The Beginner's Guide to Learning and Loving Knitting

 Knitting is one of those hobbies that can be quite daunting as a beginner. Similar to learning how to ski, the most difficult part of the learning process is at the very start. Although knitting is far less extreme than skiing, the steps we go through to learn aren't all that different. We are taught a specific set of physical movements that seem impossible to start with, but become easier with practice. Muscle memory starts to develop, mistakes become fewer, our confidence grows and we start to really enjoy, and even love, the process. The trouble lies within that first hurdle - taking the plunge and committing to learning. 

Learning to love knitting should come with experience. Once you get used to the feel of needles and yarn in your hand, you'll begin to feel more comfortable and competent as you learn to master the basic stitches. It's possible that this step will be preceded by some stressful moments, dropped stitches and broken needles, but once you've got the basics down it should be smooth sailing from there on out. It's unfortunate that the difficult beginner stage is almost inevitable, although there are several things that can help to make the process much smoother. Below, I'm going to talk about some things that might make loving knitting easier for a reluctant beginner. I'll go over some of the reasons why knitting is a fantastic hobby, as well as give some suggestions on how you can make the learning process more enjoyable and stress-free. 

Where to buy knitting and crochet stitch markers

Stitch markers are just one of several essential notions in any knitter or crocheter's toolkit. These colourful little markers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are used to mark a significant point in your work. It could be a specific row you want to count from, a stitch where you need to decrease or the midpoint of a neckline. Stitch markers are incredibly versatile, so it's always useful to have plenty of them to hand - it's all too easy to lose a few down the back of the sofa, after all. The most simple stitch markers consist of colourful rings and clips, but there are hundreds of bespoke and novelty ones available online. In this post, I will be looking at a variety of unique stitch markers that will be perfect for accessorizing your knitting and crochet. 

Monthly Makes - March: what's on my needles?

As any knitter or crocheter knows, it's hard to stay faithful to just one craft project at a time. I've been a rather monogamous knitter in recent months, working on one thing at a time and then moving onto the next project. I have to admit, it's much easier now that I no longer work for a craft company, as the temptation to buy more yarn or to cast on another project can be ignored more easily. I used to be surrounded by yarn at work and it was all too easy to buy more and start another project. For now, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm a bit of a yarn hoarder and I desperately need to cut down my stash. Hence my semi-monogamous streak - no more non-essential yarn purchases and no unnecessary cast ons. I only have time for pre-planned, stash-busting knitting and crochet from here on out. 

I guess this naturally brings me onto the topic of what I'm making at the moment. I have three works in progress at the moment which, admittedly, is more than I'd like. It's excusable, however, as I have one project for each craft (knitting and crochet), and an older winter-worthy knitting project that I've taken out of hibernation.