I
taught myself to knit 20 years ago. My freshman year in college, my mom
gave me some supplies for Christmas, but she never got around to
showing me the basics over Christmas break. She offered to teach me once
I returned home again for the summer—but I was too impatient. I would
have to teach myself. My first project was a fisherman's knit
sweater—because that's my kind of crazy—always start with the hardest
project.
and I dated long distance for my first couple of years of college, so
we spent a lot of time on the phone—often for hours at a time. I got a
lot of knitting done during those long calls.
Come to think of it, I made two fisherman knit sweaters that
semester—it was A LOT of time spent on the phone—Isaac was quite the
talker back then. I was happy to listen and knit, occasionally chiming
in with an "uh-uh…yep…sure…of course…then what?…" A $40 Radio
Shack headset phone saved my aching neck. I loved that phone.
That was back when I still planned to become a surgeon. Knitting and
doll-making were my stress-relief from a demanding school schedule.
By the time I switched my major to Apparel Design, knitting was my
side-kick. I brought my knitting to class, to the cafeteria, to
church—everywhere I went.
Later, when I designed a full-on clothing collection for competition
in the university's annual fashion show, my collection was the only one
to include a variety of knitted garments. In fact, I suspect that my
men's intarsia sweaters were pivotal to my First Place win in my first
fashion show. It was early in my second year of the program, and I was
competiting against designers with twice as much schooling and
experience.
Living in sunny Arizona, I don't knit quite as frequently as I did
when we lived where it snows. But, it is still one of my
all-time-favorite pastimes. When I get the itch to knit, it doesn't
matter if I have a project figured out—or even the right needles (as
evidenced by my rubber-band-modified double-pointed needles above)—I set
to it.
time, I tried my hand at the trendy, new ruffle yarns and made a scarf
for my sister-in-law, Laura. She's in DC, where it's a bit colder. And
she's my style-sister. If I can't wear it—because it's just not cold
enough here—then I can enjoy the finished knitting through her.
I did finally grab some shorty little light-weight bamboo needles to finish the job—so I could knit on a plane without bothering my neighbors—and avoid getting patted down by airport security.
I dont' know how many of you knit, but have you ever tried working with ruffle yarn?
My take: It was fun to knit with, but a little slow. You knit each
chain/eyelet that runs along one edge of the yarn (see top photo), and
it's a bit of work to keep the yarn untwisted. Then there is the matter
of burying the yarn ends. There was no straight-forward solution for
this, so I put it off of course. I finally resolved to crochet the ends
into the work so they would be undetectable—which worked perfectly.
I finished up last night, in time to ship this one off for
Valentine's Day. Sorry for the spoiler, Laura. I'm sending chocolate
too.
If you're a
knitter, here are the details: I cast 15 stitches onto size US 4
(3.5mm) needles. Knitting every row, I used 2 full balls of Flaunt™ yarn
by Loops & Threads™ (Michael's) for a mid-length scarf. This yarn
comes in several variegated options, as well as in solids.
Next up, I'm making a twinner scarf for me—in teal.
I love to knit, I learned 2 years ago, at age 40. It has become one of my favorite things to do on a plane, or while watching tv. I haven’t used this yarn before, but may give it a try. I am VERY impressed with the fisherman sweaters…go you!! I am going to knit my first sweater this year.
I use circular needles for just that purpose. I don’t like it when the needles are sticking out, and when I’m done knitting for the moment, I slide everything onto the cable part and it stays safe.
knitting is on my list of things to learn, I have my mothers old needles and BAGS of nice wool yarn…Your scarf is beautiful, I bet she loves it!
But, embroidery is my go-to for relaxing. I was SO tempted to take my project with me to stake conference but chickened out.
My father taught me the basics when I was in grade 5 (I won’t say how long ago that was)… how to cast on, knit, purl and how to cast off. Everything else I learned as I found patterns that I wanted to make.
That said… I made one of those ruffle scarves for our middle daughter for Christmas and I told her after she opened it that she had better take really good care of it because while they come out so pretty… I absolutely hated working with the yarn and I don’t plan on making another one.
They are super simple to make but as you say, the knitting is slow going and I sure understand why they sell at craft fairs for $20 to $25.
The scarf looks great! I love to knit too, but am still at dishcloths and trying out socks! Love how portable it is since it is harder to haul the quilting machine!
My mom just taught me to knit over the holidays. Now I can’t put it down! I think I have made 7 scarves – including a ruffle yarn one – and just started my first sweater. I am hooked!!!
You are so clever Heather. I can’t knit to save my life. Wish I could though.
Very nice. I tried to crochet with that type of yarn recently. Got frustrated and took the yarn back to the store. I very rarely ever return yarn, that stuff was ridiculous.
Love the colors on that scarf and I’m a teal lover too.
-laughs- Yes, my first knitted project was a felted purse knitted in the round. I had no idea what I was doing. Like you, I just had to start with the hardest thing I could lay my hands on.
I love knitting and do it all the time. However, I’m not in love with most of the novelty yarns. Not that it would stop me from knitting with this stuff, but it has stopped me from buying it at this point.
Well, I’m glad you’re a go-to embroiderer, that’s for sure. Perhaps I can help you with the knitting when it makes it to the top of your list. xo—Heather
Socks are serious business, Andee. Turning a heel is about as complicated as it gets. It sounds to me like you’re ready to take on just about anything! xo—Heather
Wow! You go. xo—Heather
I love to knit… want to get back to it, and your free pattern is just the kick in the pants I need… so cute!
You are really talented! I don’t have the patience for knitting. I get frustrated if I make a mistake and have to start over. I think I wouldn’t mind crocheting. I’d like to try it out one day. For now I’ll stick with sewing dolls. 🙂
I also love to knit it is my favourite thing to do. I would love to see how this turned out.