What to knit next? Novice!

[tinierclanger]

Hi all

I'm a beginner knitter, wondering what to try next. I've done a pair of socks, which took forever, and a hat, and a couple of simple teddies. I thought I might have a go at some baby clothes...? Any good sources for patterns which won't be too hard to follow, with the aid of my trusty Knitting for Dummies?

Have a look on Ravelry... you will find everything you want on there. Otherwise take a look at the Sublime patterns or Debbie Bliss.

Sublime patterns are v.easy to follow, so good for beginners, go for clothes that are simple in shape and without a pattern to begin with, otherwise they'll be decorating the bin! Sirdar are also good. Sirdar baby bamboo is a lovely wool and patons now do a similar one but cheaper which is called smoothie. Remember, if you make a mistake, go back and correct - it'll never be alright, no matter how much you try to convince yourself!! A guess a jumper is easier than a jacket as you don't have to pick up stitches on the border. Best of luck, be warned, it is addictive!

I use the deramores website to bring in supplies, and also ebay has lots of good value too - shadows discount is one shop i use. Happy knitting!

I would second Ravelry as well - it is addictive as knitting though so be warned!

Another possible place to have a look is in knitting magazines which usually have various levels of patterns in.

Patons have baby patterns which are specially designed for beginners. If you want to do a jacket a baby one would be a good place to start. I can't find a link at the moment but I'll keep trying. The Patons/Coats website has free patterns too here. They are a mixture of Patons and Rowan patterns really.

I expect any of the major yarn manufacturers would have free patterns to download from their websites although I haven't checked them all out.

Hi, thanks for the responses, I'll start with ravelry then and work from there!

Debbie Bliss has a book called something like Baby Knits for Beginners which starts with a scarf, then a blanket, then a very simple jumper (no neck shaping) and so on - you basically build up your skills with each pattern, although it's fairly easy to do the harder ones before the simpler ones if you want. It is well laid out and explained well - I re-learnt to knit from it (hadn't done it for 20 years so was a bit hazy!). And the clothes are lovely - very simple and sweet, no fancy old-fashioned patterns.

If you are a member of your local library, you may find Debbie Bliss and Erica Knight (another easy to follow knitter) in the crafts section... I borrow from my library frequently to make sure I really want to buy the book.

I was going to suggest Ravelry too - it's a good source of patterns, and it also has listings for local knitting groups, so you might be able to find one near to you.

I'm a member of a local knit and natter group, and we have a great time every monday morning - we meet at a local golf club where the chef makes delicious home made soups and cakes. You'll probably find there are all levels of ability in your local group - absolute beginners right up to people who knit fair isle at a speed that makes their needles blur - but in my experience people are always willing to help and share their experience.

These groups are often a good place to find new patterns too - we keep a folder of patterns that people in the group have done, and people can borrow these patterns, and we also share our knitting books around the group too - plus people often bring remnants of wool for others to take their pick from.

A group might be nice actually, I shall get on to that!

I knit this baby pattern fairly recently. It's quite straightforward knitting for the most part, so knits up quickly, but has more finishing required than, say, socks.

Knitty has a great pattern archive of free patterns and they are rated by difficulty, although I always find myself drooling over lacy things that would take me years to knit.

Socks sound pretty complex to me(sock scaredy cat),I would try Ravelry as well.I have just started Rowan Toasty shrug (pattern on website and free).