New Knitting Guy needs help

[suzeeq]

But you can use a longer circular for hats. I do mine on 24 and 29/30" ones, using single loop. Sometimes after a few inches, the sts fit on the 24s without looping, until the decreases. So hats are totally doable.

[GrumpyGramma]

But you can use a longer circular for hats. I do mine on 24 and 29/30" ones, using single loop. Sometimes after a few inches, the sts fit on the 24s without looping, until the decreases. So hats are totally doable.

My philosophy for circs is to err on the too long side. I can make a loop to knit fewer stitches but I've yet to manage stretching the darned thing. That's why I got my Options set. LOL I can change the cable length whenever I want.

[Mrsforest]

I knew when I saw your name you are a soldier. My husband was Active but now National Guard. So first off Thank you for your service. Secondly, I used larger needles and worsted yarn to start out (been knitting for about two months now). I am an avid crocheter and have had a very hard time learning to knit. To me one hook is better than two needles at least that's what I thought. I'm now hooked on knitting. I also have problems with fine motor skills so knitting is even harder because of that and I'm doing fine. If you have a hobby lobby near you I would suggest their in house brand (softer than red heart). Also, don't let the guys rib you. You will...are in charge so make them learn to. LOL Call it punishment. HAHA. Laughing at the image in my head. A bunch of soldiers in uniform in a knitting circle.

[SFCDave]

First and foremost, Thank You all for your advice and good natured replies. I am looking forward to getting started.

Right now I live in Germany and went out this weekend to pick up some simple supplies with no luck. All the stores in this area are of course in metric and geared much more for the more advanced knitter. I could have picked up some needles and yarn but I decided to go online and do an order. I am now, rather impatiently awaiting my circular needles and a couple of teach your self to knit type books. I have also bookmarked a few video's here and on You Tube to use as instructions.

My biggest hope is that in a few weeks I will be good enough to be able to knit while on the train to where ever we decide to go that weekend. Also if I get good enough in the next couple of years I can use it as an excuse to shoot over to Ireland to shop for true Aran yarn.

[salmonmac]

Sounds like a great plan. Enjoy your time in Germany which is a wonderful place for knitters. Hope your yarn and needles order arrives soon!

[Mrsforest]

If you look at Ebay they usually sell needles in lots. It's actually cheaper than buying individually. i hear Germany is very pretty.

[suzeeq]

Ahhh, if you had mentioned your location we could have given you 'metric' advice as well. For needles a 6mm is the same as size 10, and they don't have yarns listed as worsted or bulky, but go by the label gauges, so one that says something like 20m by 28r on 5 needles would be close to it.

[mojo11]

But you can use a longer circular for hats. I do mine on 24 and 29/30" ones, using single loop. Sometimes after a few inches, the sts fit on the 24s without looping, until the decreases. So hats are totally doable.

Sure! Hats are one of the easier things to make (which accounts for why I make so many!) I just wouldn't recommend it as a first project. Sooner or later you have to make peace with a circular with short tips, but I found them hard to manage until I got a little more comfortable. That said, my first experiences were on straight needles, so getting used to the (relatively) shorter tips on circulars -- even the longer ones -- took a bit of adjustment in general.

[ArtLady1981]

When I'm teaching a new knitter to knit their first sweater, here is the criteria I look for with regards to the pattern itself:

1) dropped shoulder... sometimes called 'dropped sleeve' (eliminates armhole shaping)
2) worked flat (as opposed to 'in-the-round')
3) bottom-up construction, 4 separate pieces for pullover
4) simple pattern stitch (no cables, no lace)
5) pullover (no futzy button bands and buttonholes)

Succeed with this criteria, you'll feel confident to branch out, spread your wings.
Take on a pattern beyond your skills, you may fail miserably, and tank knitting altogether.

FOR EXAMPLE:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...t-bay-pullover

It is a free pattern! Click link below:

https://sites.google.com/site/yarnde...cotbaypullover

I personally love this 'style' of pullover. It's also okay for women, too.