you new skills and since you love it- you will stick with it! Post a pick when you are done!

[abomgardner417]

If it's something you're dying to try then I say go for it. For me personally, I would be scared, but I'm bad at reading and understanding patterns and I haven't grasped knitting in the round yet. I would go to your LYS and see if they'll offer you help when you need it if you buy your supplies there.

[Think of Winter]

Tbh, I wouldn't. I just read through it twice, and can't find the cables in the pattern. It's been translated, but the cable diagram has not. Cables aren't difficult, but my first impression of this pattern is that it's going to be confusing.

[knitting_mama]

i would try it!

[LoveLife]

Originally Posted by Juvysen

Well... if it were me, I would... but I'm really quick at picking up new skills when I want to. I'll say this to you, first, though...
1. find a good place for knitting tutorials - that is knittinghelp.com or something similar so you can learn the new techniques (or a friend who likes to help)
2. try knitting a swatch w/the cable pattern first - it'll help you figure out how the pattern works (cables can be tricky to learn initially, but are easy once you get the idea) and let you know if you think you can do that whole thing.

As for the alternative straps - it looks like she just didn't knit the straps as per the pattern, but instead used the straps you can buy from craft stores and either sewed them on or attached them via her knitting. I'd pm her and ask. It's actually probably a simpler answer than what it takes to attach the knitted strap.

Knittinghelp.com is acutally where I learned to knit! Its such a great reference site.
Ah-ha! Doing a swatch of the cable is a good idea! That would make me more confident about being able to do the purse itself.

Originally Posted by iowaorganic

that is a great purse! I just favorite-ed it too! Also love the change in handles.... When you purchase purse handles lots of times they come with rings on each end that you can attach any which way you please. I think in this case the knitter just sewed them on where ever she chose- and of course she didn't knit the handles that are in the pattern.

I love the pattern- I think you should give it a whirl- It will teach you new skills and since you love it- you will stick with it! Post a pick when you are done!

Oh, I know the handles aren't knitted. LOL. I feel like a goof. Sorry I made it sound that way. I'm acutally wondering how she attached them. I will have to pm her to find out.

Originally Posted by Think of Winter

Tbh, I wouldn't. I just read through it twice, and can't find the cables in the pattern. It's been translated, but the cable diagram has not. Cables aren't difficult, but my first impression of this pattern is that it's going to be confusing.

Thanks for being honest about it. Although I do think the cable pattern is translated right ABOVE the diagram... I could be wrong though I'll have to look! My biggest concern right now is actually the increasing and decreasing in single rows... that's scary to me.


Thanks everyone. You've actually given me courage. I think that I will have to try it as soon as I finish my neice's poncho and get some supplies for it. Wish me luck!

[Juvysen]

There's a great book I recommend:
the knitters book of finishing techniques

It has directions on different sorts of increases and decreases along with button holes (there were buttons in the pattern, no?) and various other things along with when to use which technique and what the downfalls of the technique are. Great book if you're just learning how to do patterns, etc.

you'll get used to counting your way over to your next increase or decrease, but it might take more attention than easier patterns.

don't forget to post your FO!

[LoveLife]

Originally Posted by Juvysen

There's a great book I recommend:
the knitters book of finishing techniques

It has directions on different sorts of increases and decreases along with button holes (there were buttons in the pattern, no?) and various other things along with when to use which technique and what the downfalls of the technique are. Great book if you're just learning how to do patterns, etc.

you'll get used to counting your way over to your next increase or decrease, but it might take more attention than easier patterns.

don't forget to post your FO!

Thanks for the book recommendation! It looks very helpful. I will have to get it. It might be a library rental until Christmas though. LOL.

Um... what's FO?

[Juvysen]

"finished object"

[sandybemt]

Originally Posted by LoveLife

For my 2nd official post here... I just started knitting aroun a month ago. I love it. So far I've made a baby hat and am working on a poncho for my neice. Both very simple projects. Well, I found a pattern for a purse that I LOVE. But it seems a lot more complicated than anything I've done so far.

I'm worried that its way over my skill level since all I've done is knit and purl sitiches and nothing in the round.

So do you think I'd be in way over my head???

Here is the pattern.

Also, I adore the change this person on Ravelry made with the handles and have NO idea how she did it. So if someone could tell me how that's done I would really appreciate it!

Thanks ladies!

I wish I could help you! I love love love the idea of crocheting and knitting clothing etc for my family but I cant seem to get the edges straight..counting stitches etc..ugh!

[lilyka]

I am jump in and learn kind of person. the only way to pick up new skill is to find a pattern you lov and beg someone to help you when you get stuck