While sewing remains my first crafty love, I do sometimes knit. I took it up a of couple years ago as a way to satisfy my creative needs in a way that fit my current lifestyle. Knitting is more portable than sewing: I can take it with me on a trip or to one of my daughter’s appointments. I can also relax with it on the couch in the evening watching TV with my husband.
The Christmas Bells On My Tree
I have always liked the idea of knitting, but I had a few false starts. I first tried knitting in my teens. If my memory is correct, I believe my Gran taught me the basics of the knit and purl stitches. The only thing I can recall actually making at that time were some little bell-shaped Christmas ornaments that I gave to each of my grandmas as gifts. Gran gave me hers a few years ago when she was downsizing her Christmas ornaments.
I tried again in my early twenties. I made a couple of hats. I even started a sweater (which I spent a lot of money buying yarn for). The problem was, I didn’t really learn how to knit properly. I only knew the very basics and nothing about using a pattern. Worst of all, I knit REALLY tight, so it wasn’t enjoyable. It was actually painful!
When I got the bug to start knitting again a few years ago I decided to do it right. I asked for a beginning knitting book for Christmas and I started with some simple projects. I made a concerted effort to learn how to not knit too tight.
XO Raglan Cardigan
Right now I am working on my first sweater (the failed attempt in my 20’s doesn’t count). I am making#24, the XO Raglan Cardigan, from the Winter 2009/10 issue of Vogue Knitting magazine.
I have completed the back piece and am partway through the sleeves. The yarn is a lovely light blue silk/wool blend.
It has been a few months since I have worked on my sweater, but I am feeling ready to start working on it again. I am currently working on another little knitting project (more on that later!) and really enjoying it, so I can definitely see myself picking up the sweater again soon.
From Scratch 
Do you still have the remnants from that ‘failed’ attempt in your 20’s?! I’m sure there were a few grateful moths – the silver lining to that cloud! 🙂
I do! The yarn is really nice (no moths!) and I have enough for a different project some day.