looking for a good beginner project that's NOT a scarf

Connied · 12-27-2004, 08:59 PM

I've done a few scarves and have the basics down (casting on, finsihing off, K and P). What next? Hats? I'm looking for a good suggestion for a next project that is more interesting than a scarf but won't frustrate or discourage me. Thanks!

PiousPoet · 12-29-2004, 02:36 AM

You could do a hat, or venture into more depth such as cables for a scarf.

JessicaSant · 12-30-2004, 04:37 PM

this hat is really simple -- and you can do a lot of modifications to it.

It uses 3 basic stitches: knit, purl and k2tog (knit 2 together) -- a simple decrease stitch.

After you do a plain hat in one color -- you can get more advanced by adding some color (check out Amy's fair isle or intarsia knitting on how to deal with color).

Good luck!

amy · 12-30-2004, 04:47 PM

Jessica, I didn't realize that hat was worked on straight needles! That's the nicest basic beginner hat I've seen. I'm going to put a link to the pattern on the pattern page. Thanks!

Connied, I agree with these suggestions. Also, if you are feeling a bit daring to learn an intermediate skill, being able to knit in the round on Double Pointed Needles is a great skill, and will open up a ton of possibilities to you, including the rest of the hats on the free hat patterns page.

Happy Knitting!
Amy

Nancy · 12-30-2004, 05:44 PM

Another thing -
Pick up a book of quick projects like Weekend Knitting or Last Minute Gifts. With many of the projects in those books taking only a couple hours and using basic stitches you can end up with some great things that slightly stretch your skills opening your mind to new ideas.

Dont be afraid of using a different yarn, either. I'm not good at choosing substitutes (or so I think!) but everything works out in the end if the grist is pretty close.

Watch out, though. Some of those projects are addicting. Not necessarily just to the knitter, either! My husband has promised several people now that I'll knit their new child the 'elf booties' from Weekend Knitting. (that's OK - I'd rather knit than clean house anyway!)

pax,
Nancy

KnittingMom · 01-06-2005, 05:27 AM

Now, granted, I haven't actually finished them yet, but knitting socks was my next non-scarf project and it's really not that bad. once you get over the awkwardness of the dpn's it's not bad. I'll get back to you once I turn that heel.

I guess I'm just not terribly intimidated. I figure, if I taught myself to knit, with enough patience and practice I'll teach myself the other stuff. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

brightspot · 01-20-2005, 03:05 AM

I have done the scarf and hat thing and was looking for another simple project. I found mittens. I avoided them for a long time because I thought they would be hard, but I can make a mitten in about an hour. They are fun because they are fast. I have a great pattern that I got off the internet that I would like to post, but I don't remember where I got it and don't want to get in trouble. I'd like to try the socks, but they look scary.

christine · 01-20-2005, 05:51 AM

Hello brightspot. It was great to see another westerner chatting here. I am looking for a good mitten pattern for a beginner knitter. I spend a bunch of time online and would be willing to help you search for where you found it. Can you share any clues?

Christine
PS My fam goes up to Athol quite a bit in the summer -- yes season passes to Silverwood.

Peg · 01-20-2005, 04:44 PM

How about a felted project, such as the Booga Bag? It's fun, easy and you'll learn how to pick up stitches, knitting in the round and how to make an I-cord.

http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

carollovesyarn · 01-23-2005, 10:14 PM

I was just going to post the same thing as Peg. A felted bag is an excellent way to go. As a matter of fact, I did Meema's felted tote (from Stitch N Bitch book) for my first 'real' project. The bottom is flat and then the hardest thing for me was learning how to pick up stitches (too bad I didn't have this site to help me!). The picked up stitches are then worked on circular needles. A felting project hides all uneveness.

I also tried knitting socks for the first time, but again went the felted way. I've just finished my fourth Fuzzy Feet felted slipper sock http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTfuzzyfeet.html . I'm using the book Knit Wit however, because it has adapted the pattern for Cascade 220 and different foot sizes. Now that I know a basic sock pattern, I have the confidence to try 'real' socks.