!), and other items I enjoy or are on my wish list!
Earlier this week, I picked up the Susan Bates Learn Knitting kit at Michaels Craft Store - complete with size 7 and 10 single-point knitting needles, My Knitting Teacher book with instructions and beginner patterns, and other paraphernalia related to knitting or yarn.
I know several of the books in my collection of crochet patterns have instructions for knitting as well as crochet, but I didn't have any knitting needles - and with a Michaels 40% off coupon, I bought the kit.
I've been sick (head cold - hopefully it won't move into my chest) for a few days so pruning the rose bushes and tending to other plants in the garden isn't on my list of to dos. After finally finishing the 9-patch Granny Square Lap Blanket (no photos yet) a few hours ago, I opened the knitting kit and started working through the My Knitting Teacher book.
I've taught myself to knit twice in the distant past (the first time when I was 15 or 16), but I liked crochet better and stuck with that instead. Now, however, I have an urge to knit socks - multi-colored, fine-patterned, comfortable socks. I have plenty of sock yarn which I bought to crochet more pairs of socks, but the reality of it is that crocheted socks aren't comfortable to wear (they're bumpy on the bottom of my feet - like walking on very small rocks).
Now that I've started, I'm eager to find a sock pattern I like, get the proper knitting needles for that pattern, and start. Although Mom says 2 pairs of same-size double-pointed knitting needles are usually required, I've seen patterns with different requirements.
Socks 101 at knitty.com says knitting socks are "great for beginners". Looks like I can start my hunt for a pattern there!
or here...
Knitting Pattern Central - Socks
or...
(photo source: Sock anxiety?)
and many other websites!
I just started knitting and although it's going well (so far), it's a scarf, which is on the simple end of the spectrum. Been thinking about knitting some nice warm socks, but was rather intimidated by the idea. I was glad to read here about Socks 101! On my way to check it out ... thanks for the tip!
Hi, Melissa - I need to practice some more this weekend! I decided my first knitting project will be a warm scarf so I will have more than one scarf to wear (I've been wearing the same crocheted scarf all day every day at work for about 2 weeks now!).
-Cheryl