Knitting: A Great Pasttime

Knitting is my guilty pleasure.  I love to knit, I knit mostly sweaters for grandchildren now days, but my children seem to be between babies so I have spent a few hours, while watching TV, or at doctors appointment just knitting the “small stuff”, scarfs, hats, mittens, things that can be done in a couple of weeks by just spending a few hours.

I recommend the website www.knitpicks.com to you for investigation.  Knit Picks has some lovely free small knitting patterns you can download.  I can’t wait to try the Treasured Neckerchief, and the Simple Lacy Scarf.  Both patterns were free and fit into my small project mood.

Knit Picks also has lovely yarn, most of it reasonably priced, and if you catch one of their sales you can get a real steal.  If you knit, you know how important it is to have a stash of yarn just to keep inspired.

One other website I love is Meg Swansen’s  www.schoolhousepress.com  Originally begun by Meg’s mother Elisabeth Zimmerman (both world class knitters) Meg has beautiful yarns, lovely classic knitting patterns, clear instructions, and lots of knitting wit (no pun intended)  I have met Meg Swansen personally.  Her knitting wisdom astounds me, and she is always willing to help and inspire.  Her knitting camp held in the summer is nationally known.  She teaches techenique you won’t learn any where else and it opens up so many knitting possiblities.

My favorite knitting magazine is Knitter’s. I have had a subscription to Knitters Magazine for 17 years and I have loved every issue.  Each issue has beautiful pictures  with well written patterns.  Annually Knitters sends out a shopfinder that helps when you find yourself traveling and in need of a knitting fix.

I have to say knowing how to knit has enriched my life.  Thanks to a wonderful friend that came to my home every week to help me with projects until I was able to figure out things on my own.  I owe her big time.  I hope to pass the knowledge around to others as well.