DIY has a sweet spot, which I define as something that’s fun and challenging enough to make you feel like a rockstar, but simple enough so that it doesn’t destroy you, the major kicker being if it’s useful. Today’s DIY hits that spot, and it’s an extra exciting one because it’s my first time knitting.
I LEARNED HOW TO KNIT.
Knitting has always felt elusive to me, and as much as I’ve wanted to learn, I never got past the intimidation of where to start, figuring out the best materials to get, or what to even research. We Are Knitters contacted me to partner on a post about trying one of their knitting kits, and I was so intrigued not only by how I’d finally learn how to knit, but by how pretty the knitting projects looked.
Other than it being gorgeous, I tried out the Udon blanket kit because of how much I’ll use it this Fall and because the skill level is easy. Also, let’s talk about that packaging- it’s outstanding. It would make such a pretty and thoughtful gift to any wanna-be knitter (like me.)
The kit comes with all the materials needed with your choice of wool color. I think no one is surprised by my choice.
The instruction sheet outlines steps with the type of stitches needed for the project, which the We Are Knitters site has video tutorials on.
I watched the video for each technique and followed them closely, rewinding, re-watching, and pausing over and over, in complete beginner style.
It was super slow going at first because my life depended on the videos, but then something amazing happened…
…I became a knitting and purling MACHINE. I can knit and purl in my sleep, guys. I swear I even dreamt about it one night.
Weaving in the loose ends was the best part, because that meant I was done.
Real talk: the skill level is easy, but considering that this project takes many hours to complete, it’s not a quick weekend project and takes some perseverance, not to mention I messed up and had to back-track a lot. That is why completing this project will achieve rockstar status. It was also a great excuse to spend more time with Netflix, and possibly the proudest I’ve ever felt about something I made. I made a blanket and it’s gorgeous!!
Curious- do any of you knit? Or are you in the wanna-be knitter camp? This has seriously been on my to-do list as long as sewing has (still no progress on that) and I’m itching to get into crocheting, too.
If you’re thinking about learning how to knit or want to gift that experience, We Are Knitters is offering 15% off your purchase with code HOMEYWAK. Discount is valid until December 1st!
This post is sponsored by We Are Knitters. All words, opinions, and excitement are always my own. Thank you for supporting brands that help keep the fun projects coming.
Make me one?! I used to know how to crochet and I really should relearn that skill. My mom quilts and knits like crazy so I usually just have her make me stuff ;) This is gorg by the way!
Oooo getting mom to do this is a sweet deal haha. Thanks, Bre!
Oh my goodness, so cozy!!
Truth.
This looks wonderful, cozy and fun to try just pinned thanks for sharing:)
Thanks for pinning, Mari!
I love this brand already because their packaging is amazing and the fact that they said “Happiness in a kit” haha! I am in the wanna-be knitter camp because I almost learned how to knit from my best friend’s mom, but she passed away before I got the chance to get lessons from her. I spent more of my time helping my best friend and her dad take care of her instead.
I think handmade gifts are so wonderful (I’ve been making my Christmas gifts for the last 5 years or so) so these kits are a great idea. I can totally see myself getting carried away with knitting because it just seems so therapeutic too! Thanks for sharing, Amy! xo
So sorry for the loss of your friend’s mom, and touching to think that learning to knit would be like honoring her.
I’m all for handmade gifts, and it’s ABSOLUTELY therapeutic to knit. Another activity added to the list of awesome meditation practices.
Thanks for sharing your story, Huong!
Awesome. I really love the blanket; it’s beautiful!
Thank you, Monique!
This is so cute and sweet, to cover yourself with the handmade blanket by you! It looks not so hard to do it
You’re right, it’s pretty cute haha thank you!
Is the link working for you? I can’t get it to work but I am on my phone so that might be the problem. You’ve inspired me to try!
I’m SO sorry about this, Anitra. I just fixed the links. Hopefully they work for you now!
Wow! The end result is just beautiful, I am intimidated by knitting as well which is why I don’r own a cozy blanket yet.
Amy wanted to let you know I checked with the link it takes me to an error 404 page.
Thanks for the review
Thanks so much for letting me know, Marwa. I just fixed all the links!
Knitting is intimidating, and probably one of the first times for a DIY I feel like a kit truly is the best way to go. Hope you’ll take the leap!
LOVE!!!! I am definitely looking into this! I’ve always wanted to knit but it intimates me too!! Hopefully I can figure it out! Plus you make it look so easy! haha
The start of a new skill is always rough, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! Get past the intimidation. You can do it. <3
This is gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to learn how to knit for some time, so this is perfectly timed for fall/winter.
