BzzAgent Badge

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Just DO IT, July!!



I have dubbed this month "Just DO IT July!". I am challenging you all to just DO something that you may have been talking or thinking about doing "forever", but for whatever reason, have put it on the back burner.

For me, my "IT" is learning how to knit. I have wanted to for years, but have always found it to be outside of my comfort zone. After over 3 decades of crochet, I sure feel like a fish out of water when I pick up those needles! I love being an advanced crocheter--but man, it sure is different to be a beginner at knitting, but we all have to start somewhere, right??

I already had PLENTY of yarn in my stash to start off with, and even have a couple set of knitting needles, so all I had to do was find a tutorial to teach me how to cast on the needle. I found a GREAT casting-on tutorial HERE and I was then off and running! Next, I decided that since I have learned how to cast on, I should start with making "learning swatches" of the stitches (knitting a swatch in a certain stitch until I have the stitch down pat). I decided to start with the knit stitch. I found another great tutorial HEREand learned that when you do every row in the knit stitch, it is a garter stitch (woot! Getting the terminology down! YAY me!). Just watched how to bind off too!

So, I have finished my longish swatch. Don't quite know what I'm going to do with it, but it seems such a waste to just not do anything with it. Maybe I'll make a cute little knit cuff with a button closure, who knows.

Tonight, I'm going to make a basic knitted dishcloth or bath cloth that may have a crocheted edge. I don't know. Whatever I can make that is made totally with a garter stitch  LOL.

Biggest thing I learned so far! Going to get some circular needles. SO HARD for me to be comfortable with these long needles, and I think the circulars would make for an easier transition  to knitting. Picking some up tomorrow!
                        
Anyhoo....stay tuned! If anyone has any helpful hints for a beginning knitter who is a seasoned crocheter, please share!

Stay Tuned!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

This is a great idea. We are on the same wave length. Just last weekend I sat down and scheduled out what I want to get done each month. I hope to stay on track. :) Though I have had three more things added in the last week. Go figure. :)

Have a great 4th and week!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Susan Maricle said...

How proud you must feel, BL! Those stitches look perfect. I'll definitely check out the knitting tutorials because I still regret not taking up a neighbor's invitation to teach me to knit when I was a kid. I shared your motivating post with the FB Comment tribe.

Susan