learning to knit | my first project!



so I've finally learnt how to knit.. HURRAH!!! knitting has been on my to do list for ages (years actually, I'm ashamed how long it's taken me to pick up this skill!) 

both my mum and sister are old pro's at knitting, I however have been a royal slacker! I just never got around to taking some time out to learn, as someone who loves to craft I've always felt like knitting should be in my arsenal.. and finally it is!


last year I was asked if I'd like to review simple stylish knitting magazine... well since I couldn't knit I figured that would be a struggle but then I saw it was aimed at teaching people with little or (in my case zero knowledge of knitting)  

I figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally get my knit on..


they kindly sent me all the wool I'd need, along with knitting needles and their first edition for me to get started. both my sister and my mum offered to show me the basics.. I however am a stubborn student and wanted to teach myself using just the magazine to see how easy it was.

I showed my first practice square to my family, it brought tears to my mothers eye (.....of laughter I might add) well lets just say there was a few holes.

after a few (ok many) dropped stitches I soon got the hang of casting on, and both knit and purl techniques (and I was pretty darn pleased with myself.) I decided to make this charming little mr fox iPad case above as my first project...


as for the magazine? well each issue has some adorable projects to make, they teach you the techniques you'll need (with wool included to make up a knitted throw as you go along.) the different stitches and tutorials are in an easy format plus they have an online library of videos you can take a gander at if you've missed anything! 


the iPad case was pretty simple, the step by step instructions were very clear (even for me, and trust me I was completely clueless when I started.) the fox was created using an easy duplicate stitch and I was pretty chuffed to master the alternating knit, purl technique to make the elasticated opening!


overall I'm really quite proud of my first ever knitting project.. if I can do this then I know others beginners could too!

I'll definitely be making one of the other projects in the magazine (thinking the the cosy pom pom scarf?) now I know the techniques with a little more practice I'll be able to catch up my mum in no time.. 

if you're tempted to learn you can subscribe here, if you're already a knitting whizz you can find a whole range of knitting projects over on their pinterest (which they've been brave enough to let me hijack this month!)

are you a fully fledged member of  knitting crew already.. or a newbie like me? 

back soon!

caroline x




19 comments

  1. oh my goodness this ipad cover is the cutest. i used to be able to knit, i had my own little set and bag of wool but have not done it in ages. my mum is an avid knitter, she loves it. i am going to email her this post now :) definitely inspired me to pick it back up again :) well done you for mastering it!!

    Zoe Newlove Beauty Blogger & MUA

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    1. yay! so pleased- you should totally get back into it!!! omg isn't it cute?? it's not perfect (plenty of mistakes along the way but by the end I was loads more confident with my technique haha :) xx

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  2. Oh! My! Gosh! This is just the absolute cutest! I'm in love x

    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. it's such a cute design- I love foxes!! :) xx

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  3. You seem to be a natural talent! It looks fantastic. Definitely inspired me to start knitting as well x

    FOUND SOME PAPER BLOG

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    1. trust me- I was soooooo not a natural! all fingers and thumbs at the start but honestly it's isn't hard at all- only took an hour or so to master the knit and purl and casting on is quite fun!! once you have the basics you're up and running- hope you try it! :) xx

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  4. This is so cute! And even better that you made it! Very impressed. I tried knitting a couple of times and couldn't quite get the hang of it, I made a great square....May try another time when I can sit and concentrate.

    DarlingSophie

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    1. My sister tried to show me years ago but after 10 minutes I gave up- I don't think I was in the right frame of mind back then! actually sitting down myself and learning it was so easy- I definitely prefer to lean things myself! You just need a couple of hours free and you'll be all good :) xx

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  5. Really like the look of this but for me knitting seems so hard ^^

    zaras-bowsandpearls.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I was the same- I used to watch my mum and think it looked tricky as she was so fast! there's some great video tutorials online you can watch- just takes a little practice :) xx

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  6. This iPad case is adorable. Very well done.

    xx, Renaud | renaudew.blogspot.com

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    1. thanks so much renaud! so glad I can finally knit haha! :) xx

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  7. I'm an absolutely newbie! The fox design is soo cute!

    LIVE . IN .LOVE ✞

    ~

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    1. hi fellow newbie!!! hope you get a chance to try it- it's really relaxing once you're up and running :) xx

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  8. Love this, I already have the wool and needles but just fear I wont be able to do it. I must bite the bullet and give it a try.
    p.s. I have that dress too, good taste lady x

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    1. oh no trust me- it's not hard you just need to take a few hours out to learn the basics! I was the same put it off for years now I'm kicking myself I didn't start sooner :)

      ps. yeah baby- love that dress!! xx

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  9. This is really cute. I've always wanted to learn how to knit.

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    1. yay! thanks elsa- hope you get round to learning :) xx

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  10. This looks so cute! You've inspired me to start knitting again and make myself an ipad cover. I'm really impressed that you've knitted this, as it looks more complex than just knitting a scarf. Well done!!

    Emma Jayne x
    http://www.emmajayne-designs.co.uk

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Caroline Burke | Burkatron. Theme by STS.