Thursday, March 1, 2012

WW: Knitting for Dummies

I purchased a "how to" book before I had the idea to take up this new hobby. I found the book at a close out store and thought to myself I can do this. How hard can it be to knit? Flashes of cute scarves, baby knit hats and multi-colored mittens ran through my mind. I bought the book and couldn't wait to start reading and get my supplies.

I read the the beginner section within a week of buying the book. I couldn't wait to get into the yarn section at Michael's and pick my favorite colors. I bought two rolls of yarn by following the instructions in the book on size and softness for a beginner. I bought a semi expensive assortment of needles and got started right away.

Knitting is supposed to be calming. Or so they say. I'm not sure who "they" are, but knitting for me was not calming. I was so stressed out.

I could get so far and when it came to turn the other way and connect my end loop, I couldn't get it right.  Yeah. Frustrating!! I grabbed my book and tried like hell to follow the photos, read the instructions and I couldn't get it right.

So I tried YouTube. I watched a video more times than I can count. Pausing it while I tried the steps. Starting the video over again. Watching the video and trying to retain the steps. I was at a loss. I couldn't get it right.

Then I asked my husband to watch the video and see if he could do it. Of course, the first try he had it and tried to show me. I finally was able to get the loop and continue down the row and loop back again. But the "calming effect" never happened.

I carried my knitting supplies with me to my daughter's dance classes, to work for my break, pretty much anywhere I would have some "free time" to sit and try my knitting. But it was more frustrating than anything. And I hung my bag up in the "craft room". Where it still hangs.

I have glanced at it a few times and thought, maybe I should try it again. Maybe.

18 comments:

Jdaniel4smom said...

I never really got the hang of it either. I was always having to drop lines of knitting and start again.

DLE said...

Yeah, I know lots of people that knit. Sadly I just don't think I have it in me to pearl or 

Jerri Miller said...

I feel for you.  I could never knit or crochet either.  As my sister-in-law says, craft supplies never "spoil" so maybe at a later date you can pick up knitting again.

Queen Bee said...

I am so glad to hear it is not just me.  I couldn't do it. I didn't give it every effort, but I gave it enough. I hated it! One day I said maybe I'd take a class and have someone watch me.  But I think there are other things I'd enjoy  more. 

Michelle said...

I could never get it myself!  My daughter got a book and taught herself and I am still very impressed with that!

CrazyKindofMom said...

That is exactly what I was doing. :-/

CrazyKindofMom said...

My grandmother and my aunt both crochet and I thought I could knit. Guess not. haha!

CrazyKindofMom said...

That's a good way of looking at it. :)

CrazyKindofMom said...

You're funny! We're two peas in a pod. A class though? I may think about that. Thanks for the idea!

CrazyKindofMom said...

That's a good way of looking at it! Thank you! :)

CrazyKindofMom said...

That is impressive! I'm just not wired that way, I'm a hands on learner, I have to give in to that.

Lynnie said...

I was once like you and had visions of the booties....even though I no longer had babies who would want to wear my booties.  Knitting  was a total flop for me too!  This year I am trying crochet.  Just one hook to mess with.  It is working just a bit better.  In two months I have made 1/10 of a scarf!

Anjie said...

My mom is an avid knitter and has tried to teach me many times. I just can't get into it!

Anjie
http://apaprikao.blogspot.com/

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

I could never get the hang of it!! But I love the things that people make!

Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

My grandmother taught me when I was younger, but we never got past making squares. I don't know how to count or drop stitches. I taught myself how to crochet and started working on a blanket for a friend... then found out she was having twins... they will be three this summer and I still haven't finished the darn blanket...now I bring school work to practices!

CrazyKindofMom said...

Aww. Well at least you're trying. Maybe I should try crochet. It might be more relaxing. ;)

CrazyKindofMom said...

Aww. My grandmother and aunt are living closer to me, I think I will ask them to teach me how to crochet. Hands on might be easier for me. :)

CrazyKindofMom said...

Your comment had me in stitches this morning when I read it. You are just too funny! You could always make them blankets for nap time! :)