knitting books or kits for kids?

[jenniferma]

Hi-- I was wondering if any of you had any advice... my niece is 11 and wants to learn how to knit. She has asked for a book or beginner's kit for Christmas-- does any one have any advice as to what I could get her?

I was hoping to spend $20-$25 range.

thanks!
jen

 

[bavaria]

If you can find the kit by Dale of Norway, it's one of the best. They do sell other kits for less at Target, etc but the Dale yarn is good quality wool, and easier to learn to knit with than novelty yarns.

Novelty yarns hide mistakes, but also hide stitches making it hard for beginners to see what they are doing.

Hope that helps!

(taught myself to knit at age 6, been knitting ever since, and teach classes...)

 

[LindaBabe]

I saw several different ones in Barnes and Noble the other night - needlecrafts seem to be hot for the younger set this year. (Just taught my office mate to crochet and he made himself a snowboarding beanie in one evening!)

 

[ddavis860]

I teach at Mike's, and they have a learn to knit kit, not that expensive, has acrylic yarn. They also offer classes at $15. They will teach the basics (I teach the class at my local Mike's, that's how I know). Depending on how you want to go, we have been doing a "Learn to Knit" basket, gift card for the class fee, needles and bulky weight yarn in a small basket.

Just another idea...

 

[bavaria]

I teach at Mike's, and they have a learn to knit kit, not that expensive, has acrylic yarn. They also offer classes at $15. They will teach the basics (I teach the class at my local Mike's, that's how I know). Depending on how you want to go, we have been doing a "Learn to Knit" basket, gift card for the class fee, needles and bulky weight yarn in a small basket.

Just another idea...

I like that idea because you can pick out colour and yarn yourself. Again, I highly recommend going for plain yarns at first, not the very popular novelty (fancy) yarns.

 

[jenniferma]

thank you all for your help!
jen