I'm kicking myself for not asking my Nanna to teach me how to knit before she passed away.

None of my friends or family knit and I can't seem to find classes in my town. Any suggestions on how to learn to do it and what would be good starter projects?

A friend I know taught herself from you tube videos. I know there are books, but I think it would be easier to watch someone do it.

I'd say youtube as well. Or volunteer at an old persons home? One of them is bound to know how to knit?

Go to a wool shop and speak to them (a proper wool shop, cf Lincraft, Spotlight, etc). The one I used to go to (don't knit these days) used to cast on for me before I learned how to do it myself. I am sure they'd hook you up with some lessons.

If you are in Sydney or Melbourne I know Morris & sons run workshops http://www.morrisandsons.com.au/catalog/in...p?cPath=28_1188.. You could also try and join a knitting circle in your community but most of them run during the day on weekdays so might not work out for you... Google and there should be some options in your area or keep your eyes open in your local newspaper in the community announcements..

suitable starting projects... maybe a scarf? long and straight and you can knit it all in the same stitch

ETA If you in Sydney, I could show you, but then again I knit continental style and that might screw you over of you watch youtube videos later...

If you're in Brisbane there's a place at Sherwood that sells wool and does classes in Knitting, Crochet etc.

Are you in Canberra OP? I can help if you are - happy to add another knitting fanatic to the group

Thanks for the tips pps. I am in Cairns so no luck with your great suggestions. I will ring my local Spotlight to see if they offer classes or know of someone who does. Thanks.

I would try a knitting book as well, I found one very useful when learning and you tube would be great as a back up when I was confused.

Ravelry Group in Cairns

I am a huge fan of Ravelry its the knitting/crochet/spinning equilivant of Facebook.

You will have to join the website (its free) but the Cairns Rav group would be my first port of call. They seem to have regular meet-ups and (if they are like my group) somebody would probably love to help get you going.

I second joining Ravelry! It's soooo useful - and you get to see everyone's projects and yarn stashes!

You request an invitation and about two days later they invite you to sign up.

I taught myself through a combination of books, online videos and MIL (she showed me how to purl when I just couldn't get it). I think my style is a bit unorthodox (I think it's kind of continental but not exactly) but it works for me and now I can do some pretty complicated projects.

For books, you can start with the pamphlets published by Patons sold at Spotlight and just about every wool/knitting shop. When you're ready to commit to buying books, Stitch and b**ch by Debbie Stoller is a good place to start, it has lots of projects and also lists other useful knitting books. Debbie Bliss Baby Knits for Beginners was also a good starter book. Knitting for babies is great for beginners as the projects are small and not too daunting.

Other great books I've got (I have a few)
Knitting in Plain English
Knitting Without Tears (love this title )
The Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing and Knitting (out of print but still can be found if you try)

It's been a while since I've needed to refer to online videos but knittinghelp.com was very helpful. Videos really show you when written instructions or diagrams aren't making sense.

As mentioned above, I needed MIL to help me purl (the yarn just kept slipping of the needle) so there may be times when there's no substitute for a real live teacher. That said, ever since then I've been able to master any other skills with books/videos and a bit of trial and error.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it!

Youtube. I did a class but learned more from youtube. Also learned how to crochet.

Not sure if you have a Spotlight near you, but I think they are having their knitting party this Saturday. If you go along with wool and needles (or buy them there) there is sure to be someone there to help you.

I found Youtube to be by far the most helpful. The lady who 'taught' me is a member of Ravelry also... her username on YouTube is Very Pink Knits.

(I realise this is a late reply :-/ sorry!)