Congratulations! Here you sit, maybe with needles and
yarn in hand, excited to begin learning a wonderful, new
hobby, knitting. You bought the needles, and the yarn,
and even an introductory magazine to keep you company.
Now what?

Fortunately, you have found a little treasure in this
article! In the following paragraphs I will set your mind
at rest with the very best beginner knitting tips
and techniques! So let me let you in on some of the best
little knitting secrets around!

1) Overcome Your Fear! Yes, fear. Ah, you say, what
does fear have to do with knitting?

Maybe nothing. On the other hand, maybe everything.
If you are the type of personality who just likes to get in
there every time and get your hands dirty, then fear is
probably not that big a deal for you.

If you're like me, whenever you start a new project,
your tendency will be to want everything about it to be
perfect. Guess what? Nothing is ever perfect.

That isn't to say, whenever you do something it looks a
mess. Quite the contrary. You take time to see to it that
whatever you do, you do your best. That usually doesn't
have anything to do with being perfect. After all, if we
were all perfect, why would we need to strive better to do
anything at all? There just would be no need!

You should recognize within yourself, that "perfect"
has no place in your life. Anything worth doing will
present mistakes and errors all along the way. How else do
we ever learn anything?

2) Calling All Procrastinators! We all put things
off, it's just human nature. If we are new to a project,
a job, or even a relationship, we think going slow, or
hardly moving, is the best route to take.

Well, here's news. It never is. You need to TAKE
ACTION and take it now!

Open that knitting magazine to the beginning page,
and start reading. It's that simple. But,you have to
do it, now, (!) and just go forward.

3) Know Your Tools. Beginning knitting is simple,
indeed. All you need are a pair of knitting needles. I
recommend the metal or bamboo type as they are the easiest
to work with. Make sure your needles are the straight
version, NOT the circular needles.

Your knitting needles should be size 8, 8-1/2, or 9,
preferably. Not too small, and not too big will help you
learn faster.

Yarn comes in infinitesimal varieties. Why, there is so
much yarn nowadays to choose from, you might walk into a
yarn shop and never come out!

Again, be simple. Choose a worsted-weight yarn. Look
on the label which is on each skein of yarn for the words
"worsted weight". Not sport-weight, not fun fur, not chunky
or bulky, not cotton, or chenille. Just stick with the
worsted weight. And, here's good news, you can choose
whichever color you like! There are too many to list here.

4) Learn The Basic Basics Start learning to knit the
easy way. Learn how to cast on, learn the knit stitch,
learn the purl stitch, and learn how to bind off. That's
it!

Do not over complicate your life when learning anything
new. Stick to the basics and you will never go wrong!

5) Be Consistent I've been married more than 30
years. That is a long time. It hasn't always been a bed of roses,
nor has it ever been awful. But there are always the slow times,
the rough times, the nothing--seems--to--be--going--right times.

With practice, my husband and I have learned what it
takes to be happily married. And we have let all the rest
go by.

The same goes for learning to knit. Keep it simple, be
consistent, practice, practice, practice!! And no, practice
doesn't make perfect; but you will come close.

6) Knitting Is Good For You! I'll bet you didn't know
that! But did you know this?! There is scientific evidence
that shows the benefits that come from picking up a pair of
knitting needles and creating a knitted sensation.
Knitting brings about serenity; it helps to synchronize the
left and right sides of the brain; knitting brings one closer
to a meditative state. The gentle clicking and clacking of
the needles brings about a soothing rhythm.

This soothing rhythm leads to more harmonious blood
flow and lowered blood pressure. Our minds and bodies are
connected; but your grandmother could have told you that!

7) Do What Works. When you are learning to knit,
learn one step at a time. When you have learned the knit
stitch well, practice it over and over. Use it in various
patterns, and designs before moving on to something new.
Don't feel that you have to be too fancy or intricate if you
don't feel comfortable doing that.

There is always a tendency in this loopy world we live
in to try and be more that we are. Do what works, in
knitting and in every other way, and you will be pleasantly
surprised by the results!

Follow these 7 simple steps to get you knitting today!!
You'll be a winner every time!

(c)2006 Alice Seidel All Rights Reserved