I've knit more in the last 12 months than I have in my entire life. I did a quick inventory just now... In the last year, I've finished 46 projects. Is that right? Yup, just counted them again. Mostly sweaters, mostly for adults. That doesn't include little things like swatches, washcloths, bookmarks, hats. And it doesn't include the things I've 3/4 finished and frogged. I don't know how many miles of yarn that accounts for, but it does explain why my hands and wrists are a little gnarled, and a little sore.

So let's talk about some hard truths: knitting is repetitive and may lead to strain on the wrists and hands. Here's a little info on prevention, treatment, and knitting technique.

Among the knitting pattern and how-to books on the knitting shelf at your bookstore or library you'll see books called 300 Knitting Stitches or Stitch Dictionary or Stitchionary or Cables! or simply (and confusingly) Knitting Patterns. These collections of conventional or traditional knitted textures and how to make them usually contain simple square photos of knitted fabric, with charts or written instructions. Instructions are given for one repeat of the fabric, leaving it to the knitter to multiply the repeat across their knitting for the desired width and height. These books are great not only for intermediate knitters and designers, but also for beginner knitters. 

If you're looking for knitting patterns and tips, a knitting book is a great tool. But don't forget about knitting magazines. Chock full of yarn and book reviews, tips and tricks, and patterns, they are excellent value for your money. And most magazines include the designer's name with each pattern, so you can follow the designers that you like in Ravelry. These magazines are also a key publishing outlet for new independent designers (like me!), so you get to support a few dreams too. If you have a knitter in you life, a knitting magazine, or magazine subscription, makes a great gift. Here's a list of knitting magazines. If there are any more magazines that you think should be added, drop me a comment at the bottom of the page.

How many knitters end up with a stash full of beautiful single skeins? That lonely skein that was too pretty, or too soft, or just too good of a bargain to leave behind. Here are some great one skein knitting patterns, including washcloths, bags, cowls, mitts, toys and accessories.

Although a cowl in ye olde times would be a slouchy hooded cape, in the knitting world it has come to mean something more like a circular scarf or neck warmer. Usually a knitted tube that sits around your neck, or a rectangle that buttons at the neck. A taller cowl can be worn as a hood, and a longer cowl can be wrapped more than once around the neck. Sometimes called a snood, if it can be worn as a hood. Also called an infinity scarf if it's long enough to wrap. 

A cowl is a great knitting project; it is small, so doesn't take long or use much yarn. It is one size fits all, making it a good one to knit for other people. It can be unisex, so once you've added cowls to your knitting repertoire, you've got something for him and for her. And another great thing about knitting cowls is the selection of cowl knitting patterns available, many of them free.

A cowl is also a great project for the beginner knitter who wants to learn how to knit in the round. 

Ravelry has become such a household word for knitters-like other web words Google, Facebook, Tweet-that I sometimes forget that not all knitters use the internet. Heck, a lot of people avoid all online social networking sites because of their addictive qualities. I still have to spell it out, no, not revelry, or raverly, r-a-v-e-l-ry.

A scarf is an ideal knitting project in many ways. One size fits all. A scarf is much easier than a sweater, and makes a great gift. A scarf is a chance to try out new techniques like lace knitting. And for the beginner knitter, a knitted scarf is a good step in between the washcloth and something trickier.

Knitting for babies is one of the best kinds of knitting. Babies are small, cute, and undiscerning. Knitting for them is fast, inexpensive, and joyful. And the web is chock-full of free knitting patterns for babies. Check out the blog for free knitting patterns, or check out this list of gems that I made a while ago. Check out the full article for places to start looking, including Ravelry, Lion Brand, Spud & Chloe, Berroco and Rowan.