How to get back to knitting?

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

I could knit, I made toys those little animals from Jean Greenhowe patterns as a kid. I even managed a basic cable in a pair of mittens. I was ok but SO slow. I haven’t knitted for years after I learnt how to crochet.

But the knitting urge has surfaced.

What would be the best way to get back to it. I’m rusty as hell, I think I could still knit and purl but casting on might be trickier.

I’ve got a load of dk wool and needles - ranging from 2-4mm, some double point 5mm needles and a short 5mm circlular set.

Where do I start?
I’d love to be able to knit a cardigan or some socks.

I found loveknitting.com recently and am on my second project after not really doing any knitting since I was a kid. Loads of patterns for download, huge selection of yarn and all the kit you might need. I've also discovered that YouTube will sort you out for anything you can't remember or need to learn (in my case that's pretty much everything ).

Ravelry, you can find loads of free patterns and then YouTube is your friend. Start off with things that are small and easily completed because of the sense of satisfaction. I did a lot of baby cardies, bootees,etc when I got back into knitting. It did help that I was pregnant with DC3 and had 2 under 3 so plenty of small things to knit 😀

How about doing a couple of squares for Woolly Hugs? They don't need to be fancy and would ease you back into the rhythm of knitting before you tackle anything more complicated.

Socks are a great way to get all the basics into a small item. You'll need sock yarn and I use 2.5mm dpns. The Winwick Mum blog, book and FB page are good to get you started.

I bought a book called 'Knitting for Dummies.' It really takes you back to basics. I still struggle to purl though

I’ve just bought those Jean Greenhowe patterns off t’ ebay. Loved them as a kid too!

I thought I'd forgotten how to knit after 20 years or so, but as soon as I picked up needles and yarn it all came back, including casing on - my fingers just knew what to do!

Find a local knitting group to join. We all help each other.

Knitting has changed a lot since I learned back in 1979...

Ravelry is a great resource as are the many online videos but many of the garments on Ravelry are knitted in the round whereas I learned on the flat. I’ve just started a hat, on circular needles and for me it’s far less efficient, than knitting flat. But there are still plenty of flat patterns around If you really don’t like to knit in the round.

Some people now never purl, as they always knit in the round.

There is a highly inspirational and entertaining podcast called Fruity Knitting, which I recommend.