Sunday, October 21, 2012

Addicted to Knitting - How did this happen?

Dear readers,

I have a confession.  My self-taught knitting skills produced nada.  zero.  nothing.  All my stitches were sloppy and too tight (a metaphor for my life?).  So, I decided to do something about it.
I took a beginning knitting class, and guess what?  I loved it.  Now, it all makes sense.  Don't pull on the stitches - not to mention having someone point out what your are doing wrong is priceless.  And, my stitches have really improved!!

So, I've made two kitchen washcloths, not to mention increases (yard over) and decreases, knit stitch, purl stitch, rib stitch, binding off, casting on - and stockinette (rather than kitchenette which I referred to on my last post).
Now, I'm actually going on to make a scarf (only garter stitch) but still!

I can't stop.  I probably need Knitters anonymous already.

Did you have the same experience when you started?

12 comments:

Lane said...

My first knitted pieces were terrible. I had an awful green fisherman's sweater that I wore places and now, I wouldn't wear it to work in the yard. But, I got better and better and made three complex cabled sweaters. I haven't done much since because the quilting bug bit me hard, but I do still pull out a bit of knitting once in a while to keep my fingers nimble. I recently made a pair of gloves. That was fun. Lane

Heather said...

I started to learn knitting when I was 7 or 8, but didn't continue it. I picked it up again this summer. Of course, I've also crocheted for the last 20 years, so yarn handling wasn't an issue, and I remembered most of what I'd learned when I was young. I sort of lept into knitting and didn't have a hard time picking it up (much to the annoyance of a friend of mine who learned with me). But I have a heck of a time finding and maintaining gauge and I often mess up my projects as a result. Too impatient to take the time. You should see the "shawl" that I made that doesn't even cover the shoulders. Whoops!

If you haven't yet, go check out Ravelry. It's an excellent resource for knitters and crocheters, and you'll find tonnes of patterns, projects, and knitty conversations over there!

Pam said...

Lane! I'd love to see that sweater - I haven't figured out gauge yet but I'm dying to make something green and knitted (Irish looking, I think). Wow! Gloves - that sounds fantastic!

Heather - Yes, so true - I'm having trouble with a scarf now! It's hard picking out yarn too! Fun, but difficult to get exactly what you want. Wow! You are a triple threat - sewing, knitting and crocheting! Great tip re: Ravelry!

lawyerdoll said...

Bless you for learning! My mom tried to teach me when I was a kid... but I was hopeless. I just don't have the patience.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Oh chick, I just did a post on my knitting obsession - we should start a Knitters Anonymous group! Congrats on your dishcloths and scarf! I haven't even tried a cable stitch yet...maybe with that green merino wool I just bought...

Pam said...

That's a great idea! I'm a bit addicted still - I'm in Gulfport and New Orleans this week and still in the throes!

I'd love to see what you make with that Merino wool!

Lawyerdoll - I took a knitting class in order to finally figure it out (my attorney friend inspired me to do so - she weaves!).

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Oh, I wish I had a reason to be over there - we could actually meet in person! You've inspired me to try washcloths - what kind of yarn did you use? I'm thinking my wool blends won't be good for that....

Pam said...

Sister - that would have been great! Yes, washclothes are fantastic -- we actually really like them --and my grandmother used to use them! I used a 100 percent organic cotton but at least one blogger I know recommends the cheaper lion brand one hundred percent cotton.

Here's a link to the blogger's pattern - which I would like to try next . . .
http://homespunliving.blogspot.com/2007/11/waffle-knit-dishcloth-pattern.html

And, the pattern to my washcloth available for free:
http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/cotton_chenille_wcloth.html


Hope this helps!!

Pam said...

P.S. There is a great yarn store in the French Quarter called Quarter Stitch - they helped me fix an error in my scarf and had some really cool but reasonably priced yarn!!

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Ooh - great info - thanks!! Can't wait to see the scarf....Also, go to Promenade Fabrics if you get a chance - it's on St Charles near the interstate.

Pam said...

Thanks! I'll definitely go there - I'm a somewhat frequent visitor to NOLA!

Pam said...

Heather - what is your ravelry name? I am finally active on the site - I've been lurking for two years:) Thanks for the tip to do that!