Where do I start?  Many years ago I could crochet a granny square (at least that is what my mom calls it).  My girls want to learn and I have always wanted to learn more.  I do learn much better by having someone help me, but I don't know anyone who does it.  So, I need some good books/websites and tips.  I also need tips on what I need to start.  Anything to help.  Thanks so much!!

Knittinghelp.com

www.knittinghelp.com

These are the best books I know of for beginners:

The Knit Stitch:

http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/knitting-books-the-knitting-experience-the-knit-stitch/

The Purl Stitch:

http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/knitting-books-the-knitting-experience-purl-stitch/

Good luck!

I learned from books-- it takes a little patience at first.  There's also lots of great YouTube demos out there (also try the Instructables website).

Good luck!

Angie, I suggest you visit a local yarn shop, if your town has one.  Very very often they will give lessons in knitting and or crochet, as long as you buy some supplies from them.  That's how I learned to knit.  The store proprietess talked me through my first simple pattern purchase, how to choose needles, what basic supplies i would absolutely need (even on my tight budget), etc., and believe me, it was well worth the price.  I had to go in there, or telephone for help, at least once a week after I got started because I just got lost or confused.  It was nice to hear a calm, knowledgeable voice when I was struggling not to rip out rows in frustration, or to go in and watch her rescue and untangle what was a big giant mess.  You can't beat one-on-one instruction!  So, does your town have a yarn shop?  Check the yellow pages.  I bet they would welcome your business.

Anyway, that's how I learned to knit socks.  Well, ahem, I'm still learning.  Almost done with my second sock..........

We don't have a yarn shop here so I got knitting for Dummies and watched you tube vidios and now I knit! Maybe the same for crochet would work, good luck. I do crochet so if I could be of any help PM me!

Ooops! Meant to post this in the other crochet post...

I have always wanted to learn how to knit. I am definetely going to try out some of the things suggested. Thanks so much.

A new discussion group's forming here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gatheringwool/?yguid=309469179

We'd love to have you join us.

Thanks for the link Linda.  I joined.

wow I didn't think about youtube! they have everything there!

I'm new too..I used to knit a long long time ago when my Grandma showed me the basic stitch I guess it's called. she also showed me purl but that one was tougher. I wish I could remember the casting on and off but I used to just sit for hours and sew a long piece then toss it aside and start with another..just for the relaxation of making the stitches I think. Grandmother did crochet a lot but wasn't too patient(netiher was Grandma come to think of it!) but for some reason when I got some yarn I started with crochet.

I dislike the beginner projects though :-( I like afghans or even dishcloths so I started a few afghans(hey one actually got finished and the other needs more fringe which I hate doing!) but I did a lot of dishcloths during that first month. didn't look 'finished' though but oh well they worked!

I'm thinking about doing some granny squares or this pattern book I got where you do all these different patterns then edge in one color and join together sort of like a granny square..figure the hard ones I'll skip and substitute something else..the popcorn and those kinds of stitches really threw me for a loop and shredded my yarn.

Thanks for the ideas, I used to knit years ago and got away from it, I'd like to try it again but I've frogotten how to do eveb]n the basics.

 l love those wash cloths and our office has a mitten, hat, scarve tree every year to hang donations on and I'd like to contribute to that.

I learned to knit when I was stuck for a week in a town where I didn't know anyone and I had almost nothing to do... I bought a "how-to" book and some supplies at a craft store and taught myself, YEARS before YouTube was available.  Couldn't really throw it down in frustration because I didn't have anything else to do.  Most "beginner" projects are ugly, but everyone's got to learn somehow.  Agree that hats are great projects, especially hats to give away at Christmas.  Another thought:  try making baby hats for hospitals:  they take very little yarn, you can finish them in no time, and the Moms will be so pleased with the homemade touch.

There are lots of good books out there.  I learned to crochet with books and help from my mother in law.  you can check out crochetville.org, it's a forum, but they ladies there are really nice and willing to help out.  Youtube is also a good one.

If you get started and want some great vintage patterns look at Shell Bees Treasures.  Thanks.