Knitting for newbies! (Knitting)

Member Name: Katastrophe

Product:	Knitting
Date:	28/01/09 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Social, rewarding, challenging and relaxing

Disadvantages: It can be quite expensive if you want to get really into it

I have recently found myself engrossed in a new hobby. As you have probably guessed from the title of this review, it is not parachuting, hill walking or stamp collecting... it is knitting!

My friend and I were in search of a new hobby, that we can do together but also do in our own spare time. Something that was sociable, not life endangering and relatively inexpensive. After some hours of looking for information on local groups, we came across a very simple page detailing a local knitting group. We had a few giggling fits over it being a place for grannies to meet but decided to give it a try - what did we have to lose?! They would be able to teach us maybe, and they offer free tea too!

Neither of us had any previous knitting experience, and had no idea where to start. So seeking advice from a craft shop we bought ourselves the essentials (1 set of needles, 1 ball of wool, a book for beginners and of course a trendy knitting bag to hold our goodies) and began trying to learn.

After a few poor attempts, we began to get the hang of it and practised in our own time in preparation for our first knitting group.

In the mean time, while mentioning in passing to friends and family, people who haven't knitted for a while suddenly decided to look out those needles and get cracking again. We have started a revolution amongst our family and friends!

Our first class was quite scary, as we're both shy girls. But the people were ever so friendly, and they were all keen to help us, recommend books and encourage us to keep going and to work towards little projects.

We are still beginners, learning slowly, but both of us have discovered a new hobby that once we master, we can hopefully pass on to our children and maybe even to friends and family who never quite got round to learning.

Our current project is to knit squares and make blankets for nursing homes and for aid charities.

Knitting is a dying art and even though it has become cool again to a certain extent, not enough people realise how much fun it can be and how it can help bring people together and provide rewarding entertainment.

I would recommend anyone (male of female) to give it a try!

Summary: A fun hobby for everyone to enjoy.