I was first taught to knit by my grandmother, years and years ago. Unfortunately, at that point in my life it didn't quite "catch on" - I was much more interested in books, and didn't realize that, with a litte planning, one could knit & read at the same time. Shortly after Chloe was born I decided to give it a go again - besides, by then I'd been crocheting for about 3 years, and realized that knitting is much more suited to clothing, and wanted to knit sweaters for my little baby. After a few attempts I put my knitting away again - I'd figured out that I really, really wanted to know how to do this, but was frustrated at trying to teach myself. Well, that year for Christmas my sister gave me some wonderful lace knitting supplies ("You did say you wanted to learn to knit lace, didn't you?") and of course I had to learn so that they didn't go to waste.
Now, I'm addicted.
I'm trying to get voice recognition software working so I can surf the web while I knit, or else I may just have to toss the computer...ok, it's not quite that bad....
My first project was a sweater for Rich, I mean, why the heck start with the customary scarf? Who needs a scarf in Lodi? Put a sweater under your raincoat & you're fine.
I hardly ever knit from a pattern - the main exceptions being lace, sock toes & heels (is that considered a pattern or a formula?) and the Elizabeth Zimmermann Baby Surprise Jacket - of the 3 I've knit, my kids still don't have one...ah well, there are other sweaters :-)