Congratulations! Here you sit, maybe with needles and yarn in hand, excited to begin learning a wonderful, new hobby, knitting. You bought the needles, and the yarn, and even an introductory magazine to keep you company. Now what?

Fortunately, you have found a little treasure in this article! In the following paragraphs I will set your mind at rest with the very best beginner knitting tips and techniques! So let me let you in on some of the best little knitting secrets around!

1) Overcome Your Fear! Yes, fear. Ah, you say, what does fear have to do with knitting?

Maybe nothing. On the other hand, maybe everything. If you are the type of personality who just likes to get in there every time and get your hands dirty, then fear is probably not that big a deal for you.

If you're like me, whenever you start a new project, your tendency will be to want everything about it to be perfect. Guess what? Nothing is ever perfect.

That isn't to say, whenever you do something it looks a mess. Quite the contrary. You take time to see to it that whatever you do, you do your best. That usually doesn't have anything to do with being perfect. After all, if we were all perfect, why would we need to strive better to do anything at all? There just would be no need!

You should recognize within yourself, that "perfect" has no place in your life. Anything worth doing will present mistakes and errors all along the way. How else do we ever learn anything?

2) Calling All Procrastinators! We all put things off, it's just human nature. If we are new to a project, a job, or even a relationship, we think going slow, or hardly moving, is the best route to take.

Well, here's news. It never is. You need to TAKE ACTION and take it now!

Open that knitting magazine to the beginning page, and start reading. It's that simple. But,you have to do it, now, (!) and just go forward.

3) Know Your Tools. Beginning knitting is simple, indeed. All you need are a pair of knitting needles. I recommend the metal or bamboo type as they are the easiest to work with. Make sure your needles are the straight version, NOT the circular needles.

Your knitting needles should be size 8, 8-1/2, or 9, preferably. Not too small, and not too big will help you learn faster.

Yarn comes in infinitesimal varieties. Why, there is so much yarn nowadays to choose from, you might walk into a yarn shop and never come out!

Again, be simple. Choose a worsted-weight yarn. Look on the label which is on each skein of yarn for the words "worsted weight". Not sport-weight, not fun fur, not chunky or bulky, not cotton, or chenille. Just stick with the worsted weight. And, here's good news, you can choose whichever color you like! There are too many to list here.

4) Learn The Basic Basics Start learning to knit the easy way. Learn how to cast on, learn the knit stitch, learn the purl stitch, and learn how to bind off. That's it!

Do not over complicate your life when learning anything new. Stick to the basics and you will never go wrong!

5) Be Consistent I've been married more than 30 years. That is a long time. It hasn't always been a bed of roses, nor has it ever been awful. But there are always the slow times, the rough times, the nothing--seems--to--be--going--right times.

With practice, my husband and I have learned what it takes to be happily married. And we have let all the rest go by.

The same goes for learning to knit. Keep it simple, be consistent, practice, practice, practice!! And no, practice doesn't make perfect; but you will come close.

6) Knitting Is Good For You! I'll bet you didn't know that! But did you know this?! There is scientific evidence that shows the benefits that come from picking up a pair of knitting needles and creating a knitted sensation. Knitting brings about serenity; it helps to synchronize the left and right sides of the brain; knitting brings one closer to a meditative state. The gentle clicking and clacking of the needles brings about a soothing rhythm.

This soothing rhythm leads to more harmonious blood flow and lowered blood pressure. Our minds and bodies are connected; but your grandmother could have told you that!

7) Do What Works. When you are learning to knit, learn one step at a time. When you have learned the knit stitch well, practice it over and over. Use it in various patterns, and designs before moving on to something new. Don't feel that you have to be too fancy or intricate if you don't feel comfortable doing that.

There is always a tendency in this loopy world we live in to try and be more that we are. Do what works, in knitting and in every other way, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Follow these 7 simple steps to get you knitting today!! You'll be a winner every time!

(c)2006 Alice Seidel All Rights Reserved