This super cute, super soft little sheep is from another pattern from Susan B. Anderson. I made this sweet little guy for my dear sister for her birthday, who is also a knitter. Every knitter needs a sheep.
Being a fellow knitter and actually the one who taught me how to knit, I figured my sister would really appreciate his fuzzy body, adorable face, and curly hair. Knitting toys gives me great joy. I laugh every time I piece one together. Something about them just warms my heart.
Knitting in general has been a wonderful, relaxing, productive hobby and I am so thankful my sister convinced me to give knitting a try. Besides knitting toys, I have made myself a shawl, mittens, scarves, hats, and socks. Knitted items also make great gifts and I have knit up slippers, mittens, hats and scarves for friends and family. Want to learn how to knit? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
If you can, find someone who knows how to knit or take a class.
I found that the best way for me to learn was to have someone (in my case, my sister) show me how it is done and be on hand to correct my mistakes so I learned correctly. Yarn stores are becoming more common and they often offer classes for beginners.
Once you get started, knit something simple so you can really work on your stitches.
Holding the needles and getting the correct tension in your stitches is a little tricky at first. I knit up a couple of cotton dish cloths when I first started out. I then progressed to scarves and items that used straight needles. Only after I had gotten a pretty good handle on things did I venture into knitting in the round and using double pointed needles.
Use websites and books to give you ideas and help you troubleshoot.
Confused about the strange language knitting patterns are written in? Have no idea what a twisted loop stitch is? I found KnittingHelp.com to be a helpful resource because it has a library of videos that shows you exactly how to do things such as add a stitch and cast off. It also has a front page of all the basics you need to know to get started. I still use this when I forget how to work a pattern or come across something I haven’t tried yet. Most knitting pattern books out there have a beginning section that gives you tips and tricks for conducting the patterns. Head into your public library as they probably have oodles of books to check out.
Once you have gotten the hang of things, check out Ravelry, an online library of zillions of knitting patterns, many of which are free to download. You have to create an account but it is free and I have gotten many patterns off of there.
Give knitting a try! Having knitting needles in your hands on summer road trips or rainy days is a perfect way relax and pass the time productivly. The long winter is not too far away and is perfect for sitting curled up on the couch with a cup of steaming coffee and a fun knitting pattern.
This post is linked to Lines Across My Face.
9:37 pm on August 12th, 2011
My kids are in love with this sheep…and they may just be asking their auntie to make a little fluffy something just for them.
8:47 am on August 13th, 2011
Love this line: Every Knitter Needs A Sheep!! Did you make one for yourself too?
12:28 pm on August 13th, 2011
It’s so fluffy I’m gonna DIE!!
I need a sheep.
8:24 am on October 24th, 2011
I absolutely love this sheep! I’m really into lambs n such.
) I’m a new follower from Cure for the Common Monday – I saw your feature.
Please feel free to stop by any time. You could also link this sheep up to Make Yourself Monday on my blog!!
Jamie
For Love of Cupcakes
8:36 am on October 24th, 2011
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie!
7:24 pm on October 24th, 2011
This sheep is adorable!! Would love it if you would stop by and share this at my linky party going on right now
http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/bedazzle-me-monday-5.html