An appropriate way to start since I really have no idea what I am doing blogging. Also, it is the question I am most often asked by overwhelmed knitters-to-be and the question I asked when I first began toying with the idea of creating something with yarn and needles. This is the story of my introduction to knitting:
I met Ruth at a mom's group at church and she was one of those people who oozed coolness: trendy without trying too hard, confident and yet still approachable. She was pregnant with her FOURTH child at the time and was totally rocking that look. I, on the other hand, was completely overwhelmed caring for my then two-year-old and few-weeks-old sons. I was the opposite of cool covered in spit-up and still wearing the maternity jeans that fit too well at that point postpartum.
Ruth was carrying the BEST bag that day: a handknit slouchy hobo that was practical and feminine all in one. I saw it and I needed that bag. Already a skilled shopper, I asked her whether she had made it and how much I would have to pay for her to make one for me. She could have charged me a bundle and been on her way, but in the generosity that was and is Ruth, she replied, "Why don't you come over one evening for tea and I will teach you to knit one yourself?"
Perhaps I had not realized how desperate I was for an artistic outlet (other than Play-Doh and finger paint), but the mere mention of someone taking time to teach me how to do something new and social and creative was so exhilarating that I was nearly brought to tears. I jumped at the opportunity blindly, having no idea what skills, materials, or patience knitting would require. We scheduled our evening and I set off to the craft store with Ruth's recommendations for a beginner.
Ruth taught me how to cast-on, knit, purl, and bind off. My fingers were so clumsy at first and I marvelled at how quickly Ruth's fingers moved and how even and beautiful her stitches were. My first swatch was a lumpy, misshapen blob that I had worked over for hours. I couldn't remember where to insert the needle, where to turn, which way to let the yarn hang. It must have been so painful for Ruth to watch, despite her patience and encouraging words. I could have given up then, but I am a perfectionist and cannot quit until I feel I have mastered the task at hand. I practiced at home, and slowly, the movement began to feel more and more natural. Little by little, I began to trust myself and could make each stitch with increasing confidence. I tried new needles, new yarns, and marvelled at the patterns in the stack of books I had found at the library. And eventually, rather than focusing on the individual stitches, I began to be able to see where each stitch became part of the larger yet-to-be-created fabric. The entire experience, rather than being one of frustration and stubborn determination, became almost therapeutic and meditative. I had fallen in love with knitting.
So where should YOU start? Find your Ruth. Whether it be an acquaintance who knits, the teacher at the local big box craft store, a yarn shop owner, or the author of a knitting pattern book, find someone who you like and who reflects your own personal style. Knitting should be cool and you won't want to keep learning if you can't stand the person who is teaching you. If you must go the book route, I would highly recommend the written instructions in any Debbie Bliss or Joelle Hoverson books. They are cool ladies who create beautiful pieces and took the time to include detailed instructions and illustrations in their books. The Lion Brand Yarn website also has video instructions that are helpful should you need extra instruction. While Ruth gave me my knitting foundation, I have learned almost all other techniques from books.
Of course you will need yarn and needles, and the variety can be completely overwhelming if you go in unprepared. I would start with a basic, worsted-weight yarn in a color and texture you like and a pair of size 10 or 10.5 bamboo needles. Both of these things will be in the low- to mid-range as far as expense, but it is worth to spend a little more to have materials that you actually like and that won't make the process of learning more difficult than necessary. Don't spend a fortune either though: some expensive yarns have textures that can be very difficult to learn with and a pair of $50 rosewood needles won't make enough of a difference to splurge on when you are just making swatches. Save those for when you knit your first sweater :).
My sister has tried to learn to knit several times now, and each time she remembers why she quit the time before. In fact, one of her "turning 30 years old" resolutions was to NOT try to learn how to knit and spare herself the frustration. It's not for everyone, and it might not be for you. That said, trying new things is sometimes more about the experience of trying rather than mastering. Just start with what you have, and with patience you may just fall in love with what you can do.
