#2 - 'knitting knovice'

Dear Readers,

I miss Christmas. It’s been a few weeks now and I'm still not over it. I would love a big turkey dinner, to be decorating the house in twinkle lights and (not too sound too gluttonous) presents! Do you rip open a gift in a flash so that all presents are revealed within seconds, or more like me and let the moment of mystery last as long as possible by carefully undoing to sellotaped paper? I love the surprise of not knowing what is concealed inside that wrapped gift.   

I had a very ‘What on earth can this be?’ situation this Christmas. A present in shimmering silver paper skilfully wrapped, with a matching gift card tucked under the ribbon and my Aunt’s name beautifully written in her distinctive handwriting. It was a very squishy. A soft, triangular object and a giant round fluffy ball poking out of the top - I didn't know what to expect. I got a bit of nagging from the family (a Monty Python ‘get on with it’ moment), so I slowly pulled apart the sellotaped wrapping to reveal a gorgeous woolly hat!

For someone who has too many beanie hats to begin with one more was probably not needed but I loved this one so much more when my Auntie had admitted to knitting it herself! Hate to confess it but I have been that person who thinks that home knitting patterns are plain and boring and not any style I would be interested in, knowing my Auntie is very good at knitting I wasn't surprised by her skill but more of the design. It didn't leave my head for the rest of boxing day– even better when it started snowing.

Seeing what my Auntie had made and what you can make from knitting made got me interested, so I thought I would give it a go myself. I didn't have a clue about what I should start with so I thought it would be best to ask for some help somewhere. Luckily there is a little knitting shop in my hometown Knaresborough called 'Knitting Pretty'. If they could just tell me what wool and needles are good for beginners so I could practice then I thought I could just start from there. Instead I managed to come out with a ball of wool, started off and casted on for me onto a set of needles, beginning lesson in how to knit, free patterns, leaflets on how to do different stitches and advise on what to do next all for less than £10! The lady in the shop was so friendly and helpful I even went back the next day to be saved from a complete knitting mess up. It is so wonderful to see these types of stores encouraging knitting novice’s like me, not only in supplying the materials but teaching (free of charge) techniques too. It is such a welcoming atmosphere that it does make you want to get better and continue.

I've started with a 'Mega Chunky' wool from James C Brett's 'Rustic' range and 10mm needles. It's great to start with a chunky wool for a few reasons:

1. You can see what you are doing. Learn the knitting techniques and get your own rhythm without such fiddly small needles.

2. Easier to fix knitting mistakes - because you will make them! 

3. It goes a long way! You get a lot more out of a thicker wool and this is worth it when you're a bit slower to begin with.    

So far I'm really enjoying it! I've not finished anything yet - I did unravel and restart as the scarf was going to be too wide and too short! For this first one I'm not looking for anything special just something to practice with, to learn the techniques, develop a rhythm and work out how to fix mistakes - then I can move onto some of the more advanced stuff! 

When I'm done I will post the finished product on here and show you anything else I do. Are any of you knitters? It would be great to see your stuff. Also let me know if you're interested in starting I've managed to find some great tutorials online if you don't have a shop near you. But if you do have a knitting shop locally, please please, go in a buy supplies from them. It’s so important to help out these small businesses – also they will be your most helpful asset in developing your knitting skills!

Good luck,
xxx 

(Photos taken by me)