Moving on from beginners: intermediate knitting book?

[margaritasbythesea]

I have just completed a beginners knitting book which uses small projects to introduce techniques. For example, a patchwork cyshion to introduce stitch patterns and making button holes, or table mats to introduce cabling. I really liked it as I didn't have to spend too much, finished projects quite quickly and learned something new every time.

I can't go to the library now to choose a new book, so I was wondering if I could have some recommendations. I would probably like smallish projects, maybe homeware as I don't have much money and like to get things finished.

I do have and idea of doing a patchwork blanket with lots if squares in different stitches but haven't found an ideal pattern on my hunts (ravelry etc) so I would be really grateful if someone could help me with that.

Thanks.

[TheWoollybacksWife]

Could you have a look to see if there is a KAL (knit-a-long) that has been completed and all the squares patterns posted? That should give you patterns for squares that have been designed to work together in terms of size and patterns. As long as you keep your tension consistent throughout the project you could do it in a different yarn to the ones suggested in the pattern.

[ProfessorHasturLaVista]

If you can find a second hand copy of Jan Eaton’s 200 KnittedSquares book that would be good for an ongoing blanket project.

www.purlandjane.co.uk/product-category/patterns/accessories/ Purl And Jane have some nice accessory patterns.

If you fancy trying socks then Winwick Mum has a great tutorial. Her 8ply/DK version works up satisfyingly quickly.
www.winwickmum.co.uk/2014/05/basic-sock-pattern-and-tutorial.html

[ProfessorHasturLaVista]

www.amazon.co.uk/Knitty-Gritty-Steps-Aneeta-Patel/dp/1408131323/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_2/260-0086849-7376950?psc=1&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_wg=D0I9b&pf_rd_r=PZHWKJE87DYNDQPMF8CC&pd_rd_i=1408131323&pd_rd_w=5xKHr&refRID=PZHWKJE87DYNDQPMF8CC&pd_rd_r=60e487d1-adb9-4214-8211-6193458b4a91&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
There’s also Aneeta Patel’s Next Steps book. I learned from her first book, this one has more projects.

[AravisTarkheena]

I’ve used that winwixk mum sock pattern! Socks can be daunting but are actually not too difficult as long as you pay attention to the pattern/ watch you tube videos about the tricky bits. good for teaching different techniques.

[Snozzlemaid]

Have a look on YouTube. I use that for crochet stitches and patterns. I've not looked for knitting equivalents, but I bet there's lots.

[ProfessorHasturLaVista]

www.ravelry.com/designers/louise-tilbrook
Louise Tilbrook has some lovely patterns for shawls, blankets etc that go from basic garter stitch with increases to more complex patterns.

Sorry for multiple posting, I keep remembering good patterns

[lazylinguist]

The Aneeta Patel books are good. I love making socks, but couldn't get the hang of it at all until I bought "Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd. It starts with a very thoroughly explained step-by-step sock pattern, then branches out with lots of variations on the basic pattern.

If you're past the beginner stage, start checking out the patterns on ravelry.com. You can filter them by difficulty level.

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

Join Ravelry and have a look at patterns on there. There are a lot of free patterns and the paid for ones are usually quite reasonably priced. If you go for a pattern that lots of people have made then you can see what they have done and any helpful comments that they have made on their own project. People can also rate the difficulty out of 10 once they have made the pattern so you get quite an accurate idea of the difficulty level. There is also a really excellent search engine so that you can narrow down patterns by yarn weight, difficulty, type of project and all sorts of things.

[ritzbiscuits]

I'd second trying a pair of socks with Winwick Mum. I'm a competent beginner and I've nearly finished my first of two.

Would be keen to here what beginner knitting book you worked through, sounds like learning a few techniques would be useful for me.

[margaritasbythesea]

Oh wow! What a lovely treat to come back and find so many suggestions. Thank you all very much. I shall have a lovely time looking through those.

This was the book I used. I found it really easy to follow and the projects appealed to me. I'd be happt to post photos of the book if you want more info.

[margaritasbythesea]

Sorry link here

www.amazon.co.uk/How-Knit-Tina-Barrett/dp/1861089163?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[florentina1]

If you have children, I would have a go at the Heirloom comfort dolls or Jean Greenhowe rainbow babies or Jean Greenhowe nurse. These are all free patterns and don’t take up much time or wool.

You can use the techniques you have learned by slightly enhamcing the pattern .

[margaritasbythesea]

Thank you for that suggestion. I´ve just seen she has mice on here website. They are probably more difficult but they are my daughter´s favourite animal.

I bought the book linked to. Worth a whirl for 2.20 . Thanks.