But how do you learn?

[scarfgirl]

I can only knit scarves (hence the name!) cos I cannot follow a pattern no matter what,it is like a foreign language to me! Are there any "how to" videos/DVDs in real life like those in the book? I would really love to knit a jumper (sweater) but have no idea how to! Any ideas anyone?

[MaryBeth]

I guess it all depends on your learning style. Some people can learn straight from reading the directions in a book.  Others require the "hands on" approach of actually watching someone do it.  Whichever way fits your style, check out any local yarn shop or craft store with a yarn section.  You'll always find someone willing to help out.

We have a local chain store (AC Moore) with a woman who works in the yarn section. She offered my 7 year old an impromtu knitting lesson when I hadn't been able to teach her anything.  She still doesn't have the patience or hand coordination down just yet, but with time I'm sure she'll pick it up just as I did from my mom.

Best of luck to you.
Mary Beth

[helling]

I went to my local yarn store and asked if they gave lessons.  They don't.... but they were more than happy to teach me (at no charge) during the quiet periods in the store.  i have found this in more than one store too.  People who have a passion for knitting and beautiful yarns often want to share that passion, besides it's good for business. I've learnt to make a simple cardigan, then to jumpers, now cables and socks.

So I'd start by going to your local yarn store and asking, be prepared to pay if you need to.  In my case I paid in chocolate, the occasional bunch of flowers and by always purchasing my yarn from the store that taught me.  Now I'm looking at buying the store!  Seriously!

best of luck.
helling

[knittr]

Hi Scarfgirl-

I agree that a local yarn or knitting shop would be a good choice to learn the art of deciphering a pattern.  When I was learning, I'd walk to the shop near me and ask for help.  Like helling posted, I'd thank them by purchasing my yarns from them and bake them cookies.  Let us know how it turns out for you!

~knittr~

[duckymama]

Scarfgirl - local knitting shop owners are the best.  Frequently there are classes in oddball (pun intended) locations.  The pottery studio I take class in also offers knitting class.  One on two or three people usually.  they sit in the front gallery area at a table and work there. 

The Elizabeth Zimmerman videos are on DVD now, I think if not even CD-ROM.  She is the knitting queen, now deceased.  Knitting without Tears is her book (and philosophy) 

Live helpers are always key.  We used to do a little teaching in the front office of the elementary school (where I am the nurse after school)...for some of the late 20's early 30's aged teachers who have finally caught the fever!   Very informal and hysterically funny, and very successful.  We also had some knitting taught on a school bus field trip once...from one classroom assistant to another.  The newly inspired knitter proceeded to start teach some of the others down her hallway how to make scarves and hats!  Each one teach one still works pretty well!

I also subscribe to Knitter's Review which is an on-line Knitter's magazine.  It is FREE and it is right there on the cutting edge of things.  It also has a very elaborate forum of message boards.  I recommend it highly (have found KnitPicks catalog and some fabulous interchangeable needles through articles in Knitter's Review)

[Caribou]

I happened upon http://www.knittinghelp.com/ and found it was a huge help for those of us without a live person to help us. Then I bought a couple of books. Now I'm looking for a real life knitting club. But you can do a lot without a live person by using those resources first.

[Lisa B]

Yeah knittinghelp.com is great!!

[Miranda]

I tried learning to knit from a book, before I could even knit scarves, and couldn't get the hang of the knit stitch (although oddly I could do a long-tail cast on my first try), and there were no yarn stores where I lived so I asked a friend who I knew belonged to the knitting club at school to show me, and I've been knitting ever since!

[frankenknitter]

I can only knit scarves (hence the name!) cos I cannot follow a pattern no matter what,it is like a foreign language to me! Are there any "how to" videos/DVDs in real life like those in the book? I would really love to knit a jumper (sweater) but have no idea how to! Any ideas anyone?

There are many videos out...like, "I Can't Believe I'm Knitting" by LeisureArts or The Art of Knitting...check out their website. For free YouTube knitting demonstrations, go to www.knittinghelp.com.

I learned from videos and books...knitting groups helped me out with resources. Try www.Ravelry.com

[ladynight]

hi
i could teach you thru the forum how to knit the scarf if your are in terested