Don't buy the bargain-basement yarn for your first project, but it is OK to save some money on your first set of needles.
There are many, many different kinds of needles available, in a dizzying array of materials, from aluminum to rosewood, casein to bamboo.
They are beautiful needles and wonderful to have when you know you're going to stick with knitting, but before then, it's fine to buy either aluminum or plastic needles, whatever the store has in the size you need. (Check your pattern instructions for suggested needle size.)
When you're just starting out knitting, you'll probably find yourself buying new needles for every project, because you need needles in different sizes.
A fun thing to do is try different types of needles for each project and see how you like them.
A Knitting Journal
Most knitters will tell you record-keeping is essential, and that they don't do it. Do as we say, not as we do, and start a knitting journal with your first project.
It doesn't have to be fancy; just a spiral notebook will do. Write down the basic information about each project you do, such as:
- What the project was
- Where you got the pattern
- What needles you used (size, material, brand, where you bought them)
- What yarn you used (brand, type, color, material, where you bought it)
- Any problems you had with the pattern
- Anything you learned from the project
- A picture of the finished project and a sample of the yarn, if available
- Notes on how you liked the yarn, needles and pattern
