Crafty Fun With Knitting
Knitting and crochet are enjoying a vibrant resurgence of late. The yarn arts haven’t always been as popular as they are today, but young and old alike are discovering the joy of crafting. To get started, all you need are a few simple supplies. Of course, you need to get a set of straight knitting needles. Also, for a first project, a thick, light-colored yarn is ideal.
With just a few dollars, you can get started learning to knit. Free knitting patterns are widely available. Online is the easiest place to find free patterns. All major yarn manufacturers offer free patterns on their official websites. If you look on the opposite side of the paper wrapping your store-bought yarn, usually you’ll find a free pattern there. Numerous personal hobby blogs have patterns devised by knitting enthusiasts the world over. The large social networking sites offer yarn fan communities, that offer free patterns, tips and tricks.
After getting the hang of knitting, you may want to try you hand at felting. Felting supplies are easy to come by, and the technique is not at all difficult. It is important to keep in mind that felting shrinks the size of your project, so prior to felting the piece should always be larger than the intended final size. Felting is ideal for projects that benefit from rigid texturing. Knitted toys and handbags are popular felted projects.
Heat and agitation are the ingredients for successful felting. This is why most home felting is done in the washing machine. Setting the machine to the hot water setting and the most vigorous agitation should achieve the results you desire.
The perfect first project, whether felted or not, is the traditional scarf. There are a few reasons why scarves make such a perfect first project. First of all, gauge, or “stitches per inch” just isn’t that important in scarves, because it is not a fitted garment. Since scarves are not complex garments enveloping the body, whether it comes out thinner or wider than the pattern calls for is unimportant. Your neck is still going to stay toasty warm! Also, scarves knit up quickly, giving you a sense of accomplishment in a short period of time.
Knitting and other yarn arts are a great activity that can relieve stress. It is portable as well, going with you practically anywhere you decide to go. If you’re looking for a new hobby that is easy to learn and highly enjoyable, give knitting a try!
