I can help with a few of these.

Stitch dictionaries

IMHO, judging by the first couple, the Vogue stitch dictionaries are far too heavy on pretentious artsy fiddly stitch patterns that are often not even very pretty. There's pretty much nothing there but photos and instructions for each of the stitches. Plus I found the books physically pretty awkward for reading. . . . They are definitely not a good choice if you want a reference for traditional or standard stitch patterns. They seem to be primarily stitch patterns invented for past Vogue Knitting patterns.

Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns (see this and its also-bought items) books are my favorite stitch dictionaries. The patterns shown are a lot more pragmatic, but quite attractive. Besides the actual stitch patterns, she includes a good bit of text with background on different techniques and knitting in general. The Walker Treasury Project is a collection of swatches people have knit from these books--it may give you a better sense of what sort of stitches are in the books. The Walker Treasuries are geared a lot toward traditional patterns (fits with Walker's interest in cultural anthropology), but I believe some (especially in latter volumes) that she or readers made up rather than had handed down.

My other favorite set is is The Stitch Collection. It's a box set, and the individual books are pretty small, so very portable. It's cool for having suggestions on good uses for some specific stitches. It's pretty much patterns with history.

The Harmony Guides series (see here and the "also bought" items) are also good. That series falls kind of between Vogue and Walker. It lacks much content beyond the actual stitch patterns--which is fine if stitch patterns are really all you want, but I personally like having additional information as in the Walker Treasuries or the Stitch Collection.

Online, Knittingfool is a pretty awesome written/photographed reference. It's sorted into categories so you can do some browsing for patterns with similar techniques/effects. . . . New Stitch a Day has videos demonstrating stitches. They are quite popular. (I don't personally learn well from videos, so I haven't looked at them very closely.)

Drapey yarns

I don't have specific recommendations, since I tend to prefer a firmer fabric. But look for fiber content that includes silk, bamboo, and/or alpaca. Besides fiber content, consider larger needles, since a looser gauge will drape more. Sounds like you've already decided on a pattern for this project, but, for future reference, lacy patterns will have more drape compared to knitting cables or ribbing with the same yarn and needles.

Since I started with crochet, and just an avid crafter in general, I'm a little bit picky with my tools. I really liked working with these bamboo needles since they were readily available at my local craft shops. I couldn't find a good set of them, so I ended up opting for a knitpicks interchangeable set since I could use whatever length I wanted, and work both straight knit and circular knit on this kit. Its a good quality, they have a little more grip than metal, and the bonus is that they are nice to look at! If you haven't ever knit before, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick your project, and buy the needles needed for that project just to see if you like it. Its also a good idea to try a pair of metal, and a pair of bamboo to see which you prefer before buying a full kit.

Maybe some other knitters have some better suggestions! But I found trying a pair of bamboo, and one pair made of metal made it easier for me to decide which worked best for me in a full kit :) Happy knitting!

Knit Socks is the book I learned from. It assumes you have basic knitting knowledge, but takes the process of knitting socks very slowly.

However, I highly, highly recommend starting with the tutorial sock. Use a worsted weight yarn, and large needles (size 10?) so you can see what you're doing. Once you've made a cute little sock (use it for a Christmas ornament!), then you can go full-size using the book I mentioned.

After that, I found Sensational Knitted Socks to be very good, if a bit dense. It fit very nicely with my programmer mind. :)

My current favorite method to make socks, is toe-up, using this generic pattern. And this bind-off for the cuff.

I dunno, I think it comes down to learning styles - I'd take a book over a video 9 times out of 10, and I get frustrated when I search for a technique and just get video results :P

Anyways, OP, I liked the patterns in Knit Socks!, but I was already pretty familiar with sock construction so I don't know how helpful the 'how-tos' really are for a beginner. The Amazon reviews are pretty glowing though :P On the other hand, though, it's all one-at-a-time top-downs...

Are you wanting to learn a bunch of different constructions? I think maybe the best thing would be going to the bookstore and flipping through some likely suspects - I.e., does it have a long section on TAAT toe-ups, or does it have one vanilla construction with a few textures thrown on? In the index, how many heels does it mention? (There is no 'best heel', because feet are actually pretty weird in their own way, so it's best to try out a bunch!) And if all else fails, Knitty has spent the last 10ish years reviewing books as they come on the market; I'm sure reading through a few of those would give you a good idea of what to look for, even if you didn't find the perfect title!

