"Closely Knit" is a free, drop-in knitting circle for all levels of knitters, from those just learning to knit to advanced.  We meet at the Solana Beach Library, the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, at 9:30 a.m.

Knitting is healthy!  It activates the same part of the brain as meditation, and has many of the same physical benefits, including:  lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension, reducing pain in those with chronic disease, lowering pulse rate, providing relief from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, lessening the incidence and severity of  migraine and cluster headaches, and reducing anxiety resulting from mild depression.

No wonder most knitters I know knit more for the pleasure of the process than for the goal of the finished project!  This is what I want you to be able to experience with this first project, too.

For the first beginner's project you will need:
  
         One #8, 16-inch, circular, bamboo knitting needle
         One skein WORSTED WEIGHT "Wool-Ease," "Encore," or                             "Impeccable" yarn in a light color
         One set of the most inexpensive plastic crochet hooks                                     which contain a size "G" hook
         One gold, bent-end yarn needle

The Wool-Ease and Impeccable yarns, knitting needles, and the crochet hooks set are available at:
           Michael's         
                   335 North El Camino Real, Encinitas    (760) 635-0100

The Encore yarn, knitting needles, and gold needle is available at:
          Common Threads               
                  466 South Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas   (760) 436-6119                                        (across the street from the La Paloma Theater)

I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO CAST-ON AND KNIT THE BEGINNER'S PROJECT AT THE MEETING.

More explanation about the supplies needed for the beginner's project:

The needles don't HAVE to be bamboo, but I recommend them strongly, as they are not as slippery and are much easier to use when you're a beginner and feel like you have six thumbs!  I want your first project to be easy and fast, so that you have fun and look forward to your next knitting project with confidence.  Please be sure to buy a size #8, 16 inch, bamboo, circular needle. 

The worsted weight Wool-Ease or Impeccable yarns are available at Michael's.  With one of their 40% off coupons, a skein will cost a few dollars.  Although the fancy, designer yarns at Common Threads and the Black Sheep are yummy, please do stick with the yarns I have specified for this first project; they are the easiest to work with.  I want you to be able to relax and enjoy the process of knitting.  We all have enough stress in our lives; I certainly don't want to be a part of adding more! 

My "Closely Knit" group is about knitting as a relaxing, enriching process, the joy of creativity, warm, enriching friendships, and FUN! 

We'd love to have you join us!