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comment by bintshaqra
bintshaqra  ·  4348 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: What Makes You Happy?

Well, my hobbies do tend to be things I do selfishly, like working out. I do that just for me, and my own well-being. I do love volunteering though, or happen to incorporate my hobbies into giving back. I said I liked knitting, right? Well there are some excellent charities that ask knitters to make hats for cancer patients that I like to donate to occasionally.





BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4348 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I was unaware of those charities, which are they? There's nothing wrong with a male that knits haha

bintshaqra  ·  4347 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Haha not at all! I like "Stitch 4 Life," which is a partnership between knitting circles and area hospitals, but I don't think that extends beyond where I am. You can always check in with your local hospital, though. Lion brand yarn also has a way to find charities in your area.

BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4347 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I think I might start knitting, haha!

bintshaqra  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Do it! There is an incredible wealth of resources online. I like Knitting Help for the basics. Lots of good books too. [Ravelry](www.ravelry.com) is the go-to for patterns.

If you search for male knitters on google you'll find plenty of sites and communities for the dudefolk too.

Happy knitting!

BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Thanks for the links! It just so happens that two storefronts down from my work, a yarn and thread shop opened up just a few weeks ago!

bintshaqra  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Haha I am not one to believe in fate, but an excellent coincidence. Yarn shops sometimes have knitting circles or workshops too. Good luck with it!

BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Thanks! Could you post some images of stuff you've made?

bintshaqra  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

The only image I have of my handknits is my current project. () ...Meaning I did it today haha. I'm speeding through a basic set of dishrags for my ma while I'm home for the holidays. I just "bind off" this one, and will finish it (sew in the ends) soon. I plan to have a pile of them soon. Only takes a few hours to do one.

BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

That looks really awesome! I really want to start making my own clothing (socks, gloves, hats, etc.)

bintshaqra  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Start with squares (scarves, dish rags, etc), work into circles (hats), and then into squares plus circles (gloves, socks). Get a book that does a good progression into those kinds of projects. Best way to find what you want would be to go into that knitting shop and browse! It's not hard, just a steep learning curve, and an ability to be okay with everything looking cruddy the first time, and better the next :-)

BLOB_CASTLE  ·  4346 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Sounds good, thanks!