Knitting

[Carrotcake202]

Hello, just wanted to know if anyone enjoys knitting still as I don’t really know anyone my age who knits ( I’m 23) or anyone for that matter, So it would be nice to see if anyone likes it and could possibly share some pictures of what you have knitted as I want to make something but I don’t know what. I find knitting helps with my anxiety too and helps distracts me from panic attacks - as I’ve posted on previous thread. So please feel free to show me your knitting projects! Really would love to see them

[YenniferOfVengeberg]

Yes, it's a massive community.. join ravelry. Lots of free patterns and ideas to get you started.

[Twospaniels]

Lots of FB groups for knitters and crocheters of all ages.

[user1488701379]

I like to knit but can only do very basic things at the moment. I am struggling to get along with anything that requires a bit more thinking but I keep trying. I started in the summer.
What do you like to knit?

[qazxc]

Ravelry is good for patterns. I like making shawls as I don't have to worry about size or fit. And stuff for dd.

[MrsT1405]

I've knitted for 50plus years. I do socks, shawls dolls for my dad. Join ravelry and just go for ir

[BefuddledPerson]

One of my children knits and they are younger than you . Older knitters always happy to help. Agree ravelry is good. Also look for a decent wool shop with a knitting group.

[Carrotcake202]

YenniferOfVengeberg: thanks I will look into that

Twospaniels: I never thought of that, thank you

user1488701379: do you struggle with increasing and decreasing? I did but the more I knitted somehow I got better, well I’ve knitted a couple of teddy bears from my daughter and a pillow for my cat and recently a tea cosy, I only started last year really, what do you enjoy knitting?

qazxc : wow that’s impressive and that jumper looks amazing, did they take you long to knit? Yeah that’s true as shawls seem easy too and I guess you can pick and choose all different colour and pattens :)

[7Days]

I think there is a knit and natter thread on the arts and crafts board

[eosmum]

What about crochet? I knit also but since learning to crochet a couple of years ago I’ve put the needles down. I did these blankets over lockdown.

[MrPanks]

Defo get on Ravelry OP, loads of young people with fantastic patterns and forums for knitting queries, sharing projects etc. There is also the Arts and crafts section here on mumsnet which is friendly and helpful, and I think there is a project sharing thread currently on the go. Check it out. It's great that you find it relaxing, I do too, but prepare yourself for the times when you'll want to scream and throw your knitting across the room with frustration! It is (mostly) worth it for the joy it brings though. I taught myself from internet tutorials from people like Very Pink Knitting, I highly recommend her videos. Good luck!

[Carrotcake202]

BefuddledPerson : aww that’s good to hear yes I’ve recently ordered some chunky wool to cygnet I think it’s called they seem ok, have you used that brand?

MrsT1405: they are so cute! Wow that’s a long time! I will definitely look on there, just wondering are socks difficult to knit?

[MrPanks]

When I learned to knit I started with some beautiful super chunky yarn and 10mm needles and made a gorgeous scarf. Don't buy cheap, crappy acrylic yarn, treat yourself to high quality yarn that gets you excited, you're more likely to enjoy the experience and the end product. I then made hats, cowls, and shawls. Oh and I love making toys. The possibilities are endless.

[Peckhampalace]

I do socks, there is a knack to them, but lots of patterns on ravelry to get you going. I use 5 double pointed needles and find the socks are thicker and some people don't like wearing the texture as it's coarser than bought. I like the intricacy of making them though.

[Carrotcake202]

eosmum: that’s true, crocheting looks more complicated? probably isn’t, as I’m assuming you just loop the wool over the crochet hook or something to form a pattern? Your blankets are lovely by the way

MrPanks: wow your work is amazing, yes I agree and that feeling of when you finally fishish a project! :) defiantly so much you can make with knitting!

[Carrotcake202]

Peckhampalace: I will have to try and knit some socks at some point and yours look great and yeah most patterns of socks I’ve seen look difficult, I’ll take you advice on using double pointed needles for them to

MrPanks: sorry just seen you other post, oh yes I’ve even come to point where I’ve bent my needles haha but yes at the same time very relaxing, oh good I will look at them tutorials! Thank you

[Curlygirl06]

There's a Facebook group called "The Warm Baby Project". They get people to knit for premature babies in hospital, advantage is they are very quick to do as they're tiny (hats, boots, cardigans etc). They also ask for bigger knits for various requests. Have a look.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

You could come and join us over here, on a Knit, crochet and natter thread, @Carrotcake202.

And there is a charity knitting project, called Woolly Hugs that started on MN, and is still here (but has grown a lot too).

[50shadesoflunacy]

Hi OP, I've just got back into knitting again as I have learnt continental style, plus Norwegian purling (I'm a crocheter and am used to holding the yarn in my left hand). Ravelry is awesome, and YouTube too. There is a lady on YouTube called Very Pink Knits and she has done some fab tutorials. I am also going to go and join the knit and natter thread, prob tomorrow. I started some socks recently (complete novice to socks) and will post pics over there.

[user1488701379]

There is some very beautiful knitting on here, you're all very talented. I love the little toys you can make!

[TheRuleofStix]

As others have said, knitting is a huge community! I’ve been knitting for 40 plus years and love it. I mainly knit toys to sell for charity but occasionally knit hats and scarves too.

Keep going - you can only get better

[qazxc]

Obviously not doable right now, but joining a knitting group also is great for advice, learning (and general chatting). I found mine on Ravelry.
Woolly hugs are always looking for squares. They can be as intricate or simple as you want and satisfying as a short term project. Or if you feel up to it you could make a whole blanket.
Pinterest can also be good for inspiration.
As for learning knew stitches or techniques, you tube is great, and hats are good to start and practice stranded knitting or cables as they are a quick project.
I usually have a few projects on the go at the same time, so that I can pick up something depending on my mood (mindless or need to concentrate knitting, small project or big project).
At the beginning it's all about trying stuff out and seeing what you like (straights or circular needles, wood or metal, natural fibres or acrilic,...).

[Puddlepop]

I’m a crocheter as can really only manage one tool in one hand, and have found crochet easier than knitting. Just came on to add to the point @qazxc has made above about groups... In my limited experience, those are a really pleasant diversion from the daily grind even if sometimes they are little established cliques by the time you’ve arrived. Just because you’re surrounded by beautiful yarns, a variety of ongoing projects and people with a wealth of experience and useful practical tips that might save you making mistakes.

I have a feeling if you find some avid knitter or crocheter on Instagram / fb, you will see that there are now online meets via zoom for example, to replace the physical meetings. You can join in the ‘mini-show & tell’ and chat and make friends, or get your own cup of tea and just carry on with your project if you like.

I’ve been on a scrapbooking / journaling zoom meet which is a weekly event, no pressure to participate, anyone is welcome to quietly do their scrapbooking while the rest discuss paper / glue / ink / fancy bits. The one huge benefit is it allows enthusiasts from all over the world to join in, not limited to your local townsfolk, so it feels like I am broadening my horizons while sitting in my living room. I’m tempted to look for a similar crochet meet but worth that I’ll be stockpiling more yarn :)

[Puddlepop]

*worry, not worth