subject: A List Of The Top Knitting Patterns For The Winter 2011/12 Months [print this page] Although it can certainly be a year-round hobby, most people's minds turn to chunky knitting patterns when winter comes around. Traditionally knit items such as scarves, sweaters and hats are fun projects, and make great gifts as well. There are knitting patterns for virtually anything you can think of, although some are obviously more practical than others.
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.
Sweaters are a good option for someone who is advancing in the field. There are patterns for simple and more advanced pieces, and a sweater makes a great gift. Just remember that your first try isn't likely to be flawless, so plan on it taking a few tries if you want your gift to have no mistakes.
People who love knitting don't do it because it's cheap. Unfortunately, this is a relatively expensive hobby, and many people spend a fair amount of time trying to figure out how to find bargains for projects. One unique method of getting new yarns is to purchase sweaters at thrift stores and unravel them by hand. The yarn can then be reused for a new project.
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.
Ideas for knitting projects are as varied as the things people can think up. Felted materials can be made easily and in interesting shapes and sizes by making them knit beforehand. Books on the subject are available, or the internet makes a great tutor, as in many other cases.
When you've made a few things and are feeling comfortable with knitting patterns, you're likely to want to ditch them. This is a great step in every knitter's life, when they start to feel comfortable changing details, mixing up stitch types, and finally, perhaps making something completely from scratch, following only their own plan.