Just wondering, did you use up all the yarn they sent you in the kit? I’m afraid if I do any of their knitting projects, I’m going to screw up so badly that I’ll have to buy like fifteen more balls of yarn to finish.
Thank you, Xira!
Yes, I used up all the yarn and I know exactly how you feel. I felt nervous about running out and it would’ve helped knowing that I had an extra ball. One extra ball would be more than enough.
Oh that just looks so cozy and I want to learn how to knit but I just don’t think I have the patience it requires! I’m a ‘get it done quick’ kinda gal! Pinned it thought because it’s a fabulous project and looks so nice and comfy. I want to wrap it around me!!
I’m the same kind of gal, but I also love meditative practices (hey, knitting) that slow me down because I need that sometimes. A lot. I get you, though!
This is beautiful! I’m in the crochet-camp myself but one of these days I would love to learn to knit. I’m a big fan of the super soft and comfy bulky yarns and it’s an extra bonus that they work up faster too! ;-) I just found your site and I love it! I was looking for some homemade christmas gift inspiration and i just loved your Modern Yarn Hanging. I’m excited to make a few for some of the people on my list this year! I just started selling some handmade crochet items a few months ago and started a website for it. Would you mind if i posted the wall hangings on my website to sell? I’ll post a link to your website as the source and give credit for the post of course – but only if you are okay with that!
Hi Megan! Recreating my DIYs for sale is not okay under any circumstance. I appreciate you asking.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind compliments!
How long do you need to finished it? I want to make it, but I’m worried to have no time. I also can’t knit. Please reply
Hi, I was surprised that the pattern has you knit it all in one piece with 75 stiches to cast on (considering I have only made their “snoods” so far there are only 17 stitches, I can’t imagine how 75 stitches fit on one needle! Did you find they were really squished when they were all on one side? I’m trying to decide if I should get circular needles for this. Thanks!
Hi Audrey! Yes, I was surprised at first too because I really had to squish them on there and thought there was no way! I did get used to it, but if there was an alternative option to make it easier I would have taken that.
Reading ur comments. I’m having the same problem, just too tight. I’m going to have to go with circulars but wonder what length would be good..
Thx
Wow, it’s so pretty! My grandma taught me how to knit when I was little, I made a couple of little things for myself over the years, like scarfs, arm warmers and pillow cases but I have been itching to make a REALLY big, warm and cosy blanket for our bed, I just can’t find any knitting needle’s that are long enough. I will check out that website now!
I also tried to get into crocheting recently, with a ‘learn how to crochet’ book for kids but that hasn’t gone so well yet!
I just ordered this kit and am wondering…I cast on 75 stitches (I also found they were squished on the needle but I can deal with that okay). Next row, I slipped the first stitch then did knit purl like the instructions said.
For the NEXT row, the instructions seem to say do the same thing: slip the first stitch, then knit purl all the way across.
But if I do that, I get knit stitch on top of knit stitch and purl stitch on top of purl stitch, which is not the look I am going after.
Did you find that you had to adjust the instructions so that row one was “slip then (knit purl) repeat and row two was “slip then (purl knit) repeat? Thanks!
I’m having the same issue, just so crowded, wonder if anyone has used circulars for this & if so how long would I need?
Nancy, I’ve finished the blanket. I switched to, and used size 19 circular needles. Much easier on the wrists.
~ Sara
Ok, I clicked over to see your knit project and this is the EXACT one I’m currently making (but in a soft blue color)! It’s slightly harder than my first mug holders I made with We Are Knitters, but I know when I’m done it will be such a proud moment. Those videos though… I watch them over and over!
I have some wool that I have been searching for the right pattern. Is the pattern for sale without the kit?
I don’t think they sell the pattern without the kit. You might want to try asking them directly, though!
The blanket looks so great!! I have never tried this pattern, thank you so much for sharing, knitting and crocheting are so great!! I gonna try it ^.^!
I love my kit but I find casting on 75 stitches is pretty difficult for the #19 straight needles. it can b done but it’s very tight.. has anyone knitted this circulars, If so how long.. would appreciate anyone’s response..
thanks
I’ve been looking through WAK’s blanket kits and see most of them are smaller than your standard 50×70 inch throw. Did you feel like your blanket was big enough?
Hi Caitlin, I did feel the blanket was a little small. Enough to lay over my lap while hanging out on the couch but not enough to sleep with.