I’m trying to make a blanket
The past few nights I’ve been trying to knit for at least an hour a day. I just learned the basics two weeks ago.
I’m going to tell you right now that no one will ever get a hand knitted anything from me.
This stuff takes forever. And I’m just doing the basic knit.
And whoever said you could just do it in front of the TV and watch a movie must have two brains to keep track of a knit, purl, or how many cast ons or rows they have done because I hush Mr. Wonderful as I’m casting on stitches so I don’t have to recount to 39 or 161.
I was in the aisle selecting my yarn, being overly ambitious on my skills and looking at knitting books looking at patterns I couldn’t understand wishing I could just advance to make every person on my Christmas list a sweater in an hour. I cannot wrap my head around how these things are created, how my mother just learned on her own and can visually look at something and just do it. I’m amazed how my friend Angel can create such Anthropologie like creations for her little girl.
But I am assuming understanding how to crochet and knit is similar to making a friendship bracelet. You get the basics down, do it enough times, and eventually you can figure it out and learning gets easier. I see those rubberband loom kit bracelet things and I swear that is the gateway for young girls to get good at knitting. Brilliant. Maybe I should start with that instead.
Then I realize I’m a little hard on myself. The truth is, I dislike the feeling of being a beginner, and not an expert. I want to be the best at everything and naturally. And if I’m not good at it naturally, well, I quit. It’s the creative girl in me that thinks creativity is a natural trait, not a forced one. Where as I admire athletes and their mental discipline to just get better at it and continually do it.
So I hate being a beginner, but we must all start as one, right? No one skips to advanced without learning the basics. So, here I am humbled again by knitting, of all things.
Diana Elizabeth says really, have you ever knitted? It takes forever.
krystalc says
Never knitted or any of the like. Never tried or had the desire, but maybe one day.
And you are right, we ALL start out as the beginner in various areas until we grow and learn and develop to expert level!
Diana Elizabeth says
I always felt like so much has been lost with today – the art of sewing, crochet, knitting, quilting, the domestic things our mothers and grandmothers used to do. I so heavily admire those things, canning too! So I’m trying to bring the old fashioned craft back or at least into my life!
Carla says
Oh how wonderful! I learned to knit in grade school. When I’m not cutting up gorgeous fabrics I’m caressing beautiful yarns! Looking forward to seeing what you create. Blessings on your day.
Diana Elizabeth says
Knit in grade school?! Wow!!!! That’s absolutely amazing! Thank you for your encouragement, I feel like there is so much to learn!
angel swanson says
Oh I am so SO excited that you are knitting! I just wish we lived closer so we could do it together!
One day it will just “click.” For me, going to a weekly knitting circle (back when Olive was a newborn and I could take her anywhere!) helped me progress quickly because I had a place to ask questions and get project assistance. You are such a creative woman and you DO excel at everything; I can’t wait to see what comes flying off your needles later this year. ;-) Love you!
Diana Elizabeth says
Oh dear Angel, I don’t think I will ever get to your level, but you do inspire me! I think I understand what you mean about when it just “clicks”. It happens to so many things, that ah-ha moment. Hoping to be patient with myself!
Libby Stephens says
Hang in there – you will get it. And you will be surprised at what you can make with just the basics. Your famiynwill get those knitted gifts yet. Everybody has to start at the beginning.
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi Libby, thank you so much for your encouragement. I’ve already learned so much – what NOT to do! I love the stockinette stitch but apparently it rolls. So…it’s now a cowl :)
krystalc says
Bring them back!
Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm says
Knitting is two stitches…knit and purl…and they you manipulate those two stitches. Like anything else, for example, photography, it takes time and practice to “get it right”. Why did you start with a blanket? Why not something simpler like a scarf. You’d get faster results and you could still practice the stitches.
Set yourself up for success, not failure.
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi Sandra! Thanks for such an encouraging comment! I actually am so over ambitious so I started two projects at once and then found out the stockinette stitch curls! So sad! So now it’s a cowl… I’m trying to learn how to read patterns and sometimes there seems to be a twist on a knit and purl which confuses me. I hope to one day be better and more patient with myself :)
Courtney Sargent says
You’re so good Diana! I haven’t knitted a single stitch since the class. But, my excuse is that I’m working on a new website, and we both know that takes about as long as knitting. Can’t wait to see your final project!
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi court! I’m overly ambitious and I’ve already messed up a few times. Apparently the stockinette stitch rolls. I don’t remember reading that… I found thepurlbee.com and I want so many things on there. But the kits, like a neckscarf for $100 in materials plus $30 in time… I might just head to Anthro and buy one instead ;) That was so fun taking the class together!