What to Buy

1. Essentials vs. Non-Essentials: Start with the basics. Essential items include knitting needles, yarn, scissors, and patterns. Non-essential but useful items include stitch markers, cable needles, project bags, row counters, and tapestry needles.
2. Quality vs. Quantity: Focus on quality over quantity, especially for tools you'll use frequently. A high-quality pair of knitting needles can last a lifetime, whereas cheap ones might need replacing often.
3. Project-Specific Needs: Consider the projects you plan to undertake. Different projects may require specific types of yarn, needles, or other tools. Always check your pattern's requirements before purchasing materials.
4. Versatility: Opt for versatile tools and materials. For example, an interchangeable needle set, though more expensive initially, can save money and space in the long run.

Essential Items:

1. Knitting Needles: These come in various materials (wood, metal, plastic) and sizes. For beginners, a medium-sized pair (like 4mm or US size 6) is often recommended.
2. Yarn: The type of yarn you choose will depend on your project. For practice, an inexpensive, medium-weight yarn is a good start.
3. Scissors: A small, sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting yarn and tidying up loose ends.
4. Knitting Patterns: Instructions for creating projects. These can be found in books, online, or through knitting communities.

Non-Essential but Useful Items:

1. Wool Winding Gadgets: Tools like yarn winders or swifts can help you manage your yarn more effectively.
2. Stitch Markers: Small rings or clips used to mark your place in a pattern, especially useful for complex designs.
3. Cable Needles: Short needles used to hold stitches temporarily while creating cable patterns.
4. Project Bags: Containers or bags designed to keep all your knitting materials organized and portable.
5. Row Counters: Devices or apps that help you keep track of the number of rows you have knitted.
6. Tapestry Needles: Large-eyed needles used for sewing up seams and weaving in ends.

Why Focus on Value for Money?

1. Longevity and Durability: Higher quality items often last longer. This means you won’t have to replace them as frequently, saving you money in the long run.
2. Enhanced Enjoyment: Items that are well-made and pleasant to use can enhance your knitting experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying.
3. Better Performance: High-quality tools and materials often perform better, making your knitting projects easier and more pleasurable to complete.
4. False Economy: Opting for cheaper items that don't meet your needs or preferences can end up costing you more. If you don’t use them, they represent wasted money.

A Knitting Example: The Interchangeable Needle Set

When to Buy

1. Seasonal Sales: Many retailers offer significant discounts during major holidays, end-of-season sales, or annual clearance events. Plan your purchases around these sales to take advantage of lower prices.
2. New Product Releases: When new products are released, older models or versions often go on sale. Keep an eye on industry news to time your purchases accordingly.
3. Bulk Buying: Consider buying in bulk during sales or when you find a great deal. This is especially useful for items like yarn, which you'll always need.
4. Project Planning: Purchase materials when you have a clear plan for a project. This helps avoid impulse buys that might end up unused.

How to Make the Purchase

1. Research and Reviews: Before buying, research the product thoroughly. Read reviews from other knitters, watch YouTube videos, and ask for opinions in knitting forums.
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. A clear budget helps prevent overspending and ensures you prioritize your needs.
3. Compare Prices: Compare prices across different retailers, both online and offline. Look for the best deals and consider shipping costs if buying online.
4. Utilize Coupons and Discounts: Always look for coupons and discount codes. Many online retailers offer first-time customer discounts or special offers for newsletter subscribers.
5. Consider Secondhand Options: Don’t overlook secondhand sources like thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. You can often find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost.
6. Evaluate the Seller: Ensure you are buying from a reputable seller, especially online. Check their return policy and customer service ratings to avoid any issues.
7. Purchase from Trusted Sources: Buy from well-known retailers or trusted local shops. Building a relationship with your local yarn store can also lead to personalized recommendations and special discounts.

Who and Where to Find and Make Canny Knitting Purchases

1. Experienced Knitters: One of the best sources of advice is seasoned knitters. They can offer first hand insights on what tools and materials are worth investing in and which ones to avoid. Look for knitting groups or clubs in your community, where you can meet experienced knitters and learn from their experiences.
2. Knitting Instructors: Professional knitting instructors, whether they teach in person or online, can provide valuable recommendations based on their extensive knowledge. They can guide you on the best tools, materials, and techniques suited to your skill level and projects.
3. Friends and Family: Don’t overlook your personal network. Friends and family members who knit can be a great source of free advice and may even lend or give you supplies they no longer need.

