I can knit!
November 5th, 2013
Way back when I first learned to crochet, I titled the post “I can crochet!” so how could I not title this one, “I can knit!”? Looking at my first knitting project I probably should have called it, “I can sort of knit.” My cowl is a bit of a train wreck: dropped stitches, uneven edges, and because I enlarged the pattern incorrectly, one extra big rib.
It is straight up becky home-ec-y and I love it! I have always found knitting to be intimidating and really just hard. For my first knitting project I did exactly what I did for my first crochet project: I chose a pattern that used huge needles and huge yarn, so it knits up fast. Then I didn’t really follow the pattern anyway. Instead I asked my friends (thank you, Cindy!) for help and when I still couldn’t do it, I asked youtube for the answers.
It is absolutely exhilarating to learn a new craft. Now there are a thousand things I want to knit! The first one on my list is, god help me, another cowl.
Yay! Every craft just takes time, doesn’t it? I first learned to crochet, and when I started to knit I felt so clumsy. Now, I feel the same with a hook! This project will be good evidence of your growth as you have more needle time!
It’s true. I just looked back at some of my first crochet projects and I could do them blindfolded now!
Great job! I would say next up learn to knit in the round and make a bunch of hats! They’re pretty satisfying. Also – I refer to google and youtube constantly for help. dont know what I would do without them.
I love it! Wear that cowl with pride. Knitting is tricky. I’ve been knitting on and off since I was a kid and I’m just now consistently able to knit with constant tension and not drop stitches. If I DO drop one? Project ruined. I have no idea how to fix that….my mom always did it for me!
Hurray! After knitting for almost 10 years I still just stick to straight lines and simple patterns, it is quicker and less stressful. No shame in simplicity!
none at all!
How fun! I’m a relatively new knitter as well. So far I’ve stuck with projects for my kids but I’d love to try something for myself. A cowl with big needles sounds smart! I have found knitting to be a nice break from sewing. More portable and easier to do while sitting with others. Plus looking through projects on Ravelry is really addicting!
Yay! I wear my wonky “first knitting project” cowl with pride too. And heck, mine didn’t even have any ribs in it – just knit knit knit knit a big rectangle and join it together at the end. ;) Knitting is such a can of worms – wish there was a magic elixir to suddenly be amazing at it, because it’s soooo beautiful when done by someone that really knows how. And so relaxing to actually do, like reading a good book.
I’m going to put that elixir on my grocery list.
Congratulations! You did a great job. It’s always fun to learn new things!
Hooray, my next skill I hope to learn is crochet! Please tell me it’s easier than knitting!
it’s super easy! I could teach you in an hour tops.
That’s a delightful cowl, love the colour! I’m sure it will keep you warm this winter and it will always have pride of place being the first thing you’ve knitted. And a girl cannot have too many cowls, looking forward to seeing the next one!
I think your first attempt is impressive! knittinghelp.com & Ravelry are awesome resources. I would suggest that if you attempt knitting in the round, that you use wooden or plastic needles if you’re using dpns, for starters. Best of luck!
awesome! It looks just like my first knitting project. Knitting for me is really hard yet so rewarding. String to thing!
Oh look at you!! Knitting! Wow, I’m impressed, and I wanna knit soooo bad now.
I feel exactly the same way.
Yay yay yay yay yay yay yay yay!!!!!
great job! i love knitted cowls and shawls. i just can’t stop making them. enjoy!
hurrah! it’s a beautiful cowl. I love feeling all cozy and warm and knitting is just the ticket!
I was very inspired when you took up knitting, Anna. It obviously took me a long time to act on that inspiration, but still :)
Woohoo!
Alice, you helped me so much (way back) when I started crochet. Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Sometimes we get suck and it’s easy just to give up. You helped me get through some frustrating crochet bits. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen with knitting (or if it does, I may be emailing you desperately some late night).
YAY! Good for you! I LOVE knitting! After years of scarfs, washcloths, hats, and fingerless gloves, I’m getting ready to cast on my first sweater. It’s scary and exciting!
I learned crochet first and now I find knitting SO intimidating. And…I can actually knit BUT I don’t know how to pick up dropped stitches (which happens a lot), so I get frustrated and stop. But there are so many lovely things I would love to make. I really should try again…
LOVE your cowl!
It is a thrill to learn a new craft… I’m partial to a bit of a happy dance around the house. I taught myself to knit last year – and now I think I am pretty much an addict.
That is a very stylish first knit! And now you just have to find out how to fit in sewing, crochet and knitting… I tend to manage by ignoring the cleanliness of my home!
What pattern did you “kinda” use??
Great job on the cowl…i always call the mistakes in knit into a project its uniqueness. I started knitting a few years ago and found that using smaller needles (in the size 5-8 range) were easier to hold and manipulate. I also only use circular needles and find they are comfortable to knit with even if it isn’t a circular project. The goal is to build muscle memory into your hands and fingers. Besides the internet sites you mentioned as resources i use a book called KnitSpeak which has all knitting terms in alphabetical order with diagrams. Knitting like crochet is learning a new language and i found that book helpful when i didn’t have my computer or phone nearby.