Knitters - a Q for you

carolinakiwi

If you knit, and especially if you knit wool covers, shorties, longies for your LO or others:

 

How did you learn to knit?  A  book?  Online instructions? Family/friend?  Just always knew how J? Online class?  A classroom style class?

 

If I made the time, I would love to learn how to knit, but hope I would have the patience?..most especially b/c I?m such a cheapie and we actually do not have it in the budget for me to buy several pairs of shorties and longies for DS.

 

Several years ago I had a lady teach me just the very basics and I met with her twice, but I never continued it and of course have completely forgotten everything she taught me.  I still have my knitting sticks (what are they called?), but I?m sure I?d need other sizes.

 

ETA: I thought of  follow-up questions: how long did it take you to learn to knit, and then how long did it take you to learn/perfect making wool shorties/longies?

His(1&only)wife

I'm posting now so I'll remember to answer later!!  I'll be back during DS's nap with some links and books recs

carolinakiwi

His(1&only)wife:

I'm posting now so I'll remember to answer later!!  I'll be back during DS's nap with some links and books recs

Awesome - thanks!  But I still eventually want to get a pair from you when I figure out DS's size this summer when he starts crawling.  I need at least one or two really good pair. :-)

Dr.Loretta

How did you learn to knit?  A  book?  Online instructions? Family/friend?  Just always knew how J? Online class?  A classroom style class?

 

I had a book, but I took a beginner class at my local AC Moore. I also have an amazing local yarn store where I can learn anything extra. I'm in the middle of a sock class right now (well not literally right now, LOL)

 

It didn't take that long to learn how to knit. For the basics, there really are only 2 stitches to learn, knit and purl. For longies and shorties, unless you're going to knit flat, it's a good idea to learn how to knit on circular and double-pointed needles. It seems intimidating, but it's really not hard once you get over the hump.

 

I knit a pair of longies last year, and I could have done it sooner but I didn't have a LO yet

 

go for it!

JuJuBe3

I took a class at a local yarn shop.  It worked better for me than a book, because I prefer that type of hands-on learning.  

In the class, we learned basic stitches and did swatches to start, then a dishcloth and then a scarf of our choice.  My swatches were pretty ugly, the dishcloth had a few flaws, but by the time I got to scarf, it was great.

I think it clicked for me once I figured out the stitch orientation.  I'm not a super fast knitter, but I like it and have made a ton of stuff and learned a lot of new stitches and techniques.  My beginner class was 6 weeks, I think.

MallratsMom

I took a class about 10 years ago and learned how to knit and purl. I made lots of scarfs and 1 baby blanket (not for me). When I started CD'ing DS I figured out how to knit in the round and making longies and soakers are so easy and fast when done in the round. I watch youtube videos when the instructions call for something I don't know how to do (like short rows in the bum).  I've gotten pretty good at them if I do say so myself. I'm trying to make some jolly roger striped longies now and will make my first attempt at putting a picture on the bum.

carolinakiwi

MallratsMom:

I took a class about 10 years ago and learned how to knit and purl. I made lots of scarfs and 1 baby blanket (not for me). When I started CD'ing DS I figured out how to knit in the round and making longies and soakers are so easy and fast when done in the round. I watch youtube videos when the instructions call for something I don't know how to do (like short rows in the bum).  I've gotten pretty good at them if I do say so myself. I'm trying to make some jolly roger striped longies now and will make my first attempt at putting a picture on the bum.

Youtube is so nice to be able to learn things or see reviews on things!!  I'll have to look knitting up on youtube.

carolinakiwi

MallratsMom:

I took a class about 10 years ago and learned how to knit and purl. I made lots of scarfs and 1 baby blanket (not for me). When I started CD'ing DS I figured out how to knit in the round and making longies and soakers are so easy and fast when done in the round. I watch youtube videos when the instructions call for something I don't know how to do (like short rows in the bum).  I've gotten pretty good at them if I do say so myself. I'm trying to make some jolly roger striped longies now and will make my first attempt at putting a picture on the bum.

I know I'll probably learn this later, but what does "done in the round" mean?

MallratsMom

You knit on circular needles like these

 

 

vs. back and forth which is traditional for flat stuff