Excitement. Nervousness. Enthusiasm. Drive. Curiosity. These are just a few of the feelings we may have when exploring a new hobby, topic of interest, job, or relationship. Think of the first few times you played an instrument, read books by a new author, or took surfing lessons or dance classes. There's something about being a newbie to something that's like no other stage -- everything is bright and shiny and fun and you want to throw all of your time, money, and effort at it.
Nearly six months into learning how to knit, I'm still very much a newbie, and I'm loving it. While I look forward to becoming more advanced and being able to master intarsia and fair isle and bust out a pair of socks in an hour, right now, I'm enjoying the ride of being a beginner.
As a young girl, my grandmother taught me how to sew, and I've always liked to be crafty in that way. I made a simple baby quilt as a teen, and started one for me, with the idea that I'd give it to my first baby someday. That second quilt is still in progress (long story). No one in my family knits, although some crochet or do needlepoint. I bought a knitting kit at Michael's circa 2008, and after an hour of attempting to cast on and knit one row, stuffed my kit and two beautiful (and not appropriate for newbies) skeins of yarn into a box. Last fall, I decided to give knitting another shot, and after studying the Stitch 'n' Bitch guide and a few YouTube videos, I finally figured out how to cast on, knit, and purl. My first piece was a swatch of course, as all knitters recommend. I got help with the bind off from my friend who loaned me the book, and then I was ready to tackle my first real project -- a headband.
I spent a lot of time trying not to drop stitches so that I wouldn't have to fix them (and sadly, I still don't really know how), and figuring out the most comfortable position for my hands and the yarn. I went back to Michael's again and again for new knitting accoutrement and other practice yarn. By Christmas, I had made two pot holders for my mom (one with one of those first skeins I bought back in 2008!), and headbands for me and my parents. But my real goal was ahead: a baby blanket for one of my closest friends. I was determined to figure it out by the due date in February. So I bought some fuzzy (too fuzzy) baby yarn and got to work in January. The yarn made a pattern or colorwork unnecessary, so I just knitted flat on circular needles in garter, and in the process got fuzz all over the carpet and couch for two months. I was totally over the project by the time it reached the desirable dimensions, but I was pleased as punch, and was able to ship it off to my friend and her new baby just two weeks after the birth.
The baby blanket wasn't the only project I was working on: I also had (have) a running list of friends having babies, and have been making little hats as well. And in between all of this, I'm experimenting with new patterns (seed stitch), new yarns (check out Knit Picks for good deals), new techniques (Craftsy has some great, cheap video classes), and new needles (finally bought double pointed on the recommendation of my local yarn store). While I may not need to need a bunch of winter wear for myself here in San Diego, I'm on the lookout for other projects ("Mom, want me to knit you a placemat?" and "Mom, I made you an eyeglass holder with stash yarn.") to keep my hands busy while watching Law & Order reruns at night or sports on the weekends.
One of the best things about being a knitter (new or not) is that there no shortage of advice, tips, and patterns -- and a lot of it is free. I haven't bought a single knitting magazine or pattern book because there is YouTube, Pinterest, knitting blogs, friends, yarn stores, and the mother of resources, Ravelry. So while I may still be putting off really figuring out how to fix a dropped stitch, I can spend too much time finding new patterns and buying way more yarn than I need (this is eerily like my addiction to books -- you can never have too many!).
I asked friends and family who knit or crochet if they had any tips to share, or just general thoughts about their own adventure with the craft. Here's what they had to say. If you have any stories or tips about knitting that you'd like to share, please comment!
Aunt Mary Beth: My first prayer shawl after joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry Group at church. I had not crocheted for years but quickly remembered the relaxing art that it is. The plus is that these items go to cancer patients and are blessed by our priest during our meetings. I have not been to deliver any yet but I am told that they are very much appreciated by all. Also made by our group are both crocheted and knitted gloves, hats and lap blankets. I look forward to one day delivering them. I hear from the other members that it is a wonderful experience.
Molly: I've started incorporating knitting with my quilts. I'm working a quilt now with knitted accents. It's so relaxing to do both at the same time. When one gets frustrating or I reach a creative block, I'll switch to the other. I like to sit at night, when it's finally quiet and just "Quit." (Note: turns out that Molly (my friend since childhood) and I both used the same Bernat baby yarn to knit a nearly identical blanket/car seat cover, at the same time.)
Karin: I crocheted this hat for Andy when I was preggo and he wore it pretty much the entire winter. Found the basic baby hat pattern on YouTube and added the eyes and horns. Was done in three hours.
Linda: I was given two prayer shawls while my Mom was dying in the hospital. I felt so comforted knowing someone had made these items just to help buoy the spirits of people like me, a heartbroken daughter. To those of you who make these lovely shawls (like Mary Beth), please know they are most appreciated. (Note: Linda is my knitting mentor and loaner of Stitch 'n' Bitch!)
Brianne: It's on my bucket list to learn how to crochet a baby blanket just like the one that was given to me as a little, tiny one. My plan is to learn before I have a baby one day!