It's a rather relaxing day here at the homestead as evidenced by this sweet guy.
It's warm outside, but not too warm. The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming and it's one of those days you just thank the Lord for.
I had a bad headache yesterday and had so much I wanted to get done, but didn't. My allergies are in full "bloom" (lol - how do you like that pun?) and I'm trying to keep on top of them with my allergy meds. Today I'm feeling much better and feel like I'm really getting a lot of things done, while still feeling relaxed. Nice feeling!
I still have a few more things I want to accomplish today - like getting the laundry done, my Bible study done, and some writing. I'm also going to make a nice meal for dinner of Spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad and garlic bread. My family has been looking forward to that.
I'm also working at this:
I'm learning to knit again! When I was a child, the department store near our home offered classes. This is when department stores still carried some craft items like yarn, needlepoint and the like. My mother took a needlepoint class and I took a knitting class. I struggled with it because I think the teacher wasn't the most patient of teachers and also because of my young age. I think I was maybe 10 or 11 years old. I also crocheted and had since I was 4 and it was a lot easier to me than knitting. I had pretty much given up on trying again, even though I really wanted to. Then I found out I could learn by watching YouTube videos!
First thing I realized is that I was casting on wrong. I thought I had remembered how to do that part from my lessons all those years ago, but I evidently didn't! lol Of course, because I did that wrong, everything was wrong and wouldn't work. So, I watched a video of how to cast on (there are a couple different methods for this) and things went a lot better for me. The only problem is, the beginner kit I have had size 6 needles. I'm not sure where I got this kit - at a thrift store of yard sale, I'm sure. Anyway, I asked my oldest son to go by Hobby Lobby and pick me up some size 8 needles after work and he did.
I had him get me some metal ones and these. These are made of plastic and are quite easy to use. I've heard bamboo ones are nice but they were out of them so I decided to try the plastic.
They are rather pretty, aren't they? I like that they are so smooth and that the yard just slides so easily on the plastic needles.
Right now I'm using the English method. I watched a video of the Continental method but just haven't been able to master that as of yet. They say the Continental method is easier for crocheters because you are holding the yarn in your left hand and picking up the yarn in a similar way, but I just couldn't get it. I'll watch it again and try again so I can really get a feel for which method is best for me.
I'm just so thrilled that I'm learning to knit. I don't know that I'll do a lot with it, but it's just exciting to do something you've wanted to do for so long! I always want to be learning and growing!
I hope you have a blessed and relaxing Sunday!!
God bless you - Julie
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I want to learn to knit too. I bought a book, but I'm a hands on person pretty much and really need someone to teach me. I do have a knitting machine that I have had for about 5 years now and I have never used it. Some things intimidate me so bad and this is one of those things. :( I can't wait to see what you make. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful day that you had! I admire you for taking up knitting. I can crochet alright, but knitting is very, very difficult for me and generally ends in tears. Perhaps I can try again too, though - it's encouraging to see that you are making progress! Youtube videos really do help, and I have also found that if you go to a senior center and ask for help, there is usually a day that they have a yarn group of some sort that would love to teach you! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed, beautiful day!
-Laura at TenThingsFarm