Stitching together a new hobby

Rain, rain go away. That’s the plea from Southern Californians this

month.

It looks like we could have a very wet El Nino winter with lots of

time indoors, so why not get prepared by learning a new warm and cozy

hobby like knitting? The library has plenty of resources to get you

started for the first time or inspire seasoned knitters with new

projects.

If you’ve never handled yarn and needles before, don’t be

intimidated. All knitting is just different combinations of two easy

stitches. Once you’ve got the hang of those, the possibilities are

endless.

For true beginners, try “The Knitting Experience, Book 1: The Knit

Stitch,” by Sally Melville. The knit stitch is the foundation of

knitting, and there are plenty of fun and easy projects -- scarves,

hats, ponchos -- that use only that one stitch. Melville’s book has

step-by-step photo illustrations of the technique.

If you don’t think you can learn to knit from a book, check out

one of our instructional videos or DVDs, such as “The Art of

Knitting.” This might be the next best thing to having your own

personal instructor.

For a different approach, take a look at “Stitch ‘N Bitch: The

Knitter’s Handbook,” by Debbie Stoller. This is a fun and irreverent

approach to knitting, with simple instructions for beginners and

current, non-frumpy patterns for all skill levels. As an added bonus,

Stoller focuses on the social aspects of knitting and provides a

whole section on joining or starting a knitting group.

If you have all the sweaters and scarves your heart desires, think

about knitting gifts for others, or making home accessories. “Men in

Knits: Sweaters to Knit That He Will Wear” by Tara Jon Manning has

pleasing patterns, plus useful tips on identifying a man’s personal

style, picking appropriate colors, fibers and patterns and

customizing the fit -- all with the goal of making the sweater you

knit his favorite. Geared toward women knitting for men, it’s still a

good choice for male knitters. If a sweater seems too complicated,

there are all kinds of simple designs you can incorporate into home

accessories.

In “Hand Knits for the Home: 20+ Designs for Stylish Interiors,”

Caroline Birkett provides excellent photographic illustrations and

patterns for making cushions, throws and other beautiful items for

your home.

More experienced knitters might try incorporating beads into their

knitting. You can make a wide variety of fun and fancy clothing and

accessories by knitting in beads or using bead applique -- beads

added after knitting. In “Knitting with Beads,” Jane Davis

demonstrates both techniques, and while most of the projects are

“intermediate” or “challenging,” she includes a few “easy” projects

for the motivated beginner. Lily M. Chin’s “Knit and Crochet with

Beads” has more advanced projects, and clearly illustrates different

techniques for working beads into your knitting.

Most knitters will tell you that knitting is as much about the

process as the product. Knitting can be wonderful as either a

solitary activity or a social one. If you’re interested in other

knitters’ experiences, take a look at Lela Nargi’s “Knitting Lessons:

Tales from the Knitting Path.” Nargi compiles essays and interviews

with knitters on the subject of knitting -- what motivated them to

start, what kept them going and more.

For a shorter taste of real-life experiences, Real Simple magazine

printed a powerful testament to the therapeutic aspects of knitting.

“Learning Manual: When her head and heart couldn’t heal an

unimaginable grief, the author found her hands would do the job,”

appeared in the February 2004 issue. We have this issue in print, or

you can access the text online through our ProQuest database.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your needles and yarn, stop by

the library for an instruction book or new pattern, and get knitting!

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Genesis Hansen. All titles may be

reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at

https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the

Central Library or any of the branch locations, please contact the

Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.