What tools can't you live without?

[caligurl2424]

ok so i just randomly today started to try knitting! yay! ok so anyways...i picked up some red heart and canon (sp?) simply soft yarn, and some 8 knitting needles...(dont mind me if i am down on the lingo!) i statred doing the slipnot and then i started knitting...i got kind of discouraged and stopped for a while...i wanna know if there are any other items i NEED to have for knitting...i am going to walmart tom so any info is appreciated! thx

[8ball]

Find a pattern you like and use what you have.  Learn how to do gauge, different stitches, casting on, binding off, increasing, decreasing.

HTH

[m*babylon]

scissors and a yarn needle for sewing the loose ends in when you're finished.  in the sewing section at wal-mart, they should have them with the rest of the needles.  Just look for a big metal or plastic needle with a big eye.  Yarn, needles to knit the yarn with (your 8's should be just fine for now, though you'll start looking at other sizes once you start worrying about this nasty, mean little thing called "gauge") scissors to cut the yarn with, and a needle to weave in your ends is all you need to get started, material-wise. oh, and hefty helpings of patience and moxie.  =]

good luck!
a*

[Zanti MissKnit]

I love my row-counter, which is a little red box that you click on every time you knit a row.  It's not completely necessary, as you can always draw a little "slash" on a notepad to keep track of your rows.  I love the little click noise though.

Congratulations on becoming a knitter!  I just celebrated my knitting 1-year anniversary (by knitting, of course!).

[amey]

a soft tape measure - not a metal ruler, but the kind that you can roll up, and sometimes comes retractable (my preference).

~amey

[slowpockets]

Two things:

1. A book with lots of pictures because knitting is way harder than it looks (for me anyway)

2. A basket. I just started last week and all of a sudden I have like 20 balls of yarn. It keeps all your supplies in one place and helps keep your yarn from snagging on your hockey sticks.

[8ball]

Also check out Knittinghelp.com for videos on how to do everything.  It's a great jump start!

C

[Conley]

Since you're going to Walmart you can get one of those "I Taught Myself Knitting" kits for like $9
It comes with
2 sets of needles
Tapestry needles to weave in ends with
Row counter
Point protectors
Gauge ruler
Sitch Holder
Cable needles
Stitch Markers
and a book to teach you how to knit

All in all its not a bad kit and cheaper than if you bought all the things seperate. Just starting out though all you really need is needles, yarn, scissors, and a tapestry needle.

Welcome to the world of knitting! 

[frillyfun]

Hi,
I'm brand new to knitting, and I'm asking for knitting stuff for Christmas.  I'm tough to buy for, and this year I think my husband is pretty releived that I'm asking for something even if it means going to a craft store (normally I say I'm not sure...a pain, I know).  I have a set of interchangeable round needles, some stitch markers, a few straight needles, stitch holders, a few cable needles, and a ton of yarn (I never have enough...but there's no way he'll get me any more, and I can't ask him with a straight face).  My mom is making me a knitting bag, and a needle case. I have her on the lookout for cool pattern books (she loves the thrift stores).   I also have an Ultimate Sweater Machine, felting needles, yarn swift, and winder.

What should I ask him for?  What tools do you have that you can't live without?  What would be good to get?  I'm thinking of an assortment of needles and some books, but what do you have that you like?  What are your favorite books?

Happy Holidays,
Karen

[chrispykreme]

I wouldn't even know what to suggest. Sounds like you have some pretty cool toys already. I just have the basics.

set of interchangeable round needles, some stitch markers, a few straight needles, stitch holders, a few cable needles, and a ton of yarn...  My mom is making me a knitting bag, and a needle case... I also have an Ultimate Sweater Machine, felting needles, yarn swift, and winder.