Friday, August 5, 2011

My Adventures with the Knook

My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 5. At the same time, she taught me how to knit. So I was bi-textural at a young age! She taught me lots of needle arts: how to sew on her old Singer treadle sewing machine; how to darn socks; how to thread a needle (sewing or yarn). She also knew how to make lace, do Tunisian crochet (she might have taught me that, too), do Broomstick crochet, Hairpin lace and tatting. She probably would have liked using the Knook – not just because it's so much like knitting, but with a hook instead of 2 needles. But because she couldn't read English, and had to learn her skills by looking at pictures or having some one teach her. She would have loved the videos that Leisure Arts has on their web site – you know, the ones that teach the 'how to's" of Knooking. 

When I was asked by Leisure Arts to be a part of this blog tour, I jumped at the chance. I had noticed the ads for the Knook, and really wanted to try it. It looked so interesting. Like Tunisian crochet (which I love, do, design with, and teach). It looked like knitting (which I love, do, and do some designing with), but there were subtle differences with both Tunisian crochet and knitting. I was anxious to try Knooking.

By now, if you've followed the blog tour for the past 2 weeks, you've seen how to thread the Knook with it's cord. You know how to chain and load your Knook hook with stitches. You know how to pull the cord out from the base of the stitches, and then push those stitches off the Knook hook onto the cord and bring the cord and stitches around so you can start a new row. You know that you insert the hook from left to right into the stitch, and you don't "yarn over" – you "yarn under". You may have watched the video many times. You may have even Knooked a sampler piece like I did. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't.

Here is the video, in case you haven't seen it. And some of the patterns that you can make with the Knook.

In my sampler, I did a few rows of the Knook Knit stitch, and then I worked one knit row, one purl row, and repeated that for a few rows. Here is what it looks like:


When I Knooked this sampler, I looked at the pictures and read the instructions in the book that's included in the set. But first – I looked at the video on-line. And even then, I missed some points that were made about how to insert the hook into the stitch. I went from right to left, what I'm used to, instead of left to right, which the directions tell you to do. Sometimes I forgot to do a "yarn under" - I did a "yarn over" like in crochet. I should have read each line separately, or stopped the video at each part of each step. Instead, I thought I would remember what to do. And that's why my sampler looks a little "different" in places. Remember, this is my first try at Knooking. And I plan to work at this some more. A lot more, because it's really a lot of fun to do. It's knitting with a hook! The fabric is so much like knitted fabric – if you didn't know how it was created, you would think I used 2 needles, not one Knook hook. I just have to practice!

If you're interested in knitting, this will help you learn. If you know how to knit, this will give you another way to knit. Just remember, it takes practice! And more practice! Remember when you first learned to crochet or knit? You had to practice! But once you got it, you were okay. It's the same with Knooking.

The Knook kit comes with 4 easy patterns to practice with, so you can be making a scarf or baby blanket, spa cloth or lap throw before you know it. I think my first Knook project is going to be the spa cloth. I may even enlarge it to make a scarf! I'll be able to practice my knit and purl Knook stitches, and from there – I can conquer the world!!! Okay – maybe not the world, but at least some pattern that's a little more difficult!  

Here are some more Knook patterns that I want to try:

Bottle Cozies - but I'll turn them into Coffee Cozies







Potholders - I'll learn a basketweave stitch and can make a baby afghan!




What are you going to try Knooking first? If you leave a comment about what you hope to make with a Knook, you'll be entered into a drawing, and you could win one of 2 Knook kits that I'm giving away. Write your comment before midnight (Eastern Daylight Time) on Monday, August 8, 2011, to be entered into the drawing! Please include your email address. I'll pick 2 winners using a random number generator.


Good luck, and happy Knooking!!!



43 comments:

Abby1 said...

Hi!

I want to make a pair of socks, using real sock yarn. I already have a pattern. I could never figure out how to knit them, so I have a real chance to do so with the Knook.

Thanks again, for the contest! I think its a great way to get the word of the Knook out there.

Patricia said...

I just want to learn to knit but I just can't get the needles to work for me! I would like to work on some dish clothes first.