1. Local Yarn Stores (LYS): Many local yarn stores offer knitting classes for all levels. These classes are often taught by experienced knitters and provide a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, shopping at an LYS supports local businesses and fosters a sense of community.
2. Community Centers and Adult Education Programs: Check out community centers or adult education programs in your area. They often offer affordable knitting classes and workshops.
3. Online Platforms: Websites like Craftsy, Skillshare, and Udemy offer a wide range of knitting courses, from beginner to advanced levels. These platforms allow you to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed.
4. YouTube and Blogs: There are countless free tutorials available on YouTube and knitting blogs. Channels like VeryPink Knits, Knit Purl Hunter, and Purl Soho offer comprehensive lessons and tips.

1. Local Yarn Stores (LYS): LYS are invaluable for purchasing high-quality yarns and tools. The staff are usually knowledgeable and can provide personalized recommendations. Some LYS even offer discounts to regular customers or during special sales events.
2. Craft Stores: Large craft store chains like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby often have a wide selection of yarns and knitting supplies. They frequently offer coupons and discounts, making it easier to save on your purchases.
3. Online Retailers: Websites like KnitPicks, LoveCrafts, and WEBS offer extensive selections of yarns, needles, and accessories. Online shopping allows you to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase. Be sure to check for sales and sign up for newsletters to receive discount codes.
4. Etsy and Independent Dyers: Etsy is a fantastic platform for finding unique, hand-dyed yarns from independent artisans. Supporting small businesses on Etsy not only helps artisans but also gives you access to one-of-a-kind materials.
5. Secondhand Sources: Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can be treasure troves for finding gently used knitting supplies at a fraction of the cost.
6. Friends and Family: As mentioned earlier, friends and family can be great sources for free or inexpensive materials. They might have leftover yarn or unused tools they’re willing to part with.
7. Libraries and Public Domain Resources: Libraries often have knitting books and magazines that you can borrow for free. Additionally, many classic knitting patterns are in the public domain and can be found online at no cost.
8. • Knitting Groups and Meetups: Joining a local knitting group or attending knitting meetups can provide a wealth of knowledge and resources. These groups often organize yarn swaps, where you can exchange materials with other knitters.
   • Social Media and Online Communities: Platforms like Ravelry, Reddit’s r/knitting, and Facebook knitting groups are excellent places to seek advice, share experiences, and find recommendations for both lessons and materials. Members often share links to sales, free patterns, and useful tutorials.

Learning How to Knit

1. Local Libraries and Community Centres: Many local libraries and community centres offer free or low-cost knitting classes and workshops. These can be a great way to learn the basics and meet fellow knitters in your community. Check bulletin boards or community newsletters for upcoming events.
2. Online Tutorials and Videos: Websites like YouTube have countless free knitting tutorials that cover everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques. Channels like VeryPink Knits, Knit Purl Hunter, and Purl Soho are excellent resources. However, the quality of instruction can vary, so it's important to find a tutor whose teaching style suits you.
3. Knitting Books and Magazines: Borrow knitting books and magazines from your local library. Many of these resources include step-by-step instructions and detailed photographs to guide you through the learning process.
4. Knitting Groups and Clubs: Joining a local knitting group or club can provide you with access to experienced knitters who are often willing to share their knowledge and help beginners. These groups often meet regularly and provide a supportive and encouraging environment.
5. Online Courses: While some online courses require a fee, there are many affordable options available on platforms like Craftsy, Skillshare, and Udemy. These courses often provide structured lessons and personalized feedback, which can be more beneficial than free resources.
6. Free Community Classes: Some craft stores, such as Michaels and Joann, offer free or low-cost knitting classes. These classes are usually taught by experienced instructors and can provide a solid foundation in knitting.

The Importance of the Right Learning Environment

1. Personal Connection with the Teacher: A good teacher can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you learn to knit. If you feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification, you're more likely to grasp new techniques and avoid frustration. Personal connection and clear communication are key to a successful learning experience.
2. Encouragement and Motivation: Knitting, like any new skill, can be challenging at first. An encouraging teacher or supportive community can help keep you motivated and enthusiastic. Positive reinforcement and shared enthusiasm can make the learning process enjoyable and rewarding.
3. Customized Learning: Everyone learns differently. A teacher who understands your learning style and can adapt their instruction to meet your needs can help you progress more efficiently. This personalized approach is often missing from free or impersonal resources.
4. Building Confidence: Feeling supported and encouraged boosts your confidence. When you believe in your ability to learn and improve, you're more likely to stick with knitting and enjoy the process. Confidence leads to perseverance, which is crucial for mastering any new skill.

