I learnt to knit!! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**lauren313** · 01-03-2008, 06:27 AM

This excites me rather a lot, because I've never been able to do anything like this in my life! I decided it would be nice to have something to do when I'm bored that doesn't involve TV or computer, and also because I take a couple of long-ish train journeys every month or so, it would be nice to have something to pass the time.

So, over the Christmas period I learnt to knit! Mostly I used tutorials online, and then my mum helped me out a bit. I'm not that good, I can only do basic stitches, but it's a start! I went to a department store and bought some wool, they had the most beautiful wools in the half price sale, so I bought 8 balls, haha. Then I made a scarf for my friend's birthday later this month!

I'm exceptionally proud of this scarf, because it is literally the first thing I have ever made all by myself. I took some pictures, take a look! (Sorry pics are so big, I totally couldn't be bothered to re-size).

**mbo108** · 01-03-2008, 07:14 AM

homemade mittens in T-punk approved colors cannot be far behind...

nice work Lauren. my birthday is in november if you want to darn me some socks...

**benna2** · 01-03-2008, 07:22 AM

That looks great!! I used to be able to knit as a kid (we learned in the weird private school my parents had me attend) but haven't done it for years. I have been thinking lately that I might want to take it up again. My mom knits quite a bit so perhaps I will ask her to help me out. You've inspired me!! I think my first project will be a baby blanket...That shouldn't be too hard.

**maracle** · 01-03-2008, 07:29 AM

That scarf looks really good. A knit afghan for your couch would be another easy one, and useful too.

**BigE** · 01-03-2008, 07:58 AM

Good Job! It looks beautiful. I remember my mom teaching my sisters to knit. They made some cool stuff. Keep working at it because you definately have the talent.

**pinknic38** · 01-03-2008, 08:29 AM

dude that is awesome!!!!! my mom tried to teach me but she's right handed and I'm left handed and I wound up angry. I know how to crochet though, so knowing how to do that BEFORE learning to knit didn't help. Crocheting is so much easier and less frustrating to me. If you drop a stitch when you knit, then you're basically fucked. OMG I nearly had a meltdown learning how to knit.

You gotta have patience, that's for sure. You should try crocheting next, it's great!!

**MeTurk** · 01-07-2008, 04:09 AM

You knitted all that scarf over Christmas?! That's huge you must have done nothing else.

Quote:

That looks great!! I used to be able to knit as a kid (we learned in the weird private school my parents had me attend)

We where made learn knitting in school too, I think most Irish schools used to teach knitting, Ireland was still poor back then so it payed to be able to make your own clothes. The National (under 12s) knitting champion was from my school

He got to be on TV an everything.

**lauren313** · 01-07-2008, 06:25 AM

Thanks for the compliments everyone!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeTurk

You knitted all that scarf over Christmas?! That's huge you must have done nothing else.

Actually, it only took me two and a half days to do, but that was almost solid all day!!!

**jengt** · 01-07-2008, 08:42 AM

That's a beautiful scarf!

I tried to knit when I was younger...couldn't do it. Too many thumbs I guess

. I used to crochet. I ended up with a lot of granny squares.

**marc873** · 01-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Loving the mad skills!!! My bday is in August

**pinknic38** · 01-07-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc873

Loving the mad skills!!! My bday is in August

subtle.... I like it.

**lauren313** · 01-07-2008, 10:32 AM

I totally would knit people scarves if they wanted, I just can't afford to buy wool, it's expensive stuff!!

**pinknic38** · 01-07-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauren313

I totally would knit people scarves if they wanted, I just can't afford to buy wool, it's expensive stuff!!

WOW are you serious? in the US you can buy like 2 oz of yarn for under 3 bucks at Wal Mart and Hobby Lobby, and that's nearly enough for one scarf! that's crazy. the different textures and styles are a little more, but it isn't too bad. that's why I started doing it, cos it was such a cheap hobby!

**lauren313** · 01-07-2008, 10:42 AM

Well I guess maybe it depends where you get it from... the wool I made that scarf with was originally £5 per ball, and it took 3 balls to knit. However, it was reduced to £2.50 in the sale, so the whole thing cost £7.50. There are cheaper wools, but they're not nice thick, fluffy ones.

**MeTurk** · 01-08-2008, 03:10 AM

Find some grannies they know where the good wool dealers are.

**mbo108** · 01-08-2008, 04:22 AM

You live out in the English countryside, can't you just go shear a sheep?

**lauren313** · 01-08-2008, 04:43 AM

Hah!! I wouldn't call Birmingham "English countryside"... more an Inner City Hell Hole.

**tumblezweedz** · 01-13-2008, 12:45 PM

Lauren, what a beautiful scarf! Look out, now you'll be addicted for life.

My daughter wanted to learn last year, so I had to try and relearn what my mom taught me decades back (plus she never taught me how to cast on or bind off - not very practical, really!), and since then I'm loving my new hobby.

My husband made fun of me mercilessly - as have several friends (mostly guys) - until I disarmed them all with hand made presents.

The girls made little things for Christmas presents, and in a year I've moved on from scarves to baby blankets, hats, a dress and a cape-hat-and-muff set for my youngest (it's adorable, I must say), baby booties, some doll clothes - I even made knitted furniture for my kids' doll house for Christmas this year. Currently I'm working on a baby blanket for a friend and a sweater for my son, which is proving an interesting challenge. I made him some trousers too, which ended up being absolutely hysterical, but they're cozy (and about four sizes too big) and he loves slouching around the house in them. It's such fun and you get such a feeling of accomplishment by making something with your own hands and skills.

I also made a chemo cap for my mom and a shawl thing for another friend with breast cancer, which is a really nice way to give someone far away a hug when you can't be there to do it yourself. The girls practice new stitches by knitting individual squares for a charity that pieces them together and makes blankets for the homeless, which makes them doubly proud of their improving skills.

MeTurk, when we were in Ireland this summer one of my goals was to buy some Irish wool - I finally found some in the back of the furniture store in the next little village to where we stayed (I thought that was a bit odd, but oh well) - and made my dad a great hat for Christmas. Can't post any pics of anything I've made, though, because my digital camera took a swim in the Irish Sea.

I gotta say, though, I hate making socks and things with double pointed needles. Can't quite get the hang of that yet...

Kango Q · 01-28-2008, 07:52 PM

I suck at anything like knitting, crochet, etc. I once made a pair of crewel embroidered pillowcases for my mom that took me TWO YEARS!

The scarf is really cute, and you look adorable in it! Congratulations on your newfound knitting skillz!

ADQ