Yarn Along: Finally Knitting! | Your Morning Basket

I tried to learn to knit a couple of years ago. The homeschool mom blogosphere was swirling with knitting and sweaters and yarning along, and I endeavored to join in. As an occasional crocheter learning a new yarn skill appealed to me. I also just love the way a knitted piece looks and the magic of something fabric-like taking shape under the needles.

So I watched a bunch of videos, bought a learn-to-knit kit and even sought out the knitting instructor at my local craft store. I guess I talked a good game (I was pondering whether continental style would be easier for me as a crocheter) because she told me my knowledge was beyond the class, and I just needed practice. Except it wasn’t. I struggled with simple things like casting on, I didn’t understand why I had this huge long yarn between stitches on the first row and I didn’t know it would go away. I can’t tell you how many times I worked and reworked that first row trying to knit “closer together.” Basically I was really frustrated with the process and knew I was a knitting failure.

So I stopped and just kept crocheting. And then I tried the Knook, which I think did a good job in helping me understand some knitting concepts, but was awkward and slow. In the meantime I met Jessica, and we worked on a number of homeschooling projects together. Now she is a knitter. She made Christmas stockings, sweaters, and little dresses with ruffles. I filed that info away for about a year and then last week I asked her to give me a lesson.

I mentioned it had issues, right? But a serviceable washcloth it will make.

Last Wednesday we sat in the park while the kids played, and she showed me how to cast on — and I was able to do it! (After a few attempts.) Then I learned to knit a few rows (that big yarn space does work itself out on the second row!) and finally to purl. And now I am making a really big washcloth (I practiced casting on quite a few stitches). It has its issues but the last chunk of rows are really starting to look pretty good. I am sure I will complete knitting projects at about the same pace I have crochet ones, but I’m excited nonetheless!

Reading right now is Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation (Cultural Liturgies) for my Classical Mom’s book club. I just got this one, so haven’t cracked the cover yet. I have listened to a couple of Smith’s lectures on the Society for Classical Learning page, so I am anxious to start.

Visit Ginny at Small Things for more people knitting (or crocheting, reading and yarning along).

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Pam

Pam is the author of The Your Morning Basket Guide and Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace. She also is the host of three popular podcasts -- The Homeschool Snapshots Podcast, Your Morning Basket, and The Homeschool Solutions Show. She lives in the Deep South with her husband and three kids, where she is the go-to lady for great curriculum recommendations or a just a pep talk on a rough day.