The minute you finish a project, no matter how long it took, it feels like you could do the same project, but in a tenth of a time. Then you will feel compelled to knit that project for several people you know. Do not tell them this! It is a joy to knit for others, but it is stifling when you promised to do so.
Wool is a very forgiving in knitting. It is a little sticky, so it doesn’t zoom off your needles. You can reshape some of it with blocking. I only really use other kinds of yarn if I have a special need, like the drape of silk for a shawl or nylon blend in socks. The negative with non superwash wool is that you can shrink it when washing it. Which leads to my last tip.
When washing your knits, I’ve had the best luck with Soak no rinse wool wash. I have a top loading machine, so I fill it with water and Soak, let it sit 20 minutes, then use the spin cycle (with no rinse or agitation) before laying my knits to dry. If it’s winter, I have a box fan blowing over the knits to get them to dry.
Good luck with your knitting! My first scarf was a holey mess, but I knit the whole ball of yarn and learned a lot.
So much to learn! All of these tips are so lovely (and full of so many words I need to learn hahahah). I especially appreciate the rec for wool—I will 100% need forgiveness from my crafts :)
I was reluctant to learn to draw digitally for all the reasons you mention, but now I love it for all the reasons you mention, and now I also long for my pencil and analog supplies again for all the reasons you mention. 🤷♀️😂
My sketchbook with anything I feel drawn to. Right now that’s my Karin brush markers in my Pith. Total bliss! Colour and blending makes me extremely happy 😊 💞💞💞
They are expensive, but I tried a few and loved them. Then I sat and waited for months until someone was selling a nearly new box of them. I still smile when I get them out and use them. Bargain! They are beautiful and vibrant pens, that are soooo juicy!
welcome to knitting, haley! one thing i find super freeing is that according to quite a few traditions, imperfections are a feature not a bug -- my favorite lore basically says that weaving something perfect traps your soul in its net, so the imperfections allow it to escape :)
I feel you on digital leading to perfectionism. That's one of the reasons I've worked more digitally in recent years. Way to get into knitting! I wish I could do it but have to be careful with repetitive activities since comics are already so repetitive.
I totally get that! Usually my hobbies need to be movement based (biking, etc.) because of how sedentary illustration work is, but I'm loving the mindless repetition while watching TV (especially in lieu of being on my phone—my peskiest pesky habit). Curious what hobbies you love!!!
I taught myself to crochet in college, and then to knit during the pandemic, and became fully obsessed.
Some tips for a beginner: if you are having difficulties with how to hold the needles and yarn, try both continental and English style knitting to see what clicks more with your brain/hands. I'm (also) a lefty, and since I crocheted first, continental made more sense for me - you hold/tension the yarn with your left hand.
Very Pink Knits on youtube has great videos for explaining different knitting techniques (but in general, youtube tutorials are how I taught myself, so if you don't know how to do something in the pattern instructions, just search it on youtube and follow along!)
Knitstagram (the knitting community on IG) is great!
As for yarn, knitting for olive has nice yarn and is a socially conscious company. Their merino is great! La Mercerie is a US-based stockist for them.
Also, a good second project after a scarf is a hat - since it's small, you can see the progress more quickly, you can learn to work in the round, and learn to decrease!
Ok, I'll stop myself here, but if you have any knitting related questions, I'm happy to try and help :)
Purl soho has a lot of free options (they are also a yarn brand, but I’ve never tried them before) - I’ve made the classic ribbed beanie before (I think that’s the name)
You can also check the website Ravelry - you can search and buy patterns, track your own projects, see what others are making, etc. It’s a great resource!!
I’m also left-handed! I understand the smudgy frustration. I’d like to think lefties are more artistically inclined like everyone says, you’re proof of that! I’m learning to knit, too, gonna buy some new yarn soon I hope!
My wife and I started to learn knitting a few years ago but never got too far with it. I started a nice chunky scarf that was coming along well until I put it down. Maybe it's time to pick it back up! Thanks for the nudge and I'm glad you're enjoying your new skills! 😁
I used to really like the Stitch & Bitch books fun patterns and learning the basics (in addition to my grandma). Also an “undo” in knitting is called a “frog”, which is pretty fun!
I know when I’ve been ‘digitalling’ too much, when I double tap in my physical sketchbook…
oh my gosh SAME
I have a few bits of knitting advice:
The minute you finish a project, no matter how long it took, it feels like you could do the same project, but in a tenth of a time. Then you will feel compelled to knit that project for several people you know. Do not tell them this! It is a joy to knit for others, but it is stifling when you promised to do so.
Wool is a very forgiving in knitting. It is a little sticky, so it doesn’t zoom off your needles. You can reshape some of it with blocking. I only really use other kinds of yarn if I have a special need, like the drape of silk for a shawl or nylon blend in socks. The negative with non superwash wool is that you can shrink it when washing it. Which leads to my last tip.
When washing your knits, I’ve had the best luck with Soak no rinse wool wash. I have a top loading machine, so I fill it with water and Soak, let it sit 20 minutes, then use the spin cycle (with no rinse or agitation) before laying my knits to dry. If it’s winter, I have a box fan blowing over the knits to get them to dry.
