With modern machines and cheap imported baby clothing, it's not necessary to knit at all. So many people around me asking why I'm knitting if it is so easy to just go and buy whatever you want, with any budget. Even better, you can shop right from your home, sitting in front of your computer and choose from so many colors and varieties available, and everything will be delivered to your door. But the stuff in the shops seems all the same, like two drops of water or chickens on a farm... For example, you find really cute pink booties and decided to buy them for your sister, who expecting soon new baby girl and you so excited to give her your present, but... on your way back home you met a couple with their baby daughter wearing absolutely the same booties...It's clouded your mood, but thinking what the odds that your sister will ever meet them you continue on your way. Finally, the Baby shower day arrives, the day everyone was waiting for...you find out that someone else brought the same booties and she opened that present before yours! After seeing this, your present doesn't seem cute or special anymore... Now you want something unique, that no one else has it...as unique as your niece is to you. But if you want something different and one of the kind, then that something should be not manufactured but handmade...but keep in mind that prices for handmade stuff might be higher since more time spent to make design, produce each thing and make it presentable.
Pink Mary Jane shoes / booties
Pixie shoes
Ballet shoes / slippers
If you know how to knit, then use your skills!
Why do you need to buy expensive baby presents when you have the skill and materials to make lovely, homemade and unique gifts? How often do we knit something big and we have some “leftovers”, the yarn that usually ends up in the bag somewhere in farthest corner of the closet? Knitting is a soothing and cheap hobby. While you are watching a movie with the kids, or catching up on your favorite soap opera you can be knitting and purling a pile of creative, one of a kind baby booties / shoes that will keep those precious, tiny feet and ankles warm without spending a bundle. Start building a stash of knitted baby booties to keep on hand ready for the next of your friend’s or neighbor’s baby showers or just to sell.
White & Pink booties
Vintage style baby booties
Mary Jane shoes / booties
Never done anything in baby sizes? If you know how to knit, but never have done anything for babies, it’s OK. There are so many knitting patterns and detailed instructions on the web to choose from. You even can find free baby knitting patterns, and they are a lovely way to provide inexpensive quick knitting, baby sweaters, baby blankets, bibs or booties. If you want to give a baby gift that doesn’t look like it came from the mall, then hand knit booties are just the things.
Tall baby booties
Pink Mary Jane shoes/booties.
Baby Yellow booties
Black and Purple Doc Martin Boots style
Blue Doc Martin Baby Boots
Peach booties
Knitting needles
Baby booties could be done using circular needles, two single pointed needles or set of 4(5) double pointed needles. Check your pattern carefully what size and kind of needles are required for it.
Clever Clew on Etsy
As you can see I've used pictures of booties of different styles and colors in my lens... All of them were designed and made by me. Some of them are available for sale in my shop right now, others -- could be ordered as a custom order.
While it might be easier to buy the newborn his first pair of baby boots, it is more fun to knit them--in the latest pastel color--and give them as a gift at the baby shower.
Why not knit a pair of chick bootees for the baby in your life using Patons spring-colored yarns and adorn with felt - they're adorable, easy-to-make and oh-so-Easter!
These soft-and-silky booties are as cute as a classic pair of Mary Janes. Knit in the softest cashmere blend, they make a perfect foot covering for baby
Ecru booties with crocheted flowers
Red Mary Jane shoes/booties.
Pink Doc Martin boots
Black and Charcoal Doc Martin boots(booties)
EPILOGUE Whether your favorite baby yarn is cashmere homespun or Red Heart baby yarn, whether you choose soft and cozy pastels or bright, bold hues, a smooth or cabled finish, a solid color or a pattern, these booties are sure to please…fresh off your knitting needles! They are going to be priceless because you going to knit them with your love, and this what will differ them from others.
Crochet is done on one needle (called a "hook"), approximately 8 inches long, with a bend at one end. You use this hook to pull a strand of yarn through loops and knots to make a series of stitches. Knitting is performed on two long, straight needles, and you use the point of the needle to pull the yarn through and transfer stitches. With crochet, you only have one stitch on your hook at any time, and once you pull it through it is unlikely to unravel. In crochet, there is an almost infinite variety of stitches you can learn to create texture and patterns. Crochet offers a greater variety of textures; however, the different stitches can be difficult to learn or execute.
Knitting is performed on two long, straight needles, and you use the point of the needle to pull the yarn through and transfer stitches from one needle to another. Knitting needles are usually between 6 and 24 inches long, depending on the project you are working on. Most knitting needles have a stopper at one end, but some are double-pointed for knitting round objects like hats or socks ("circular needles," two needle points connected by a flexible cord, can also be used for this). Knitters also sometimes use "cable needles" to create a braided texture. Knitting needles as crochet hooks are come in a variety of girths to create different types of fabric.
