Beginner knitter, books or pattern recommendations please

[JaffaSnaffle]

I was taught to knit by my Grandma, but this was about 20 years ago. I knitted a wooly blanket for my cat's bed, (small square), and I think I might have managed a scarf. However, she set up the knitting (cast on?) for me. So I think I am really not much more than a beginner.

My two daughters have been given some lovely handknitted cardigans in their time, but the kind people who made them have their own grandchildren to knit for, and it struck me recently that if I wanted any more lovely knitwear, I should do it myself! I remember it being a very satisfying thing to do.

I wanted to ask for recomendations of knitting books and patterns that would be easy to attempt for a beginner. My long term aim would be to knit myself a long cardigan, but I think this might be a tad ambitious at the start...

[TheWoollybacksWife]

I would recommend joining Ravelry (Ravelry.com) where you will be able to search for patterns - a huge amount are free - and they have difficulty ratings to show how easy they are so you can start with easy patterns and move on to more difficult items as your confidence improves.

I like this baby hat which can be knitted in the round but I knit it in garter stitch (every row knit) on two needles and sew it up at the end. All you need to know is how to cast on (YouTube videos can show you how), knit stitch and simple shaping (knit 2 together).

There are loads of knitters on MN and you will get help if you need it. If you are near a John Lewis they often have knitters in the haberdashery department who can help in person.

[Dutchoma]

If you join Ravelry as Woolly says, you can search for groups in your area. There's nothing like being shown.
Otherwise YouTube is your (and my) friend.

[JaffaSnaffle]

Thank you! I have started knitting a boatneck jumper for my DD2, (10m). It is not bad, although the edging on oneside is a bit messy, and I have a hole that is not fraying or anything, just one perfect little circle... Anyway, it is a start, and I am hoping to improve. I will have a good look at Ravelry. Thank you.

[Chocolateteabag]

Hi - I am half way through my first cardigan - Isabel Kraemer Caramel cardigan which is a free pattern on ravelry. You can see everyone else's versions of a pattern and see what people thought. Also good for free patterns as you can download and take a look before committing to buy. The advanced search tool means you can easily fild easy rated patterns for what ever you want.

Good luck but I warn you, browsing ravelry is addictive