Guest Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 My partner is going to start knitting me a jumper... If she starts now, she should hopefully be ready before Christmas, so it will be a nice homemade pressie for me!! The problem is she has never knitted anything before!! I have asked her to keep it simple, so it is all going to be one colour (oatmeal colour), and I have asked her to not put any detail in it, so it is just going to be a plain knit which should make things easier for her. Also I wanted a round neck as I don't like V necks. But she doesn't really know where to begin! We don't have any patterns or friends/relatives in the know. There are a few good websites around but does anyone have any of their own good tips or advice? Or even a pattern to recommend? Thanks for all your help... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Ahhh, a true labour of love! All I can say is... Ask Richard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Also, I don't think she even knows how to read a pattern... It does seem a bit alien to me as well, it's probably like anything though. Once your familar with it, it's like second nature! I was just hoping to pass this sort of information down to our kids, so that the traditions of our heritage and past are kept alive before they are gone forever! Over the last few years we have been making a real effort to do everything naturally and make things from scratch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 If I were her I would ideally find someone who knows how to knit to show her, ask everyone you know it is suprising who can they don't tend to shout about it, if not go to your local charity shop of charity book shop and look for basic guides to knitting there are usually plenty. I am sure a search online would probably find the basic techniques. Ebay has a big knitting section try having a look there for patterns and wool. I once knitting my hubby a jumper it took me so long that by the time I was doing the last sleeve I had forgotten that I had already made 2 so he ended up with a spare arm I have been knitting myself a jacket since April 2006 and it still not finished so don't hold your breath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I have just done a quick search on google and for anyone interested, this seems like a good starters guide to knitting... http://www.lionbrand.com/learntoKnit.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I would reccomend that she starts on something a bit more simple to start off with. I got some really good books out of the library a few months ago when I was refreshing my memory - so the library would be a really good place to start. Maybe get her to try knitting something a bit more simple like a scarf, hat or cushion first to get the hang of the different stitches/ following a pattern. I found that the magazine "simply knitting" had very good instructions for basic stitches and had a variety of projects to start. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Knitting you a sweater is a lovely idea. I also think that as a total beginner she should start by just knitting a simple square. Once you know how, knitting is really quite simple especially just plain and purl. I really think she needs someone to show her how to cast the stitches on and cast off again which is why a square would be a perfect project. Do your children attend school? I bet one of the teachers knows how to knit and would give her a demonstration. Or maybe go the children's section in the library and find a 'really' simple basic 'how to knit' book. Good luck anyway Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I have taken up knitting again, well I say again. I only knitted scarfs as a kid that was full of holes and were funny shapes because i would also add stitches However i found the most fantastic book called How To Knit by Debbie Bliss. It takes you through the basic steps and gives you projects to make. Second project is a slash neck jumper for a child but I am sure you could adapt it for an adult. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 We are over a year into buying simply knitting for YD it has loads of stiches and tips in it but it is pricey and the wool that comes with it is not very good but she has knitted a few 'squares' for the throw I use the term loosely because they are not sqaure but she is practicing a good skill to have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I agree with Tessa's suggestion - start with a few squares, it sounds boring but it's like practising scales, you have to get the basics before you set off on a concerto! Tension is pretty important in knitting, and squares are a good way to see what happens when you pull the stitches very tightly/make them loopy. I learned to knit before the age of 10, and I'm always amazed at how few of my friends know how but I guess if your mum doesn't teach you, they don't do it in school these days! Haven't done it for years but I'm feeling inspired to start again, reading this - it's a very soothing occupation. Well done to your OH, it's a brave venture for someone who hasn't knitted, but she will be soo proud of it when it's finished! