jenn, I'm a novice knitter, and am entirely self-taught (at least so far!). I just started a pair of socks (dpn's! knitting in the round! yikes!) :) and, like you, made a bunch of scarves and some baby blankets as a way of getting used to k & p and some other general techniques (for example, the baby blankets were lace knitting, and I made a scarf that has short rows). There is SO much great help on the internet, through instructional videos and websites, in forums like this, in knitting blogs, and there are tons and tons of free patterns, so that's mostly what I've relied on. There are also lots of great books! However, I've thought of taking classes -- partly for the social component and also because, like you said, sometimes you pick up things that you wouldn't learn otherwise. It really depends on how you like to learn. I've gotten acquainted with the owners of two local yarn shops and they're terrific -- very helpful and not "pushy" to get me to buy things (although of course I can't resist some of those great yarns!) -- and they both encourage people to come in with their knitting and sit and knit and chat and get help if they need it. It's really delightful. So don't hesitate to go into a yarn shop and talk to the people there and get to know them a little. Also, one thing that helped me, is to try not to over-think a pattern -- I always want to "understand" what's happening in a pattern but I discovered that sometimes I just don't "get" what it's saying until I actually try it, and then suddenly it makes perfect sense. The most important thing is just plunge in! and when you have questions, you'll find the answers, here or elsewhere. Knitters are the greatest -- I've emailed total strangers to ask them about something they knitted and posted on their blog and they've always answered. Have fun!!

The SF Giants recently sponsored "Stitch-N-Pitch" night. You bought a special Stitch-n-Pitch ticket, and along with the ticket you got a knitting bag, some skeins of yarn (in Giants' colors, 'natch), a pair of needles, and some instructions on knitting a SF cap. It was a fun event and I saw lots and lots of knitters at the game. Between one of the innings they had a "knitting contest" - it was totally staged but really fun. A couple of knitters competed against each other by speed knitting, knitting over their head, and finally, knitting with baseball bats. Very cute. My husband and I are season ticket holders, so we already had tickets to the game. I was able to noodle my ticket rep into getting one of the bags for me. I'm showing a photo below of the bag and its contents. FWIW, I knit at night games all the time and never need any additional lighting. I am careful to take items that can be washed, in the event of a spilled beer or soda. If I don't have something going that is washable, then I'll take cotton and do a little washcloth - I can usually get a cloth done during the ride down and the game - plus it's not too large to tote around the stadium. I saw those "flashlight" needles and didn't like the feel too much. But, I wouldn't mind having a pair for the novelty of taking them out of my knitting bag while we're camping or at an outdoor movie. Here is a link that might be useful: SF Giants Stitch-n-Pitch Bag

Thanks for your suggestions. I guess that I should have realized that basically it was an increasing stitch and all I had to do was make it come out looking Ok. I am just picking up the crossed loop and knitting it. It seems to be working out Ok. This is one of those patterns where you have to almost count every stitch and knit carefully or (and that means ripping back right?) I am enjoying reading everyones comments about all questions. This is an terrific site.

I started 2 knitting projects this year. A knitted Log Cabin afghan I got bored with. And a knitted washcloth I had about three-quartes completed and lost. I think I left it in a doctor's office but they didn't find it. Must have looked like garbage. It was in a rastty looking plastic bag. But with a beautiful set of bamboo needles. That's what hurt the most!