#beginner knitting kit

[thetabbybadger]

Ok I had good luck with responses last time I asked the great and mighty fiber craft community things via the void of tumblr so I’m going to try a gain!

So I’m hoping to teach myself knitting! I found a site online (sheepandstitch .com) that had some tips and videos for beginners. I followed their advice and got some thicker yarn (number 6 extra bulky) and thicker bamboo needles (9mm, also accidentally some 5.5mm needles but those are like 13in long, the joys of online buying 😅).

So I have some beginning supplies but I haven’t started yet. I know it’s going to be different for everyone but is it generally better to learn from a book/patterns or watch videos teaching you? I can have trouble visualizing directions in 3D so I will probably have to do a little of both regardless but I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot and miss out on early pattern learning.

Does anyone have any recommendations for starting books/websites/videos? I did make an account on Ravelry awhile back but I’m not really sure what I’m doing :P I did try teaching myself once when I was a teenager but I didn’t have much luck. I’m hoping to have better luck (and more patience) this time! And I’m totally also interested in like actual, physical paper books too if people have recommendations. I assume most craft stores have beginner books but I’m also sure mileage probably varies on those…

Thanks in advance for any advice :3 If/when I eventually make something, I will post it! :D

[miraculouslumination]

Yo knitting is awesome. By the way

[thisbibliomaniac]

These are such a scam 😂 they're marketed to "beginners" because only they wouldn't know that half of these tools are for knitting, and serve no crochet purpose

And I only just noticed the seam ripper for sewing 😂😂😂

[theoriginalknit]

The Original Knit: Crochet Kits - Your Path to Creative Crocheting

Embark on a journey of creativity and craftsmanship with The Original Knit's crochet kits. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the art of crocheting or an experienced crocheter looking for an exciting project, our crochet kits offer everything you need to get started or take your skills to the next level.

Comprehensive Starter Kits: If you're new to crochet, our starter kits provide a perfect introduction. They come with easy-to-follow instructions, a selection of crochet hooks, a variety of yarn colors, and essential accessories. With step-by-step guidance, you'll quickly master the basic stitches and start creating beautiful crochet projects.

Exciting Project Kits: For those seeking a creative challenge, our project-based crochet kits offer a range of exciting patterns. Whether it's crafting a cozy blanket, a stylish scarf, or adorable amigurumi creatures, our kits provide all the materials and instructions you need to complete your chosen project with confidence.

Quality Materials: The Original Knit is committed to quality. Our crochet kits feature premium yarn that is soft, durable, and available in an array of colors to fuel your creativity. The included crochet hooks are comfortable to hold and designed for smooth stitching.

Unlock Your Creativity: Crocheting is not just a hobby; it's a form of self-expression. With our crochet kits, you have the freedom to choose colors, experiment with stitches, and add your unique touch to every project. Whether you're making gifts for loved ones or creating beautiful items for yourself, the possibilities are endless.

Great for All Ages: Crocheting is a versatile and ageless craft suitable for both young and old. Our crochet kits are perfect for family bonding, teaching kids a valuable skill, or simply enjoying a relaxing pastime.

Join Our Community: The Original Knit fosters a vibrant community of crochet enthusiasts. Share your progress, seek advice, and connect with fellow crocheters through our online forums and social media groups.

Discover the joy of crocheting with The Original Knit's crochet kits. Unleash your creativity, learn new skills, and create stunning crochet projects that reflect your personal style and passion for crafting. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our kits offer a world of possibilities for your crochet journey.

[uncanny-tranny]

I went to a local yarn store for the first time, and while I was there, somebody was talking about getting a beginner's knitting kit, and she inquired about when lessons were, and when she was told that they'd be happy to sit down with her and teach her, she was so delighted. She talked about how excited she was and how much she wanted to learn to knit, and it just... it made me fall in love with humanity. It was this pure, unadulterated happiness coming from somebody and it was so genuine and kind, and I couldn't help but smile.

I guess all of this is to say... every moment, there are tiny little joys like this all over the world, and it makes this life worth living. I hope you witness and feel joy this simple, this pure.

[theanticool]

Libraries and Adult Lonliness

As we all know, making friends as adults is hard. And while the internet has made it easier to make friends with people around the world, actually meeting people you can meet with on a regular basis and just hang out with us tough. The common answer to meeting new people is to find people who are interested in the same stuff as you. As such, finding places to meet new people who may have similar interests to you is important. And that’s why I think the library is a great resource!

