Link? Rant? WHICH IS IT, YOU CRAZY WOMAN!?!?!?

Knitting Instructions (the actual stitch part, at least) from The Yarn Co. rock. I can't insure their slip-knot or casting on, because I haven't tried them. But they really helped me.

Who taught you to knit?

Or did you teach yourself?

How the hell did you teach yourself? Really? Really?! It's nearly impossible. That would mean that you just took needles and yarn and made a freaking sweater without and prior knowledge of how you're supposed to do it.

If you can't tell, I hate it when people claim to be self-taught.

No, a book taught you. The INTERNET taught me.

A song, or music in general taught you. Just because a person didn't directly teach you doesn't mean that you completely pulled it out of your butt.

This, of course, does not apply to the genius who invented knitting.

And if you really want to claim that you are self-taught, I'd like to see a picture of that sweater.

Thank you!

(I also do not want to hear stories of how your child prodigies taught themselves guitar/piano. Really? Because I think that this would mean they never heard music or saw someone play guitar/piano, or looked up chord progressions. Which I bet they did all three of. Simply put, hundreds of thousands of people taught them)

Oh, yeah. I'm writing a blog about knitting. Sorry.

Purl Stitch.

Ah, the illusive purl stitch. For you, I save another day. Attempting you do I feel not like. Found you, though I have.

The Yarn Co.

I just learned how to knit with help from "The Yarn Co." I managed to make about an inch and a half of stitches (vertically) and I am so proud! But, I still have yet to learn how to purl, and the significance of the purl stitch. Anyone? Anyone at all?

I took it all off, and I am not starting again. This time, I will bind off! Be sure to wait for the bind off post!

Actually Attempting the Knit Stitch.

StitchDiva has failed me. Their knitting tutorial failed. So, I'm back to google.

My needles and I are leaving the computer for a bit. Maybe this will help?

Procrastination?

I need a knitting playlist, right? Songs that I love that I can listen to while I need.

Or rather, more means of procrastination.

Hell yeah.

Knitting.

Do I really have to knit? Can't I just keep playing my guitar?

No, Kath, you can do it.

God?!

You mind, you idiot. My goodness. Without me, you would be helpless.

Sorry, Mind. Are you ready to knit?

Are you?

I know, I've been favoring StitchDiva. Trust me, the minute it gives me trouble, I will run. But truly, it's working, and why should I give up such a good thing?!

Casting On.

I'm choosing to stick with StitchDiva, who taught me how to make the correct slip knot. So, why can't they teach me to cast on?

(I am literally typing as I attempt to do this, so bear with me!)

Attempt #1

StitchDiva! Old buddy, old pal, how have you been in the half and hour we've been apart? Good? I hope so!

Apparently, I am starting with the "Double Cast-On" which StitchDiva claims to be the regular method. I tried wrapping the tail end around my thumb (which I believe is recommended?)

Ah, yes, the exact quote: "Wrap the tail end of your yarn around your left thumb and wrap your working yarn around your left index finger"

That didn't work. It just made a knot.

Attempt #2

I wrapped the working yarn around my thumb, and the tail around my index finger. Suddenly, I am casting on!

I don't know how many stitches to make. 20? 15? How about 18. Good luck for the Superbowl, eh?

Should I Really Cast On?

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,

Knit or Purl?

Which do i choose? Do I really knit 1 stitch, then purl 2? Or can I "knit" an entire project? Or is is that you knit one row, then purl two rows?

Answers?

Slip Knot.

My first search has brought me to "Stitch Diva," and immediately the name is scaring me. Let's check it out.

Oh my. I have a slip knot!

Their directions are quite helpful. If you aren't familiar with knitting jargon, the "tail" is the end that it not connected to the ball of yarn you have. Simply and easy to follow: I will have to keep this website in my back pocket.

That was easy. More knitting?

Encouragement.

I'm preparing myself for my official "slip-knot" blog bit. So, I decided to find some encouragement.

That was just depressing.

Time to give up?

Why do I want to knit?

First of all, my purpose:

In this blog, I want to review knitting sites and update you on how easy it really is to knit (or how hard?). I am attempting to stick with the internet for this (i.e. no outside help from real people), but if I completely fail, I will seek guidance. Feel free to comment directions or recommendations!

Truly, I have no idea what gave me this inexplicable urge to knit. All that I know is that suddenly, knitting was "cool." How did knitting become socially acceptable for teenagers? You tell me.

My grandmother was always a very crafty and strong woman. She loved to tat (I might tackle that later?) and she used to knit. My friend's mother is a hard-core knitter: she always has her yarn and needles and literally knits EVERYWHERE. I mean it, EVERYWHERE. She's eating, she's surfing the net, she's shopping, she's at a stop light, and she knits! I guess these women have influenced me.

I've decided that my "goal" is to be able to knit this hat. It is absolutely lovely! Obviously, I can't just start knitting like crazy, so I am trying to learn the basics.

At the current time, here is what I know:

Knit 1, Purl 2. Oh, and you need yarn and needles.

Just kidding. I've been searching the internet for awhile. I "know" how to cast on and make a slip-knot. I know that there is also some sort of "casting off," when you finish your piece.

I have circular needles and regular needles, and they are all metallic. I have some older yarn from my mother (who didn't knit much, but still had plenty of supplies). So, I am ready to start!