[mama~bear]

input?? We'll have a mix of beginner/experienced knitters and some that don't know how to knit at all. What I'm looking for is a first project I can use to teach those who don't know how to knit. I'm hoping for something small that can be somewhat completed on the first night using either just the knit stitch or both knit and purl, with just one ball of yarn. Also, I'll need to come up with a list of supplies ... needles, yarn, etc. that can be purchased at a local craft store like Michael's or even Walmart. I've been searching the posts, but can't find a "first" project that seems right.

Not thinking real clearly right now, so anything else you have to add would be great ~ thanks, Andrea

 

[thoesly]

My sister-in-law learned to knit by making dishcloths. She loves them because they are fast, easy, and if you make mistakes, they still work perfectly well.

Something that would be nice in a group like this is a selection of needles so people can try different types. My sister-in-law has always loved aluminum, but it took me a few projects before I could use anything but bamboo without the yarn slipping off the hook.

 

[Sarah]

I wouldn't bother with a project- well- "cast on" can become a washcloth which can become a beanbag and then a purse which can become a scarf...you can leave them to decide how long to make it-

If you start with a cast on lesson- They will cast the stitches on so dang tight- you'll think a gorilla was yanking their yarn- then they will wind up wrestling with getting their needle in that first stitch for the next half hour... and blam- there goes the fun chatty time.

Also- it's great if you have other knitters or teachers who will be able to help you get everone going. It's really hard to teach a group when everyone is set at "micro focus" (can you tell I have BTDT?)

Also- get them some WHITE or CREAM colored yarn. Someone will show up with some navy blue- and then wonder why she can't see what she is doing.

After learning the hard way... think if I ever do it again- that I will cast 25 or 30 sts on everybody's needle before class (sell then needles you buy as a materials fee) and then teach the knit stitch... give them some gratification- something they can do... then while those get going- you might have some other students who show readyness for the purl... give them "private lessons" and show them that. Then- about 1/2 hour before the class ends- ask them to finish their row- so they have one empty needle...

And then- I would teach them casting on before they leave- finish- don't start with it... casting on was the biggest mistake I ever made as a teacher- totally brought the class to a grinding halt.

In retrospect- this is how I would do it- I would take two colors of the same weight yarn and cut one yard lengths. Tie a knot to connect the two colors and make a slip knot at the juncture- then- when you cast on- one color should wind up over the needle, and the other color should wind up as the bottom edge. This way when your students have two yarns coming off their needle and you need them to loop one over- you can say- the RED one... because you'd be amazed... if you say "The one on your index finger" they don't know what you are talking about. If they go wrong- your student will quickly be able to see for themself if they make a mistake.

Love Sarah

 

[*Devon*]

Wow Sarah! You make me want to teach knitting!

I was just going to suggest... serve wine-- That's why I go to Knitting Group LOL

Although it's probably not the best idea for beginners...

Good luck!

~Devon

P.S. The "Kitschy Kerchief" from SnB is a great project for teaching decreases!

 

[Sarah]

Devon- I don't know if you are joking or not! lol... it was fun- but I was really unprepared. What happened was that a friend had wanted to start a stitch-n-bitch but she soon realized that she would need to teach some people to knit if she wanted a club... she planned to do the club/class at the library, in a side meeting room. The first two meetings had really bad attendence- and then she was so disheartened that she made other plans the day of the third meeting... she asked me to stand in for her just in case anyone came- and that day- a crowd showed up! Anyway- our group kind of fizzled- but I would like to get it going again. It's really fun to see what everyone is working on and to share techniques.

Love Sarah

 

[*Devon*]

Kidding about the wine or kidding about being impressed with your advice? Neither, actually! It sounds like great advice... I might teach a few of my friends to knit so I will definitely use those tips.

My group is very informal-- the LYS is open til 8:30 on Wed so we all go over there for a few hours and just knit and hang out. Everyone helps each other is we need, and there's plenty of yarn to browse LOL. Maybe ask your LYS owner if you can meet there?

~Devon

 

[mama~bear]

thanks for the info ... Sarah, your input will be so helpful. Made me really rethink how I'm going to go about this

Thanks