Gone are the days when knitting was reserved only for grandmothers in their rocking chairs. With countless tutorials on YouTube and other websites for beginners, knitting has been taken up as a serious hobby by a significant number of young people. Wool is trendy, warmer and there is absolutely no substitute of joy you feel while wearing something you create yourself. This summer I got this obsession to learn how to knit and as it turned out, knitting is really easy and great fun.
I managed to get hold on knitting needles and bought some yarn balls (variety had to be compromised because of the summer season). I browsed through numerous videos and tutorials before actually following one and once I mastered the techniques of casting on, knit stitch and purl stitch, there was no stopping. After spending whole day at work, I worked intensely for 3-4 hours daily and more on weekend, watched all seasons of Arrested Development (a recommended comedy show), re-watched all seasons of House and kept going on.
When you start knitting, you start with a scarf. The idea was to do something like this: http://www.wikihow.com/Knit-a-Scarf
I ended up using two colors, casting off very soon because yarn ended and I had no mood of buying same colors again, and changed the scarf to a neck warmer adding two buttons. Looks ok to me!
I managed to get hold on knitting needles and bought some yarn balls (variety had to be compromised because of the summer season). I browsed through numerous videos and tutorials before actually following one and once I mastered the techniques of casting on, knit stitch and purl stitch, there was no stopping. After spending whole day at work, I worked intensely for 3-4 hours daily and more on weekend, watched all seasons of Arrested Development (a recommended comedy show), re-watched all seasons of House and kept going on.
When you start knitting, you start with a scarf. The idea was to do something like this: http://www.wikihow.com/Knit-a-Scarf
I ended up using two colors, casting off very soon because yarn ended and I had no mood of buying same colors again, and changed the scarf to a neck warmer adding two buttons. Looks ok to me!
Once you knit a scarf, next logical step is to knit a cap. On circular needles it is super easy. I did it on straight needles because I didn't have circular ones. After looking through several patterns, I chose the one mentioned below. Note: If you ever knit a cap, make sure to make it in a size that will fit your head. Realizing this mid-way through isn't that bad either. You will just have to undo work of a day or two.
Here is the pattern: http://www.knittedoaks.com/2010/10/basic-hat-pattern.html
Here is the pattern: http://www.knittedoaks.com/2010/10/basic-hat-pattern.html
I loved this cap. I loved the pattern. I loved the decreasing style. It was so good that my brother asked me to knit one for him and I did.
Once I finished my first cap, rest just followed. I took up the challenge of making Kim Kardashian's beanie next. The pattern is here. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kim-kardashian-beanie
This was a challenging pattern and was mostly tough for me because it is done on circular needles. I had to modify all the information according to my straight needles. So mine turned out to be quite different than actual beanie yet it looked good.
This was a challenging pattern and was mostly tough for me because it is done on circular needles. I had to modify all the information according to my straight needles. So mine turned out to be quite different than actual beanie yet it looked good.
And you need a scarf with a cap, right?
At this point knitting with knitting needles didn't remain any hard for me, So I thought to give crochet needle a try. I found out this very beautiful and easy pattern of puff stitch slouchy beanie and gave it a try. Result was spectacular!
http://www.myfavouritethingsblog.com/2012/02/beginners-luck.html
This one is my favorite cap among all three :)
Once you do puff stitch you can't stop doing it. It is just so pretty. So here are finger-less mittens I made for myself and my sister. Aren't they gorgeous? I wear them all the time.
Once you do puff stitch you can't stop doing it. It is just so pretty. So here are finger-less mittens I made for myself and my sister. Aren't they gorgeous? I wear them all the time.
It took me several months to make what I did but it was absolutely worth it. It feels amazing to wear what you have crafted with so much effort. I just love it. I am super proud of all this work! :)