Now that I am the new Canning Guru of the West Coast (see previous post), I can check that skill off my "to-learn" list. And so it is that now you'll find me trying to maneuver two unwieldy and very unbending sticks through the air with the greatest of ease. Har, har. Does anyone have a couple of hands I can borrow because this knitting thing is truly made for folks with more than two? This is my fourth or fifth day of really trying to learn to knit. The second day I really got the whole stockinette stitch going like a house afire. I was making plans for knitting the Empire State Building when...I dropped a stitch. There were those plans in the toilet.
It usually isn't that hard for me to learn something like this, but knitting is a bitch, a hard taskmistress, I am telling you that right now. I am feeling fairly witless in this process. The other thing that is out-of-the-odinary- I'm not giving up. No, siree. While I don't envision Miss Marple moves any time soon, you know knitting while you're not looking so's you can solve mysteries and stuff, I am going to finish a project.
This little sample is, mmmmm, maybe the 30th or 40th attempt. No lie. Tension is truly the key. Unfortunately I haven't quite mastered that but I am sure it'll come to me eventually. It's got to, right?
This is what I'm aiming for. I think it's totally doable unless I poke out an eye or something first. See it starts small, at the point, so I figure by the time the piece is of any consequential width I will be really good - okay, better than I was at the beginning AND there is a very sneaky little ruffle action all around that should hide a bazillion mistakes.
So anyhoo, if anyone o' you are considering writing a beginners knitting book here's a tip: it's a good idea to teach people how to fix their mistakes - pick up a dropped stitch, undo a lousy row, take out an unwanted extra loop - 'cause hey, we're beginners. We're going to need to know that stuff.
I'll keep you posted on the "cool, easy (my behind)" knitting as it progresses. Truth be told, I am feeling very determined. Needles crossed.
You can do it! I have knit off and on for ages and every time a long no-knitting period goes by it is almost like starting over. You'll get the rhythm going soon.
Darla
Posted by: Darla | July 13, 2011 at 04:35 AM
There's a book called Knit Fix that will teach you how to fix mistakes. Also, Google. You can also email me with questions. When you drop a stitch, and the column of stitches below all come apart, fix it with a crochet hook. Put the hook through the last loop, then catch the bar of yarn above & pull it through the loop. Keep doing that until you're back at the top.
Posted by: Jen Anderson | July 13, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Wish Id thought to ask earlier. You are good!!! I am, so far, staying out of trouble but Im only about an 1/8 of the way through. Oh, thanks. I feel relieved for the support.
Posted by: Vallen Queen | July 13, 2011 at 10:14 PM
You can master knitting! I just taught myself online almost 2 years ago after I'd been crocheting since age 9. There are tutorials for anything you want to do. I would play them over and over, and the nice thing is that the lady would never get upset with me when I yelled and her! I have many more things I would like to learn, especially when it comes to making garments.
Posted by: Tina | July 15, 2011 at 04:40 AM
pleez
do NOT poke
out
an eye
:-0
pleeze
do NOt
Posted by: somepinkflowers | July 21, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Lol yes, well, knit she is a fussy mistress. And picking up dropped stitches? Isn't that what crochet hooks are for? That is what I use and took me a bit of time to master the technique. But it's worth the pain! Keep going! Hollar at me if you are stuck.
Posted by: Rebecca | July 29, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Hi there,
Just discovered your blog on Julie Whitmore's. Love, love, love her pottery! I have been trying to learn to knit, too. I live near Seattle. There is a little place called Churchmouse Yarns and Tea in Bainbridge Island. They have an online site. I have taken a few lessons there. Going in for lessons in person really helps but when I get in a fix sometimes I go online. There are some great postings on youtube for knitting. A very helpful one I have found is called the Knit Witch. Good luck...I know we will both get there! Have a great day. xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | July 31, 2011 at 12:42 PM