Learning Another Fiber Art

I love the term "fiber art" it makes my attempts at being crafty sound so much more legit!

Since I had some success with learning to knit this winter I decided to tackle crochet this week. I found two good websites with video tutorials and free patterns here and here.

Crochet was a bit easier for me to learn, maybe because I have already taught myself to knit. It also seemed faster. I have made two washcloths so far and am anxious to try a few more simple projects.

One thing I have shied away from with both knitting and crochet is anything that requires determining gauge. It just sounds so intimidating and although all the websites say that finding gauge is essential, it still feels like a waste of time. So, I have not made anything yet that requires a good fit or needs to be particularly precise. I suppose as I practice more and gain confidence I will begin to take on more difficult projects!

The most enjoyable aspect of learning to knit and crochet has been the sense of satisfaction I feel making useful and beautiful things with my own two hands. It's also a big time stress reliever! I wish I had learned years ago.

First Knitting Project

Here it is! My first completed knitting project! My daughter made my day when she excitedly tried on her headband and said, "Mom, I'm so proud of you for knitting this!".





Z. was getting a little jealous and wanted in on the action so he gave me some free superhero poses to share with you.





Future knitter at work...

Trying Something New

My dear Mrs. Pivec from Golightly Place has inspired me to try a new hobby...knitting! You know how I'm always whining about wanting to be creative and really make something with my own two hands, well this is my latest attempt at satisfying that need! It has been fun so far and not too terribly frustrating.

I have found that I CANNOT learn to do craft projects from written instructions and diagrams, I have to SEE them done, so I was so happy to find videos online for beginning knitters (again thanks to Mrs. Pivec!).

I will now dazzle you with my new found knitting terminology... I have learned to "cast on" and I think I am getting the hang of the "knit stitch". Although I have difficulty when I get to the end of a row. There is this weird loop left over, I am sure due to operator error of some kind. Any help from the knitters out there? I started out with the Continental method but couldn't get the hang of holding the yarn in my left hand. I am having more success with the English method. There you go. Impressed yet?

My husband has taken to calling me "granny" when he sees me knitting. I can always count on him for moral support.

While perusing knitting books at Barnes and Noble the other day I found one with ideas for using knitting for good. For example, beanie hats for chemo patients and teddy bears for kids who have been abused. Wouldn't it be amazing to know that something you made brought comfort to others in the midst of pain? I hope I can gain enough knitting skill to do something like that.

What me? Crafty? Not really.

That's why I turn to the Crafty Crow for EASY ideas to keep my kids busy. Some of their activities are so easy that even my craft and creativity challenged self can accomplish them. That's really saying something!

The Crafty Crow also features many crafts that go WAY over my head but I just ignore those and pretend they don't exist. Then we are all happy.

Here's what we did today. Nothing earth shattering but entertaining nonetheless.

First, the paper tearing craft. Just draw a picture, tear up some colored paper, and glue it on. Pretty hard to get this one wrong.

Second, the Bathing Babies activity. Just fill up a tub with warm, soapy water, put it outside and see what happens.

Note my daughter's expression on her face. This is serious stuff here and she is going by the book.

It started out pretty tame and then the dinosaurs showed up. And the cars and trucks. And the Village People construction hat.

Then a giant baby crashed the party. It was all over after that.

What's really great is that my kids thought I was the best and coolest mom ever for coming up with this stuff. Shhhhh, don't tell them any different okay?