Knitting
 The current shifts in the economy
have renewed interests in so called "useful" hobbies,
those whose end results give you and your family things they
can use. Knitting is one such hobby, and after suffering a brief
downturn a few years ago, knitting has resurfaced as a great
idle hobby which produces useful things like sweaters, mufflers
and other cold-weather gear, as well as unique (and inexpensive)
gifts for the holidays. Knitting is relatively easy and simple
to learn, and with inexpensive gear (yarn and needles) almost
anyone can pick it up in a matter of days.
The most basic tool used in knitting is, of course, the knitting
needles. There are a great variety of types and sizes available,
and almost all of them work about the same. Bamboo and plastic
needles are cheap and are great if you are concerned you may
lose or forget your needles regularly, but metal needles are
not much more expensive and will last much longer. The type of
needle you use will determine the "gauge," or rows
per inch, of your knitting, and a smaller gauge will have fewer
rows per inch and will thus be easier for beginners but will
make the finished product thinner and less tight.
The next tool, and the one you will use a lot of, is yarn.
There is a great variety of yarn on the market, ranging from
cheap synthetics and cottons to fine dyed wools. People who are
just starting out should consider using the cheaper yarns, as
they are easier to get and it takes a surprisingly large amount
of yarn to make even something as simple as a scarf. It's important
to make sure you select a gauge of yarn which matches the needles
you have chosen to use. This means that if you intend to make
a lot of knitted garments, you will need a great variety of yarns
and needles, however when you are first starting out a selection
of medium yarns and needles will be more than enough.
Once you've gotten the proper needles and yarn, you're ready
to start knitting your first garment. For first timers, a scarf
is suggested due to the fact that it is simply a long piece of
cloth a few inches wide, meaning it is extremely simple in design.
Hats, socks and sweaters can come later, although they are not
as complicated to make as they look. It is highly recommended
that you turn to books or websites with visual instructions to
begin your knitting. While it is possible to describe the knitting
process in words, it is much easier to pick up by watching short
instructional videos or looking at pictures. Most craft shops
which sell yarn and needles offer beginner classes, or will at
least demonstrate the simpler needlework to you to get you started.
Knitting is generally regarded as a social activity, and if
you find that you enjoy knitting, the best way to get better
at it is to attend knitting circles and to learn how more experienced
knitters produce complex garments and designs. The best way to
learn how to knit is to learn from people with lots of experience,
and so most people who enjoy knitting try to arrange for regular
meetings with other knitters. Knitting is thus a great way to
meet new friends as well as produce unique gifts, and as it only
engages the hands, it is also a great hobby to do while watching
television or keeping an eye on the kids or just relaxing and
taking time for yourself after a long day at work. Knitting will
also leave you with a great variety of cold-weather clothes such
as hats, sweaters, long underwear, gloves and scarves, and this,
combined with the fact that it is best done indoors in a comfy
chair, makes it a great hobby for those living in parts of the
world with cold, snowy winters.
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