gotta second the reference request...i am quite smitten by the amigurimis out there :) i'd love to make my own but haven't knitted before.
gosh, i have a long line of stuff to learn already :D

Also look on youtube, there are some excellent videos which will teach you lots and lots about knitting... cat bordhi has some fantastic ones...

Welcome to your new addiction, don't let it scare you, it is great!

hey, thats on this years New Things to Learn to Add Flavor to My Lifes Resume!
i just bought my needles last weekend, and am trying to decide on a pattern to start with. I'm going to try and go to the library this weekend and get some bOOks.

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"I Can't Believe I'm Knitting!" is actually a really good pamphlet. You can probably find it at Michael's, Jo-Annes, etc. _Knitting School_ is also a good book. www.knitty.com has how-to-knit clips.

Also, look around for local knit groups. You'd be surprised how many little knitting groups there are, once you know how to look. Start your hunt with a local knitting guild, yarn shop, college, book shop, church, etc.

Another pocket style reference is Knitting for Dummies. I've been told that this is a great step by step for beginners. I'm too much of a "dummie" to learn from books and videos for knitting or crocheting myself - I've got a few books and just don't understand the language. I admire anyone who can do it. I'm thinking I'm going to have to look for a class - or someone really patient to teach me hands-on.

I never knew about knittinghelp.com, though. Maybe I can find success there. I should have known to post here for guidance - thanks, Zarina, for being smarter than me. ;-) Good luck on your new addiction.

I taught myself to knit off the internet (for free!). Try youtube for great videos on simple stitches, and of course your local library will have lots of books on knitting, for sure. Learning to knit is something you only really need to do once, so save your money for all the fancy yarn you're going to go into debt for....

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou everyone!

I have gotten a couple of pairs of knitting needles, some yarn to practice with and have checked out a lot of the online videos recomended. I think I am going to make it now. So this week I'll be sitting at the computer (like that's anything new LOL) kneedles in hand and working on my knitting. I am SO excited to be learning this new craft and I can't wait to actually make something! Woo~hoo!

I'll post my progess and of course any more questions I have. Eventually I hope to have somethng finished and I'll share pics too!

Thanks so much for all the help. I am so lucky to have found this tribe!!!

Just a little update for everyone...

Thanks to all of your suggestions... I'm knitting! Slowly but definately making progress. I have found every suggestion made here very helpful. I'm enjoying my needles and am "getting it". I haven't found a knitting circle or group yet, but the dvds and books along with the online videos are doing just fine so far.

I have made my practice knitting into scarves (for lots of repetition) and donated them to the homeless. No one cared if something wasn't perfect either. Now I'm still making scarves, but I'm on to hats and mittens too. Also will be donated.

I can see myself making that sweater eventually now. I never thought I would be able to do it but with all of your help I can see it happening now! Thanks so much everyone!!! *big hugs*