As a children’s librarian, one of the things I try to point out to parents when they come in to sign their kids up for the library is that we offer adult programs too. Obviously we have book clubs - my library has 4 different book clubs for people who read different types of books. I’ve posted about it before with knitting/crochet circles. But for people who have or want to explore different interests, and meet new people via that new interest, you may want to check your local library to see their programming. For example:

Hiking: Many libraries offer things like hiking kits. These can be things such as maps for local trails, hiking sticks, a water resistant backpack, binoculars, bird guides, and the like. But some libraries having hiking clubs, such as the Poughkeepsie Public Library Distruct in NY.

Language Learning: Many libraries have access to language learning platforms such as Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages. But many other have dedicated classes where adults can come and learn languages. If you’re in L.A. county, the public library offers classes in beginner Russian, Chinese, Korean, Italian, Armenian, etc!

Music: there are many libraries that have maker spaces where you can go and record music. There’s one in the Newark Library and at a branch of the Brooklyn library. There are also ones that allow you to check out instruments. But there are also ones where you can receive free music lessons, such as the Dallas Public Library (this program was online during the pandemic but is now also offered in person!)

I could keep going.

Singing, dancing, theater, yoga, sketch comedy, creative writing, RC Cars, foraging, cemetery tour groups, jewelry making, baking, woodworking, painting, etc. If you have a niche interest or would like to get into a niche interest, there is a chance your library has had or will have a program about it. And if you’re looking to meet new people, it is a great place to start.

[sleepytoycollection]

Hey I saw your Centaurbie and I saw you can sew, and it's the middle of the night so I'm sorry if this is too forward but

I really want to give my doggy a maid outfit but I have no idea how to make patterns or sew, do you think you could help me figure out where to even begin?🥺

for learning to sew, youtube tutorials are your friend! I'm serious, that's where I learned to knit.

But for a place to start when looking at tutorials: start with hand sewing. you'll get a lot more control for small outfits, and thread and needles is cheaper then a sewing machine. When I started sewing I bought one of those cheap ass sewing kits from the dollar store and an extra, larger spool of thread. You can buy more things if you decide you like sewing and want to keep doing it and learning, but otherwise you don't need too much to try it.

As for Drafting a pattern, here is a video that shows a good method that should work with a figure that's more of an stylized shape.

ONE thing though, don't stick the tape directly to the doll like they do!!! it can leave an annoying residue, instead cover the toy with some cling wrap first!!!

Something else helpful: look at existing patterns when making your own, there's a ton of free ones out there you can look at, it can help you get a good idea of the shapes you need to construct clothes

This is just one example, there are simpler, more beginner-friendly ones too.

[redfoxtail26]

DIY Desmond Miles Jacket

Hey folks! I've been wanting to make this jacket as a gift for my boyfriend (🤫), and noticed there really aren't a lot of good resources online, so... I suppose I'll be the resource!

I'll try to make this as beginner-friendly as possible, since I know this might be some of y'all's first project :)

(Just the materials for now! Check under the cut :])

Materials:

A pattern! This is the first thing you'll need, since it might give you an idea of what fabrics to look for. A few features don't exactly matter, since we'll be editing them anyway. For instance, I'm using this free hoodie pattern, which includes a large front pocket and slim hood, but no zipper. I'll explain later how to edit the pattern toward what's needed, but as long as it's the right size and has a hood, you should be okay.

Fabrics. You'll need a white fabric for the outer shell (mine is knit), a ribbed knit fabric for the cuffs and hem (also white), and a red fabric for the lining (I'm using some ITY — also knit, but it's light and stretchy). Hoodies generally take 2-3 yards of fabric for adult sizes (each layer), and you may need a second layer of white fabric so the red doesn't show through. You'll probably only need about half a yard of your cuff fabric, but if you (like me) can only find it in multi-yard precut rolls, it's okay to use the rest as your middle layer. Just keep in mind that using a knit fabric will make the jacket warmer, as will using rib-knit. (Texture traps heat!) [If you're making the version from Revelations, use black for your shell and cuff fabrics, and anything (or nothing!) for the middle layer. Where this guide says "white", remember you'll need black instead.]

Zippers. You'll need a white zipper for the front, two short metal zippers for the pockets, and a zipper of your choice for the hood. (You can also forgo the zipper here if you wish.) As for lengths, it won't be one-size-fits-all, so make sure to measure your pattern in the zipper locations. (You may want to wait until your pattern is done to buy your zippers!)