When you knit, you place a row of stitches on a single needle (called "casting on") and you work through the stitches row by row. If you miss a stitch ("dropping a stitch") your work may unravel through to several rows back. With knitting there are only two type of stitches ---the knit stitch and the purl stitch---and various textures are created by the way that these two stitches interact with each other from row to row or from stitch to stitch.
Knitting creates fewer textures than crocheting, but it produces a sturdy fabric and some people find it easier to learn.
Sweater, hat and booties set with cat motif
How does Knitting differ from Crocheting?
Knitting and crocheting have a lot in common. They are both done with yarn and metal sticks, and you can make pretty nice things with either craft. But why bother having two methods of accomplishing the same goal? The truth is that there are some key differences between knitting and crochet.
The most obvious difference between knitting and crochet is the tools for the job. Either craft requires yarn of some type, but for crochet you will use a single crochet hook that hooks into the existing work to create new stitches while holding only a single loop over the crochet hook. Knitting requires a pair of long knitting needles that hold anywhere from a handful to several hundreds of loops at any given time during the project. Typically one needle holds the existing stitches whereas the other creates the new stitches and then holds the work as each new stitch is added.
Many items can be created through either knitting or crochet, but for some types of items one method is somewhat better than the other. For example, it is possible to crochet a sweater, but you may prefer to use knitting if you wish to create a sweater given that crocheted fabrics tend to be stiffer and firmer than the softer fabrics created by knitting. And if you wish to make an elaborate lace coaster or a small yarn finger puppet, you may wish to choose crochet instead--because the single crochet hook can be easier to maneuver in a very small project--knitted projects tend to be more solid blocks than small items with multiple parts.
Knitting requires somewhat more space to be accomplished correctly, unless you are well practiced. You have to be able to hold both needles while maneuvering your elbows to the side of you, whereas crochet can be done with movements of fingers even for a beginner.
If you are looking for a project that you can take on a plane or carry in your purse to bring out while you're waiting at the doctor's office, crochet can be more convenient than knitting (especially since sharp needles can pose a safety hazard if not transported carefully).
What crochet or knitting (each) is suitable for... Both knitting and crochet can be used to create a wide variety of garments, accessories and other objects. However, knitting tends to create a tight, strong fabric that is best for things like warm sweaters and comfy socks. Crochet is generally more light and airy, and is good for things like lightweight summer sweaters and ornately designed shawls. Because knitting requires you to cast on all the stitches of a row on a single needle, it can be difficult to create large objects such as blankets or afghans, whereas with crochet you work stitch by stitch. Crochet also lends itself more to curvilinear shapes, making it a better choice for creating plush toys.
“MEN KNIT, 1942.”
I found this picture while searching Google, and I want to share it with you... Personally I never saw man's knitting, I mean in the process. But I met few in my life, who I knew was able to not just knit, but create really fabulous things!
There many possibilities how to learn to knit or crochet
But maybe you have never in your life picked up a crochet hook, or you don't even know what a knitting needle looks like, there are many resources to help you out.
If you decided to take knitting classes you will learn a new skill, discover a relaxing hobby and possibly gain a few new friends.
Knitting is a social activity, so it is not hard to find a knitting group in most towns and cities.
But if you have no time to attend a knitting/crocheting classes or decided they are too expensive and at no convenient time, then try to learn it by yourself at your own pace and in your own time. Some churches have a knitting club that meets once-twice a week to work on knitting crafts for the church bizarre, may be one of the members would be interested in teaching. The local senior center might have a member who would be willing to teach or at least tutor a beginner. Both of those options would offer companionship and flexibility.
Another possibility is learn from "do-it-yourself books" with instruction for beginner knitters. Many of the books have online support and websites. Do you have a computer at home? Because, the online version of knitting classes is easy enough for anyone lifestyle.
If you don't really like computers...
What if you don't like learning by looking at a computer screen? Check-out these magazines.
Family Circle Easy Knitting (also Crochet),
Knit It! (Better Homes and Gardens) and
Crochet (Better Homes and Gardens).
These magazines include a tutorial on the basics to get you started.
Also you can acquire some very useful books about Knitting or Crocheting for everyday use.
Knitting Books on Amazon Amazon has a lot of varieties of products. It's online shopping site from the earth's biggest selection of books, magazines, music, DVDs, videos, electronics, computers, software, apparel & accessories, shoes, anything!!!!!
In books you can find a lot of helpful hints to improve your skills, learn something new...Books have some advantages, such as: you can always take a book with you wherever you want, unlike desktop computer, for example; it does need to be plug in or to have an extra recharged battery...
How to knit the basics
A must have book
I want to recommend a book for everyone who loves to knit, from beginners to experienced knitters, it's a "must have book": "The Knitting Stitch Bible" by Maria Parry-Jones.This book includes over 250 traditional and contemporary stitches with easy to follow charts. I love this book, even I have a lot more of different ones. But this book is simply "stuffed" with good information and is well organized.
