Posted by rratstarr on 2006-01-16 09:43:02
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This problem may already be resolved, but I thought I'd put it out there - this link is where someone describes how they quickly illustrate knitting techniques by scanning in the actual knitting, then traces the outline of the scan with MS Paint:
Posted by Katrin on 2004-06-12 16:14:30
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I recommend getting someone to teach you in person. I've always had a hard time understanding written instructions and diagrams—even video—when it comes to knitting. But when you actually have someone taking you through the motions step-by-step, it's very easy.
Also be aware that there are many different knitting techniques that all produce the same result. So if the way you learn turns out correctly, don't be afraid that you're doing it "wrong" just because you see someone else doing it a completely different way. (Apparently the way I knit is more common to my mother's generation—she taught me—than to how most people are learning today.)
I heartily second, third, fourth the recommendation for the Stitch 'N Bitch book too. For some reason, its instructions and illustrations are the only ones I actually can understand. And it's really entertaining reading too.
Posted by Katrin on 2007-04-08 02:25:26
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Love love LOVE my Denise needles and feel compelled to jump into any thread, anywhere, mentioning them to proclaim their wonderfulness. Now that interchangeable needles (several brands) exist, I don't know why anyone would choose to use any other kind.
I got my Denises shortly after I learned to knit, and don't know what I'd do without them - so many knitting techniques I think of as essential (being able to change the length of your cord or the size of your needle tips, or to convert your needle to a stitch holder) are impossible with old-fashioned circulars, let alone straight needles!
I also recently got a Boye Needlemaster set (did you know the same people invented both brands?). They're good in their own way too; I like that they include some smaller sizes. The tips also stay on more securely - Denises do have a tendency to come apart when inadvertently twisted. Sometimes you want needles that will stay tightly screwed together until you force them apart, and that's what Needlemasters are for. Other times you want to be able to change out needle-parts quickly and often, and that's when you break out the Denises. I'm glad I have both now.
The biggest flaw of Denise needles is that they wear out after a few years - some of my tip sizes are now unusable because they just keep falling off the cord. The upside is that Denise's customer service is INSANELY good. Send them any broken or defective part, and they'll immediately ship you out a new one, no questions asked.
I'm planning to give away all my old straight needles very soon. I haven't used them in years.
ETA: Legally you can carry any kind of knitting needles on a plane. But plastic interchangeables will undoubtedly get you a lot less hassle than long metal sticks.
Posted by purple_glitter on 2004-08-20 13:43:15
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1. how did you learn to knit? how old were you then and old are you now?
I started knitting just over a year ago at age 19 (I'm 20 now) because a couple of my friends started to knit. My mom taught me how to cast on, but I taught myself the rest - first from and old-school 'Learn to Knit' booklet my mom had floating in her collection of knitting needles, then from Stitch 'n Bitch.
2. knitting = nesting? is your knitting a way of getting back to simpler times?
Not really. Maybe on some level, but I knit for the creative process. Knitting is very relaxing. I love making things with my own hands that I can wear, so I suppose knitting is my way of fighting the corporations.
3. in regards to the current resurgence in knitting, when do you think it started and why?
I agree with Debbie Stoller's explaination as well, though I would extended at least a portion of knitting's revival beyond just feminism to activist groups in general. Environmentalism, human rights, and fair trade all figure into the knitting equation, in my opinion - but maybe I'm thinking too much ;) I know people who knit as an anti-corporation movement, but I also know people who knit because they saw other people doing it and they thought it looked cool. Knitting also has the benefit of being fairly inexpensive compared to other crafts.
4. do you have a crafty group that you meet with? how often? why do you dig it?
Not so much a crafty group, but i sometimes sit around and knit with a few of the people I work with. It's pretty cool.
5. where do you go online to discuss/learn/share your craftiness? how do these sites inspire you in ways that real life conversations don't?
Truth be told, this is the first crafty site that I've ever visited.
6. is there a subversive element to knitting? a punk rock element? or simply a DIY smugness?
I think knitting has all of those elements and more.
7. why do you knit?
I knit because I enjoy the creativity, I enjoy making things, and because it's so gosh darn relaxing.
8. what other crafty things do you do besides knitting?
Beadwork, origami, sewing, calligraphy.
9. the future of knitting- is there one or are we just kidding ourselves?
Knitting has survived this long, I can't see people just abandoning it.
10. do you prefer to knit alone or with other people? why?
I usually end up knitting alone because I knit quite a bit on the bus, between my university classes, and at work, but I like knitting with other people if only for the conversation. I've taught people new knitting techniques while knitting with other people, and that was pretty cool.
11. true or false: can craft save us all? (elaboration here would be nice, but not necessary.)
True. It leads to self-fulfillment.
