When I learned to knit, I thought I would never get past how awkward it felt to hold two sticks in my hands and attempt to wrap yarn around them and create something. I even dreamed about knitting the night after I first tried it. Now, I find it to be very relaxing, and I enjoy hearing the click of the needles as I move from stitch to stitch. As a beginning knitter, I discovered books at the Richland County Public Library that helped reinforce what I learned when my knitting instructor wasn't available

The book that first brought the renewed interest in knitting to the attention of many people was Stitch 'n Bitch Handbook, by Debbie Stoller. This book could make anyone want to learn to knit. Debbie's enthusiasm for knitting is contagious.

There are two books in the Teach Yourself Visually series that are very helpful for beginners. The older edition is Teach Yourself Visually Knitting and Crocheting and the newer edition is Teach Yourself Visually Knitting . I prefer the older edition because the photographs are larger. I was able to teach myself to purl using this book. Plus, you have crochet instructions as well.

RCPL has these books and many others that can help you become part of the knitting nation. To browse through books on this topic, look for the 746.432 call number.

Look for audiovisual and Internet resources on knitting in a future post.