Well, I am going to start on a journey of setting up some online classes. Tomorrow morning I am going to shoot some clips to explain what they are about and to encourage people to join in.
It would be great if we can get a community built up of people who can meet each other over the internet but face to face. When you have children, going out in the evenings (or the day) becomes almost impossible and very expensive so participating in a course or learning something new becomes very difficult to achieve.
Classes using a video link would be a solution to the going out problem… I would like to give this a try and invite anyone out there to join me.
Please subscribe to my blog if you would like to join in, learn from home and meet other friendly faces by video link.
It’s great looking through all the patterns that are downloadable online as there are so many different projects available. It makes you realise what you could achieve yourself with a bit of hard work. Choosing the colour of yarn or fabric is the best bit, so you can make something just right for you.
I’ve picked out some sites that have a great selection, or some really nice ideas.
Sirdar have lots of tips on their site, and some great patterns including toys. It’s not free, but I love their new patterns and snowflake chunky wool which is great for toys (www.sirdar.co.uk):
Rowan have a really good selection of free knitting patterns, and of course all the wools to create them at www.knitrowan.com
The poncho below is one of their free patterns (called Megan):
Knitting pattern central has a great directory of patterns so you can search by the item you would like to make rather than the designer – take a look if you need inspiration:
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php
Debbie Bliss have a regular free pattern posted on their site you can download – currently it’s a really nice jacket.
http://www.debbieblissonline.com/FreePattern.asp
At Burdastyle.com there are all sorts of great designs – clothes, cushions (a neck cushion), camera strap, a wolf hat, ties, baby bibs, children’s clothes – a veritable treasure trove of free patterns to take your pick from… they cover sewing and knitting, really all types of projects for house and home.
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns?free=1&most_recent=1
DIY Eva bag by Nettevivante:
party dress by grosgrain:
So I’ve been researching the ways in which I can go about learning to knit.
A good starting point seems to be http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/. It’s a comprehensive site with everything from how to cast on the reading patterns and where to buy everything.
http://www.stitchldn.com/index.html - is a great resource to find a knitting group. They have beginners sessions, resources. events and locations of shops to buy yarn, free patterns, competitions and a community in London.
www.knit-a-square.com - 8″ or 20cm square for children in Africa. This is a fantastic charity, and a great reason to start knitting. You make your square to the right measurements, and then post it to the charity in South Africa, all details are on the website.
www.cyberseams.com - great instructional video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uw-nUvGrBY. This is a crystal clear instructional video – really nicely shot against a plain background so you can really see what’s going on.
My sister has suggested starting with making squares – I really like this idea as it seems achieveable as you could end up with any size of blanket! I may have a baby blanket by the end, but it would still be complete with some beautiful soft wool it would be perfect…
Have you ever tried a live online course?
As a mother who is either at work, dashing home, or at home looking after 2 little ones there isn’t much time to go to workshops in person. I have been thinking about the best way to learn new skills when you can’t get out much.
There are lots of instructional videos on You Tube, but there this is lacking the community aspect of meeting your class mates, and you can’t ask questions when you get stuck.
Does anyone know of craft classes that are live online so you can ask questions and meet the other course goers?
Thank you
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