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.

Sorry If This is Getting Old....

But I can't help it!

This was a really fun project and I have to show it off! It was my first try at circular knitting needles.

Knitting is Therapy

Knitting is effective and very cheap therapy!

It is hard to describe how much knitting has helped me navigate the murky midwinter blues this year. Even Joel has noticed a difference. He told me the other night how mellow and relaxed I have been since I started knitting. I tend toward anxiety and thinking about the "worst case scenario" and anything that can lift my mind out of that funk is very, very good!

I have felt such tremendous satisfaction from making something useful with my own two hands. My daughter thinks my creations are "fabulous" and she is in awe of my knitting. I have also experienced the joy of making things that I can give away to others. It feels so good to not have to go out and buy a present but make something instead.

Knitting also provides good praying/thinking/meditation time. Lately I have been mulling over a lot of "new to me" ideas about what it means to follow Jesus. I have been reading "The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical" which has given me much food for thought.



It deserves a separate blog post, I can't do it justice here. I will say that if you read this book you will be challenged to love and connect with other human beings like never before.

Anyway, friends, knitting ROCKS! Try it, you’ll like it!

Jen

Another Knitting Project--I Can't Seem to Stop!

I had so much fun making this little purse. It was a gift for a friend of my daughter who had a "Fancy Nancy" birthday party today. Apparently she is all about the purses, so it was a good choice!

The only problem is that after working on this project for two nights, my right shoulder really hurts! Is there such a thing as "knitter's shoulder" perchance? Is my knitting career over before it even begins? The drama!

I am taking a knitting break tonight and hopefully it will be better tomorrow!

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.