Having never worked with yarns before, the thought of trying to learn something that looked so difficult seemed a little daunting to me. And, truthfully, it looked way too passive and boring to fit in with my image of myself for so many years. Then, coming home last November (2008) after my mother’s heart attack and subsequent bypass, it somehow took hold in my mind to learn how to make things from two pretty sticks and a string. I wanted to learn to knit.
Without a teacher or mentor, I turned to YouTube and pulled up short videos showing me what I needed to begin. Off to Wally World for Size 10 straight needles (ugh!) and worsted synthetic yarn (double ugh!). My YouTube mentors were great — these were exactly what I needed to practice with!
I could (and did!!) screw it all up many times. I still screw it up, but now I can usually fix it and go on. That’s progress!
My first project was a simple garter scarf. My single cast-on was too loose, but workable, my stitches kept increasing without me intending for them to, and dropped stitches never got picked up so there were more than a few holes in my first scarf. When I was finished, it really didn’t look like I was going to become a knitter after all. Then, the love of my life, Andy, proudly wrapped it around his neck and wore it that first day, even though I couldn’t imagine wearing it myself.
I WAS HOOKED.
YouTube knitters showed me how to get beautiful straight edges for my next scarf, how to pick up dropped stitches, how to add fringe and how to basket weave, seed stitch, stockinette, etc. etc. etc. I practiced and practiced and practiced until making scarves was BOOOORRRRIIINNNGGGG . Having learned the American method of throwing stitches the first time round, I now practiced the Continental method in order to gain a little more speed. Next project — a shawl. Then, a cute little wrap-a-around sweater for our little Yorkie dog, Rudy. And it goes on from there.
Knitting is meditative. Knitting is achievement oriented. Knitting is creative. Knitting is NECESSARY to my sanity. Knitting found me. Or I found Knitting. Whichever way it happened, it’s one of the best things that has happened to me.
Hi Karen,
As a continental knitter myself I am always on the lookout for like minds. I belong to a great knitting group which meets every Weds. at Hixson Civic Center from 10 -12. I’d like to invite you to join us. WE have lots of laughs and learn something new every now and then.
Melody
Hi Melody! Thanks for the invitation. I hope to take you up on it one day. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Is that the North River Civic Center? I pulled up a web page for it: http://www.chattanooga.gov/EAC/2919_eacNorthRiverCivicCenter.htm
Dear Karen,
thank you kindly for the nice knitted nab. It really shows a lot of craftmansship. We love it and when the little one is able to wear it, we will send you some photos.
At the moment we can only send you photos of her wearing it like a super-girl cape.
The heart in the middle is a real sweet touch.
Again thank you dearly,
Sjoerd, Marina and Benthe
The Netherlands.
Dear Sjoerd, Marina and little super-girl Benthe,
I rather like the super-girl idea! haha
Hopefully, by the time she needs it, she will love the little heart on it, too. She is a precious and beautiful child.
I look forward to seeing the photos one day, when she is older. Meanwhile, take good care.
Karen