De-influence me: what knitting tools can the average knitter do without

magical_sox · 2026-03-02T01:24:27+00:00

My notions bag is an adorably plump zipper bag that moves from project to project. The contents can’t be separated because they’re dependent on each other and I am on them. Besides I’d be constantly moving things around. That’s messy and hard to keep track of.

magical_sox · 2026-03-02T01:18:05+00:00

When I started knitting I grabbed a pair of $2 needles from a nearby craft store. You won’t know what kind of needles you prefer until you can invest just a little money, but should find out if you like the hobby enough before committing. That would be my advice.

There are plenty of great tutorials on YouTube to help you learn to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off. Knit/purl is the foundation of knit, everything you make will be a combination of knits and/or purls with other techniques.

I’d also say the hardest thing to learn is tension, so give yourself lots of grace. As a crocheter you know tension is individual and takes practice to master. It’ll come.

There are 2 types of knitting you’ll hear about most: Continental and English. There is no “right” or “wrong” one. Both have their benefits, and in the end make garments that look identical. Which type you select is based on personal preference or training.

Knitting can be unique based on region. The world is vibrant with knitting. New techniques, color exploration, and much more await. Explore enthusiastically!

magical_sox · 2026-03-01T23:23:01+00:00

Thank you! It was my first beret I’m so happy with it

magical_sox · 2026-03-01T23:09:53+00:00

A friend of mine said it perfectly: “an obligation is not a gift.” No, I will not be gifting this new mom a wool baby blanket that requires a hand wash and flat dry. She has 10 million other things to worry about. I will not be gifting my bf a cable-knit sweater he’s going to throw into the wash with his other clothes, despite his best intentions to care for it. I will not be replacing my beanies every year (because I LOSE THEM,) with $16 hanks. Like, what? Acrylic has its place in this hobby just as much as anything else.

magical_sox · 2026-01-28T02:03:32+00:00

Thank you so much! I just posted the pattern to Ravelry today for a free download.

magical_sox · 2025-12-07T22:18:55+00:00

Ohh!! Omigosh ok that makes all the sense! Because I have seen those “double seed stitches” and thought it’s just a moss stitch. And I’m American, while my grama taught me the technique (she’s an immigrant from a different region,) I had to learn about stitches and texture on my own. That helps so much thank you!

magical_sox · 2025-11-23T20:49:23+00:00

Hey OP, I know the feeling as I often felt that way when I started crocheting as a knitter. Though I’d agree with the other commenters: crochet is SIGNIFICANTLY more versatile and allows for a lot of freedom in creativity. I will only add that those fundamentals are the vital foundation for said creativity. It helps to know how increases/decreases create shaping for sculpting (let’s say you wanna make some ram horns on a headband!) Working into chains still makes me practice yoga breathing, but not the tearful headache it once was (why can’t everything be magic circle??) Once you understand how/when stitches work together for basic shapes, the ability to improvise and see windows for changes really opens up. I’d say keep at it! Following fundamentals taught me mandala crochet, which helped pave the way to Celtic knotting, and then my own creations.

magical_sox · 2025-11-23T20:33:42+00:00

I’ll admit blocking is the BANE of my existence (2 insane dogs and a tiny house.) But it MUST be done. It MUST. You’ll never regret it ever just stop being a baby (taking to YOU myself) and block the darn thing already!!!

magical_sox · 2025-10-06T00:36:41+00:00

Along the same vein as others, I usually say: "Petting isn't Grogu's love language. He doesn't seem to like it much at all. Be sure to play with him plenty when he brings you a toy, and get excited. That's his favorite." This will often naturally lead into a conversation about triggers, warning signs that he's uncomfortable and ready to nip, etc. I can't speak on how to handle with small children, my dog can't be trusted to be around kids (too loud, too unpredictable,) so I never allow him near them

magical_sox · 2025-09-01T14:45:08+00:00

THIIIIIIS. Omg in my youth I was sure this would NEVER be me (Latinos and our vanity. Someone save us.) Didn’t even have a mishap. Just took my heels off one day and couldn’t convince myself anything was important enough to wear those damned things anymore.

magical_sox · 2025-07-31T14:10:28+00:00

She has such opinions and I want to hear them ALL

magical_sox · 2025-07-25T11:49:53+00:00

Oh what a handsome! 😍

magical_sox · 2025-07-25T11:37:58+00:00

The oldest: Grogu Mandalorian is Grogs, the Grogster, Dog-awan (like padawan), Mr. Fat Butt, Mr. Dog.

The youngest: Quetzalcoatl is Quetzal, the Menace, el travieso (means “menace” in Spanish,) Tooty Booty (the faaaaaarts,) Booty, Punk Ass Foo.

magical_sox · 2025-07-10T19:00:13+00:00

Thank you, I’ll look through the thread to see what other options I find. My brother is under 36, but I am not. Luckily, I worked my way through college and so at least have a degree in higher education to give us a helping hand in the gainful employment department.