There's a few different ways to go about this, really. Has she shown interest in knitting before?

If she hasn't tried it before, or has no idea at all if she'll like it - at Michaels or Walmart there are Boye brand starter kitsLike This. They come with a couple sets of straight needles, stitch markers, measuring tape, ect. It's inexpensive and a good starting point if you're not sure.

If she has shown an interest or has knitted at all before, I suggest getting a set of interchangeable needles from knitpicks.com. I know that a lot of people guffaw at their interchangeable sets but they are a VERY good set for the price. It's $50 for a full set, I've used my nickle plated ones for two years now and they work well. You can find other basic tools there too, or pick up something like Clover Brand's starter kit of odds and ends Link Here available at Joann's and I think Michaels.

I second a wool-blend worsted weight yarn, and verypink.com's videos and instructions. When you get yarn, NO fun-fur, no novelty yarns, no cutesy furry multicolored crap. I know that all of the spongy, fluffy brightly colored goop is fun to touch and look at but it is NOT fun to learn on. Cotton is also pretty difficult because it untwists itself.

Wool-Ease, Classic wool or something like it will be a good fit. Look for a number 4 on the label to indicate the size of the yarn.

I'm back with an update! Yesterday I posted elsewhere in this thread that Amazon was holding up my latest pattern. The reason given was it didn't seem to be written in English. My reaction.

I wrote back and politely explained that yes, it's English written with the standard knitting abbreviation. They re-reviewed it and approved it this morning without any further fuss. I hope you guys enjoy it. It's all knit and purls, which makes it a great pattern for beginners or for people who just want a fun, easy knit. Both written and charted instructions. Worsted weight yarn.

Aggregate Shawl (ravelry) (amazon)

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman (US Amazon link) really helped me figure out seams. All the pictures are clear, and the text isn't too wordy.

Elsewise, locking stitch markers are your friend! Amy Herzog has a good tutorial on sleeve cap seaming using locking stitch markers. I use the same concept on every seam I sew, and it really helps keep things from bunching up.

Knitty's super fantastic Techniques with Theresa column has a sleeve cap seaming tutorial and a general seaming tutorial, both with very clear pictures.

Vogue Knitting also has a very extensive seaming tutorial, but with illustrations rather than pictures, if that is more useful to you.

I find the biggest thing is to be patient and go slowly. It's a pain, because you just want your FO to be finished already, but slow, careful, neat seaming really adds polish to an FO.

(As an aside, I've heard that seams add extra structure to garments so they fit better, but does anyone have examples to show that? I've made both seamed and seamless sweaters and don't really notice a difference...)

I think it would be cool and your girlfriend would probably like it more if you put together your own "starter kit" that is customized to her. Do you know what yarn she likes to work with when crocheting? Also how much are you looking to spend? I would suggest getting this or something similar ( these are useful bits for knitters). Add a skein of her favorite yarn and US #8 straight needles for a nice personalized kit. For little more money, change the needles to US #10 and add US # 8 circular needles 16 inch and US #8 double points. This will give her some nice options for both flat and in the round knitting. Last possible add on, depending on your budget, get something like [this] ( http://www.amazon.com/ArtBin-12-inches-round-4-inches-Periwinkle/dp/B003E0FNNC/ref=sr_1_109?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1417327758&sr=1-109&keywords=knitting+kit) and package the other stuff in it.

I started a few days before the new year, too! I love Ravelry and looking at the patterns. Then I use YouTube to learn and practice stitches and styles. Learn how to Purl, for sure, then you can go anywhere from there.

I’m starting with a lot of shawls, scarves and hats patterns. Then I’ll move to mittens, socks and sweaters! I got tired of buying different size circular needles so I purchased an interchangeable set. If this is a hobby you enjoy it may be worth investing, I’m happy with this knitters pride set for now.

Find new patterns you like and go for it! It’s only yarn so no worries about messing up. :)

I just bought Knitter's Pride Karbonz "Box of Joy" and I am in love with them. Beware that no sets contain sizes bigger than a U.S. size 11 (8mm). What's nice about Knitter's Pride is that the cords work with KnitPicks and Knit Pro, as well as the many different lines of Knitter's Pride.

People with arthritis or who need a more ergonomic circular needles swear by Cubits and say they are much easier to use and maneuver, slippery, yet because of the corners, they are grippy enough. The square shaft scared me off, but I wish I could have tried it before deciding on the Karbonz (which I love!!).

