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counting rows is a good idea. You can buy a row counter or you can keep a tally on a piece of paper. Either way works; you just have to remember to click or tick as you go! Other than that, all you really do need are two sticks and a ball of yarn! Oh, and a pattern, of course.

But how do you do knit? If you don't have a teacher who will sit beside you and guide you through the steps, there are several excellent books that will serve as surrogate mentors. Easy Knits, by Zoe Mellor and Carolyn Clewer is a wonderful teaching guide that includes 10 simple projects to get you going and its spiral bound format makes it easy to use. Teach Yourself Visually Knitting by Sharon Turner lays thing out with clear step-by-step instructions and large pictures. Knitting for Dummies, by Pam Allen, is one of the best and most comprehensive knitting instruction guides there is. Even seasoned knitters can benefit from this information-packed tome.

Because knitting is such a visual art, learning to do it really takes a hands-on, teacher-at-your-side approach. While it may be more meaningful to learn at Grandma's knee, books work well when Grandma isn't available. Your local book store or library will be certain to have a practical teaching guide such as the ones previously mentioned.

But there is one more option...

A knitting circle! Local groups will welcome new comers to the art and this is a great way to begin knitting and make new friends. The added benefit to a knitting circle is the members will share patterns and help with tricky techniques. They will often have great stashes of yarn to raid, too.

Learn more about this author, Toni McKilligan.
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