I like knitting but I'm rubbish at it and I've got no reason to knit.

[DesolateWaist]

I want to knit, I like knitting but I'm bloody dreadful at it.
Also, I have no reason to knit anything. I'm not clever enough to knit anything useful.
I don't want a houseful of knitted tut. I stopped doing cross stitch because I didn't actually want anything I made.

Any suggestions?

[Newes]

Knit squares for Woolly Hugs? You can perfect your different stitch techniques if you get bored of stocking and garter stitch.

[TrollyDollyPolly]

Knit basic bits for charity - hats/ scarves for the homeless etc.

Get better as you practise.

Join ravelry.com

[Marcipex]

I came on to say Woolly Hugs too.
Knit squares, get better at it, and join in a worthwhile project. Have a look at the website.
I'm making toys for the Christmas Hugs that Woolly Hugs are doing. The trouble is, I'm now in love with all of the ones I've made...

[JennyHolzersGhost]

Yes do squares ! They can be as simple or complex as you like.

[seaweedhead]

beta.woollyhugs.com/ gives full details of all the various woolly hugs projects if you're interested.

[BavarianMax]

DesolateWaist you could always try a beginners class? I found some great ones here: www.obby.co.uk/courses?tag=Knitting although I think they are in London only

[BavarianMax]

DesolateWaist you could always try a beginners class? I found some great ones here:

www.obby.co.uk/courses?tag=Knitting

[RaisingSteam]

Don't be down about it - it's not about clever, it's about practise and being interested in getting better at it. I've got a lot of benefit from going to one-off classes - you must have got a naice modern knitting shop near you that does a few Saturday afternoon teach-ins. And it's a lovely way to pass a few hours. What area do you live in? This is the kind of place you're looking for for example.

Then it's just a case of choosing yarn and pattern such that you end up with something you like, not tat. Or get stuck into a proper garment that will keep you going for a while - cowl scarfs are quite good, no shaping and not too long. Where are you getting your patterns from?

I know what you mean about tat- I don't want my house festooned with knitted mug warmers and bunting. Cushion covers are better.

[soloula]

Now about knitting socks? Winwick mum has a fantastic pattern on her blog.

winwickmum.blogspot.co.uk/p/sockalong.html

If you're on Facebook she has a support group for folk following the pattern - look for Winwick Mum Sockalong.

Once you master the basic techniques with the Winwick mum pattern then you could have a look on ravelry for some more challenging/fancier patterns. There are gorgeous sock yarns and although it'll cost you way more than a 4-pack of socks from Primark there is something really satisfying about wearing your own hand knitted socks.

[buckingfrolicks]

Perfect thread for me. I was thinking exactly as OP does, Autumn is here, my DCs are off to uni and I can't read and MN 24 hours a day! Off to WoolyHugs

[TheLittlestBear]

How long have you been knitting for OP? If you take one challenge at a time (start with increases/decreases etc) your tecnique will soon pick up. Some youtube videos are very helpful. After about 10 years of on-off knitting various rectangles I finally got good recently (took it up seriously during pregnancy to fend off wine!) I can do cabling now. And I shit you not, it is so EASY. Knitting does get easier!!

Theres a good book called 'simple knits' or something - by Ros Bagder. Easy patterns, useful(ish) projects and the photo demonstratons are very clear. Can always give finished projects away for Xmas :)

[TheLittlestBear]

RaisingSteam That shop.......

[User568945]

How about knitting tiny hats for the Innocent smoothie bottles? I think they run the appeal every year - check on their website. Great fun to do, and hardly take any time.

[PlinkPlonkPlunk]

I can't read and MN 24 hours a day... You'll get nowhere in life with that sort of defeatist attitude!

OP, definitely worth thinking about making squares for blankets! Do them in a nice, neutral colour, and try out different stitches if you fancy it. You can sew them together and then donate them. You're local hospital might accept them for babies (we have a local premature baby charity which takes blankets and hats to distribute), or a homeless charity/hostel could be glad of them. Contact a few places and see!

Also, the Innocent Smoothies hats are fun, as someone else said!