autumn delights :: warm, fuzzy yarn {a post by grace}

{{as Johanna has graciously allowed me to write up a post during our event, the topic of "knitting," suited me quite nicely}}.

outside is bleak and dreary, but indoors a fire cheerfully blazing within the hearth. a tray filled with tea to warm your soul. a blanket of wool to place upon your lap. yet only a basket of yarn and needles to spare makes the evening complete...    

knitting. an age-old pastime, yet what a lovely ring the word still has! the needles gently resting in your hands {{just so}} as the loops of the soft yarn "magically" dance across each needle; the result being a handmade scarf, headband, fingerless gloves, etc. as well as the accomplishment of creating a ball of tangled yarn into a masterpiece comprised of complex stitches. in truth, I am not half so experienced in the art of knitting as say Miss Johanna or one of my dearest friends Miss Gabby, but there is something...special about the art, for 'tis indeed quite an amazing, if not unusual art. perhaps, 'tis the sweet *click, click* of the needles against another, or the softness of the yarn slipping through my fingers that makes me hold such a fondness for the skill of knitting. sometimes I love to go back and run my fingers through a knit project, just to feel the way the stitches form a scarf or a dishcloth. even to-day, it still makes me wonder how two needles and a bit of yarn can make such a project. :)

now, before you tell me 'tis quite impossible to learn...stop and start telling your self that 'tis indeed quite possible. my dear mama kept telling herself she couldn't learn, yet at the moment she is in the process of making a headband. :) in reality, knitting is appears MUCH more difficult than it truly is. if you do not believe me, I encourage you to pick up the knitting needles that you decided you had no idea how to use from your crafting drawer right now, and learn how to knit now. :) soon we shall be having you knitting Christmas gifts in no time 'tall.

:: learn how to knit :: 

below, I have compiled for you video tutorials {{which I find more helpful}} as well as written tutorials for people beginning to learn how to knit ::

now there are are THREE basic steps of knitting that one must learn in the very beginning.

cast on. garter stitch {knit stitch}. and cast off.

{note :: these videos below are EXTREMELY helpful, so I suggest that you start with larger needs [I use size 13 or 9.0 mm] and thicker yarn like shown below}.

{{cast on [continental]}}

how to start a project...

{{garter stitch [knit stitch]}}
"body" of the project...
{{bind off}}

finishing the project. 

these three steps will allow you to knit easy projects like headbands, scarves, dishcloths, etc., but you may extend your knitting skills by visiting this website here {thanks to Miss Gabby @ ambitious homemaker}.

now, fetch the ole' knitting needles and fuzzy yarn, and let's start knitting....

:: {autumn} knitting projects :: 

:: knitted pumpkin :: 

:: autumn acorn ::

:: autumn leaves ::

:: brown arm warmers ::

:: knitted earwarmer ::

:: silk scarf :: 

:: jaymie cowl :: 

:: infinity scarf :: 

:: fingerless gloves :: 

:: pebble neck warmer :: 

:: knitted sachets :: 

:: super easy baby blanket :: 

your package: write up a post about your past//present//or favorite knitting projects that you have either made yourself or want to make in the future as well as including knitting project ideas or tutorials {tutorials do not have to be yours, but please give proper credit}. after you have completed this, come back here and leave your link! so stay awhile around the fireside and knit, why don't ya?

postscript :: if you are an experienced knitter and have any favorite websites or tips and advice, leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!

p.s.s. be sure to visit back here on the morrow for a H.U.G.E. giveaway filled with all sorts of lovely knitting products. ;)