| By :
Dirik Hameed
One of the fun things for creative people to do as the weather turns colder is get out their knitting patterns. All sorts of things can be knit, which means that the possibilities are nearly endless. And although some people do some very creative things with summer knits, it remains quintessentially a winter art. For people who are considering taking up the hobby, the basics are easiest to learn using a combination of internet videos and a good book and quality yarns. The book can explain the various methods of basic knitting, while also offering some easy patterns to get started with. But seeing the stitches actually be done in a video or in person often makes them much easier to comprehend. A long, straight piece of work, scarves are a great first project, and the end result can make a good gift. For those just moving on from the basics, scarves are also a great way to practice some more complicated, decorative stitches. Just be sure that any scarf you make is made of soft, non-scratchy yarn that can be washed, so that the wearer can enjoy it. Traditional, somewhat more complicated options include hats, sweaters, and mittens. Blankets are easy to make but can be embellished with fancy stitches to make them more interesting. However, this is a large project to take on. Don't expect that your first attempt at any of these will be perfect, or you're likely to be disappointed. Unfortunately for those who love it, knitting isn't particularly cheap. Craft-store quality yarn that comes with a low price tag will only do for the most basic of applications. One way to get good yarn is to purchase old thrift store sweaters and unravel them yourself. However, this usually means not knowing what type or gauge of yarn you will be getting ahead of time. A bag sale is when a yarn store puts a bunch of different yarns that they are trying to get rid of in a bag, and sells the whole thing at a steep discount. This is a good way to get yarn cheap, but the downside is that you won't just get the kind you want. This can make it a better or not so good option, depending on what you want. Think outside the box when considering what to knit next. Pure wool yarn can be felted after it is completed, which allows you to make solid objects such as bags, purses, mats, and other items. There are books full of patterns for felted knitting available, or the internet is always a great source for inspiration. Once you get good enough, you won't always need to work from knitting patterns. Tweaking instructions to your own desires and even making up entire plans of your own is one of the fun things about being an experienced knitter. All sorts of possibilities exist once you have learned the basics, and knitting is a great creative outlet that you can do while waiting, watching television, or even carrying on a lively conversation-- perhaps with other knitting enthusiasts!
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