Yarn people ahoy!

[wednes]

As many of you know, I have often lamented my utter and unexplicable lack of yarn skills. The yarn related arts have always eluded me. I cannot crochet, not even the simplest stiches. I tried several times to knit H a scarf, because I was told that knitting is easier than crocheting and that nothing is easier than a scarf. No dice. Some of you even sat down with me and taught me, I even received some lovely yarns and needles/hooks in the mail.

I can't even do a latch-hook rug out of a damn kit. Everyone in the world has one of those circa 1978 latch hook rug pillow thingys with a goddamn tweety bird on the cover. But not me, because I can't make anything with yarn. Nothing at all...well, maybe a poof ball that I could put on top of a hat if I could make one.

Why bring this up, yet again?
Well, the Yule season of perpetual gift giving will be upon us soon. And as usual, I'm poor as hell.
So I want to try to make H a scarf again this year--especially since I still have all my stuff leftover from last years disasterous attempts, and the year before that.

So what's different? What's changed?
Well, I learned of the existence of this device, called a knitting board. Aparently they are even easier than knitting (which of course, was far too difficult for me). They are supposed to be more akin to working a loom than actual yarn craft. I used to be really good at loom, having made many many potholders before I ever even smoked pot. Ha HA!

Do any of you (or your grandmothers, I suppose) use these things? Are they as easy as they appear, or is this just another ploy for me to waste more money on supplies I'll never use? The drag part is, I'm awesome at embroidery, and used to make my own cross stitch patterns for fun. But I can't imagine anything H would want embroidered.

Advise me, crafties!

Comments

Alternatives

[jenx.livejournal.com]

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<a href+"http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/">Subversive Cross Stitch</a> has some cute patters/kits. And <a href="http://www.sublimestitching.com/pinupsandpanthers.html">Sublime Stitching</a> - that pattern on the pocket of a bowling shirt would be HOT.

If you're still interested in knitting, I recommend the Stitch n' Bitch books, and <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/">Knitting Help</a> - there are *videos* you can watch over and over. And it's free. :)

Re: Alternatives

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Those embroidery sites are a hoot. I bet a charming embroidered wall hanging would be a nice gift for H's fam. Of course they don't enjoy profanity quite as much as I do. ;-]

[bethie8888.livejournal.com]

Knitting is my nemesis. When I did a brief stint in the Girl Scouts as a child, all we did was knit, and I could never do it. One rather snotty girl suggested that knitting was easy and that there might be something wrong with me if I couldn't get it. She, of course, was already knitting whole pieces. I jabbed her with a knitting needle and was asked to "leave" the Girl Scouts.

Knitting and rage....never a good combination.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I totally feel you on that. I become disproportionately frustrated with my inability to do something I know half-blind, feeble old women can do for hours on end.

[jenx.livejournal.com]

Knitting and rage....never a good combination.
Especially by those of us who like sharp, stainless steel needles. >:D

[wednes.livejournal.com]

LOL

I totally saw that movie!

[groovesinorbit]

R's mom tried to teach me to knit once. It didn't take. I was bored out of my mind, I have to admit (that and my hands kept falling asleep). Weaving with yarn I love to do. Tying yarn into little knots, not so much.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Glad to know I'm not alone in my ineptitude. ;-]
I'm gonna look at these knitting board dealies tomorrow.

[groovesinorbit]

*grin* Definitely file a report for us fellow inept knitters. I forgot to mention, I dig embroidery and cross stitch, too.

[mpolgara.livejournal.com]

Knitting is supposed to be easier than crochet? I'd always thought it was the other way 'round. I taught myself to crochet a few years back cuz it seemed less intimidating than knitting. Crochet seemed moderately easy at the time (and I have the half finished afghan stored in my mom's basement to prove it). I don't remember much of it now. Maybe I'll take a whack at learning to knit, I've been wanting to make Hogwarts scarves for me and Tommy. (Gryffindor for him, Ravenclaw for me.)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

A RAvenclaw scarf was part of my grand plan when I first tried to crochet. I failed horribly and then tried knitting. It could be that they're both easy and I'm just ill suited to it.

[sexyrockgoddess.livejournal.com]

Hey sweetie, i crochet scarfs, bags and hats and stuff, i have taught a few exboyfriends and friends. Its really easy and fun, good for when you watch tv, only takes a few minutes to learn. :D Let me know if you are interested.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I've had people try to teach me before, to no sustained avail. I could probably do with another lesson. I'll Email you when I get back in town; you're local to me, no?