General kit! You'll need scissors, clear tape, needles, white thread, white embroidery floss, and pins, as well as a measuring tape (the ribbon kind!), a straightedge, and a pencil. These sorts of things are good to keep around if you sew regularly, and experienced sewists may have most of these already. If you don't, most of these can be found in prepackaged sewing kits, and the rest are relatively cheap.

Go forth, my pupils! Gather your materials! I'll be back with another post soon :)

[purringfayestudio]

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start making plush? I've been making knitted toys for a few years now and would like to get into fabric plush, but it just looks super intimidating, especially the cutting/patterning part.

It's all a matter of perspective, since knitting shapes like toys looks super intimidating to me! But is some general advice I'd give to someone looking to start making plush with fabric:

Patterns: It's easiest to start off with a pre-made pattern, either a free one or one you purchase (links below). Start with something simple, meant for beginners, but interesting enough to motivate you. These come with fewer pieces and easier shapes. Once you get the hang of things, you can start researching pattern-making approaches and find one that works for you.

Fabrics: Start with something easy to work with. Felt and fleece are popular starter fabrics. I started with felt. Later you can explore minky and faux fur.

It helps if you organize your fabrics and pattern pieces beforehand. I make little piles of pattern pieces for every fabric color. That way I can trace and cut them all at once, and don't miss any.

Sewing: Look at it like a puzzle. You match up pieces one by one, and sew each seam one at a time. It's less intimidating if you only look at the next step, and just keep plodding along until you reach the last step, and voila, plushie!

Tools: You don't need anything expensive to start! Anything can be hand-sewn with just a needle and thread and scissors, available in any small cheap sewing kit. You'll probably also want a seam-ripper for inevitable mistakes (mine gets a lot of milage still!). Fabric can be old recycled clothing, or from the discount bin; stuffing can be fabric scraps or the guts of an old pillow. You can also get second-hand sewing machines that still work great.

If you're ready to dig into some more technical info, check out these comprehensive beginner's guides written by other skilled plush-makers. They've put a lot of time and effort into putting these together, and are much more in-depth than I could get into in a tumblr post. (Feel free to add more in the notes!)

NazFX: Naz's Beginner Plush-Making Guide (She also has video tutorials)

Makeshiftwings: Plush Making Resources (includes pattern sources, videos, etc.)

Metroidhat: Sewing techniques and materials guide for beginners

Cholyknight: Plush Sewing Basics

And remember there's no such thing as talent! Your first attempts may not succeed but keep working at it, and you'll get there.

My first plush (felt dolphin) with a recent plush (Red fox, 2022).

[knithacker]

Knit a Beginner Beaded Cuff, Get The Pattern or Kit - Changes Color In The Sun! 👉 https://buff.ly/2XzR4FD

[starswallowingsea]

I have been thinking about what types of notions and things the craft dorm (what I've been calling the Shu/Izumi/Kuro/Mao dorm) would have in their respective kits and ended up making some collages with my thoughts. In order it's Shu, Izumi, Kuro, and Mao. Longer explanation below the cut.

Shu:

Since he canonically makes lace I put all sorts of different lace making tools on his. In the english server it got translated as crochet and crochet lace can be absolutely gorgeous and it's pretty portable so it makes sense, hence the steel hooks. The other lace making tools are bobbins and a bobbin pillow and a tatting shuttle. While tatting is the "lesser" form of lace making compared to crochet and bobbins, it's by far the most portable as the thread is wound around the shuttle and to me Shu would probably do tatting on the plane to/from Japan and France. Also included for him are pretty generic sewing notions, your pins and pincushion, scissors, a needle and thread, t-pins, and beeswax. T-pins can be used to block the lace as well, and the beeswax is for hand sewing. Fun fact but if you run your thread over beeswax a few times before starting to sew it'll help strengthen your thread and prevent it from splitting! Shu also heavily prefers working with natural fibers over synthetic.

Izumi:

Guy absolutely uses DPNs (double pointed needles) for his knitting, at least when it comes to socks and hats. I believe in some of the examples of his knitting we've seen he has done cabling so a cable stitch holder is there as well, though I can imagine he does it without it too if it gets lost. He also has a ball winder and I wish I had thought to put a swift on here too but like Shu, he prefers to get natural fibers over synthetic and hand dyed wool is great but it comes in hanks which areeeeeee hard to work with so a swift and ball winder would be necessary for him. Also included are more t-pins, a blocking board, stitch markers, and yarn needles.