Good luck with your knitting! My first scarf was a holey mess, but I knit the whole ball of yarn and learned a lot.
So much to learn! All of these tips are so lovely (and full of so many words I need to learn hahahah). I especially appreciate the rec for wool—I will 100% need forgiveness from my crafts :)
I didn’t even think of all the knit vocabulary I was throwing your way! Let me know what I can translate if you have any troubles.
I was reluctant to learn to draw digitally for all the reasons you mention, but now I love it for all the reasons you mention, and now I also long for my pencil and analog supplies again for all the reasons you mention. 🤷♀️😂
I’ve found a good cadence switching between the two, but often find myself trying to zoom in on the paper…
Haha SAME! 😂
My sketchbook with anything I feel drawn to. Right now that’s my Karin brush markers in my Pith. Total bliss! Colour and blending makes me extremely happy 😊 💞💞💞
I’ve never tried these markers! Will need to investigate :)
They are expensive, but I tried a few and loved them. Then I sat and waited for months until someone was selling a nearly new box of them. I still smile when I get them out and use them. Bargain! They are beautiful and vibrant pens, that are soooo juicy!
welcome to knitting, haley! one thing i find super freeing is that according to quite a few traditions, imperfections are a feature not a bug -- my favorite lore basically says that weaving something perfect traps your soul in its net, so the imperfections allow it to escape :)
I need a bag to hold all my knitting supplies in and now I want to custom order one with this quote on it!
I feel you on digital leading to perfectionism. That's one of the reasons I've worked more digitally in recent years. Way to get into knitting! I wish I could do it but have to be careful with repetitive activities since comics are already so repetitive.
I totally get that! Usually my hobbies need to be movement based (biking, etc.) because of how sedentary illustration work is, but I'm loving the mindless repetition while watching TV (especially in lieu of being on my phone—my peskiest pesky habit). Curious what hobbies you love!!!
Mine are pretty much all physical for the reasons you saw--wild swimming, trail running, xc skiing... I like to cook too!
checks out!!!
I taught myself to crochet in college, and then to knit during the pandemic, and became fully obsessed.
Some tips for a beginner: if you are having difficulties with how to hold the needles and yarn, try both continental and English style knitting to see what clicks more with your brain/hands. I'm (also) a lefty, and since I crocheted first, continental made more sense for me - you hold/tension the yarn with your left hand.
Very Pink Knits on youtube has great videos for explaining different knitting techniques (but in general, youtube tutorials are how I taught myself, so if you don't know how to do something in the pattern instructions, just search it on youtube and follow along!)
Knitstagram (the knitting community on IG) is great!
As for yarn, knitting for olive has nice yarn and is a socially conscious company. Their merino is great! La Mercerie is a US-based stockist for them.
Also, a good second project after a scarf is a hat - since it's small, you can see the progress more quickly, you can learn to work in the round, and learn to decrease!
Ok, I'll stop myself here, but if you have any knitting related questions, I'm happy to try and help :)
Oh my GOSH Allison this is awesome! I am glad to hear Youtube is the way—it's usually my first resort.
Knitting for Olive looks amazing!! Thanks for the US-based note to0!
If there are any beginner hat patterns you'd rec, I'm all ears! SO grateful for your wisdom. :)
Purl soho has a lot of free options (they are also a yarn brand, but I’ve never tried them before) - I’ve made the classic ribbed beanie before (I think that’s the name)
You can also check the website Ravelry - you can search and buy patterns, track your own projects, see what others are making, etc. It’s a great resource!!
I’m also left-handed! I understand the smudgy frustration. I’d like to think lefties are more artistically inclined like everyone says, you’re proof of that! I’m learning to knit, too, gonna buy some new yarn soon I hope!
hehe you are too! I love being a lefty for the most part. And YAY! Definitely share your knitting project as you work on it!
Long-time knitter here. Welcome to the community!!
THANK YOU! I'd love to know your favorite beginner patterns/yarn suppliers!
My wife and I started to learn knitting a few years ago but never got too far with it. I started a nice chunky scarf that was coming along well until I put it down. Maybe it's time to pick it back up! Thanks for the nudge and I'm glad you're enjoying your new skills! 😁
Do it!!!!
I learned to knit about 6 months ago from a woman at my local yarn store! Also working on my first scarf :)
This is so sweet. Send a pic when your scarf is done!
The best thing about it is that once you can do it better, you don’t have to think anymore…
I've definitely entered that mode with my current project and it is BLISS
everything you said! so True, and your sister's apartment is beyond wonderful. Digital art is like drugs to a perfectionist, and almost as lethal.
Isn't her apartment wild? Dizzying in a good way. And that's the perfect description re: digital art. I'm absolutely addicted.
I can’t get far enough into a digital drawing because of that pesky undo button! 🤣
I've been looking for something like this too. Love this!
Ooh! Keep us posted!
Also knitting, and crocheting ☺️
I had a lot more trouble with crocheting when I gave it a go the other year! Weird how one can feel easier than the other.
I used to really like the Stitch & Bitch books fun patterns and learning the basics (in addition to my grandma). Also an “undo” in knitting is called a “frog”, which is pretty fun!
A frog!!!! I love that!
I’ve heard it’s called frogging because you rip it out and rip it sounds like ribbit 🐸😂