Be careful with the twist locking tool (key) on any of them. I kind of messed up the formerly flush edge of the hole it goes in by being in a rush pulling the pin out while I was turning - now it snags on the yarn a tiny bit. Still deliriously happy with the Karbonz overall. So much easier to use metal tips, and they are warm to the touch, unlike all-metal knitting needles..

Thanks! :) I believe I use needles from this set (got them a while ago, but it looks right), and I mostly used the red needles which I think are size 00. I also think I tend to have a pretty tight gauge, a habit from crocheting amigurumi. I also just added a comment with design/yarn info (after checking the rules, oops) but the yarn I mostly use for these is KnitPicks alpaca cloud lace :)

It took a lot of tries to figure out the pattern, and I experimented with bigger yarn and needles to get the general shape of it right before committing to my tiniest yarn and needles. And I used a (clean) hook earring as a cabling hook! So I guess my advice generally is to keep trying, and keep experimenting, until you find the set of tools that leads to the look you're going for. Hope this helps!

Hello there, friends! I created [a little booklet] (http://www.amazon.com/Gritty-Knitty-Illustrated-Beginners-Knitting-ebook/dp/B00U0N3VRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425510145&sr=8-1&keywords=from+gritty+to+knitty) for everyone who wants to learn how to knit. It deals with the history of knitting, the tools you need for it (and amazing alternatives to them), and the health benefits gained from knitting. Of course, there's also a guide teaching you how to knit, purl, and do many other basic knitter's tricks to further your knitting career. Includes illustrations and photos to help you better follow the instructions. Please follow the following link and give it a whirl.

http://www.amazon.com/Gritty-Knitty-Illustrated-Beginners-Knitting-ebook/dp/B00U0N3VRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425510145&sr=8-1&keywords=from+gritty+to+knitty

I really like the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns for things like this.

It's basically a book of recipes. You plug in your gauge, and the size that you want, and it tells you how many stitches to cast on, where to put your decreases, etc. It tells you a lot of about things are actually constructed, so that you can take it and make your own patterns from there.

It does require swatching. So you'd have to find or create your own cable pattern, swatch, get the gauge in pattern, and then work out how to make your hat. And don't forget to swatch in the round if you're going to be knitting in the round!

Also, here's a Rav search for free, cabled, fingering weight hats, in case you spot something there that you didn't spot yesterday. Sometimes a second look can help. :)

I got one of these GoKnit bags when they were on sale on Massdrop. It's nothing super special and kinda overpriced for what it is (I paid $20), but what I do like is that it has this snap on strap that you can attach to your jeans belt loop and literally walk around and knit if you so desire. The small fits two socks and their yarn in progress with room to spare. There's also an interior strap for yarn management, but I don't find it super useful if I'm not changing colors.

I used to use a small make-up case I got as a freebie with some cosmetics because it was kind of box-like, and it was coated on the outside with a plasticy material so I didn't have to worry about it getting wet or anything.

That said, I have totally rocked ziplock bags too and those work just fine.


EDIT: Forgot to link the bag! https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Small-GoKnit-Project-Drawstring/dp/B008B6GKZO/

I have a copy of The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd, and it is more or less the only knitting book you really need. Basic patterns for socks, gloves, mittens, hats, sweaters, in multiple sizes and gauges, you just figure out your gauge(which it explains super clearly) pick a size, and then start knitting. Add whatever fancy touches you want, that you saw online. XD I'm doing a pair of fingerless gloves with a lattice cable right now, from the basic glove pattern.

While I'm sure there are other fab resources out there, this is the only one I actually own and it hasn't steered me wrong yet. So I can only vouch for this being a solid investment.

You're welcome. You can find garment diagrams on a lot of knitting patterns, and studying those can help you understand how they're constructed. You might also find a basic "sweater recipe" book helpful as you go along creating patterns. I have Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, which provides a good foundation that you can then modify to fit your particular body type as necessary.

[These] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QHGVZK/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486672476&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=susan+bates+sock+fpn) are my favorite type so far. Good for starting out cheaply. I know tons of advanced knitters move on to circulars and do stuff like two at a time and the magic loop.

For now I love my DPN's!

Edit: they come in different lengths.. my fav is 6-7 inches. 8 and up feel a bit long for small projects.

I'm a fan of metal needles, I hate the wooden kind.