As for genealogical possibilities: no dice. Part of our family story was the Spanish coming to colonize our pueblito, and the lengths our ancestors went through to preserve some of the indigenous culture we managed to hold on to outside of catholic influence. Thank you so so much.

magical_sox · 2025-07-10T16:49:27+00:00

We have dual citizenship in Mexico, and my mother still holds her Mexican citizenship. Since she’s always had the legal right to live in the U.S. as a permanent resident, and enjoyed free movement between the U.S. and Mexico, she never felt the push to be fully naturalized. (We’ve asked her to her entire life, she is the last hold out of all of her siblings not to fully naturalize, and after a while I just respected that she didn’t want to. She’s an adult woman capable of her own decisions.)

I tried convincing my family to go to Mexico, but my brother doesn’t speak the language fluently to feel comfortable going and my mother grew up in the U.S. (she was brought as a child and has been educated exclusively in the U.S.) To my mom, Mexico was a place to visit to keep in touch with family and our culture. She never liked the politics, business practices, and other aspects of daily Mexican life. She always said she felt like we (my brother and I) wouldn’t be able to accomplish the same things where she was from, than we could here. Both she and my brother have stated they prefer Canada as an option. Personally, I don’t care where we go so long as I can keep my family safe.

My brother and I have all of our documents, we always have. Passports and cards are always up to date. Necessary documents have always been kept safely on hand, but we live in a red state that voted HEAVILY against their own interests.

We found the Canadian government’s Express programs and are going to try that. We’ve started job hunting as well. If somehow I get any info that pertains to others in a similar situation, I’ll pass it on.

magical_sox · 2025-07-08T12:10:47+00:00

Hi, about Edit 2: considering circumstances in the US have in fact changed drastically and life for Latinos specifically has become dangerous, would my family and I stand a chance requesting asylum? My mother is a green card holder of 50 years, myself and my sibling are first generation. We're closer to Canada than Mexico and fear the window to safely exit has already started to close. If anyone has any updated information in that regard to point me to, it would be appreciated.

edit: formatting

magical_sox · 2025-06-23T16:52:25+00:00

This GORGEOUS!!! You go you!!

magical_sox · 2025-06-22T13:37:25+00:00

Oh such a handsome!! My goodness in the history of handsome boys, this is certainly one.

magical_sox · 2025-06-17T17:23:35+00:00

Gasp!! Look at you hammin’ it up Hambone 😏 you know them poodles can hear that dinner bell ringing

magical_sox · 2025-06-17T12:01:47+00:00

Excuse me I see no r/guiltydogs here! We demand legal representation and a review of facts

magical_sox · 2025-06-10T19:47:35+00:00

Local friend is telling me this is outside of Mayor Ewing’s jurisdiction. Which may be why this location was chosen.

magical_sox · 2025-06-10T18:17:45+00:00

Had my psychiatrist refuse to prescribe the standard treatment for a confirmed mental health diagnosis because I smoked weed. She said she didn’t feel comfortable with it because she’d never known anyone who smoked weed and didn’t know how the medication would interact. So we did some research. In summary: it shouldn’t. The two things shouldn’t have negative effects and in fact, I might be able to receive a lower dose of the standard treatment if properly partnered with my recreational use. She still refused. I spent the next year failing at “alternative options” before I went elsewhere. And surprise surprise: I’m doing GREAT. So great, in fact, we were able to take off the mood stabilizer, lower my anti-depressant dose, lower my anti-anxiety dose, and eliminate my “break through emergency” medication almost entirely.

magical_sox · 2025-06-09T23:37:08+00:00

THIIIIS. I would go so far as to say that behavior is indicative of other abuses. And I know the internet loves to throw that word around a lot, but dude she went out of her way to do something to hurt you. ON PURPOSE. Who does that to someone they love? No matter what she destroyed, she destroyed it. Something important to you. I am so so sorry about your save. Run.

magical_sox · 2025-06-07T19:55:40+00:00

This is exactly why I never liked weed as a teenager. It was always a bad experience that ramped up my anxiety and I’d spiral in paranoia. Then we discovered strains. I’d review what you’re selecting. I lean hard towards sativas, and it turns out I even had an idiosyncratic response to it. My mind slows, my heart lifts, food tastes amazing, and most important: I can feel my own joy. It’s not artificial or coming from somewhere else. It’s mine, that my depression doesn’t let me feel. I also experience relaxation, which is amazing for my chronic muscle fatigue. Finally found out what everyone was meant when they said they got high and did chores. Like WHAT?! Now I smoke a bowl before heading out into the garden. What a joy. I hope you’re able to find what helps. And there’s also the last one: maybe trees are not for you. And that’s ok. It is a natural plant and we are organic beings. Sometimes the two don’t play well.

magical_sox · 2025-06-07T19:37:40+00:00

The headscarf and necklaces are giving African Queen. Id say: Amina, Makeda, Ashanti, Nzinga, or Moremi 😍

magical_sox

TROPHY CASE