- Never say never to acrylic. There’s an enormous amount of controversy amongst knitters between whether or not to use acrylic. This was most recently brought up in a discussion on Shawl Knitters. My question is, why not use acrylic? If a knitter likes it, why not use it? Is a person less of a knitter if they use acrylic? Of course not. They are as much of a knitter as are those who knit with cashmere.
- Start that project. Knitting is a hobby, not a job. So start that project you want, when you want to. There’s no rule that says you can only have so many projects on the needles. Of course if you find yourself overwhelmed with more then X amount of projects, then know your limitations and stop.
- Buy that yarn. If you spending the money on that yarn isn’t going to leave your family hungry and without a roof over their head, then go ahead and buy that yarn. There’s no such thing as the Yarn Police that will come by and audit your spending. It’s your money and your life. Don’t let anyone tell you how to spend it or how to live it. This also goes for patterns and all the others things knitters like to have that makes knitting fun.
- Share your experiences. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, knitters love to share. So if you’re just starting out, please do share your experiences. I guarantee you there’s another knitter out there going through the same thing you are. I also guarantee that there’s another knitter out there that has gone through what you’re going through and will appreciate the trip down memory lane. The only caution that I can think of is how much you share with non-knitters. Unless they have a similar obsession, they just won’t get it.
- Take Care Of Your Hands. I can’t stress this enough and I learned this the hard way. Don’t knit through the pain. Stop and rest them. Do use wrist braces and those nifty Hands-Aids Support Gloves if your hands start to bother you. Stretch often, see your doctor, then listen to your doctor.
Top 5 Things Knitters Should Do
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August 19th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
Excellent list!
August 19th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Great list – I’d add one though – try anything! I’m always surprised when I meet people who haven’t done something because they are afraid they won’t know how.
August 19th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
good advice – i especially like #3….
August 19th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Advice that every knitter should take to heart all around. Bravo dah-ling!
August 20th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Great List! I already own the support gloves but nothing really beats stopping when there is too much stress on your hands and letting yourself rest a bit. I find that works the best. As for Acrylic yarns, there are some nice ones on the market now and I often buy yarns blended with synthetic and natural fibers in order to satisfy new parents when I knit baby sweaters etc. Parents are very appreciative if they can just throw it in the washing machine but still enjoy some propertys of natural fibers!
Great observations!
August 23rd, 2006 at 4:02 am
Terrific list, mind if I link to it? I have to get the gloves…and I like your new space!!!
(((hugs)))
August 24th, 2006 at 1:41 am
Thank you so much for this list. Every item is so true, and for crocheters as well as knitters!