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I decided that I have been belly achin’ about it for long enough. On December 31st I sat me down with my book and kit that I have had for probably 10 years or more and taught myself to knit!
I have only opened this kit one other time. That was when I purchased it. I made a square of knitting and looked at the inconsistent tension and the holes (dropped stitches) and got so frustrated with myself that I gave up. And put the kit away until now.
I had to have a little talk with myself. A little pep talk. And a short reprimand for being a quitter last time.
So, this time I am going through the book very carefully. Paying attention to phrases like “Your work will look more even as you practice.” (emphasis mine)
I figure that if I can be diligent and tenacious about learning to eat Oreo cookies with skill and finesse, learning to coupon shop, learning to grow organic vegetables and learning to make yogurt, then I ought to be able to learn a craft that even children can master, using a book that has taught thousands.
So I am taking it slow, and re-reading all of the instructions as I practice, practice, practice. I’m not saving all of the practice swatches, but these were the ones where I learned to bind-off. The tension is not perfect yet and there are some gaps, but I don’t think I dropped any stitches. All of you skilled knitters may want to avert your eyes.
The top piece is done in row after row of knit, and the bottom one is row after row of purl.
I really love learning new things, even things that try my patience. I already had an opportunity to apply this lesson to mothering. I’ve been teaching Cannonball Jack and The Squid (ages 10 & almost 9, respectively) to write cursive. They love the concept and do well with the new skill, as a whole. But some letters are just down-right awkward feeling, ya know?
The Squid had a particularly hard time with the lower case h today. His poor little hand just wanted to make that line scoop under instead of jump back up and over. Y’all know what I mean, it’s step #3 in the illustration below.
Well, if I hadn’t been trying to teach my “crochet-hands” to do the knit & purl trick for the past several days I don’t think I would have been half so compassionate and encouraging.
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Wow congrats on the journey into knitting. Youtube has some WONDERFUL knitting toutrials. I think the one I have used at one time or another is called the Knit witch.
Knitting is my nuclear disaster skill. A lot of what I do and know, how I function depends on technology or consumption, so knitting is one of my produce something tangible skills.
It’s funny that you posted about knitting now though, because just yesterday I was thinking about putting together a knitting group to teach girls at the high school I work at how to knit during women’s history month (March). Hopefully they would take on a positive attitude about trying out a new skill.
You are doing great! I had a really hard time learning from a book but knittinghelp.com helped me a ton. I think she attaches the video camera to her head or something!
A few years ago I decided to pick up knitting. The three scarves I knitted are still in use, but I would lose track of how many stitches and it would be horribly off. I let my daughter pick it up and she’s better than I ever was!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have wondered where I can SEE someone actually knitting. It does seem like it would answer some questions. Thanks, Michele!
If the book is a bit confusing (it was for me), I definately suggest YouTube. Watching someone do it was the key to me learning. Have fun – knitting is great once you get the hang of it!!
I taught myself when I was pregnant for the first time and love it! I just have a nasty habit of falling asleep the minute I sit down these days…
That’s funny that you wrote about this because my daughter attempted to learn over the holidays and just handed me the book and said, “YOU learn it and then teach ME.” I don’t even know if I can. You inspired me though. Good luck!