Easy as 1, 2, 3

Knitting Basics

Knitting can be as simple or complicated as you choose.

Here is my super simple guide on How to Knit.

Each of these videos takes you very slowly through a step by step tutorial to get you Knitting.

1. CAST ON

Let's start at the very beginning.

You can't go anywhere until you learn to cast on. Most people will learn how to cast on a lot of times, before you do it habitually. It tends to be the starting block that most people stumble on.

• The first thing you do when casting on is to create a slip knot - so you can adjust your first stitch easily.
• Then - select the style of cast on required as per your pattern.
• A simple cast on is basically knitting stitches and adding them to end of needle.
• I like to do what is commonly called a Cable cast as it creates a nice even edge.

2. KNIT

Learning to knit is like any skill, you get better at it the more you do it. So don't be too frustrated if you find it difficult at the beginning.

For many people it is the uncertainty of how to balance the needles and not let the stitches slip off.

My number one tip is to hold the needles near the tip firmly but not gripping. Use your index finger in your left hand to gently hold and manage the stitches. Your hands will relax once you get the hang of it.

Also - breathe.... seriously - when you concentrate so hard on learning a stitch you often forget to breathe. So breathe in through your nose then as you breathe out relax your shoulders.

3. CAST OFF

Congratulations if you've made it this far!

For me, this is the most rewarding step. Casting off your knitting and sitting back to admire your project.

Casting off is really very easy. Just remember not to pull the stitches too tightly so you don't get a puckered or drawn in edge.

If you can do these 3 steps you are your way to becoming a knitter.

The next step I would suggest is learning to Purl  - but you can wait to get the above 3 steps under your belt before you move on.

If you are looking for a simple project to start with, all my What Jane Knits kits are designed especially for beginner knitters. Have a look - find a project and I can send you a kit with everything you need including yarn, needles and pattern.

Good luck and happy knitting.

Daffodils and Christmas

Seasonally no one really associates Daffodils with Christmas.

It's either winter in the Northern Hemisphere or summer in Southern Hemisphere so Spring flowers are not readily available. Instead we associate Christmas with Poinsettias, Ivy and Christmas Lillies (lilium).

However I have fond memories of sitting in my Grandmas lounge room over Christmas holidays and embroidering Daffodils. No doubt the cricket was on and the rest of the tribe were sprawled on the floor watching TV and escaping the heat. I had been given the embroidery kit as a Christmas gift. It was the perfect summer project to work on. My Mum and my Grandma showed me how to do the various stitches required to complete the pattern and we all watched as the other Lillie (Dennis) smashed the West Indies!

Sadly, I don't think I ever finished it. However I really did enjoy it, and no doubt it furthered my love of crafts.

(Picture is not the the same, but very similar to my kit)

Knitting Kits

When I talk with people about knitting and What Jane Knits, the first thing they ask is: Can you knit me a ... scarf/jumper/beanie/thing?

This is fine, and very flattering that they think I am able to just whip up a knitted garment for them. Then I explain, no I don't actually knit the products for people, I supply kits.

Here's your beanie. Hope you like the colour!

I decided to create What Jane Knits as a site for beginner knitting kits for a NUMBER OF reasons

Overwhelmed and Confused: I saw that people were interested in knitting, but not sure where to start. Sometimes they didn't live near a Wool shop or others just felt overwhelmed with the range and options available.

Overambitious and Unlikely to finish: Then there were people who were very keen to start so went to the local store and bought hundreds of dollars worth of yarn and needles and books to make that amazing blanket/throw they had seen in a magazine.

Out of practice: Often people learnt to knit in childhood and haven't touched a knitting needle in 30 years. New babies are often the inspiration to pick up the craft again.

Craft enablers: Sometimes people see the creativity in others and like to encourage them.

Hopefully a What Jane Knits kit will provide a beginner knitter the perfect introduction to knitting.

• I have sourced quality yarn - mostly Australian merino, but some Italian alpaca.
• The circular needles allow the beginner to slide their knitting down on the cord when they take a break so the stitches don't fall off.
• The waterproof, zip-lock little project bag is great to put in a tote and take with you when you travel.
• Most importantly the patterns are designed to be straightforward and easy to follow. The projects are small to encourage you to finish the product.

Being happy with the results of your labour is so very rewarding. These days many people share their knitted projects on social media... it is all part of the feel good factor associated with creativity. Sharing your work and getting positive feedback, even from strangers is exciting and encouraging! Hopefully Beginners will gain confidence and continue to knit ; gradually learning new techniques and trying more advanced projects.

So whilst I am very happy to knit my friends and family a few gifts, I certainly prefer if they pick up the needles and have a crack themselves! Like any new activity your knitting is unlikely to be immediately perfect - but hopefully the WhatJaneKnits kits will help you get a pretty good result you are happy to share.