I finally have proof positive of something I've suspected for years....I suck at knitting! I learned the basics years ago, but never really used it. With my new-found free time, I decided to give it another try. I purchased Knitting Made Easy and some needles. The yarn I scrounged from my daughter's crochet supplies. The instructions were easy to follow and it came back to me quickly - but I CAN'T DO IT!!!! I think it's mostly a tension thing - in the stitches, that is - although I will admit I was a bit tense by the end. I didn't even set out to actually make anything - just to knit some random shape for practice. In spite of multiple tries, I never got two complete rows. It's difficult to see in this pic, but the first few yards of yarn are a kinky mess from being stitched and un-stitched so many times. The stitches were too tight and I couldn't get them off the needles, or they were too loose and I ended up with 6" of yarn between the needles. It was a disaster, so HELP!
Would it be easier to learn with larger needles? How do I keep the tension even? How tight should the stitches be? Any advice would be appreciated.
In other crafting news - there isn't any. Didn't touch the quilt cause I never got to a store that carries purple thread. Took a few stitches on the Christmas stocking, but most of my crafting time was spent knitting, ripping and cursing.
Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather at Books and Quilts. Visit her blog to see what other crafters are working on this week.
Hi Tami,
ReplyDeleteFirst, go to a real yarn shop where all they sell are knitting supplies. Tell them you are a beginner and you want to learn. You will have to buy a ball of yarn and needles there, but if they are a good shop, they will help you. I'd come over , but it's a wee bit far.
Worsted weight with 4.5 - 5 mm needles which is 7 or 8 American, or yyou can go thicker to chunky yarn which would use somewhere near a 10 American needle.
Believe it or not, practice does help work out the tension issues.
I came over here to tell you the same things Heather just said. So, I'll just say ditto.
ReplyDeleteKnitting just takes time and practice. I'll bet you'll find it fascinating and therapeutic by the time you get past the first ball. It's also great for meditation. Stay with it.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteSorry but I can't help you with your Knitting problem. I'm a crocheter. But what Heather said is so true. A good shop will help you out. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
http://sherriesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/05/neele-work-tuesday.html
I can so relate. I also suck at knitting. Give me a crochet hook anytime!
ReplyDeleteHeather's right. Practice is important but the payoff is HUGE!!! If you haven't already, run over to Ravelry.com and sign up. It's free and you'll be inspired!! Good luck!
ReplyDelete(It's also good for your brain.)
Oh Tami - I am laughing out loud, but not at you -- with you :) I would love to learn to knit, but the last time I tried I couldn't cast off to save my life. Not much of a fashion statement to wear a scarf around your neck with the knitting needles still attached :)
ReplyDeleteIf you are ever in the kansas city area - I would LOVE to meet up this summer! I plan to have lots and lots of free time, and I can think of nothing more fun and relaxing to do than to meet up with a fellow blogging friend.