As the weather turns chillier, many people start thinking about their cardigan knitting patterns, wondering what they should make this year. Although it's certainly possible to knit all year round, most of the classic pieces are intended for wearing or using during the winter. Options for knit items are as unconstrained as the minds of the people who think them up.
For people who are interested in taking up the art, a good pattern book is very helpful. These books lay out not only some simple pieces to get started with, but also the basics of the craft so that you can learn as you go along. For some things, videos are even more helpful than photos and diagrams, however, and the internet is a great place to find them, as well as knitting wool.
A long, straight piece of work, scarves are a great first project, and the end result can make a good gift. For those just moving on from the basics, scarves are also a great way to practice some more complicated, decorative stitches. Just be sure that any scarf you make is made of soft, non-scratchy yarn that can be washed, so that the wearer can enjoy it.
Hats and sweaters make a great next step up from scarves. There are both easy and much more complicated patterns, for people of all skill levels, and despite the famous horror of receiving a handmade sweater for the holidays, most people actually enjoy it. Expect to make a few mistakes as you learn more complex methods of knitting, though.
Unfortunately, knitting isn't the cheapest creative outlet available. The cost associated with quality yarn can be quite high, and low-quality yarn just won't do for some projects. Some people purchase old sweaters at thrift shops and unravel them-- this is a great method if you don't mind the work and not knowing exactly what type or size of yarn you will be getting.
A bag sale is when a yarn store puts a bunch of different yarns that they are trying to get rid of in a bag, and sells the whole thing at a steep discount. This is a good way to get yarn cheap, but the downside is that you won't just get the kind you want. This can make it a better or not so good option, depending on what you want.
Ideas for knitting projects are as varied as the things people can think up. Felted materials can be made easily and in interesting shapes and sizes by making them knit beforehand. Books on the subject are available, or the internet makes a great tutor, as in many other cases.
When you've made a few things and are feeling comfortable with knitting patterns, you're likely to want to ditch them. This is a great step in every knitter's life, when they start to feel comfortable changing details, mixing up stitch types, and finally, perhaps making something completely from scratch, following only their own plan.
For people who are interested in taking up the art, a good pattern book is very helpful. These books lay out not only some simple pieces to get started with, but also the basics of the craft so that you can learn as you go along. For some things, videos are even more helpful than photos and diagrams, however, and the internet is a great place to find them, as well as knitting wool.
A long, straight piece of work, scarves are a great first project, and the end result can make a good gift. For those just moving on from the basics, scarves are also a great way to practice some more complicated, decorative stitches. Just be sure that any scarf you make is made of soft, non-scratchy yarn that can be washed, so that the wearer can enjoy it.
Hats and sweaters make a great next step up from scarves. There are both easy and much more complicated patterns, for people of all skill levels, and despite the famous horror of receiving a handmade sweater for the holidays, most people actually enjoy it. Expect to make a few mistakes as you learn more complex methods of knitting, though.
Unfortunately, knitting isn't the cheapest creative outlet available. The cost associated with quality yarn can be quite high, and low-quality yarn just won't do for some projects. Some people purchase old sweaters at thrift shops and unravel them-- this is a great method if you don't mind the work and not knowing exactly what type or size of yarn you will be getting.
A bag sale is when a yarn store puts a bunch of different yarns that they are trying to get rid of in a bag, and sells the whole thing at a steep discount. This is a good way to get yarn cheap, but the downside is that you won't just get the kind you want. This can make it a better or not so good option, depending on what you want.
Ideas for knitting projects are as varied as the things people can think up. Felted materials can be made easily and in interesting shapes and sizes by making them knit beforehand. Books on the subject are available, or the internet makes a great tutor, as in many other cases.
When you've made a few things and are feeling comfortable with knitting patterns, you're likely to want to ditch them. This is a great step in every knitter's life, when they start to feel comfortable changing details, mixing up stitch types, and finally, perhaps making something completely from scratch, following only their own plan.
About the Author:
With winter fast approaching, go to Maria's Haberdashery for chunky knitting patterns perfect for chilly weather. Here you can also get quality knitting wool.