Hi :)

I'm new posting on here.. so I hope I'm not posting in the wrong place.  But I am hoping to get a bit of advice.  My parents (military family) are not crafty, more brainy/computer kinds of people.  Anyway, I never had anyone to teach me about crafting and stuff when I was young! I really want to learn how to sew (the right way - not bumbling and trying to figure it out myself) and also to knit as well.  I don't know many people where I am, so I don't know anyone that can teach me!

If you guys have suggestions for the best books for me to look for on beginning sewing and knitting, please let me know! I'm clueless... but I know I don't want to learn, and then have to unlearn something if it's the 'wrong way' x.x

Thanks so much in advance for your advice!

Adie

the best thing to do is try and take a class at your local community center or craft store. you can also look for a forum online for the specific craft you want to get into.

I agree that taking a class in a local craft store or fabric shop would be a good first step.  But in the meantime, learning to use a needle and the terms used in sewing would be a good start. Singer (the sewing machine company) and Simplicity (the pattern company) both have some excellent books for beginners that explains most terms and have pictures to describe the steps.  If you don't own a sewing machine you may want to try an embroidery project such as a simple cross stitch pattern to learn to handle a needle.  There are also "For Dummies" books on everything including sewing and knitting. If there is a good local library, you may find books there that can at least give you a clue on where to you want to begin.  If you have access to a sewing machine you may want to begin with something simple like constructing a tote bag.  There are usually directions in the beginning sewing books or you can find them on line.  A fabric store would  have patterns.  Good luck and don't be discouraged with clumsy first attempts.  For knitting you can get some terms and steps from the books but if you can find an experienced knitter in your area they would be able give you much more advice than the books will give you.  There is a lot about knitting that just does not translate to the books.