I've known how to knit since I was about 7 years old, but it's only in the last 15 years that I've started to learn more techniques. As a kid, it was something the lady at the historical museum taught me but then we moved so I only learned the basic stitch. Then knitting wasn't cool as a teenager. In my 20s I was too busy. It wasn't until my 30s that I picked it back up and realized how much I enjoyed it and benefited from it's stress relief and started to learn more. So, while I can do the basic stitch without having to look at my hands, there's still a lot of learning for me. That's exciting to think about.
I'm so glad you've come back to it and you're finding you enjoy it! That's something I hear often when I speak with other knitters on why they knit. I too find it wonderful for stress relief. Exactly! Learning something new is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
“Do you revel in your awesomeness, or do you have constant doubts too?”
I’d say both. Generally I’ve been proud of how much I’ve learned in relation to my crafts, in such a short time, but then I get cold feet every time I start a new project. In some ways I feel “too new” to be hard on myself though at the same time I watch other knitters and think “why don’t you know how to do that yet?”
The cool thing about knitting is it can be anything you want it to be. From mindless and completely calming to a whole big extravagance on the needles. I guess we can safely say that about any creative practice we undertake. There are no should's and musts. It is there for us, waiting to provide us with whatever is that we may need at that moment. Your tee is coming along beautifully. Alexander Mccall Smith is my comfort reading too! :)
I love this Kavitha - "there are no should's and musts. It is there for us, waiting to provide us with whatever is that we may need at that moment." Thank you for your kind praise and that's a great way to describe the many different facets of knitting.
Re whether we’re beginner, intermediate or expert. We can only become “expert” knitters if we put in the time and explore the many possibilities of material, pattern and technique. Consistently avoiding what’s hard keeps us perpetually apologizing for our results.
‘Beginner” patterns can be well designed, well executed, in carefully chosen colours, fit the recipient… and look outstanding.
Trying new techniques can be fun and a great mental exercise to help focus and ease boredom. But don't expect to love all of them. Knitting energy varies and I think it's best to just have an intuitive approach to what feels right to knit at any point in your life.
I didn't knit during the lockdown for some reason and a recent visit to a new yarn shop led me to pick some happy color skeins as an indulgence and cast on a simple beanie and cowl to get back into knitting. In the past I have knit colorwork mittens (Estonian and Scandinavian) cabled sweaters, lace shawls and many other challenging things. But I know I don't want to follow a chart right now, so I am just knitting simple. Know your own needs and understand why you might want to try things from your knitting bucket list.
Exactly! While learning something new and stretching your abilities (and comfort zone) is great, knitting is all about enjoying yourself and your craft.
Beautiful! I love all of what you shared here, Jodie. I love your openness, honesty and vulnerability and the way you're so beautifully observant/"present". I find it magnetic, inspiring and uplifting. I love and appreciate you. I feel a resonance with your beautiful soul! 🥰 🙏 💖
I've known how to knit since I was about 7 years old, but it's only in the last 15 years that I've started to learn more techniques. As a kid, it was something the lady at the historical museum taught me but then we moved so I only learned the basic stitch. Then knitting wasn't cool as a teenager. In my 20s I was too busy. It wasn't until my 30s that I picked it back up and realized how much I enjoyed it and benefited from it's stress relief and started to learn more. So, while I can do the basic stitch without having to look at my hands, there's still a lot of learning for me. That's exciting to think about.
I'm so glad you've come back to it and you're finding you enjoy it! That's something I hear often when I speak with other knitters on why they knit. I too find it wonderful for stress relief. Exactly! Learning something new is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
“Do you revel in your awesomeness, or do you have constant doubts too?”
I’d say both. Generally I’ve been proud of how much I’ve learned in relation to my crafts, in such a short time, but then I get cold feet every time I start a new project. In some ways I feel “too new” to be hard on myself though at the same time I watch other knitters and think “why don’t you know how to do that yet?”
Yeah, my answer is firmly both.
A very good point! I too get caught in that dichotomy, it just shows you we contain multitudes.
“So, may you find pause when you need it most.” That’s the mantra I need for this weekend and beyond!
So glad it's resonating with you! I think we all need a reminder from time to time.
The cool thing about knitting is it can be anything you want it to be. From mindless and completely calming to a whole big extravagance on the needles. I guess we can safely say that about any creative practice we undertake. There are no should's and musts. It is there for us, waiting to provide us with whatever is that we may need at that moment. Your tee is coming along beautifully. Alexander Mccall Smith is my comfort reading too! :)
I love this Kavitha - "there are no should's and musts. It is there for us, waiting to provide us with whatever is that we may need at that moment." Thank you for your kind praise and that's a great way to describe the many different facets of knitting.
Re whether we’re beginner, intermediate or expert. We can only become “expert” knitters if we put in the time and explore the many possibilities of material, pattern and technique. Consistently avoiding what’s hard keeps us perpetually apologizing for our results.
‘Beginner” patterns can be well designed, well executed, in carefully chosen colours, fit the recipient… and look outstanding.
Great observation! Thank you for sharing ☺️.
Trying new techniques can be fun and a great mental exercise to help focus and ease boredom. But don't expect to love all of them. Knitting energy varies and I think it's best to just have an intuitive approach to what feels right to knit at any point in your life.
I didn't knit during the lockdown for some reason and a recent visit to a new yarn shop led me to pick some happy color skeins as an indulgence and cast on a simple beanie and cowl to get back into knitting. In the past I have knit colorwork mittens (Estonian and Scandinavian) cabled sweaters, lace shawls and many other challenging things. But I know I don't want to follow a chart right now, so I am just knitting simple. Know your own needs and understand why you might want to try things from your knitting bucket list.
Exactly! While learning something new and stretching your abilities (and comfort zone) is great, knitting is all about enjoying yourself and your craft.
Thank you so much for the mention. The mention of the Ladies Detective Agency made me smile too. I'm a huge fan of those books.
Beautiful! I love all of what you shared here, Jodie. I love your openness, honesty and vulnerability and the way you're so beautifully observant/"present". I find it magnetic, inspiring and uplifting. I love and appreciate you. I feel a resonance with your beautiful soul! 🥰 🙏 💖
Thanks so much for your kind words! Lovely to have you here.