I'm sure these are stupid knitting questions

[Fallulah]

I can knit, I can purl, I can cable (I'm addicted to cable). I've so far only made scarves, hats and a baby cardigan. I like chunky things as they grow quickly and you can actually see progress. I want to make something for me, so I've been scouring Ravelry for something that doesn't look too terrifying.

Almost everything I find requires knitting 'in the round' or circular needles. I've never done this - is it likely to be beyond what I can actually do? I am a little bit in love with this but know it will end up getting chucked across the room if I can't make sense of it: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trail-hoodie

Also, am I being really stupid, or is there actually nowhere to download this pattern: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cornwallis-2

Thank you

Jumping shamlesly on this thread! I'm in the same boat although looking for a 'pretty scarf' pattern that is simple but beautiful and that I will actually wear.

Ravelry was driving me slightly insane last night as it wouldn't let me print any of the patterns !

That jumper will be lovely fallulah good luck

Knitting in the round isn't difficult, a bit fiddly if you are using double pointed needles (dpn) until you get going. Circulars are easier but you have to use ones a bit shorter than the circumference of your garment or use the 'magic loop' technique, there are lots of YouTube tutorials. It's easier to see what to do rather than explain it. With either method, the main problem is making sure the stitches aren't twisted after you cast on, I tend to cheat a bit and do a couple of rows flat before knitting in the round, it's easier to straighten out the stitches when there is a bit of depth to the work.
The stripy Cornwallis' jumper is in a Rowan book or issue 124 of Knit today magazine (published last year, I think, I can't see a date on it) I have the magazine as I'm knitting a hat pattern in it. I would be surprised if it was available as a free download but you might be able to get a back copy of the magazine.

For an alternative to the Cornwallis try ravello by Isabell kramer

www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ravello

Oh, and for a nice first project in the round, try something like a cowl.

You'll need circular needles, but once you get used to them, they're much easier than straights

Like others have said, DPNs can be a bit fiddly but quick to get the hang of, and if you can do cables I'm sure you will be able to manage them

Personally, I find circular needles even easier than straights! I would start with a small project such as this hat. Perhaps you could even add some cables to the plain bit to make it more interesting?

The jumper is lovely but I would maybe do a few more smaller projects to build up your skills and confidence before you start it though.

I don't think you can download the Cornwallis pattern as it is out of a magazine/book. You can buy the magazine here on Ebay or this is the magazine's website