Finding the Best Learning Resources

1. Assess Your Learning Style: Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer visual instructions, written guides, or hands-on learning? Choose resources that match your preferred learning style to enhance your understanding and retention.
2. Trial and Error: Don't be afraid to try different resources until you find the one that works best for you. Whether it's an online course, a local class, or a knitting group, finding the right fit might take some time, but it's worth the effort.
3. Seek Recommendations: Ask experienced knitters for recommendations on good teachers, classes, or online resources. Personal endorsements can guide you to high-quality instruction and supportive communities.
4. Invest in Quality When Possible: While budget is a concern, consider investing in high-quality learning resources if you can. Sometimes, paying a little more for a well-structured course or a highly recommended instructor can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Knitting With AI and Software Technology

1. Pattern Design Software: These applications help knitters create their own patterns. They can range from simple grid-based tools to sophisticated programs that allow for complex stitch patterns and garment shaping.
2. • KnitBird: A grid-based software that allows you to create charts for knitting patterns.
   • Stitch Fiddle: An online tool for creating knitting charts, colorwork patterns, and even crochet and cross-stitch patterns.
   • Sweater Wizard: A program specifically designed for creating sweater patterns, offering customizable templates for different sizes and styles.
3. Project Management Apps: These apps help you keep track of your knitting projects, including yarn usage, progress, and pattern notes.
4. • Ravelry: A social network for knitters that includes powerful project management tools. It's essential for keeping track of your projects, stash, and patterns.
   • Knit Companion: An app designed to help knitters follow patterns, track progress, and manage projects.
5. Yarn and Needle Inventory Apps: These tools help you keep track of your yarn stash and needle collection, ensuring you always know what materials you have on hand.
6. • Stash2Go: Integrates with Ravelry to manage your yarn stash, needles, and projects.
   • Yarn Buddy: An app for organizing your yarn inventory, projects, and even your pattern library.
7. Knitting Calculators and Converters: These apps assist with various knitting calculations, such as gauge conversion, stitch count, and yarn estimation.
8. • Knitting Calculator: Helps you adjust patterns based on your gauge, calculate yarn quantities, and more.
   • Wooly: A comprehensive app that includes calculators, converters, and tools for managing your knitting projects.

• Essential Software: For most knitters, having a good pattern design tool, a project management app, and a yarn inventory tracker can be highly beneficial. Ravelry is particularly essential due to its comprehensive features and large community.
• Non-Essential Software: While knitting calculators and converters are useful, they are not strictly essential, especially for beginner knitters. Advanced pattern design software may also be non-essential for those who primarily follow existing patterns rather than creating their own.

• Free Apps: Many excellent free apps are available, such as Ravelry, Stitch Fiddle (basic version), and various knitting calculators. These tools often provide sufficient functionality for beginners and even intermediate knitters.
• Paid Apps: Paid apps, like Knit Companion and advanced versions of Stitch Fiddle, offer more sophisticated features, such as pattern customization, advanced project management, and enhanced user interfaces. The advantages of paid apps include more comprehensive tools, better support, and often a more user-friendly experience.

1. Pattern Generation: AI can generate unique knitting patterns based on user preferences. For example, Knitomatics uses AI to create customized knitting patterns.
2. Stitch Recognition: Some AI applications can recognize and count stitches from a photo of your knitting, helping you keep track of your work and identify mistakes.
3. Virtual Fitting: AI can simulate how a knitted garment will fit, allowing you to adjust the pattern before you start knitting. This can be particularly useful for custom-fit garments.
4. Project Suggestions: AI can recommend projects based on your skill level, interests, and available materials, similar to how Netflix recommends shows based on your viewing history.

1. Complexity of Creativity: AI struggles with the nuanced creativity required in complex pattern design. While it can generate patterns, these might lack the artistic touch and intricate details that human designers provide.
2. Human Interaction: AI cannot replace the value of personal interaction with experienced knitters and instructors. The mentorship and feedback you get from a real person are irreplaceable.
3. Error Correction: AI can identify and count stitches, but it might not yet be advanced enough to correct intricate mistakes or offer detailed, personalized advice on fixing errors.

