Does anyone knit ?

[Jeanied]

I knit a bit. My granny taught me when I was knee-high to a grasshopper so I am sorry I can't recommend a book. If you ask at your local yarn store they may be able to help you with classes or lessons. Best of luck - it's a brilliant hobby.

* cough cough cough*
Shirl I think you are being a bit too modest here!
Folks, this lady is a professional!

[Jardiniere]

I knit but I prefer cross stitch and needle point.
Here is a lovely book tho, if you are going for squares
"Blankets and throws to knit " by Debbie Abrahams .

[shirlthegirl43]

Thank you for making me Jeanie x

[Curlykale]

My 10 year old daughter is currently obsessed with learning how to knit and crochet, but I've never been any good at it (I'm all thumbs) so I'm no help to her at all. We have borrowed a book from the library called "Knitty Gritty" which I can recommend for anyone just learning. My daughter has so far knitted some squares, 3 scarves, and my best mother's day present ever - a stripey mobile phone case/sock!
I am even thinking of having another go at it myself.

[Patchninja]

My daughter bought me the book called Knitivity - you knit your own little poeple for the nativity scene and it explains all the stitches really well. I've managed Our Lady and need to get going on Joseph hahaha!

[Seahorse]

I would also whole heartedly recommend Ravelry. It's a totally fab resource for techniques, patterns and advice. If you're stuck on a particular way of doing something, Youtube is also very useful - just type in what you're looking for and you'll almost certainly find some kind and patient person has videoed it for you. Much easier (IMO) than trying to follow diagrams in a book. If you find you want to mainly knit one type of thing (jumpers, toys, blankets, whatever) I find Amazon's 'customer's who bought this also purchased...' function very handy.

[Two_Sheds]

if you are knitting squares to make a blanket then you will have a lot of sewing up to do

Oh, isn't it tedious? I hate sewing up.

If you want to do plain, square type knitting, you could make scarves or cushion covers instead of blanket

[lettucegrow!]

I've started knitting after seeing some very simple 'one ball' scarves that are soo easy. They only have 8 stiches in each row and are a good way to get inspired as you have a finished item very quickly.I've made them as presents and the next project is a crochet bed throw, requested by 23 year old son. Should be ready for the summer!!

[Hilary B]

I definitely prefer crochet any day!

[Florian]

Thank you all for your comments, advice and encouragement I'm looking forward to getting started.

@newbie Yes, there is somewhere similar near to where I work so figure I'll have a lesson if I get stuck or get really motivated!

@shirlthegirl43 I think you are hiding your light under a bushel - I hear your creations are beautiful!

So, I now have some needles and some wool so aim to get cracking at the weekend. I'll check out the various books and websites recommended & also have a pattern for a simple (?) scarf.

I am thinking blankets because I really like blankets and also have a number of friends with little ones so thought they may make nice gifts (assuming they turn out okay) although I may well also try a Dr Who scarf for the OH.

*wanders off to Ravelry wesbite*

[bramble]

I have always knitted. I mostly did aran knits for my kids and grand kids. Last autumn I started going to crochet classes. I have done a large blanket and am now doing squares to make a cover for my grand-daughters bed. I have to say the crochet is much quicker but I am enjoying them both. So long as I have something to do when I'm watching tele.

[shirlthegirl43]

All the best with it and just yell if you need help and we will try to help out.

[Two_Sheds]

I've started knitting after seeing some very simple 'one ball' scarves that are soo easy.

They have some in our Aldi at the moment, nice sparkly yarn

[jackie j]

I was in a shop yesterday and the customers were talking about knitting and one was wearing a fantastic scarf that was knitted but looked like crochet, made with one ball of wool with a few stitches, I have no idea what the wool is but when stretched out had a lacy effect. Fab absolutly fab, shirl I expect you know what it is.

[shirlthegirl43]

I was in a shop yesterday and the customers were talking about knitting and one was wearing a fantastic scarf that was knitted but looked like crochet, made with one ball of wool with a few stitches, I have no idea what the wool is but when stretched out had a lacy effect. Fab absolutly fab, shirl I expect you know what it is.

Sorry Jackie, as I don't have a decent wool shop nearby I usually miss out on the 'fancy yarns' that are available. If you have a good store nearby they will probably be able to help you out.