I personally have the Chiaogoo red lace complete set and I love it. Before this I had the Knitpicks nickle plated set which was good, but the Chiaogoos are lighter and a step above. The cables have less memory in the Chiaogoo set which is lovely. I also like how the complete set is 2.75mm to 10mm, and my previous set was only 3.5mm to 8mm (or something like that). A downside I can see with the Chaiogoos vs Knitpicks is that the Chiaogoos have different sized cables (half of them are size S cable, the other half are L), whereas the all the Knitpicks needles are all interchangeable with each other. It's not an issue for me, but it's something I noticed.

I've always known my primary goal as a knitter would be to make sweaters, and I'm absolutely obsessive about how my seams look. This book, The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques was a lifesaver when I was first starting out. I make sweaters all the time now, and I still find myself occasionally referring back to it. Books always seem to gloss over seaming, and yet good seams are so essential to having a good finished product, and this book shows you the techniques in great detail.

I have this one here and it is pretty great. Tons of stitches, separated into great categories (small lace, large lace, knit and purl patterns, color work, all sorts) and color pictures.

There's a book that I've heard about, but haven't seen in person yet. It's supposed to be quite good. Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns - it has over 1000 stitches!

And there is a Vol 2, Vol 3, and Vol 4. They are, or were, out of print, but were reissued a few years ago, so it's a bit easier to find a copy now.

I bought The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns on a whim, and now I've got the sweater one and the top down sweater one too. I love them so much. I'm tall so I was constantly having to adjust patterns and it was driving me mad, paying £5+ for a pretty cardigan pattern then having to re-write most of it to make it fit! Now I don't bother, I make my own patterns to fit me properly.

Crochet only has one T :)

I got this book for amigurumi: https://www.amazon.com/Amigurumi-Knits-Patterns-Cute-Mini/dp/1589234359

It's great for learning a lot of techniques like short rows and different types of increases and decreases!

I would definitely recommend getting circular needles, because you can do everything with them.

This would be very affordable "investment" for a beginner, but the quality isn't usually that great. But they'll get the job done.

I've never used Clover needles before (we don't get them around here), but at least for the price, I'd imagine they'd be better quality than what I mentioned above. Few needles that fall in the most common sizes (3 mm - 4.5 mm - that's what, US 3 to US 7?) would last a long way.

If your girlfriend really gets into knitting, a quality interchangeable needle set would be a very good investment - Addi, Chiao Goo, KnitPicks/KnitPro, those would be the main ones.

I finally got these interchangeables Knitter's Pride limited addition Karbonz needles. They are amazing! My family looked at me like I was mental when they saw how excited I was to open them. They are so fast!

I only actually have 1 book of patterns, and it's the Harry Potter Charmed Knits book. Otherwise, I have this and this, which I ordered from Amazon. I like to try to freehand patterns once in a while (only actually wrote 1 up), so having more references for stitches is the way I like to go.

Personally, I would use a pattern that came in the size you want, and then add in the details.

Here's a free drop-shoulder baby sweater, one for knitted pants, a long, pointy hat and socks.

You'll need to do a bit of modification to the sweater pattern, using a provisional cast on and knitting to a shorter length before dividing for the armholes, adding in the front triangular detail, and potentially adding a button placket at the back if that's a detail you really like.

If converting sizes is something you plan to do a lot of, you will probably find Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns useful. It teaches you how to combine different sleeve/collar shapes for all sizes (kids, women and men), gives the different measurements for length/circumference and gives you yarn estimates.

Awesome! Thanks for the advice. She works with a lot of different types of yarn, I think. I don't really know much about it. I do know that she has most of those accessories already in the first kit you mentioned. I think she'd really like that second kit.

I was thinking about getting her this that I found on Amazon and the reviews were pretty good. I just didn't know if it was sort of overkill, or if it would be an awesome way to set her up for any project.

She mentioned wanting to make some scarves she found patterns for, but I haven't been able to steal the patterns away to see what needles/yarn they call for. It sounds like a # 8 or #10 is kind of standard though?

