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Monday 13 April 2015

K is for ...

Knitting!


There really wasn't anything else that K could be was there? At least when it comes to me it's one of my main crafts. Though like crochet it comes and goes with my mood but it's something I always do. My grandma taught me how to knit a couple of years after I learnt to crochet. I must have picked it up really easily because grandma can't even remember teaching me. I think having done crochet before trying knitting really helped my hand control and a basic understanding of movement.

So what is knitting?
Well I've had to look up an official definition because I know what knitting is it's using two sticks that look like chopsticks to create a fabric. That said it doesn't sound very official. The best definition I've found is the act of forming a fabric by looping a continuous yarn. This can be done by hand, needles or machine.

I know that I have a knitting machine hiding somewhere but it's not something I've had the time to learn yet. But knitting with needles is what I'm going to talk about today. With knitting you can make everything from toys through to garments to wear. I haven't braved clothes but I have made numerous scarves and beanies.

Some examples
 This beanie my grandma knitted for me when I was 14 and went over to America. I love it... I already loved purple even back then.

 I made these fingerless mittens last year for when I went to New Zealand. They were so easy to make. I'm planning to make some purple-grey ones this year to go with them. It's a pattern called Campout fingerless mittens. You can find it on Ravelry.

 When I was in New Zealand I bought this beanie to keep my head warm. It was lovely and an owl is always welcome.

I made this set a couple of years ago. They are very bulky so I don't wear them often but I do love the colour.

All these toys were made from patterns by Jean Greenhowe. Her patterns are gorgeous and so easy to use.

How to find out more?

 These books are some of my many knitting books. The one on the left is full of gorgeous patterns and it's such a beautiful book to read. It's designed to be very welcoming.


Sometimes when you order yarn you can get patterns as well. I got this pattern when I got my cotton yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mills.

Also if you are a knitter or crocheter your best reference tool should be Ravelry.com it has lists of patterns free and paid for any project you want to make.

Happy Stitching,
Caitlin

Join me tomorrow for L is for ...

6 comments:

  1. You have inspired me. I enjoy crocheting, even though I haven't done it for a lot of years, but I have never tried knitting. Your photos are lovely. I'm Cher'ley from Writing Wranglers and Warriors https://writingwranglersandwarriors.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/jis-for-jardine/#comments We're in the A to Z Challenge

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  2. Nice post Caitlin. I taught myself to knit about 50 years ago but I much prefer to crochet. Once in a while I will knit a dishclothe.

    Linda

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  3. Knitting, hmmmm, that's a new one to me LOL

    I don't knit myself but I am currently wearing a hand knitted jumper and cardigan (it's cold here!) courtesy of my MIL who does love to knit.

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  4. Love your knitting display. I enjoy knitting now and then - haven't done it for a few months….maybe I'll pick it back up. Puppy can always use a new sweater and GS a sweater
    xxx

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  5. I used to knit when I was a teenager... my Mum and Nana taught me - but I was never very good! I love watching knitters though... it is so wonderful to see those needles flying along at a hundred miles an hour!
    Hugs xx

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  6. Another great part in your A-Z
    Great knitting:)

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Thank you for your comments I love to hear from you.

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