Unlike other forms of embroidery or sewing, knitting requires at least two needles to make a project. There are basically three types of knitting needles. The type of needle you choose is based on the knitting instructions and gauge of the finished project.
Why Do You Knit? Every knitter can answer this question without hesitation when describing the joys and irritations of creating beautiful handmade things with knitting needles. All knitters can remember their very first project, and a few may still treasure it as a keepsake (although I threw mine away because it didn’t look like a potholder after all). No matter, the reasons people knit are as varied and different as they are. Here are a few I’ve collected through the years.
Yes, I know I’m supposed to check the gauge by knitting a trial swatch to determine the number of stitches per inch my knitting yields. But…like many knitters I get so excited when knitting a new project, and the feel of the yarn alone can cause me to rush ahead and start knitting…so before you know it, I’m halfway into the project and my gauge is way off! I know I’m not alone in this practice. How many times have you checked for gauge BEFORE knitting?
For the Spring Bible Study Series, my church offered a non-traditional study called “Knitting for Others”. This class is for both beginners and experienced knitters who want to use their skill to bless others. Topics include basic knitting stitches, reading patterns, and experimenting with different types of needles and yarns. Class supplies and materials have been donated by the church, and we’re using The Knitter’s Bible for a textbook [...]
Even the TV News Media is getting on the bandwagon by proclaiming that knitting or any form of the needle arts are great stress relievers. Priya David of the CBS Early Show recently reported on “Knitting for Your Health” that in these tough economic times, stress can be a huge factor in health issues. Additionally, Kitchen Table Medicine mentions in their blog that research has found that knitting and crocheting have been shown to decrease heart rate and induce a relaxation response, much like the meditation response [...]
Yep! If you own an iPhone® or iPod® Touch, you can purchase a digital software app to organize and catalog knitting supplies, project notes, books, needles, knitting stash, yarns etc. to refer to when you’re next at the knitting shop. That way you will not duplicate the stuff you already have, and thus free of hard earned cash to buy supplies to knit to donate to charity [...]
