[kevin]

I'm thinking about picking up some knitting and crochet skills to supplement my "knotting". might be a better way to make straps. I may also try to make a toque or wool mittens or something. anyone knit or crochet and can point me to an online tutorial? I googled and saw a pile of stuff, but don't know where to start.

[stairman]

My wifes pretty good at it but Ive never cared to learn. With a tight weave the blankets are very warm.

[kevin]

Originally Posted by stairman

My wifes pretty good at it but Ive never cared to learn. With a tight weave the blankets are very warm.

its certainly a chick thing; but I'm thinking some basics will broaden my horizons.

[Celticwarrior]

Never used an internet tutorial on textile working. Sorry. I learned some from my mom, and some from trial and error with some basic written patterns that I got at JoAnne Fabrics where the yarn and knitting supplies are, decades ago. I would imagine YouTube has SOMETHING on the subject, and you might try websites for JoAnne, Michaels Crafts, Hobby Lobby, or other fabric or hobby stores. Takes a while to get the hang of things like knitting and crocheting, so don't get discouraged.

[AlabamaDan]

years ago I used to do macrame'.

[Chris Kavanaugh]

My avocational being is ROFLOL. We have here the prejudice of 'sexual division of labor' with Manguys killing mastodons with .22 rifles and WOmangirls cooking it.
Probably one of humanity's earliest skills along with making or using fire and flaking stone was taking grasses,roots and rawhide and making cordage,containers and clothing.
If you look at the earliest decorated artifacts they have a simple crosshatch design.
Oetzi the iceman had a woven mat and a woven knife scabbard. One of the curiously universal games is a simple loop of string to make different 'cat's cradles.' Anthropologists noted worldwide people never before contacted knew this ancient game.
SO.....
If us guys can tie knots we can knit and weave. Don't be a girlyman! Go down to your local sewing/fabric shop and ASK. Chances are they hold classes or know of local individuals or clubs who can help.
You will need it! Most outdoor gear patterns are very old with completely different terminology and quantities. An experienced knitter can sort it out, perhaps make some improvements.
Here's my favourite: HJS Studio WWI Balaclavas

[Celticwarrior]

Good point. Any craft is inherently 'self-reliant'. so weaving, knitting, macrame, sewing, quilting, embroidery, or full-out tailoring are just as "manly" as blacksmithing, mechanics, or carpentry. If you are only able to rely on yourself for cooking, are you going to starve because that's "women's work?" So, by the same token, if you are going to get frostbite because you don't have socks and Wallyworld isn't around anymore, knitting some out of that skein of yarn in the closet isn't going to seem "womanly" either. I am still working on an ultralight sleeping bag at the moment, for example, using parachute silk, thinsulate, and some metalized fabric similar to HeatSheet, with an interior fleece lining. Getting the sandwiched material to run through the machine isn't working really well. The machine isn't designed for this kind of heavy work, since it's a smaller Brother unit. I might need to buy a serger, or perhaps a bigger machine made for things like curtains, blankets and that type of thing.

Anyway, it's gratifying to make your own stuff. I enjoy the tools and blades I've forged, I like seeing people admire the driftwood and agate creations I've made, I always get a kick out of lighting candles that I've made, or sipping wine I bottled the previous year, or YES, wearing a scarf or hat I've knitted when the weather turns nasty and cold out (like now). In the old days, that type of work was only "women's work" because it took a LONG time, and often lots of light. Since the menfolk worked in the fields all day, if anyone was going to make those clothes and curtains and quilts, it was going to be the women back at the cabin. They had to fit it in with all the OTHER chores that had to get done and taking care of the kids, but they managed somehow. Like cooking, I am not too proud to do that type of work, and take a lot of satisfaction in the finished product.

[cowgirlup]

You guys are awesome!

On one forum the guys mentioned a potential meet up where the men would go off and do manly survival things. The women and childern would be left behind to "knit and talk about girl stuff". I responded that I didn't knit and at that point could only use the knitting needles as a defensive weapon.
I was a little annoyed by the assumption that there was specific womens and mens work.

In a bad situation everyone needs to know as much as they can an pitch in wherever it is necessary

[NYrattlesnake]

that's funny I went into Michaels last night, craft store here in NY, and asked for a book on macrame and they didn't have one. I make basic lanyards and kow my basic survival knots, but I always would like more knowledge. I remember my grandmother making all sorts of things from macrame...I'm gonna see if she still has some books to send me.

[crashdive123]

Knitting is on my "to learn list" along with a lot of other skills I do not have, among them welding. Being able to fashion a blanket, a sweater, a warm cover for the top knot only makes sense. The more self-sufficient we become, the more confident we are in our ability to live life how we choose. To assign gender to a skill or craft doesn't lend itself to broadening ones horizons - at least not mine.