Anonymous said...

carrie405@pitel.net
I would love to knit but I don't want to give up my crochet hook.
If I win one First i am going to make a washcloth.

n7lqk said...

My next step is to try making baby hats with a knook. My dishcloths with the locker hook are coming along well.

n7lqk said...

I forgot my e-mail n7lqk1@yahoo.com

If my last post didn't make it through, I want to try baby hats next. I have been doing well with the dishcloths on the locker hook.

Thank you so much.

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I never could master Tunisian Crochet, and I always blamed the long hook as being unwieldy. I had to drop that excuse when I started knitting with two long needles. But as I look at the Knook, I'm wondering if Tunisian wouldn't be a little easier with this fascinating new tool?

As I'm already an experienced knitter and crocheter, I'll probably jump right in with something large, like a laprobe or shawl. And try to incorporate a little Tunisian:)

I can be emailed thru my blogger profile.

Lareina said...

I think I'll try the sampler scarf they have on the leisure arts website. Looks beautiful!

Stitch 'n Frog said...

I've crocheted socks, but want to knit socks too. The problem for me is getting along with double point needles. Now, with the knook, I won't have that problem.

Why hasn't someone come up with this 40 years ago? I could have been knooking for all those years!

Karen Williams said...

I've signed up with the Knooking Yahoo group, and we'll be starting a KAL soon - waiting for people to procure their knooks (really hard to find a Walmart right now). I'm hoping to have my own set before the KAL starts (hint hint). My first project will be a small cloth or scarf. I'd love to eventually knook hats and socks. I'm a klutz with knitting - much better with a hook. Thanks for the blog - reminding us to listen / read the instructions carefully and not get too far ahead to avoid confusion. I can't wait to get started.

Shar said...

I would love to be able to finally make large pieces like a knit dress or sweater [a la Twinkle by Wenlan]

Katie said...

katie405@pitel.net
If i win first i will make a hat and scarf to match.

Melody said...

I want to make fingerless gloves.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

CottonCandyG said...

I'm starting my own crochet company... I seem to have a knack for purses, the more intricate the better. I've seen several knit projects that I would love to make. But my first project is probably going to be a face cloth or scarf, something with a lot of repetition so I can get the hang of the Knook. Regardless of winning one, I do plan on procuring one and Knooking like crazy. :)
Happy Knooking!

Anonymous said...

Hi I so love all the projects with the knook and I love making potholders (those ones shown would be so nice for an upcoming wedding shower along with some knook dishcloths(?) , however, as a new grannie to be, the love blankie looks like something I would try to get done 2nd after practicing on potholders. My grandma taught me the basics of embroidery, crocheting, and sewing. Unfortunately she passed on to needlework heaven before she taught me to knit. What a wonderful prize! Goodluck to all of us! Lori@lcheney95@gmail.com

Artes Mágicas said...

I will knook a lovely slowchy hat for my 5 tear old, very stlylish boy. I can't wait to learn how to knit. I've tried before, but the two needles are very frustrating and I keep losing stiches.

Anonymous said...

I would love to make the Lady Bug Dishcloth they show
On the site. I taught myself to crochet in February but just can't seem to get the hang of 2 needles. I love the knitted look and would love to create some things using it.
Denise

drtknz@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would make the lady bug dishcloth from the website.
Seems like an easy project for a beginning knitter.
Tried to teach myself but can't the hang of 2 needles.
I think the Knook will be perfect for me. :)

the relay geek? said...

A shawl or a scarf. I've never been able to teach myself how to knit and this is the perfect chance to switch my yarn fascination to a different craft.

Mary Sarah said...

I'd love to try this. I crochet and am slowly learning to knit. The Knook sounds perfect. I think I'd make the spa cloth first. Smaller project and quick gratification! Thanks so much for hosting a giveaway.

Reggie said...

I love to crochet and would love to learn how to knit. The Knook looks like it might be a little easier to use. I will make a baby blanket since that's what I like to crochet.

BearyAnn said...

Thank you. The video was a great demonstration of Knooking. I can't wait to get started.

I enjoy knitting and crochet, this just seems a natural technique to learn.

