The pattern calls for knit stitches, yarn overs, and knit 2 together decreases. You’ll need a metal floral hoop or a large wooden embroidery hoop for hanging it.

Fortunately, most yarn stores (including all the ones linked to in this story) offer one-on-one or group lessons to jump-start newbies’ knitting careers.

I chatted with the owners of two local yarn stores to get the knitty gritty on stitching for everyone from wannabe knitters and beginners to last-minute-gift makers. Isn’t knitting for grandmas?