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06 January 2010

Clicking Some Needles

I'm learning to knit. Still. I first started when Lucette was a baby and have only attempted some simple projects: Hats, scarves, booties. Only what I can manage to learn from books, and heaven forbid I make a mistake or drop a stitch. I've abandoned many-a-project simply because I had no idea how to fix my lapses in concentration. In sewing, you just need a seam ripper and an extra breath of patience. In knitting? It's like an IQ test that I'm failing miserably.

However, I recently decided to take on a new project. A lap blanket. Granted, a lap blanket is probably the easiest project out there, but this has a slight alternating pattern. K2, YO, K2tog and some similar business on the purl side. To seasoned knitters this is sleepwalk knitting. Me? I had to start over three times until I (sort of) got the rhythm of it.

So. It's progressing. The ribbed pattern is looking mostly ribbed and I'm easing up on the tension, as I have a habit of making ridiculously tight stitches. Easing up is always a good thing.

And truly, knitting is a lovely, tactile experience. This yarn is an awfully nice chunky faux-wool that just feels good sliding through fingers and clicking on needles. I'm also quite happy with the color selection of "wheat." It's a simple neutral with just enough variegation and fiber to disguise the tea I will most certainly spill on it once it gets put to use.

To all my friendly knitters out there, any advice you have to impart? Chances are, I could use it!

8 comments:

  1. I have tried to teach myself to knit twice... and have failed both times. I guess I lack the patience, concentration, and nimble fingers it takes to do it right!

    You, on the other hand, appear to be doing wonderfully. And I love your color choice!

    Happy knitting!

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  2. No seasoned advice to offer you... I'm exactly the same kind of knitter as you, although worse, I fear! As much as I love knitted goodies I can't seem to fall in love with the process of doing it myself.

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  3. Your blanket already looks so pretty. And I love the little socks on the ends of the needles!

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  4. It's looking great so far Anna - hang in there! The throw I knit wasn't without flaws, but I don't care. After all, the difference between a hand knit and a store bought blanket is heart and soul (and patience).

    Being loose with the tension is important. I have serious tension problems when I crochet, so I know how you feel! Also, knitting should be relaxing, not stressful. If you get stressed out, put it down for a while and resume at a later time.

    I love the color you chose :)

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  5. Beautiful, Anna! I still stick to smaller projects that I can complete in a smaller time-frame. A throw seems simple, but ambitious to me! I love your yarn selection and pattern choice. Let me know if you ever have technical questions. It looks to me like you are headed in the right direction!

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  6. Oh...you're so right about trying to fix knitting. I've attempted both crochet and knitting in the last six months or so, and I much prefer crochet. Make a mistake, rip it right out! The one advantage I have when it comes to knitting is a rather patient mother that I see at least once a month. She's undone more of my doings than I want to think about!

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  7. Okay, I'm in the same place with sewing as you are with knitting-- taking baby steps and undertaking simple projects. Lovely yarn. And I think that as with all things, it just takes time to get into the rhythm. Godspeed to your needles!

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  8. Youtube has instructional knitting videos that give you a MUCH better idea of how to knit than pictures in a book can do! Try it - I think you will find it very helpful.

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