Kuro:

To me, Kuro is the type of guy to make scrap quilts with left over fabric from the outfits he makes for his friends (and also out of like old shirts his sister has grown out of), so he has a huge scrap fabric pile he's constantly thinking about what type of blocks to make them into. I feel like he'd also make his own appliques for these quilts and would use basting spray to hold those down, obviously. Also the type of guy who just carries spare buttons on him in case of an emergency. Also has a seam ripper, scissors (thread, fabric), a tailor's measuring tape, and a cutting board.

Mao:

I know he doesn't really craft but to me? He's a crocheter. He tried knitting once and failed very badly but crochet (in my opinion at least) is a lot easier to grasp for beginners and I think he made the dorm a few dish cloths at first but mostly makes amigurumis now of his favorite manga characters, as well as little toys for his friends, hence the safety eyes. Probably works more with synthetic fibers due to ease of accessibility and variety of colors, though he tries not to buy too much of the same color unless he knows what it'll be used for. Also has stuffing, yarn needles, stitch markers, and a little crochet hook carrying case.

General Notes:

There were some things I didn't think to add until after I had already finished all of these collages, and some things that were things I thought everyone would have. To start, Shu would obviously also have a blocking board for his lace blocking, and as mentioned earlier Izumi would have a swift. Shu probably also has a swift and ball winder or just borrows Izumi's when he buys anything heavier than thread for crochet (which isn't often so I'm leaning more towards borrowing). Kuro would also have a bar of beeswax for the same reason as Shu, as well as maybe a thimble? Though I suppose it depends on how much he cares about his fingers being callused from the needle. Shu has a thimble. I also think all four of them would have some sort of project bag, whether it's just an old backpack or something a bit more expensive, they all have something that allows them to take their crafts on the go.

Anyway that's all I had but please tell me your thoughts if you want :3

[beingdreeyore]

You'll laugh, but I'm going to buy a beginners knitting kit with the money.

[footballffbarbiex]

I’ve been looking at knitting and crochet for beginner kits and when did the prices zoom up for these??? I wanted a cheap hobby and now im thinking about asking the bank (my bf) for a damn loan for this

[daringneedles]

Blog – September 10, 2024

After what feels like an eternity of scorching hot, 30+ degree days (I’ve finally caught on to Celsius now, good immigrant that I am!), Vienna is finally enveloped in that fall feeling. Right now, a cool, wet breeze is drifting in through my open window, the constant droning of my fan is hushed, and the heat-scorched chestnut trees in Augarten are getting just as much relief as I am.

The summer was good, but very much. It always tends that way for me: I love summer, but I’m delicate and over-motivated in the hot months, which means I overextend myself. I still have an alarmingly sore Achilles from Vienna's month-long dance festival, and my social battery has been operating on a chronic low. 

I like how temperate climates impose a certain rhythm of life, with buzzy activity falling into rest, then hibernation. That’s what I’m longing for now: a break from the excesses of summer.

The story I tell myself about myself is that I’m an introverted, nocturnal, homebody creature. And there’s definitely a time when that was true, but as my partner likes to remind me, this hasn’t actually been an accurate reflection of me in some time. During the COVID winters when we were living on a fifth-floor walkup and Vienna’s gray skies stretched into infinity, yeah, I wasn’t leaving the house much. Four out of five invitations to go on a brisk winter walk, declined. My glory days of knitting activity: laid out of the sofa, dozens of TV-show episodes to consume, with next to no social obligations and an aching lower back.

But since the COVID lockdowns are now just a memory that we all seem very inclined to forcibly forget, I guess I should update my frameworks. Time is scarce in winter too, now, with roller skating and dance classes and queer writer’s circle and all the friends that I’ve made from these activities. Work has picked up significantly and I can no longer act as a student ignoring my homework till cram week. Whether I like it or not (okay, I actually do like it), I’m doing nearly as much in winter as in summer.

Still, here’s my shift in priorities: A repetitive strain injury (knitter’s elbow) + the inspiration of Bernadette Banner’s most recent embroidery video have shifted my cooler-months’ focus from knitting back to hand embroidery, which I had last seriously engaged in maybe eight years ago? I’m still in my manic phase about it. I’ve collected a shocking number of kits in a shockingly short period of time, I can’t stop telling everyone about it, and I’m in the process of envisioning a new life for myself in which embroidery is the center of my personality. Shall I drop everything going on in my life right now to move to the UK and spend three years studying technical hand embroidery at Hampton Court Palace? (It’s a strong maybe.) Standard order stuff for me when picking up a new hobby, really.

