I want to learn how to knit.

[seeker]

where do I start? I can cast on, and do purl and plain, but i've nev done more thqn a strip. I want to knit something proper. Any ideas?

I learned from Knitting for Dummies, the first thing I knitted though was a Toft Bear. Get yourself logged onto Ravelry, look for free easy patterns, and go from there...

Having the book as reference has really helped me, but there's loads of free YouTube tutorials and stuff out there too.

Ask at your local knitting shop-they might know where to learn or they might even do a group lesson. Do you know anyone who knits? I would be quite happy to help someone, but no one has ever asked.

Hadn't though of the local knitting shop. It does seem to specialise in acid coloured acrylics- but I suppose that's not compulsory! Where do you live, exotic??

I would be quite happy to teach you too if you are near me, I only started last summer and I managed to make a beautiful cardigan with hood for my little one :)

I was about where you are last Sept.

I bought this book (similar ones on Amazon get equally good reviews) and it got me moving forward quickly.
There are a number of fairly quick projects to keep you interested and a good range of different stitches.

I am now (slowly!) working on a beret with a lace type pattern, using both double pointed and circular needles, from a Ravelry pattern. Never thought I'd be doing that!

Also agree that You Tube is invaluable for helping you with tricky stiches and concepts. I usually learn best by reading rather than looking but when it comes to knitting visual is best!

I learnt from videos on you tube. Look up knitwitch, her videos are fab. Good luck.

Judging by you 11+ posts too far to be any help, seeker. I expect there are lots of lonely elderly ladies who would be only too happy to help-it would do you both a service and it is a pity that there isn't a way of matching up.
I mentioned the wool shop because I went in one in Guildford once and a little group of about 4 were sitting knitting and getting help where needed.There is a lovely one in Penrith where I get chatting to the owner and anyone who comes in-I am sure that a shop like that could put you in touch with someone.
I don't find written directions or films any good-I want someone to teach me to crochet left handedly.

I learnt from my mother and my Nana, she was always knitting stuff. We had to knit squares for blankets at school.

I am sure you would be fine if you started with something simple like a scarf. Have you any relatives or friends who could help if you get stuck?

John Lewis do knitting lessons and a lady comes in to help people in the craft section. Is there one near you Seeker?

I've just started knotting since my LO was born in November. My mum showed me cast on, knit, purl and cast off. Also how to knit two together to decrease and I've been knitting since. I started with some simple beanie hats because they were just knitting, lurking and decreasing. I've started a little Cardigan now and I'm pleased with how it's going so far. I think it's lively to be able to dress DD in things I've made for her.

I agree with other posters though, I think having someone show you is the best way to learn, those people can also give you patterns that they from experience know to be simple. I've found the Internet helpful for the odd thing but having someone there to ask is better. I would try the local wool shop. Everyone in ours is lovely and delighted to help if we ask them anything. They'll probably be able to point you in the direction of some simple patterns too.

If you look through knitting pattern books some will be marked 'easy'-go for one of those.

There's nothing to beat getting someone to show you. However, it can be useful to try online as an extra resource. I've recommended this site here before - there are some excellent videos which are completely clear and easy to follow. In fact, they're not just for beginners (although there's lots there for new knitters); I've learned quite a bit from them, and I've been knitting for over 30 years

She's American but knits in the 'English' style (not all Americans do), so it's good for us lot to follow!

Best of luck.

If you join Ravelry (ravelry.com) there is a heading for groups. You can type in your location and see whether there is a group nearby. They are rising as mushrooms out of the ground. I can think of at least half a dozen in my location and I run one myself. We had a lady who was at exactly the stage you are in and on Thursday she cast on a Debbie Bliss bolero.

Debbie Bliss How to Knit I taught myself with this and still go back to it when I have forgotten something. I'm still a novice with a serious wool habit but have made a few things that turned out ok! A baby dress, children's hats, even children's mittens,with the right number of thumbs

This is a lovely book to learn to knit with, and there are some easy patterns in it to try, that are not deadly dull.