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Monday, November 30, 2009

Casting On

I’ve had a copy of Knitting for Dummies on my bookshelf for at least three years now. I planned to learn to knit to keep myself occupied backstage. (One has a LOT of downtime when cast in a musical’s chorus.) I play the lead in my next (non-musical) production, so I doubt I’ll be knitting backstage, but I chose the present to finally learn. After spending yesterday afternoon “casting on” over and over again, I decided to give the next step (actual knitting!) a try. I was dismayed to find that my second knitting needle is missing. I can only blame the kitties for hiding it overnight.

Cardigan, J Crew (via swap). Shirt and leggings and probably the socks, too, Target. Skirt, Dex (via swap). Scarf, TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. Boots, Playhouse. Bag, World Market.


I went out to get new knitting needles this morning. I bought size 9 this time, hoping that my other 10 will eventually be recovered. I undid yesterday’s knots (no great loss, as you can see below) and cast on again. Now I’m stumped on the knitting portion. I’ve tried both the English and Continental style and just don’t understand what it means to “bring the new loop through the old.” Thankfully, I’ll be visiting a knitter next Sunday.

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:01 AM

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  2. Love love love the owl bag. I have a bit of an owlish obsession myself. As for the knitting, be warned! It is quite addictive, and you will find yourself fashioning all sorts of misshapen scarves/hats, etc., which because you have made them yourself, you feel it's appropriate to wear them out in public. It's sad but true fact that any sense of style you have is eclipsed by your pride at finishing a knitting project...

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  3. Anonymous5:33 AM

    Just remember "in, round, out, off"

    Youtube have some great videos showing how to do the stitches. Much easier to watch than read about.

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  4. Since you're just learning, you should really try to master the continental method since once you are proficient you don't need to look at your hands- Perfect for low lit backstage areas!

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  5. Take a look at the Knit Witch videos on Youtube - they helped me a lot!

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  6. I'll add my 2 cents.
    I taught myself to knit using a book. I really like Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller. I think her illustrations and descriptions are some of the best I've ever read. You should be able to find a copy at the library.
    Good Luck. I look forward to seeing posts about your creations.

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  7. Oh and check out Ravelry.com.
    This is a great on-line community of kniiters and crocheters. It's a treasure trove of information and support and Fun!

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  8. At least you've got the hard part (at least for me) down. I can knit but cant for the life of me figure out how to start the damn thing, always have to bug other people to start and finish my knitting for me.

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  9. I love knitting! I'm not very good at it (I'm still a beginner) but it's so fun to make your own scarf or cozy wrist warmers. I've also had luck googling photo tutorials or watching tutorials on youtube.

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  10. I'm a lurker and a knitter, so I'm finally delurking to help out an aspiring knitter! Knittinghelp.com has the best videos on knitting instruction, both right handed and left handed. Good luck!

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  11. Anonymous12:43 PM

    I definitely recommend Knitwitch on Youtube. She has some excellent knitting tutorials.
    Also, I've been knitting since I was 13 years old and I STILL can't knit the continental method! D;

    http://www.youtube.com/user/theknitwitch

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  12. I would highly recommend watching videos on Knitting Help http://www.knittinghelp.com/ because it's easier to understand when you can actually see it.
    I've been knitting for seven years now, and it's perfect for making downtime more productive.

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  13. I second the ravelry recommendation... I also recommend crocheting as an easier option :)

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  14. Visit knittinghelp.com and watch the videos. A friend taught me the basics, but knittinghelp.com taught me all the rest. Great resource!

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  15. With all the traveling we bloggers do this time of the year, any tips on how to pack smartly? I end up with 3-4 huge bags for a 2 day trip! really! There seems to be that with each outfit, i need separate shoes,accessories, scarves,hats, etc.

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  16. Ahh, knitting. I never really got the hang of it. One of my friends is wonderful though, she makes the most gorgeous fingerless gloves.

    Cute outfit!

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  17. I'm a knitter as well, and I second the recommendation of Stitch N' Bitch -- it's a must have for any beginner. Also, check out knitty.com for loads of free patterns. Love the outfit today, btw!

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  18. Congrats on getting the lead! What's the play? I love the owl bag, too.

    I tried knitting--could never really get into it, but my mother did, and now runs a knitting group at her church that has brought her all kinds of happiness. Yay for knitting!

    xx

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  19. Julia - I'm playing Jaycee in Comic Potential, by Alan Ayckbourn.

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  20. Anonymous1:28 PM

    Love it. Beautiful combination ...of everything.

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  21. Anonymous5:31 PM

    I love the yarn color! Where did you find it?

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  22. I bought the yarn at Hancock Fabrics. It is by Premier Yarns. The color is Dark Forest. The label reads DN600-05.

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