Here’s some progress pictures from my first Royal School of Needlework online course, “Next Steps: Jacobean Crewelwork”. It’s nearly done now, apart from some whipped and woven wheels that I find really tedious to make.

I’ve loved the kit and the whole process of working on it. The “Next Steps” courses are like the intermediate-ish level RSN classes, and I’m glad I didn’t start with the beginner Jacobean crewelwork class they offer; I’m sure it would have been similarly informative, but I much prefer the design of the intermediate level and it was not out of my skill range at all. Most of the stitches were new to me, but really fun to work and the videos were very clear and useful. I also love the design itself and the color scheme, in particular the deep greens and terracotta shades. I only wish that, given the cost of the course (GBP 120), you had unlimited access to the course content; they remove your access to the videos after a year. You can always ask for an extension, but I’d rather not have to beg for it, and I think I would enjoy returning to the videos again and again when working on other crewelwork patterns (also, I have a PDF of the design and idea I’ve had is to work it again in a year in a different color scheme to see how my embroidery skills have improved).

I already have my next RSN online course lined up, the Intro to Goldwork. I pounced on the kit as soon as it became available again, since they’ve been having supply issues for several months now and the kit has rarely been in stock.  This is a class where I’m definitely happy to start at the beginner level. A lot of people seem terrified by the complexity of goldwork, and I wonder just how challenging it will be. Since I’ve started up with embroidery again, goldwork has been the technique most fascinating to me (again, some influence of the Banner video here). 

(Not mine, of course! Image of the Intro to Goldwork design from https://www.rsnonlinecourses.com/)

I’ve also got an abstract beadwork kit from Imogen Melissa; I think I’ll work on this after I’ve finished up the crewelwork as a less precise, more free-flowing project before diving into the exacting world of goldwork.

(Not mine, again – example beadwork kit from @imogenmelissa_embroidery)

After that, I’ve got some other plans floating in my head: an embroidered Christmas wreath for my in-laws, a cute cross stitch project for some skater friends, many colorwork socks for me and my partner, and some sweater WIPs from last winter that I should really finish up before we’re at sub-zero temperatures...

I guess I won’t be hibernating this winter. But at least I won’t be sweating while doing nothing more than laying in bed.

Ciao for now,

Ona

[stupidbeecandle]

Im one of those dumb bitches who doesnt listen and decides to learn knitting by starting with a 4 color fair isle

I dont like "beginner projects". So im going to ignore all the admittedly good advice Ive been given and start my quilting venture with a good sized blanked with a pattern that Ive heard is not a good starter pattern. And then rather than use a kit Im gonna make my own palette to make it fit what I like

So. "Fab farm"

Its cute but itl look so weird in my house of vibrancy so Ive spent the last few days modding it into a palette I prefer and editing the bee and strawberry blocks out (eww) and replacing them with some burlapandblossom squares a friend sent me years ago

Now to convert these to cotton tones and then spend probably irl WEEKS of my life making the damn thing.

Why am I doing this

[lookwhatyoudidithasanxiety]

Okay, so Bloody and Harvest, I have some late Christmas presents for you two. First off, Bloody, I have some toys for you when you are little and want to play. I got ones that are spaced themed because I think I'm funny. *Shows off various cat and dog toys*

And Harvest, I vaguely remember you liked doing something like knitting so I got some different yarn, some crochet hooks, a book of kitting designs and how to crochet for beginners. *I hand off a bag filled with the items I mentioned to Harvest*

And for both of you, I have individual figurines of yourselves with one of you two as one. They can interlock at the base with any other figurine of your family. And Harvest, your's has a neat add on. Incase it ever happens but, *I pull out a arm as Harvest's figure doesn't have an arm before the lose arm is placed in place with some hidden magnet. The arm is slightly different from Harvest's other arm* It is meant to be a reminder that you can always get a prosthetic arm and even if you don't, you are still you no matter what. *I lean a little closer and theater whisper to him* And if you do get a prosthetic that can come off, you can take it off and make jokes about it and lightly smack others with it.

Bloody: *purrs and starts to chew on a dog toy*

Harvest: *carefully takes his figure* ....Thank you...*sniff*

Bloody: *drops the toy* Sad?

Harvest: No, no, not sad! I am fine-

Bloody: Sad...*buries his face in his chest* No sad...

Harvest: No sad. Thank you, Bloody. *hugs him closer*