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The biggest! Superbig!

We are proud to present Skill Set: Beginning Knitting, Video App.

Available on your smartphone at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Here’s how to gift the app at the App Store!

 

Why It’s Unique

Imagine that you want to learn to knit. Or that you want to teach your friend or family member to knit.

You search the internet and discover quickly that there’s a vast world of knitting videos. It’s a lot.

We firmly believe a new knitter needs simplicity and ease and clarity. This is why we have created the Skill Set video app.

You will not find another app like this. Concise and straightforward, as clean as we could possibly make it.

It’s a complete course of how-to videos in one tidy place. You tap the icon on your phone, and suddenly you have all of Skill Set right there, clear and simple.

What’s in It

Here’s a peek inside.

Nine lessons.

Click on a lesson, and you see a list of techniques.

Click on a technique, and you find written instructions and illustrations.

And at the exact moment you need them? Quick, clear videos that show you exactly how to do each technique.

You can watch them in slow motion and in a loop. Keep track of your progress through the lessons. Save your favorites.

There are captions on all the videos.

The app stars the magnificent hands of our team member Allison Volek Shelton. She created the dozens of set-ups—the bits of knitting that are used to demonstrate the dozens of techniques in the book. (We have a lot of half-finished swatches now!)

And it stars the vocal talents of the one and only Kay Gardiner. Kay narrates every technique in what can only be described as a comforting and encouraging way. It’s like she’s right there with you.

We are lucky to have a web developer who worked hard to make this a sturdy, functional app.

It’s a Book Too

Have it both ways: app and book. The Skill Set book fits in a knitting bag, no batteries required! The app is in your pocket wherever you go—with all those videos at hand as well as the full text and illustrations of the book.

The book is $19.95. The Skill Set Video App is sold separately, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

And a Wonderful Kit

The Skill Set Box of Joy is the fastest way to set up a new knitter with needles, yarn, notions. It has everything needed to work all the swatches and the hat.

The yarn is our brand-new Atlas, a worsted weight Rambouillet wool that feels wonderful. (The full range will launch later this year—this is a special first offering.)

The tools are classic, and come in a handy zipper pouch.

And a New Tote

And, sold separately, our new Baggu tote is good fun.

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words about Skill Set. This new video app is a whole new world for everybody who wants to learn to knit, and we hope you’ll share the news with the soon-to-be-knitters in your life.

57 Comments

  • Congratulations on the app launch. I may just have to buy it. You know, jut to check it out. I have a couple of colleagues who have expressed a desire to learn t knit so it will be good to have a place to send them for the whole package!

  • Congratulations! I am sure this was an enormous undertaking. Is it crazy and that a 50-year knitter wants to get the startup kit??

    • I don’t think so…I’m a 60 year knitter and will probably order it out of curiosity and because it’s not possible that I know everything lol.

  • You amaze me!

  • Looks great!!!! Do you demonstrate techniques using both the English throwing and the Continental picking methods?

  • Brilliant!!!! Great idea for people who prefer ‘tapping’ (keys) to ‘turning’ (pages), as an adjunct to turning, or like both.

  • Fabulous idea but I would want to know the extent of the techniques included because I am past the beginner stage and at the point where I am reasonably content with the skills I have time for. On the other hand, Kay’s voice…if you catch me on the right day, I might take the plunge for that alone. Or maybe if this is a tremendous success (as well it should be!) you will do an advanced version that I will play again and again until I finally, finally attempt entrelac.

    • Yes! Phase 2 should be on the list in the future! I love watching knitting videos 🙂

      • We are going to take a deep breath and think on what’s next! LOL Chloe about my voice! I cannot listen to the narration without thinking OMG I actually DO sound just like my mother, as people have been telling me since my teens!

  • I have an entire home library of knitting books on paper and another one in my e reader. I learned to knit from a booklet in a kit called “I Can’t Believe I’m Knitting”. My go to references are the Vogue knitting book, Knitting For Dummies, and of course my Field Guides…..that being said, I think I need this new app!! Can’t have too many reference points. Or is it that , like Dumbledore, I just enjoy reading about knitting????

  • Bravo!!

  • Congratulations!! Absolutely awesome!

  • Same question as Suzy: English, Continental, or both?

    • English, but with an emphasis on where the yarn needs to go to make the stitches, regardless of knitting style.

  • Mazel tov on a huge amazing accomplishment! I bought it, just beautiful and clear.

  • Wonderful… So appreciate you ..

  • I love this app! During a period of intense stress and turmoil in my life, I taught myself how to knit. Let’s just say I’m not the best teacher. I’m working my way through the book and using the app videos to demonstrate all the things I don’t know and/or have never understood. Thank you!

    • Bravo to you for teaching yourself! It’s a testament to the desire to knit that so many knitters are essentially self-taught.

  • This is a brilliant idea and I hope it’s wildly successful. We can’t have enough knitters in the world these days! I, too, have been knitting for over 50 years and teaching knitters for over 15, but this whole skill set idea is a mighty tempting purchase!

  • Wonderful! I am looking forward to the chance you may add on intermediate and advanced lessons to the app too!

  • I may not need it but I am buying it because I love to support everything you do for the knitting community!

  • Congratulations!

    I just purchased the app and it is, like all things MDK, well done. As a recently returned to the fold knitter, this app is going to be my new, on-the-go, ready reference; my one stop source when I just want a refresher on the basics. I look forward to Skill Set 2 and beyond!!

