Last October I decided I needed a hobby to help alleviate the stress from work. I had tried many hobbies before that and never got interested. I had always been fascinated with knitting but it always looked to confusing and was a bit intimidating. I finally went out to my local craft store and bought an “I Taught Myself to Knit” book. I loved the layout of the book; it had 16 lessons, along with knitting abbreviations and an explanation of the tools most commonly used. The book also came with accessories, including 2 needles. It took me about two months to get through the whole book. I remember getting frustrated because I didn't have any one to turn to when I was stuck with something. I did go to a class at the craft store but it wasn't much help. I would like to share with you some resources that have helped me learn new techniques and get connected with other knitters. Enjoy!

Watching Videos Online-

I can’t say enough about watching knitting videos online. To be honest, I could have easily learned how to knit without that book. There are so many out there and if one doesn’t help you, then you can go on to the next one. I’ve also made a few videos about casting on, knit stitch, and binding off. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with knitting classes that you paid for, you’re stuck with the same person. I would recommend you watch a few knitting videos before purchasing a knitting how book.

Listen to Podcast-

I usually listen to these while I’m at work. You can choose from audio or video podcasts. Now I must warn you that most of the podcasters already assume that you know how to knit. But they are great for getting connected with other knitters. I believe networking is just as important as learning, because these will be the people that will motivate you to keep going. Almost all podcasters have their own website, so I would suggest to listen (or watch) a few and then head on over to their website and comment on how much you appreciate them.

Another great reason to listen to podcast is because this is where you find out about knitting conventions. I haven’t been to one yet, but I can’t wait to go to one. A few podcasters will even have their own booth and encourage you to talk to them while you’re there. This is another great way to get connected with other knitters.

Knitting Website-

There is one particular website that most knitters go to and that is Raverly. I found out about this website from the podcasts. Every podcaster that I listen to has a profile on here. This is where you can search for free patterns, find friends, join groups, and show off your knitting skills. You would be surprised at the number of knitters who live close to you. Plus if you’re interested in topics, like wildlife, then they have a group for that too.

I also love the option of the free patterns. Let say you want to make a hat, you just type in “hat” in the search box, choose the knitting option (they do have crochet on there as well), pick you difficulty level, and select whether or not you want a free pattern. There are thousands of patterns out there for you to choose from. Plus you can add them to your queue for later.

Blogs-

I would also recommend you read a few blogs to keep you connected with other knitters. There are lots of reasons people write blogs about knitting. Some create their own patterns and like to share them, others, like me, want to educate and teach you how to knit. A few add their personal life into their knitting blog so you can learn more about them. If you like to write, then I recommend you write a knitting blog, and it’s fun to learn about other knitters. And it doesn't matter if you’re a beginner or not, I still consider myself one.

So whether you are a new knitter or a seasoned one, I believe all of these resources can help you learn a thing or two. I know knitters who have knitted over 20+ years and have admitted that they still don’t know everything there is to know about knitting, but I think that’s the fun part because you’re always going to learn something new with this hobby.