Knitting: Getting Inspired and Getting Started

Knitting -- the knotting of yarns to form a fabric -- and spinning -- the twisting of fibers to form a thread or yarn - are traditional human activities still practiced for necessity in some parts of the world. Others of us knit or spin for the pleasure of seeing fibers transform from the work of our hands, to dress ourselves in something we've made, to give something of ourselves to others. The moment your hand holds the fiber that twists from the motion of the spindle, the moment your fingers move one needle across another to make a knitting stitch - those moments will continue to exist in the yarn or garment you create. Knitting and spinning are traditional arts to enjoy doing, appreciating, and sharing.

The art of knitting can be simple or complex. You can create a rich tapestry of color, a complex geometric pattern, a sculptured form, an innovative design, or a sturdy piece of goods. You can warm toes with handmade socks or dress up your world in a brilliant coat -- create gifts for babies or a cashmere shrug for a formal gown. You can invest in luxury fibers or finely crafted spinning wheels, or you can make great garments on a budget.

If you've had the yen to try your hand at knitting, all you need to get started is some yarn and some knitting needles. You can buy synthetic yarn at a discount store; get the bulky type and some medium-large needles (size 8US or 5 mm). Start with a scarf or other simple pattern that doesn?t require fancy stitches or shaping (see Free Pattern below). Most people learn knitting quite easily. Of course, you might be ambitious like me -- I started with a sweater for my baby daughter. I didn?t finish it until she was three, and by that time it was a little small! Please keep in mind that acquiring any new skill is a learning experience -- whatever mistake you make now, you won?t be making later. Trust me, you will improve!

Now is the time to be a knitter and spinner! The Internet has great resources and support for the beginner as well as for those who?ve been practicing these crafts for a lifetime. There are beginner and advanced knitting patterns, articles on techniques, and many suppliers of books, yarns, and needles. For the spinner, there are fiber suppliers and retailers of spinning wheels, hand spindles, and tempting notions. You can even buy your own fiber bearing animal on the net - a llama, anyone? And there are discussion groups and mailing lists for knitters, spinners, and other fiber artists and crafters at all levels. You'll find that the members of these groups not only have a lot of expertise but are also generous with their help and advice. In fact, you may find so much to read that your only problem will be learning to knit while reading!

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