The Prince Rupert Library Knitters will be meeting twice (or so), monthly starting Thursday Feb. 9, 2012. I started this blog to give new knitters a tip or two to make the journey into sticks and string slightly less tangled. I also hope to amuse or inspire experienced knitters who decide to join us.
Every thing we do whether it's working, playing, breathing or crafting creates a few "ah-ha!!" moments. Some folks have a few more "ah-ha!s" than others, which may or may not be related to the number of candles burning in their personal attics. On the other hand some folks probably need more ah-ha's or maybe they are easier to ah-ha than others, but as usual, I digress.
About Me (whether you want it or not)
I learned to knit when I was about six years old. My grandmother taught me the garter stitch during the half time break of Edmonton Eskimo football games. Well, sometimes we'd knit and sometimes we'd gamble, but that's a story for another time. Mostly she'd cast on a few stitches and I'd knit them until the yarn was so tight it wouldn't slide from one needle to another. I did the obligatory garter stitch square for my knitting badge in Brownies too. Actually that part was hell. I was knitting because I had to, not because I particularly wanted to. There's probably a story there as well. Back to the point which is I started at six years old and I've been knitting on and off (mostly on) for 45 years, so that would make me...an experienced knitter (or 7.5 in dog years).
Enough about me, in fact way too much about me. Let's talk knitting.
What you need to get started is a pair of knitting needles almost any size - well not any size, they need to be the same size. They should be 4mm (size 6 US) or larger, but probably best not to go larger than 8mm (11 US). If you're a "Just tell me what the heck to get!" kind of person then try to find a pair of 5mm needles (8 US). If you'd looking for the finer points (no pun intended) of knitting needles, rest assured I will be expounding upon the the topic until your eyes bleed in futue blogs. In the meantime, just get a pair of knitting needles.
So where in Prince Rupert does one look for knitting needles? Down the sides of your couch is a good place to start, but other than that and mugging a crafty friend or relative we are somewhat knitting supply challenged. Take a look at Zellers, The Dollar Store or the Salvation Army Thrift Store. If you can't find what you want, don't fret, just show up Thursday and I'll have knitting needles to get you started.
Wool gathering. Unless you have sheep in your back yard (or a fluffy dog or cat), you may want to hold off on purchasing yarn until we talk on Thursday. If you must shop, look for yarn that feels nice in your hands, doesn't split easily and works with your needle size...but before you go fondling balls (of yarn) in the aisles of Zellers, know that I have enough worsted weight yarn to get a small army knitting and I'm happy to share.
For those of you who want to start actual knitting right now, there are a bajillion (okay half that many) websites and youtube videos on how to knit - just type "how to knit" in your search engine and take your pick. There are also some great books and magazines at the Prince Rupert Library, so dust off your library card and I'll help you get started.
If you already knit and have stumbled or tangled yourself in a stalled project. Bring it along and I'll do my best to get you back on track (or I'll help you put the project out of your misery, whichever works best for you).
My main objective for the Library Knitters is to create a fun and relaxing evening of knitting. If it's not fun and relaxing it must be Christmas and we have 329 days before we need to go in that direction.
If you've got a question or 2 feel free to post it here or call me at the Prince Rupert Library and I'll be happy to help you out. All knitters of all skill levels are more than welcome!
See you Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Library's multi-purpose room.
Leah
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