  • Congratulations! I received the book last week and it’s proving to be invaluable as I attempt to teach a young knitter. I’ll be passing this information along to anyone interested in getting started.

  • Two people in my development have just asked me to help with their knitting. They have taken a few lessons at our LYS but have become mired in the usual problems, I.e. dropped stitches, twisted circular knitting, etc.
    This App is going to be great for them! I just put it on my iPad and can’t wait to show them!
    Thank you for all you do!

  • Ann and Kay,

    Such wonderful news! It has been a pleasure and a privilege to follow MDK over the years, as it has grown and evolved. I have enjoyed each creative milestone along the way (and now sort of feel like a proud auntie). Looking forward to more knitting adventures as the MDK journey continues.

    Thanks for everything!

    LoveDiane

  • Congratulations. This is an awesome undertaking and I want it all too. I was going to mention the beautiful hands in the demo photo, I’m glad they got a mention in the post.

  • CONGRATULATIONS! This is very exciting!

  • So, when will the Google Play link in your blog be updated to actually go to a Google Play app? So far, all I’ve gotten is “We’re sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.”

    Thanks!

  • Who knew, ladies, who could ever imagine?! From the days of the Big Wig country music videos (if you can call em that without cracking up), to the Grey Gardens riff, WHO KNEW you would settle down to be such reliable, welcoming, & friendly virtual educators? We ALL knew! It’s a deep pleasure to watch All Things MDK evolve, including the name change & now, this amazing app! The book: we know You Can Write Books. Still lurve the first two Big Books & the small Field Guides are incredible. So of course you kept going, in order to bring more people into the Joys of Knitting. I know, I’m gushing, super fangirl, etc. Just. So. Grateful. Bless you & all the MDKers who make this world a better place. Yes, agree: the app is only meant to go deeper! I too wish to entrelac one day…

    • Please tell me where I can find the Grey Gardens riff. Please, please.

  • Great idea, as all of your creations! I just bought the app, had hoped to see the Kitchener stitch, but have to look for it somewhere else. Maybe in the next issue. Such a clever idea to have it all in one app!!

  • I am excited about this app. I am wondering however will this app provide help for left handed knitters. I am left handed and often have needed help. I have found you tube videos for left handed knitters helpful

  • Congratulations to a fully thought out launch with all the details!

  • Link to Google Play for the app still not working

  • You guys simply rock! Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

  • Brilliant – I am going to buy the Android version asap for my husband. It may just keep our marriage afloat LOL!

  • Is there a section on fixing mistakes – dropped stitches etc?

  • Would the app, book and kit be appropriate for teaching an 8 year old?

  • Delightful kit for newbies and a wonderful gift kit to begin with daughters who want to learn to knit. The very best to you.

  • Congratulations! I’ve downloaded it and am thrilled to see how nicely it is laid out
    Great job!!

  • I’m sure you already have a readership “for taking your knitting to the next level”! Kitchener stitch, mattress stitch, the myriad and esoteric increases….just to name a few, make an awesome reference for the ages! Congratulations on your present success.

  • Does it cover left-handed knitting techniques?

  • I am going to look at the new app! Definitely thinking of buying it as there are a lot of ideas and skills that I need, but don’t possess at this time. Just watching the videos has increased my confidence, and I think having the app, will have the right fit for me!

  • Does the skill set app give instructions for left handed knitters

  • I LOVE this app!! Since buying it, I have recommended it to anyone who will listen to me gush about it! I intend to have high school students I am mentoring in an after-school knitting program download it. It’s like having a friend sitting beside you teaching each skill set. So proud of Ann and Kay for coming up with this idea and then executing it. xoxoxoJudy

  • Putting in my request for Continental style knitting. Fantastic looking app already though.

  • Wonderful! Thanks for the introductory offer!

  • Thank you

  • I took advantage of your weekend deal to buy this app, hoping to recommend it to some new knitters. After loading it, though, what I have is a mobile access to the website, not these skill set lessons. Advice?

  • My favorite pickled item is watermelon rind. I don’t see it much in New England except at a fair.
    In stores, Grillo’s in refrigerator case. I like their sandwich maker pickles.

  • I’m a sucker for any help I can load on my iPad, and you got me at the special weekend price. Easy and fast to use, this app is a great reference. For the next revision, can you please have the developers make it usable in landscape mode as well as vertical mode? If you do that, I will be over the moon!

  • Very nice to have the beginner start up on Android or Apple! Any thoughts for a tablet version – Microsoft style? In the meantime I will be happy with mobile wonderfulness 🙂

  • I tried to order the Skill Set app. I used your link for the Apple App Store. I got to the page for entering my username and password. When I tap on a box to enter info, the keyboard does not display, so I am not able to enter anything. Is anyone else having this problem?

    • Same kind of problem in France. I have just bought the app, but unable to open it on my pad. Is it only possible on my phone?
      And I don’ t find an entry on the account board…
      sorry for my bad written English.

    • Same problem here, I don’t know if this is because I live in Canada

  • Looking forward to checking out the app. There are so many tricks for improving techniques when knitting. There is always more to learn.

  • Looks like a great kit to give as a gift to someone who wants to learn how to knit – however, balls or cakes of yarn would be better suited to a newbie!

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