Some people can be scared off by word Charts... Even if you have never worked with them before, in this book they are so simple, that anyone can learn how to use them easily.
If you really want to learn how to knit, but you are a left handed and most instructions and videos for right handed people, then these videos are for you...
Learn to crochet with videos...
This is especially good if you have trouble learning from texts. Having some there to show you can make all the difference.
Crochet Stitch Bible [Spiral-bound]
T his book is out of print, so -- Limited Availability. Order now, or you won't get one. Fashions in crochet styles come and go but knowing the basic stitches and techniques remains essential. This guide aims to meet the needs of all those interested in various aspects of crochet, from lacy doilies to sculpture, encouraging an exploration of the craft in a creative and imaginative way.
If you don't know how to knit, but wish to learn, then is no need to pay for expensive lessons: you can use some info or even video tutorials for free (any info can be found on Google). Once I was looking for particular free pattern on Google, and I discovered a few very interesting links, where I detected not only what I was looking for, but much much more... Some of these links ask you to register. For example, you can find free patterns, different gift ideas with full instructions how to do it (not only in knitting field, but in many kind of crafts you can imagine) and even download e-books for free for that kind of craft you chose on www.Favecrafts.com. I love this website: a lot of ideas to enjoy to make it yourself and for each member of your family. You won't be disappointed with this one, and its for free.
Are you looking for bargain?
Ready for your next project and need supplies? Then go to Ebay...
What is eBay?
eBay Inc. is an American Internet company that manages www.ebay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide. And, most of the time, its much cheaper than anywhere else! So, if you are looking for bargain, then this is your stop: patterns, supplies (yarn, hooks and needles).
And if you try all possibilities I've mentioned above and still couldn't learn, then ... you can buy here Finished product for cheap price.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that crochet and knitting are interchangeable. Well, they are not. Knitting uses its own stitches and combination of stitches to create items--the patterns from those items does not translate to the stitches used in crochet. Each crafting discipline has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Hi, everyone.
Did you think ever about Knitting as an additional income, while working from your home? Why I'm asking... Well, Knitting is my passion... and it's my favorite one. The possibilities are endless for the person who can crochet or knit or both. Once a skill that some one learned, the art of needles, hooks and yarn will never be forgotten or become a burden.
Try to imagine how relaxing it is to sit and listen to music while creating useful items that would be loved and appreciated by others? Then you need to learn to knit or crochet or even both!
Daffodil hand knit bookmark
The economical crisis hit a lot of people, and my family couldn't hide from its wave also. But I 'm always trying to stay optimistic and find the way to put my talents at work. I used to work hard and I'd do anything, knowing it would work!
One day, my kids were watching the "Kung Fu Panda" movie, while I was cooking. Because our kitchen is next to the living room, I can see and hear what's going on, without actually leaving the kitchen. And I heard a very interesting Quote: " There is no accidents in the life. Everything happens for a reason, for a good reason." And it made me think about the difficult financial situation a lot families face now...
May be, according to this quote, this is a time when something is about to change for the better? Then why not to choose yourself which way you want to go in nearest future, what to do to be happy and satisfied and earn money in the same time?
"Red Hood" baby hand knit set
Since I was a child I always liked to own something that no one else had, unique and unrepeatable. That is why, probably I started to create different things by hand for myself and later for friends and family. My first attempts to learn knitting were when I was a little girl of 5 years... http://www.squidoo.com/handmade-knit-clothes
I love to do a lot of things by hands, and have a lot of hobbies and interests.
I decided that I needed to choose from all my hobbies one or two to start making money off of, while I'm staying at home with my children. I thought that it should be something that won't require buying new equipment or materials and won't take much space in our apartment, in other words - those hobbies of mine that I can use something I have at home already to produce some useful things, pretty and unique in the same time...
That is how, I have started to knit again.
Be your own employer
Funky baby Rainbow hat
If you like to knit, crochet, embroidering .... then why not try to earn money from your passion? If you don't want to set up your website, then you can test market on Ebay. But don't forget that people shopping/searching Ebay are looking for a bargain. You can open your own shop for free or for little Fee: go to www.craftsitedirectory.com/malls/index.html to find a great list of online craft-malls. Etsy is one of them.
Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade.
You can open shop there for free. I've tried both Ebay and Etsy, and honestly think that Etsy is much more enjoyable place to work and sale your things, and one more important factor is there are cheaper fees.
Baby Booties with Tassel ties
Baby bonnet
That is all for today, thanks for viewing...
Are you "hooked" already? I didn't mean crocheting hook... Are you obsessed with knitting or crocheting? Yes or No? Just check this video to see what can happen if you are. Check out this video, pretty funny.
