So it's the first Monday of 2009. I've got my list of goals and I'm ready to go. Although I wrote said list rather quickly, I must admit that several of the items had been floating around in my head for a while. It was good to get it all down on the screen though. And since I'm a planner (though not always a 'do-er'), I had actually taken steps to fulfill one of my goals even before it became number one on the list. Yep - I signed up for knitting lessons.
I will admit that knitting isn't a new goal though. I decided I wanted to learn how this past Fall, and dutifly picked up a couple of books on the subject from our local library. FYI - I do not recommend Knitting for Dummies for the absolute beginner. Surprisingly, a short chapter on the subject in this book was the most helpful for getting started. I also joined a knitting group via Meetup and have received lots of encouragement and tips from some very lovely ladies and gentleman. I wasn't able to make it to very many meetings however, and I didn't really keep up with my efforts as I got distracted by other yarn related projects (more on that another time), so knitting hasn't yet clicked for me. I understand how to do the stitches (well, the knit stitches at least), but I don't hold the yarn properly and I'm pretty clumsy. And of course, I haven't really mastered keeping the tension consistent, as demonstrated below.
First attempt - all knit. What dropped stitches?
Second attempt - mostly knit, some poorly excuted purl. Got tension?
Clearly, I have more work to do, but I did enjoy doing it and I'm looking forward to learning and doing more. And The Leopard gave me a great knitting book for Christmas, so I'm excited to try some of those patterns. I've signed up for a three evening class and the first class is tomorrow. I'll report on how it went next Monday. Wish me luck!
("Creative Goals" font is Monbijoux by Billy Argel)
I will admit that knitting isn't a new goal though. I decided I wanted to learn how this past Fall, and dutifly picked up a couple of books on the subject from our local library. FYI - I do not recommend Knitting for Dummies for the absolute beginner. Surprisingly, a short chapter on the subject in this book was the most helpful for getting started. I also joined a knitting group via Meetup and have received lots of encouragement and tips from some very lovely ladies and gentleman. I wasn't able to make it to very many meetings however, and I didn't really keep up with my efforts as I got distracted by other yarn related projects (more on that another time), so knitting hasn't yet clicked for me. I understand how to do the stitches (well, the knit stitches at least), but I don't hold the yarn properly and I'm pretty clumsy. And of course, I haven't really mastered keeping the tension consistent, as demonstrated below.
First attempt - all knit. What dropped stitches?
Second attempt - mostly knit, some poorly excuted purl. Got tension?
Clearly, I have more work to do, but I did enjoy doing it and I'm looking forward to learning and doing more. And The Leopard gave me a great knitting book for Christmas, so I'm excited to try some of those patterns. I've signed up for a three evening class and the first class is tomorrow. I'll report on how it went next Monday. Wish me luck!
("Creative Goals" font is Monbijoux by Billy Argel)
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