Last year, upon my request, my mother-in-law gave me gift certificates to a yarn shop for supplies and lessons. Two weeks ago, I finally made the time to schedule a lesson. I did alright in the shop, but once I got home and a few (7-ish) days went by I swear knitting became as easy as teaching yourself Cantonese.
I learn by reading and by clear examples and pictures. So, last night after I forgot, um, everything, there I was with the laptop on my lap, two needles in my hands, and a ball of yarn bouncing around like a tumble weed all while I surfed the web for decent pictures and videos. Have you ever seen pictures or videos of people knitting? Allow me to demonstrate.
Imagine a close up of two hands and white yarn against a dark white background. Fingers everywhere, no clue which string of yarn is the tail, and a 42 second flurry of finger flouncing activity complemented by a mystery female voice over lay who says:
Mystery Female Voice: So the knit stitch is super easy. You just go left to right, out the back door, wrap around, drop, and your done!
Sure! Of course! Now, come a-flippin-gain?! Huh? Wha? 42 seconds?! Repeat!
And I did. And I looked for other videos. More white yarn, more lightening speed knitting, and more pale, bony fingers that, I’m sorry, say “I own a clowder of cats.”
God knows, I tried. I am nothing if not persistent. After I untangled, unraveled, and un-knitted whatever knotted, unspeakable horror I was ‘creating’ 231 times, my yarn looked like an 80s perm: fried, frizzed, and frazzled. I was half-tempted to put some John Frieda on it and keep trying, but the Mister, sensing a Mount Vesuvius of rage building every time my knits turned into knots, wondered out loud,
Didn’t you take up knitting to relax?
Why yes, I did. Which means only one thing: screw you, knitting! We’re done. Finished. Through. No longer an item. Instead, I’m going to dust off the sewing machine I have sitting in the closet and see if maybe, just maybe, there is somewhere in my being a crafty sewing gene. My mother-in-law also bought me this book for Christmas, no doubt suspecting the only thing I would be capable of fashioning from yarn is a noose.
I am also putting this book on my birthday/Christmas wish list.
Anyone have it? I already read Angry Chicken, so I know the writing and projects will be fun and creative. Anyone have any other crafty sewing book suggestions? I would like something fun and easy. Something even a failed domestic could handle.
Lotta Jansdotter “Simple Sewing” is great.
But, before you dust off the machine, oil it up and get new needles. You will be just as frustrated as the yard debacle if the machine isn’t working.
Bags are a good start : )
Bend the Rules is a great book! It inspires me, a non-sewer but wanting to change, more than any of the other ones. In fact, though I’ve not done any of the projects, it’s the book I keep re-reading the most…which is (sadly) how I count its success.
Thanks, Becky! And, no, I will not even attempt anything bag related knowing you read my blog. Well, maybe a book bag, but certainly nothing I need to wear with a smart outfit.
Kristi-hah! You’re comment made me laugh because I am guilty of using the same success-o-meter. :)
Aww I wish we lived closer – I would teach you how to knit. It is relaxing and once you get the hang of it – it isnt too hard. IF I can learn you can. My boss taught me two years ago. I specialize in scarfs and have made two blankets (one for Josh and one for Juliana). Someday I will take a class to learn how to do something fun like sweaters. I dont have any book suggestions. I cant sew at all so I wish you the best of luck ;) Oh how I wish I could though – I would make bags.
Thank you for making me laugh! I know all about knitting and how I cannot do it! I have saved my knitting needles to use as frontline defensive weapons.
I’m a mostly failed knitter, too. I can do the knit stitch (badly) but throw in purling and I’m done.
Bend the Rules is a fabulous book. I am a pretty decent sewing machine sewer but I love it even though it’s aimed at beginners. Great projects–things you will actually want to use! or give as gifts. I second the recommendation of “Simple Sewing.” But Bend the Rules is #1.
QUOTE: “bony fingers that, I’m sorry, say “I own a whole crap load of cats.”
Holy crap Jules – I just spit coffee all over my computer screen. And, no, I can’t knit either. :-)
I’m so glad to hear you didn’t like knitting. My mom tried to teach me last winter and I almost stabbed myself with the needles. I don’t find it relaxing at all.
Sewing is a whole other story though. Aprons are a great beginner project and they make good gifts just in time for Christmas!
I love the book Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. Like Kristi, I’ve never actually made anything out of it but, I look at it constantly. I’m going to make the bird in there if it’s the last thing I do!
Have you tried crochet? I find it easier and faster than knitting. It’s fun.
I want to take up sewing… But I lack a sewing machine and any know-how… It’s my next craft/someday thing.
Reluctant Housewife, I haven’t tired crochet, but I have one more gift certificate for the same shop so I am going to try that, too. I have heard that it’s easier. My mother-in-law loves it, and crochets baby blankets for all the grandchildren.
Amy and Lotta’s books are great! Very simple projects. I haven’t had time to make a single one but they’re on my to-do list… sigh.
My grandmother taught me to knit and my mother taught me to crochet. My mom never got the whole knitting thing either. I would say crocheting is easier to learn.
No, no, don’t do it! They say crochet is easier, but it’s just as bad, if not worse.
I like how Kathi D likens crocheting to marijuana– the gateway drug to a really bad crafting experience.
Our library has a pretty good video for learning to knit. Have you checked your local library?
I sewed my first purse from Bend the Rules!
Oh, and I can’t knit either. Tried, gave up. I’m perfectly happy buying a scarf, thankyouverymuch.
Quincy, that’s a great idea! I’m there every weekend, anyway, checking out all the books and videos on dinosaurs for Mikey. I’ll check it out. Thanks!
Nicole, I hear you. My first row looked like a thin dreadlock.
I just got back from buying the Simple Sewing book. I wanted Bend the Rules, but it was out. I’ll call the library and ask them to order it.
Ariana–My first step was to write down every single expense and weigh it against the Mister’s income. There were things we saw that immediately had to go. From there, is was learning how to shop and spend wisely–which is not always easy when you’re accustomed to something different.
Ah knitting, there is a reason those needles look like weapons…I started a scarf project when the Fancy and I started dating, he asks about it from time-to-time and I feel like stabbing him when I have to tell him (yet again) that I am not finished (maybe never will be)!
Becky o. is right Simple Sewing is great and there’s a site ‘O my sewing stars’ which is really simple and gives quick tips on re-con for your wardrobe which is kinda fun.
Miss B, I am thumbing Simple Sewing right now! Thanks for the link; you always find the best stuff.