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?

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

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

Get better as you practise.

Join ravelry.com

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 :)

RaisingSteam That shop.......

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.

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!