Anyone here knit?

[nashla97]

I love my Denise Needles! Made getting different sizes for circulars a lot easier. I got the set for Christmas a couple years ago and use them for almost everything except socks, which I stick with dpns for. The only time the join has given me any problems was on the smallest size needles, but I'm not the fastest of knitters so maybe that makes a difference.

There's also a similar set of needles out now by KnitPicks.com that I've heard good things about.

[The Bead Lady]

My mom dosen't knit with anything other than the Denise system! She loves them!

[corrinesmama]

So my daughter has decided that she would like to learn how to knit (she is 8, but very patient). We are both crafty, but I don't even know how to do this. Where do we start? Is there somewhere we can go and learn together, and if so, how do I find resources for classes?
And how much would youspend on a project that you've never done? I didn't even know there were diff size needles?!
Our goal is to try and make nice gifts from her to family for Christmas this year (something that grandparents can treasure forever kind of thing)
TIA

[jedda]

So my daughter has decided that she would like to learn how to knit (she is 8, but very patient). We are both crafty, but I don't even know how to do this. Where do we start? Is there somewhere we can go and learn together, and if so, how do I find resources for classes?
And how much would youspend on a project that you've never done? I didn't even know there were diff size needles?!
Our goal is to try and make nice gifts from her to family for Christmas this year (something that grandparents can treasure forever kind of thing)
TIA

Instruction first. Do you have an elderly neighbor who knits? or another relative? Knitters love to share their skill. You can check with co-workers, or people at your place of worship too. Or if you have an independent yarn shop nearby (check the yellow pages under yarn, and under knitting supplies), go in and ask about classes for kids (some teachers will not allow kids under a certain age, unless it is a class specifically for kids). Another option is that some knitting shop owners will offer private lessons for a fee (I'd expect to pay $30/hr or so) for just you and your daughter. If they don't have classes held in the shop, they will certainly be able to point you in the right direction. If all else fails, check your local Joann's (if you have one) for their Knitting 101 class.

As far as materials for projects, it really varies. You can buy needles at yard sales and thrift stores, freecycle and craigslist, and on ebay. You can buy yarn at all of these same places, plus walmart and big craft stores.

Nicer yarns will be cheaper online than in a local yarn shop, but the help and assistance at the shop is usually worth the extra $, IMO.

Patterns can be found online for free, and also in library books.

Start with a few sets of needles and some yarn for one project, and then go on from there. No point spending tons of money only to discover that you don't like the craft.

[Kristen.C]

So my daughter has decided that she would like to learn how to knit (she is 8, but very patient). We are both crafty, but I don't even know how to do this. Where do we start? Is there somewhere we can go and learn together, and if so, how do I find resources for classes?
And how much would youspend on a project that you've never done? I didn't even know there were diff size needles?!
Our goal is to try and make nice gifts from her to family for Christmas this year (something that grandparents can treasure forever kind of thing)
TIA

Jedda made some great suggestions! One other place to try would be through your county parks and recreation as well as your local community college or extension school. Both of these options should have classes for kids, especially during the summer months, and will be very affordable.

[emstclair]

When I began to knit a few years back (my mother-in-law taught me), I started with learning how to cast on. After I mastered this technique, I then learned the knit stitch. I knitted a few rows and then learned how to cast off. I made several little squares so to speak just by doing those three things. When I felt comfortable with all of those steps - casting on, knitting several rows, casting off - I made a very simple scarf just using the knit stitch. It only took a few days to make, and it gave me a lot of confidence in my knitting, as well as the accomplishment that I was looking for. Now I love to knit and do it whenever I have the time! :)

I also like the website knittinghelp.com. It's very helpful and I love the videos!