Week 5 ---> Learn to Knit

Learn to Knit

I am constantly inspired by those around me.  There are so many unique skills that people have, and I am always eager to learn new hobbies.  Knitting generally does not interest me- and to be honest- I associate knitting with grandmothers, but I still think it is an impressive skill to have.   I have watched my grandmother knit for years.  She makes blankets, sweaters, scarves, hats- you name it -she can do it.  I’m not sure that I can actually prove it- but I do believe my Grandmother may be the best knitter in the world.   I wish I had photos of some of the crazy sweaters I had from her as a child.

Before I even begin to explain this process I must admit- my Grandmother would be ashamed at my first attempt.  Knitting takes some serious patience and attention to detail.  These are not my strongest attributes.  I once took sewing lessons….I spent more time picking out stitches than sewing- and most of my projects ended up being sewn by my teacher in frustration.  I would have been in grade 5 then, but sadly, not much has changed

One of my good friends knit me an amazing headband this year.  I loved it! It was such a kind gesture- and I thought it would be great if I was capable of making something for someone else.  I decided to recruit my friend to be my teacher, and a good teacher she was.   We set out to the West End to spend the afternoon at The Knit Café (Queen and Ossington).  The first part of our day- may have been my favourite part- picking out the Yarn.  There are so many options.  Being a first timer it was suggested that I use thick wool- and a cheap wool- as I would probably not perfect knitting on my first project. Since I decided to start easy(making a cloth) I had minimal selection- because it had to be a cotton wool.  I choose a pretty blue colour, bought myself a drink and sat down to get to work.

My friend was such an incredible and patient teacher.  She helped me start to knit- and I probably couldn’t have been worse.  The needles felt awkward in my hand- and I couldn’t seem to get the flow.  She showed me the simple first step- wrap the yarn around my needles and pull the yarn through.  It could not have been easier.  I messed it up almost every time.   My friend, sat beside me knitting a sweater.   She looked calm and serene.  There were a few others in the café- also enjoying the music and calmly knitting away.  I felt the need to scream- perhaps this was not ever going to be something I could do.

Eventually- I got into an awkward rhythm and started to make some progress.  I wanted to go quickly to impress my friend, but every time I did I would make a mistake and she would have to stop her own knitting to fix mine.  Nevertheless after a short time we had both made some progress and decided to head out to reward ourselves  fried chicken and doughnuts (Side note- I highly recommend trying Paulette’s Chicken and Doughnuts in Leslieville- mmmm). 

When I got home- things got tough.  It’s one thing to knit beside someone who can correct you.  It’s another to knit alone.  Though the steps follow the same pattern, whenever I made a mistake I had to improvise how to fix it.  Sometimes I was right and sometimes I was wrong.  I sent many a photo text to my friend to try and get her to fix my holes, loose stitches etc but sadly there was little she could do through text.  Each night before bed I continued to knit a little more.  I would send my updates to my friend in hopes to receive some positive reinforcement- which she providedJ.  I started to notice my “rag” was changing shape (due to one of the many mistakes I was making).  Instead of a square- my cloth was getting wider- making it more and more triangular.  Despite my mistakes- the actual knitting starting to become relaxing.  I could watch tv while knitting- and sometimes I would actually look forward to it.  I finished the rag in a few days and though it looks like complete crap- at least I finished my first project.  Since my friend has such a passion for knitting I hope to continue to try new projects with her and maybe even get better.  My goal is to make something that I could give to someone.
I will have to report back if that day ever comes.

Knitting will never be my favourite hobby.  I will never be like my Grandmother- or even like my friend- but at least I now know how to knit and can strive to make people some hats and mittens for next winter.