Lace Chain counters;
https://www.amazon.ca/Lacis-Basic-Hands-Knitting-Counter/dp/B004BP61T4

bone straight needles (with fancy carved stoppers);
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_Knitting.html

Portuguese knitting needles (crochet hook on one end, pointed needle tip on the other, no flat spot in the middle) [called Hook/Point 'Wanda' needles on the Lacis website];
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_Knitting.html

Knitting feeder/ring;
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/91738407/the-original-most-popular-knitting-ring

Personalized Yarn Bowl;
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/256718282/petite-yarn-bowl-personalize-with-color

Quiviuit yarns (Arctic Muskox down);
http://windyvalleymuskox.net/product-category/yarns/

And of course, other things, but these are the more unusual things on my personal list.

Good Luck!

Also, try your local library for knitting books. (Mine is excellent.) Videos normally concentrate on one topic, without much talking around the topic. Books develop stage by stage, and have time to tell you why things are done that way and what alternatives you could use -- making it much easier to learn to do your own thing.

Libraries (or bookshops) let you compare books to see which style you like. These two are often recommended: Teach yourself Visually Knitting and the Stitch 'n Bitch Knitter's Handbook. These two also seem good: Debbie Bliss Knitter's Book of Knowledge and Knitting in Plain English.

They're still available here!!

Edit: Okay now they're officially gone. Thank god I was procrastinating from studying just now! I've been waiting for this deal for what seems like a year.

I like the Clover Takumi Bamboo circular needles. Size 7 (4.5mm) at 16" is the perfect size for making a hat or ear warmers. The bamboo holds the stitches well so that they don't slide off like on aluminum needles.

One solution is to use a knitting chain. You can buy one or make one. (Read the "make" version to learn more about using a chain.)

It hangs on your needle between two stitches, and every time you knit a row you have to pass it. When you get to it you put your needle into the next link in the chain, thus effectively counting on one. You can't forget to update it for this row because you have to knit past it.

Using the commercial chain you can tie a coloured thread on every fourth link and then knit from one end of the chain to the other with every fourth row marked. If you make a chain you can design it to be 5 links long so that when you reach the end you can start back the other way and it will take 4 rows to get to the other end.

EDIT: How to make smarter knitting chains is here.

I wouldn't use it as is. My circular needles have cases, my pattern has a folder, my my little notions have little bags and containers.


Perhaps you make similar add ons for your strabook, though. If it could hold patterns and notions along with a couple of needles for a current project, I can see it suddenly becoming quite useful. Important notions to me would be: lots of stitch markers, a cable needle, a tapestry needle and a small pair of scissors (or better yet a container of dental floss).

I'm a big fan of Knit Picks - about a third of my stash is from them, and I've tried over 20 of their yarn lines. They vary in quality, though, and the comments on Ravelry about the different yarns are usually pretty enlightening as to which ones are most worth your money. (I'm also happy to give my personal opinion, but obviously I'm just one knitter, while Rav has the opinions of many.)

Also, tip for the Chiaogoo interchangeables if you're not set on getting them for Mother's Day and are the patient type: they dip really low in price every now and then on Amazon. I have an Amazon price alert app set to notify me when they drop below $25 and just snagged [this complete set with 5" tips] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QXJP1QA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for $17.50 last week!

I use a mix of a lot of the options mentioned by other posters but I also have a few KnowKnits bags I've been gifted and I love them. They sell onAmazon but I've seen them at yarn stores too.

I also carry a little altoids style tin with a fabric tape measure, slip and snip scissors, a cable needle, blunt needles, stitch markers, needle caps, and a knitting ring. I just move this from bag to bag.

>best care plan for, say, a blanket without special washable yarn

I don't use any yarns are machine washable. I use KnitIQ for everything https://www.amazon.com/KnitIQ-Rinse-Delicate-Liquid-Detergent/dp/B07KB53TVX

The soak works on non-animal fibers as well: I have a few (machine, store bought) shawls that have fringe, making them a nightmare in the washing machine.

Sometimes you can find some good deals over at r/yarnswap. I think there's a de-stash section in ravelry, too.

Seconding this. I love the needles. I bought 0, 1, and 2 in 40" fixed circulars but also have this set which is great.

Chiaogoo twist 7400-C set on amazon. I love them, and as long as you use a t-pin to tighten the needles on, I rarely have any loosening. You can also get the bamboo needles, and they are all interchangeable so you can do magic loop or double circulars.

CHIAOGOO 7400-C Twist Tip... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKT5WMC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I taught myself to knit socks using the book KNIT SOCKS! It's even shaped like a sock (the book is). I found the instructions to be very helpful, and the patterns are varying levels of difficulty in case you want a challenge.

