Now is the time of year where things are a little slow on most homesteads. Well, as slow as they ever get. Mot of the garden is not into full production but the planting is done. Animals have birthed and it is not time for breeding. Oddly, the summer is the time to start thinking ahead to the winter.

When afternoons are too hot to do anything but sit consider working on a knitting project. Women in pioneer times did not have the option of just sitting and staring at soap operas or reading the newest Harlequin. When they wanted to take a break they worked on their sewing or fiber projects and so their families had all they needed for wintertime.

The Internet enables you to find all kinds of free projects for knitted items. Scarves, hats, shawls, sweaters and socks can all be found in a myriad of designs and variations. The only cost is the paper to print them on. If you have wanted to learn to knit starting with an easy project like a scarf is the best way to do it. Make the first one plain with only one color and one stitch and then make variations as you get better and understand the process. From there the sky is the limit and soon your family will be sporting hand knitted Fair Isle style sweaters and people will wonder where in the world you found time to do that.

The first thing you must do when learning to knit is to learn the basic techniques. Knit Purl Cast off Cast on Increase Decrease From there you can begin to branch out and practice changing colors and intricate stitch patterns. When you are ready for the intricate stitches there is a tutorial on over 100 patterns at the Library of Knitting Stitches Some websites with good instructions on how to knit are:

Now that you understand how to knit you will want to begin a project. Always knit a swatch with the suggested needles and yard to make sure your gauge is the same as the instructions.

This easy knit scarf is a full six feet long and takes only one hour Knitty has this unusual pattern scarf that is both colorful and deceptively easy.

Remember the little bootie type slippers? This is an easy version with cute trim. These make great gifts, are quick to do and are perfect for those chilly winter evenings.

Some vintage shawl and wrap patterns can be found at Vintage Knitting. Many of these patterns are uncomplicated but absolutely beautiful. They can be done with a minimum of experience for the most part.

This is an easy hat and a good introduction to the use of double pointed needles. Make it in various color combinations for different members of your family.

If you have kids you have to have mittens. These are very easily done on regular needles. A quick project for beginners.

Colorful easy poncho pattern from Moda Dea

If you want to make socks Wise Needle has an excellent site with tutorial and pattern. Any question that you could come up with has all ready been answered here!

Get used to working with circular needles when you make this hooded poncho from Lion Brand.

This colorful vest allows you to practice both unique stitch patterns and the intrelac style of knitting, which is colorful and similar to Fair Isle. This is an intermediate project for sure.

For windy days that are not cold exactly but just allow the wind to whistle through your ears try this hooded scarf.

This shawl is amazing. A light and lacy wrap to wear in the crisp autumn evenings; it is the laciest of lacy things.

Fiddlehead Mittens have a unique pattern and are colorful. The intricate detail is in the color pattern not the stitch pattern.

If you are ready for a challenge then this lace bell sleeved shrug from Knitty should keep you happy for awhile.

Getting in the habit of spending a little time every day on a project will make the project seem to finish almost by itself. Like out ancestors we lead busy lives. Like them we need to learn to take some time to relax. And, like them we can do so while still doing something worthwhile.