Conclusion

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At some point in your knitting 'journey' will need to acquire a pair of knitting needles, some yarn, a pair of scissor and more than likely instructions on how to actually make things - commonly refered to as knitting patterns, and that's just the basics, throw in wool winding gadgets, stitch markers, cable needles, something to hold everything in and the cost can mount up faster than you can knit!
A very basic kit can range from costing you nothing up to having to lay out  hundreds of pounds
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I 'say' purchases with two funny marks surrounding it because there's a lot of free resources out there when it come to knitting.  I say free but I mean free or included with 

1) Be Canny With Your Knitting Purchases

Outline of what a very basic knitting kit is, will go in to more detail latter before that lets figure out what 'value for money' actually is. 
What is meant by a 'knitting journey' 

What is value for money

Aim is to get the most value for your money - what does value mean?

Buying Brand new or second hand, pros and cons

Where to Buy Knitting Resources - advantages and disadvantages

ONlinenew, online marketplaces,  LYs, Budget Shops, bootsales/ chairty shops

Shopping online v visiting a shop, pros and cons, temptation also inspiration, yarn stashes good or bad - lived through covid stash lifesaver, not always bad, What is a stash and how to effectively use it. How to use your stash, stash led rather than pattern led easier. ( decide where to put this). Joys of having what you need online, makes you think outside the box.  Pro's and cons of accumulating a stash. 

How to buy - in bulk cheaper, save on delivery costs if buying online.  Check the clearance section

Learning How To Knit

Online resources, worth paying for a course, free online courses, youtube videos - the good, the bad and ugly. Book, what type of learner are you - which is the best way, don't cut corners in this area, need to feel comfortable, good reviews 

What you will need to buy and when to buy it (what stage of your journey)

What does a basic kit consist of, what you don't need to buy straight away, what are the temptations when buying knitting things, what is that dopamine hit about when buying yarn and knitting needles,  not everything will suit everyone takes time to find the right materials for you, different people like to use chunky yarns, some people prefer thinner more delicate yarns, it takes time to learn what you really like and what tools you will need accordingly.

Different types of needles ie straight, circular, made from different materials which have different properties, preference for different sized needles some people like large chunky needles others are more comfortable with more delicate needles to make more delicate items, will find your own groove eventually but try out a wide range before committing to a set, set's dont have very large or very small needles, offer a  mid range, 

section on interchangeable needles, tip length, how they work, price range, advantages and disadvantages, 

Single needle or interchangeable set - buy a single needle first before investing and try different brands.  Spend more initially but you end up with a set you truly love, the more you love it the more you'll use it, the more value for your money.  Quality sets very good resale value but rarely do I see them come up for sale.

Include approx. prices of sets

 Midpriced needles a good compromise, money does have a direct correclation to quality when it comes to knitting needles when shopping retail
Buying from chinese discount stores, how it works, straight from the manufacturer so buying at a smaller markup so although you're getting it cheap doesn't mean it's a cheap product - explain how chinese online shops work.  One of my best needles to use if from china - explain. 

to a certain extent.  Midrange tends to offer metal, wool, bamboo needles, lover end

Choosing Knitting Projects - yarn led or project led, longer projects =thinner yarn can work out cheaper. Chunky projects quick but can be more expensive. 

Free Resources

Not really free , internet - pay for your internet subscription, getting value for money from the internet, YouTube

Section on using YouTube - lifesaver if visual learner, if not can still follow links, often link to their website with written instructions,can often a link to buy the written version of the  pattern

Free software

Ai - chat and other free, paid subscriptions necessary at this stage of your game and Ai's game - I don't think so if solely for that purpose. 

Copyright laws - free isn't free to distribute,  staying on the right side, why do companies give free patterns, 
Magazine online subscriptions and sites like Readly 

Libraries
FAcebook/ Groups/ social media

What to do when you have a pattern you love and can't afford the yarnf or the yarn is discontinued? or love everything about the design except for the yarn. 

What did they use, find out as much about it as possible - ravelry, general internet search give scenario, sub website - how it works, altenatives

Save for it, 

Identify what is it that you like about the yarn, what it is made from ie wool acrylic, yarn weight, needle used, gauge - does it have to be exact, where visiting a lys really helps, get to see and feel other yarns, may prefer something more 

how to substitute yarn Substitute - need same look, feel, drape, weight, colour matching wont always find precise due to way yarn is dyed, bear in mind that even if you use the same brand your yarn may have a slight variation in colour anyway. pays to be flexible here. 

Why Buy

What, When, Where, Why, How