For a first project, I think I will make a baby blanket for my nieces baby due in November.

But first, I have to win a knook hook :)

Debbie said...

I would love to win a Knook kit and try my hand at it!

Dreaming Diva said...

The vert first thing I'd like to knook is a washcloth. Something that is quich and would let me get used to knits and purls with a knook.

Amouse said...

Hats I want to do hats

CarolAnn124 said...

I would love to win this. I've never tried knitting, and you know I want to so bad. I'm thinking of making small squares and whipstitching them all together to make a baby blanket, with a crocheted border. I'm hoping some really cool knook patterns start coming out online too.

Nancy said...

I learned to knit when I was quite small, 5 or 6. My Grandma Jessie would cast on my stitches and I could garter stitch forever. A few years later I learned to crochet and put the needles down for good. For years, I have tried to return, but the casting on (remember Grandma always did it for me) stops me most of the time. There are so many things I want to try to knit, just a simple garter stitch block baby blanket would be awesome. Knitted toys really speak to me. And I am hoping to get a knook to add some knitting to my crochet garments.

Clemons3781 said...

I knit and crochet. I would love to try my hand at the Knook. Combining both of my loves. I think I would try the bottle cozy's first.

Clemons3781 said...

I knit and crochet and love the idea of the Knook, combing my 2 favorite things. I would like to try my hand at the bottle cozy and then work my way up to a baby blanket

Maggi said...

Wow, I would have loved to have sat at your Grandmother's knee for hours and hours! I would love to make some baby legwarmers with the Knook. I love to crochet but have never gotten the whole knitting thing down, I need a gateway to knitting! lol

justaddglitter at gmail.com

Miss Kelly said...

I'd like to try a handbag or some socks...I'm looking forward to getting one. andersentribe@gmail.com

Miss Kelly said...

I'd really like to make a handbag and some socks. I can't wait to get one so I can get started. andersentribe@gmail.com

Timmie said...

I think a special tool for knitting with your hook sounds interesting. I've been knitting with a hook for years but one or two stitches at a time. southparknitter@gmail.com

bekahjane said...

I simply must lean to work with yarn. I have it on my bucket list.

Carlie said...

I can't wait to try the Knook! I will probably start with something small like a dishcloth but can't wait to try a scarf!

Anonymous said...

I love those potholders!

Tracey Jean said...

One of my closest friends is having a baby soon, so my second project would be a baby blankie. First, I'd get the stitches down with a practice dishcloth...

YMM Positive Outcomes said...

I don't know what to say. To think you could have held classes for us all those years ago...could have had a knitting/crochet club at Sullivan High School...all that wasted time worrying about nothing that mattered. and now you're in nc and I'm still here in chgo! I enjoy your accomplishments!

Anonymous said...

Hi there ,found you through blog hopping and am so glad I did!I learned crochet last year and have only made cushions and blankets so far. thankyou so much for sharing your patterns.well bye for now,take care,julie.xxxx

Jacomina Rizzardi said...

"The fabric is so much like knitted fabric – if you didn't know how it was created, you would think I used 2 needles, not one Knook"

This would be because *it is* knitted fabric..."Knooking" is a knitting technique, not a new craft. What Leisure Arts shows in their videos and booklet is actual Continental style knitting translated to the hook-and-string tool.

HappyCooker1229 said...

My husband just discovered the Knook kit at our local Wal-Mart and I am excited to try it out! All the projects in the book are great samplers items and using medium weight yarn means I can grab yarns out of my collection. The best thing though? As a Lefty who was taught by Rightys how to knit and a Lefty how to crochet, I am thrilled to see instructions in both "languages"! I know what I'm doing this weekend. :)

Marty Miller said...

Have fun with your Knook!

Meira Shana said...

Have you seen the expanded new Knooking kit?

It has 5 needles; 3 are the same size as the original kit, and 2 are new/larger.

Other stores now supposedly have them - like Michaels. Look in the magazine/book section there, however.

Peach said...

Just learned how to knook. I love crocheting and seems this is the way to knit. First attempt will be a child's sweater.