knitting update.
Happy Friday, dear friends!
I thought it would be fun to give you a little update on knitting, because I’ve been practicing lots this winter.
I’m nowhere near an expert or have even completed a single project, so why on earth am I writing a blog post about it?
Because it’s fun! I don’t think I realized I could enjoy the process of learning a new skill so much — when I don’t even have results yet.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to tell you what I’ve discovered so far. That way, if you decide to try your hand at knitting, maybe it will save you some time and money.
Okay, so here’s what I’ve learned:
Casting on
Knit stich
Purl stitch
A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across a blog post that was immensely helpful. The author said that so many people who want to learn to knit burn themselves out before they even begin because they choose a long or difficult first project. Or buy really expensive trendy yarn and are terrified to mess it up.
She said that in the very beginning all you should be doing is practicing — with inexpensive yarn. Over and over.
Knit squares. Or washcloths if you feel you must do a project. Something very boring.
This helped point me in a much more realistic direction, and I think it’s why I’m still plugging away and not frustrated.
So first, the materials.
I have to credit this blog post over at Mama in a Stitch. Her beginner’s hat is my first real knitting goal. But when I started knitting last month I headed to Hobby Lobby and found a different brand yarn and short needles that ended up not working well. The first ball of yarn I bought shed terribly, so that I’d have a pile of fuzz in my lap after knitting for a half hour. Not fun! And I’m just not a fan of metal needles, I really prefer the feel of bamboo.
I’m now on my third kind of yarn and needles, so that’s why I want to help you.
Mama in a Stitch is right, Lion Brand Yarn really is wonderful. She’s also right that starting with big needles and super chunky yarn is much easier for learning stitches. Here are the supplies I’m using:
Lion Brand Hometown USA Yarn, super bulky
I ordered these products online, but I’ve heard Michael’s carries Lion Brand Yarn. I don’t live near a Michael’s but would love to save on shipping, so plan to go look at their yarn soon.
Excuse my clammy ghost fingers in the above photo. I wasn’t focusing on exposure when I took the picture, I was focusing on my pretty, soft yarn!
When you buy a skein of yarn, you need to first wind it into a ball. I can’t remember which video I watched, but just reach into the center of the skein and carefully pull out the bundle. You will find the end of the yarn and you can begin winding it around your four fingers until it’s sturdy enough to pull off. Keep turning and winding until it forms a ball.
I’ve had my sights set on making the aforementioned hat from the beginning, but I put that aside for awhile, and instead have just been practicing my stitches. Over and over. I’ve watched Youtube videos until my eyes glaze over, so I’ll share the few links that have really helped me:
Just do this beginner cast-on first. It will not look as pretty, but that’s okay. Casting on is not important when you’re just practicing stitches. Just this week I learned another cast-on that looks a bit more neat. You can try it after awhile.
And then once you’ve cast on, start by learning the Knit Stitch here.
Here’s another video I really like for the knit stitch.
Basically, so far I’ve alternated between two Youtube channels: A Stitch A Day, and Knitting Tips by Judy. These are my favorite. Although I find myself drifting to Happy Berry Knitting sometimes, simply because I love her soothing accent.
Okay, I hope this is helpful.
I practiced the knit stitch lots and then this week tackled the purl stitch:
And you’ll see in the photos that that’s where I am right now, in the middle of February. Practicing knitting and purling over and over. And the more you do it, the more you get a feel for how it ought to look and you just figure it out.
Watch this video to guide you on how to hold the yarn when knitting. It takes time even to learn that correctly.
I think I could make a scarf out of the blue piece. But I’m not going to. Because my sights are set on that hat!
Right now I’m practicing the knit 2/purl 2 border of the hat.
The other thing I feel like I need to learn this week as I begin it is how to fix my knitting mistakes. So far I’ve just taken apart the whole project when I drop a stitch or something. That’s no good.
And so, my friends, that’s my February knitting update.
A couple of things:
1. It’s so good for my kids to see me try something new and struggle through it and mess up over and over. They get to take turns helping me take apart my knitting when I botch it, which they enjoy. Judah said, “Sometimes it just feels good to pull something apart.” I heartily agree.
It’s good for them to see me laugh about my failures and enjoy the very process of learning, even when I’m no good.
2. I’m much more okay with failure than I used to be.
Maybe that’s why I’m having so much fun this time. I learned to knit very early in our marriage, and to crochet several years ago and gave both up in frustration. Enneagram 1’s do not like to do things they aren’t good at. I hated not being able to make my projects perfect.
Well, at age 37 I’ve pretty much let go of perfection. It’s unattainable this side of heaven. These days I’m much more comfortable with being just plain Julie, good at some things and not good at other things.
And can I tell you? Life is so much more fun now.
3. Knitting relaxes me.
I noticed this early on. Even if all I’m doing is practicing my knit stitch over and over with a ball of pretty blue yarn.
When David wants to process his day at church and I feel that edge of stress creeping up in my heart (not because it’s bad, just because it’s a lot), I grab my knitting basket and work away while he talks, and somehow I feel better. I can listen and respond without being agitated.
Back when I told you I wanted to knit, I mentioned wanting a hobby that’s not reading that allows me to be with my family. And it’s really working, friends!
I’m motivated to press on.
Next up: the hat!
