[MidnightCommando]

Good morning ladies! I am looking for recommendations on how-to guides on knitting and crocheting for beginners. I would really like to make something special for my little girl but I am all thumbs in the crafts department. I don't know anyone local who can teach me in the flesh so I am going to rely on some books and dvds.

As well as the guides, what supplies would you recommend for a beginner?

Cheers! Malia

 

[chaibaby]

Oooh, oooh! I taught myself to knit about a year and a half ago using "Knitting for Dummies". It helped to get the basic stitches down. There is also a really great easy-to-follow book that goes through all of the different stitches & patterns called "Knitting Basics" by Barnden. I would probably actually recommend the latter over the Dummies book as its more detailed and to the point.

Oh, and

I would literally ambush any "grandma" type patients that walked into my office. You'd be surprised how much they want to pass on their wisdom. I would bring in my messed-up knitting projects and they would figure them out for me while they waited for their adjustment. Hee hee.... if you know of any grandma-generation types out there, they'd be happy to help!

 

[chaibaby]

Plus, are there any crafts stores in your area? Or even stores specific to knitting? Its becoming quite the "en vogue" thing to do and knitting classes for next to nothing (maybe $10-20/class) are popping up everywhere. Plus, then you can meet up with other knitters.

Also, try www.meetup.com and see if there are any knitting groups in your area. I joined a knitting group that met at a coffee shop once a week and it was fun!

 

[caricandothis]

I taught myself to crochet last year and was really surprised at how quickly I picked it up!! It's an addiction though, let me yarn you! LOL

I picked up a kit from Joann fabrics, it had a book with instructions and some hooks. It was/is by Boye and is called...well poo I can't find it online now, but it was called something like "I taught myself to crochet". I don't like Boye hooks at all anymore, I much prefer Susan Bates hooks, they are much easier to use, imo.

There are a lot of online info sites though, you could always pick up a hook and a skein of yarn and print out some info pages and just fumble until you get it!

Good luck, mama!

 

[MidnightCommando]

Thank you all so far! I will be checking these books out that you have mentioned. I have been browsing online and keep coming across books by Debbie Stoller, the titles are, "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" and "Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker" anyone tried these? I'm also looking at some DVDs
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_d/...0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

I wish there was a craft store around me - the nearest 'big town' shopping is over an hour away. Somedays I get sick of living in this remote place - although most days I can't complain

 

[MidnightCommando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caricandothis It's an addiction though, let me yarn you! LOL

caricandothis!

So knitting in 'en vogue' now? I find that very interesting.

 

[Joi]

The SNB books are a great begginers tool as well as Vogue Knitting and Knitting for Dummies. As far as websites go....

knitting.about.com

www.learntoknit.com

.... are both helpful. I would also consider seeking out your local SnB chapter they are a wealth of knowledge (and usually a lot of fun).

 

[Earthy~Mama]

I just, just, just, taught myself how to knit. I am a total newbie knitter

I tried the book thing but that just wasn't happening. I need to see it done not read it. KWIM? I learned by watching the videos on http://www.knittinghelp.com The whole site rocks. You should definitly check it out. I bought the picky pants pattern from http://www.littleturtleknits.com She is having a sale on patterns now BTW

The pattern is wonderfully easy to follow and whatever I have a problem with I just check out the knitting forum here or knittinghelp.com Good luck and have fun!!!