PTC Libraries Getting Started with

Knitting

The Tools

Yarn

Needles

Scissors/Yarn Cutter

Tapestry Needle

Ruler

Needle Gauge

Organizer/Tote

YarnsFibers

Plying

Weights

Hank

Center-pull ball

Outward-pull ball

Form vs. Function

Cost / Investment Ratio

FibersAcrylic - manmade, cheap, easy to find, greatest variety in colors, textures, and sizes, great for most patterns, hypo-allergenic, can be rough or feel "cheap" or uncomfortable

Cotton - not quite as cheap as acrylic, easy to find, colors aren't quite as vibrant, less variety in textures, hypo-allergenic, great for kitchen purposes and for summer clothing

Wool - easy to find, great variety of colors and textures , varies in price, as with most things: the higher the quality, the higher the price, varies widely in quality and texture, super warm while still light weight, mostly softer and less "scratchy" than popularly believed in the past, great for winter clothing and accessories, known allergen

Alpaca - a lot like wool, but fibers are longer so the yarn is generally softer, harder to find, more expensive

Mohair - actually from Angora goat, really light and airy while staying warm, very soft, hard to find, expensive

Angora - from Angora rabbit, extremely soft, light and airy, extremely expensive, super delicate, definitely hand wash only

PlyingRoving

Single Ply

Double Ply

3-Ply or more

http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/FEATwhyply.html

Yarn WeightLace - Extra Fine

Fingering - Sock

Sport - DK - Double Knitting

Worsted - Aran

Heavy Worsted

Bulky - Chunky

Super Bulky - Super Chunky

Wraps per Inch

Numbering System - 1-6

Reading a Yarn Label

Form vs. Function&

Cost / Investment

Needle

Material

Size

Length

Cost

Single point, double point, circular

Scissors,Yarn Cutters,

Tapestry Needles,Rulers, Tape Measure

Organizers, Totes,Swifts, & Yarn WindersBlunt, sharp, bent, straight, collapsable, cheap, or super expensive is totally up to you and can vary with the situation.

TSA RegulationsScissor blades have to be shorter than 4"

Yarn Cutters are NOT allowed

There were restrictions on the materials a needle could be made out of and length of needle, but those have been dropped. To be on the safe side, you might want to keep the needles short and wooden or plastic.

Jury duty - just because the TSA says it is ok does not mean the guard at the courthouse will agree. Be prepared to put it back in your car and grumble the whole way.

Local Yarn ShopsThe Yarn Mart

5711 Kavanaugh LRMichael's

4126 McCain NLR 11400 Markham LR

Hobby Lobby 4701 JFK NLR 12201 W Markham LR 150 E Oak Conway

Jo-Ann2637 Lakewood NLR

Online Yarn Shops

Knit Picks - www.knitpicks.com

Jimmy Beans Wool - www.jimmybeanswool.com

Yarn Market - www.yarnmarket.com

Tons of others

Online CommunitiesRavelry - www.ravelry.com - great online community focused on knitting and crocheting - has lots of great free patterns and you can join specific forums

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com - great for "Pinspiration"

KAls/CALs - popular in the crafting blogosphere and on Ravelry

Free PatternsRavelryBlogs in generalPinterest Yarn Companies

Knit PicksLion BrandLily (Sugar n Cream)BernatRed Heart

iPhone/iPad AppsGoogle Drive

Michael's

Jo-Ann

Hobby Lobby

StitchMinder

Yarma

Wooly

Most mags have iPad versions

Knitting for Charity

Warm Up America

Knitting for Noggins

Knots of Love