Here it is on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Socks-Betsy-McCarthy/dp/1580175376/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416946884&sr=8-4&keywords=knit+socks

Great job! I’m a self-taught knitter, too. I used the book “Knitting in Plain English” by Maggie Righetti.

Are links allowed?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0312353537/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519439860&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=knitting+in+plain+english&dpPl=1&dpID=51DogZXp9DL&ref=plSrch

I would recommend getting "the knitter's handy book of sweater patterns" by Ann Budd. It is a treasure trove of sweater patterns. You can measure his sweater and then use the multiple types/styles of sweaters to make an exact replica. I use it to create my own sweaters all the time. I can vary yarn weight, stitches, sleeve type etc. I found my copy at a used book store for about $5 dollars, one of the best knitting investments I ever made.
Sorry it is an amazon link, but you can peak inside. http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Handy-Book-Sweater-Patterns/dp/1931499438

Edit for link

When I was just beginning to knit, this was my go-to book. There aren't any real patterns in it, but the book has lots of tips and advice for knitters. As for a pattern book, maybe try one of the one skein books?

I also think throwing in one of these rulers into the kit is a good idea. The information tends to rub off of circular needles (or else it's printed really small), so the little needle gauge on the ruler is so helpful.

Different books have different uses.

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques is an invaluable little reference for making your knitting look handmade rather than homemade. It comes in a spiral-bound version, which is very nice to have.

For sweater design & customizing, you can't beat Sweater Design in Plain English. Again, it's all about the difference between homemade and handmade. Righetti also wrote Knitting in Plain English, which is a more general book and just as invaluable.

My favourite stitch dictionaries are the Walker Treasuries - I use Volume 1 most often.

Metal interchangeable needle sets!

Hiya Hiya

ChiaoGoo

Both are expensive so I'm mostly likely going to buy them for myself with holiday gift money but it never hurts to dream!

Sorry for all the replies, but I just found this.

http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Pride-Dreamz-Interchangeable-Knitting/dp/B00IRMKRV0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418244391&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=inter+changable+circular+knitting+needles

Are these good too? They have options to get smaller cables too,.

Not that I know of. I got it from this book. I also bought this one. I think the projects in the second book are a lot cuter.

EDIT: FOUND IT!

I taught myself to knit from Stitch 'n Bitch. After that it was all practice and experimentation. I really enjoyed practicing knitting things from The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKT5WMC/

I really wouldn't use it. I don't have this particular set but mine is very similar and I have a small pouch for my notions that fits inside the case.

Maybe this would be useful for people who buy needles individually but they tend to buy professional needles after a while.

I would use this as a purse and carry my personal items -toothpaste, keys, extra pens, pills, whatever- when I travel.

It's from Amigurumi Knits by Hansi Singh. There's a ton of cute patterns in it.

I have this book and love it. There is even a section with just vegetables. I'm a sucker for stuffies.

Thanks so much! First- don't be afraid to make mistakes. Lots of my favorite creations were born out of mistakes. Also, get this book and make all of the patterns. Hansi Singh's patterns use so many innovative curves, twists, and angles and I steal little pieces of her patterns all of the time. (The lung sacks on my facehuggers are actually modifications of the heads of her octopus).

I usually prefer wooden or bamboo needles, but you gotta get metal for such small guys or they'll break!
See:

http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Sock-each-size/dp/B000QHGVZK

http://www.amazon.com/Double-Pointed-Knitting-Needles-8-Inch/dp/B001EDF72S/

ChiaoGoo 7500-C Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, 2.75-10.0mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXJP1QA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_C8kozbQX3SYMR

>Reddit

Really? $207?? I'd hesitate too. Try this one:

https://www.amazon.com/ChiaoGoo-7500-C-2-75-10-0mm-Twist-Interchangeable/dp/B00QXJP1QA/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2RUFCMWRRVA3J&keywords=chiaogoo+interchangeable+knitting+needles&qid=1573672832&sprefix=chiao%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-4

Unfortunately there isn't any sort of industry standard - every designer or manufacturer is going to have their own set of measurements they call standard. I have this book and I use it to check their suggested measurements on gloves, hats and socks all the time. For sweaters I am rather fond of patterns that size everything according to finished bust measurement and give finished waist and hip measurements - generally the various sizes are given in increments of 2" (ex. 36", 38", 40", etc.). No need to worry about which one is a size 8 or medium or whatever, just measure!