Thinking of taking up knitting again - a few questions

[mumtodd]

Hi, I was quite a good knitter at primary school but haven't done it for years. I need a hobby and thinking of starting again. I was never good at following patterns though and always asked my mum what to do next. I don't live near her now so I am wondering

• is there a website or somewhere I could look to explain terms etc in patterns if I get stuck?

• are there sites where you can get free patterns?

• what would be the best thing to start off on to see if I still enjoy it?

• any hand bag knitters out there? Are they difficult to make? Where could I get patterns?

Thanks

Message withdrawn

Pruners has beaten me to the two best websites I think!
Welcome to Mn and to the rarified world of the Mumsknitters. I am a blanket and tiny cardigan merchant, I've never knitted a bag I'm afraid

oooh hello

I have done a small bag (courtesy of the free gift Rowan sends when you join Rowan International) this one - it might look a bit tricky for a beginner, but it only has a couple of cables and involves a bit of counting.

good luck finding some lovely bags - I think if you buy nice handles they can look really professional

hello there, I've been collating free patterns on the web on this thread - please feel free to add some more ideas/links to it!

I second knittinghelp.com - I know a few people have learnt to knit from scratch using this site