Almost all of the women in my mother’s side of the family possess handicraft talent, mainly in knitting and crocheting. However, whenever my mom or grandmother tried to teach me how to do either of these things, I just couldn’t get it. I didn’t have the dexterity or coordination and my Italian elders didn’t have the patience to make skillful crafters out of my fumbling fingers.
Then, last October, I bought Stitch ‘n Bitch by BUST Magazine‘s Editor-in-Chief Debbie Stoller. I rounded up Mish and another friend and said, determined, “we’re learning how to knit.” On Stoller’s advice, we bought some worsted weight acrylic yarn and some bamboo needles and got to it, chatting {or “bitching”} as we went. The greatest part about it, which is a main point in Stoller’s book, was the community we felt, even just the three of us. We had tea and snack food, talked about school, work, and guys, and ultimately helped each other learn how to knit in one night. Okay, so it took some time {and a lot of unraveling and re-casting-on}, but when I made the first few rows of my very first scarf, I could hardly believe it.
I admit, I haven’t dedicated as much time to knitting as I’d like to, but I am really happy to say that I finished my first scarf before winter was over and I gave it to Stan, who wore it proudly and faithfully every day even when he didn’t need to and even though it was much to thick to be a scarf and really should be considered a very long baby blanket. My second scarf, which I’m working on now, is much skinnier and appropriate. I’m hoping to get a lot more knitting done as soon as school lets out {only two more weeks!!!}, and maybe I’ll even find a knitting circle.
Do any of you knit, crochet, or sew? What have you made?
I remember what it was like when I was first learning to crochet. The symbols and abbreviations were like a foreign language to me. That was almost five years ago. I can happily say that I have mastered many baby blankets and at least a few adult size afghans. My bestie was the one who took the time to teach me, and as her interest moved from crocheting to knitting, well, so did mine. Unfortunately, my knitting skills are not up to par. I find myself wishing that I could make mittens, gloves, hats, and sweaters. But all I can manage are simple scarves and a the start of a flat baby blanket. Feeling the hints of fall in the air makes me want to spend more time on my yarn-y projects. Who knows, maybe by the time Christmas gets here I’ll have managed something new.