So I was at Sam Flax here in the city, a very cool art store near my work. I found a little knitting kit that came with a book, three skeins of yarn, needles, the works. And it is aimed at teenagers so I figured if they could do it, I could do it.
And I can! Here's the book:
It has instructions for six projects. Here's the pretty purple yarn. The first task is to wind the skeins into balls. Dorkily, I kind of enjoy this part. I guess most yarn/art stores will do it for you though if you buy the yarn there.
My first project was to make a little pocket purse for coins or whatever. It's a great starter project because it teaches you to knit, purl, stockinette and garter stitch. And how to make a button hole which was pretty cool. 
I made it slightly too long so the flap kinda fits weird over it, but hey...I'm learning!
My second project was to make a sunglasses case. I normally wear glasses so I don't normally wear sunglasses. I really need to get prescription ones so I don't ruin my eyes. This was a pretty fun project too. I learned how to knit and purl alternately in the same row, which is a rib stitch which is the top of the case. Kind of like the ends of sweaters. Boy did it take me a few tries to figure it out though. It's all in how and where you hold the place the yarn. And voila!
Here it is with my glasses. I'm currently using the case to carry around my new phone until I make the third project which is a cell phone case.
Do any of you knit or crochet? I'd love to hear about it! Do you have any favorite knitting books or projects? And I discovered Ravelry so if any of you are on the site, please friend me. My user name is: nycbookgirl
Too cute...can't wait to see more :)
ReplyDeleteYour projects turned out really well! I can crochet but have been afraid to try knitting. It just looks ways too complicated
ReplyDeleteCongrats on joining the world of knitters. I have been knitting for a few years now, but I mostly stick to things like scarves and hats. I even made a Harry Potter scarf (Prisoner of Azkaban and later movies style) for my best friend who is a HUGE HP fan. Are you using regular needles or circular? I LOVE circular and am currently learning to do a pair of socks which is a bit complicated, but fun. I tend to slack off during the warmer months though and use it as a way to keep my hands busy and warm during the colder months. Perhaps we can get together and share in our knitting stories and book stories sometime. There is an awesome knitting cafe in the village, The Point.
ReplyDeleteMe too!! I want to learn. Looks so cool. Hint...hint...good Christmas/B-Day gift. ;) Love what you've done, but, then you were always creative.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm jealous. I want to learn to knit as does my daughter. We have a beginners book too but are too clueless to figure out how start to knitting. Congrats on the small projects. You'll be moving on to the larger ones soon!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Have you read the Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs? If not, I bet you would enjoy it. I loved the book and I don't even knit. :)
ReplyDeleteI knit. I have for a few years now, and I've posted a few projects on my blog. Only one this year, though.
ReplyDeleteI think your first projects turned out great. I think I knit little squares first that my daughter ended up using in her play kitchen as dishcloths. LOL
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Lauraknight: I haven't read Friday Night Knitting Club but now I want to. Especially since you did and knowing how to knit is not a requirement. :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems the Point is now closed. Hadn't been over there in a while and when I stopped by the other day to check their hours I discovered they are gone. I'll look around and see if I can find any other places like that (I've been to a couple of the knitting stores, but they're a little stuffy and not coffee-shop relaxed) or we could always find a coffee shop to sit in.
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