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I learned to knit before the age of 10, and I'm always amazed at how few of my friends know how but I guess if your mum doesn't teach you, they don't do it in school these days! Haven't done it for years but I'm feeling inspired to start again, reading this - it's a very soothing occupation. My mum taught me to knit at a very young age too. She used to knit for England When she didn't have a project on she would knit clothes for Mother Teresa's orphans in India. Her knitting prowess was mentioned in her eulogy at her funereal Anyway I haven't knitted anything for years, but I blame this forum for getting me interested again Think I'll knit a chicken jumper for my grandson, if I can find a pattern Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Richard is the one to ask for advice. His Gansey's are famous on the forum. A few trial squares for Knit and purl would be a good idea. What a labour of love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I have taken up knitting again, well I say again. I only knitted scarfs as a kid that was full of holes and were funny shapes because i would also add stitches However i found the most fantastic book called How To Knit by Debbie Bliss. It takes you through the basic steps and gives you projects to make. Second project is a slash neck jumper for a child but I am sure you could adapt it for an adult. Good luck This is the book I used - it's really really lovely and easy to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I wouldn't start on a jumper, a few small projects just to get used to the different stitches might be best...........Wool is so expensive and she could waste a fortune if the jumper doesn't turn out right, I should know i am just in the process of undoing a jumper i knitted, my knitting was fine it was the making up that had me stumped. It is quite difficult to pick up stitches for the neck band and if this turns out wrong it is hard to put right........Practice first is my tip. Try knitting Pattern Central for lots of free patterns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Why not try a chicken jumper http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18964 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I can dress-make, embroider and crochet, but knitting has eluded me - I shall earn one day whe i have the time. My mother used to knit me the most gorgeous Rowan knits, but she had to give up when the arthritis in her fingers got bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Why not try a chicken jumper http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18964 I thought the same Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 you can always knit 2 squares & join the together leaving holes for your head & wings to poke through!!!! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 you can always knit 2 squares & join the together leaving holes for your head & wings to poke through!!!! Emma.x i dont want to pick you up for your typing, but this made me laugh - a lot cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lailapet Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 What a lovely romantic idea! I'm all for ambitios projects and taking chances! I can knit and have knitted lots over the years. Started with squares and scarves too. When I was around 15-18 and I went to grammar school I used to knit during the lessons - along with loads of others. It was fashionable around here at the time! I got so advanced that I didn't use patters much, but made up my own I was very proud of a jacket thingy I knitted using up all my mum's old odds and ends. It had my name on the back, a viking ship on one sleeve and a flower on the other. It ended up in the river by accident on my last day of school. "Ooops, word censored!"ody rescued it, but I felt very grown up by then and expected I would never wear anything so childish again so never mourned its loss. My latest project was a pair of mohair slippers that were then wasked in the machine to become more like felt. I gave them to my friend for Christmas. I used the leftovers for a pair of baby ones which Sophia will take with her to England at Easter when she goes to stay with her dad and his new wife and their recently adopted baby son. I love knitting but can't offer much advice you haven't already received. know I knit very loosely so always choose thinner needles than recommended on the wool to get the correct tension and measurements. Good luck with it all!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I meant to write head & wings ! - when you're a chook mama, then your arms, are your wings - aren't they?? Or did you think I was meaning a doo dah wooly warmer? I know it's nearly Valentines day - but please behave! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 That's a lovely idea. If the pattern is a basic one and a jumper is really what she wants to start on then I'd say do it. It is a brave first item to do but not impossible. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet too loud but there really isn't anything I couldn't knit and although long distance help isn't as good I'd be happy to help in any way, if that helps. Happy knitting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I can highly recommend the Debbie Bliss books. Do you have an old fashioned wool shop near you? the ladies in these establishments are usually only too happy to advise. If you live anywhere near Ipswich I would suggest popping along to the Co op the ladies I the wool dept are always helpful and will help find easy patterns & all the kit and can advise on de-crypting the patterns. Of course if you live any where near Ipswich I could always attempt teaching your OH ( I am trying to teach Little Miss Webmuppet at the mo). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 i have found that the wool shop is a breed that is disappearing. We have only one Its not very close and not cheap either If i was staying I would love to open my own wool shop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 i have found that the wool shop is a breed that is disappearing. We have only one Its not very close and not cheap either If i was staying I would love to open my own wool shop I don't know how long you would stay in business I guess the reason there are no woolshops anymore is that hardly anyone knits I can't think of a single woolshop in London apart from John Lewis. There are lots of really good places online that sell wool but mega expensive Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...