nuts4knitting

Knitting (and spinning! The Good, the Bad, and the UGLY)

Thursday, January 30, 2003

I had so much fun yesterday showing my fellow teachers (and a counselor) to knit. I brought straight and circular needles and some leftover yarn for them to practice on. I cast on for them and showed them the knit stitch. Then, they were off (more of less). I gave them a lot of encouragement as they felt very awkward with the needles I remember that all too well. lol). One of the teachers had even gone out and bought some needles and TLC yarn to learn on.

I also took a few magazines and books of mine to give them ideas of what they would be able to make (if they keep at it). The one who had bought her materials "ooh"ed and "ahh"ed over the projects in "Hip to Knit". I really think she'll learn quickly. The other teacher wasn't as enthusiastic. The counselor is willing to practice, and I think she'll borrow the needles and yarn over the weekend. I'll probably do a few rows to get her started so she can see what it's supposed to look like.

FO--Woohoo! I finished Miguel's socks. They are washing now, and I'll air dry them tonight.

WIP--I'm ready to begin Mom's socks. I have Froelich Wolle "Special" in various blues. I'm not sure of the pattern. Maybe I should "google" to find it out. I'll either do K4, P2 if the colors change rapidly or if not, I might try a twisted stitch pattern of my own. Either way, I'll use my 2 circs.

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Tomorrow I teach my first mini knitting class. I am very excited. So far, I've only taught my sister to knit. I am meeting with two other teachers (one is the home ec teacher) and a computer teacher. I'm also going to teach one of the counselors to knit. I knit continental, and I'll teach them that way. I'll bring some scrap yarn and some needles for "my students" to learn/practice on. I'll also probably bring in a couple magazines and books. I'll definitely bring in my "Hip to Knit" book because it has so many "classics".

WIP-Just about ready for the toe decreases for Miguel's socks. I haven't worked on my scarf since administering the SAT on Saturday this past weekend. Hey, $82 to give directions, monitor students, and knit for four hours. What a deal!

Sunday, January 26, 2003

WIPs--A pair of socks for my fiance'. 75% done. The are in Fortissima 6 Fach in grey, and I'm using the "Socks Soar" method. I ran out of yarn and had to add some Araucania. It's 100% wool made in Chile. I like this yarn a lot, even though it's thicker than the Fortissima. I'll probably buy some more because it's cheeper than the Fortissima (and I can buy only one skein instead of two or three).

A scarf for me in Brown Sheep Handpaint Originals. 65% done. The pattern is Peaks and Valleys and is free from It's a beautiful pattern for this gorgeous yarn.

Saturday, January 25, 2003

I've been inspired. My birthday horoscope for August 14 once said that I should write. I've never kept a journal. I have taught writing classes for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Maybe it's time for me to write a blog.

I've been following a few blogs for about a week. One of my favorites is Queerjoe@blogspot.com. I'm in no way an accomplished knitter like him. No way. I love reading blogs about knitting and other people's lives. I find others' opinions interesting.

I love to learn new things. I think that's what makes me a good teacher. I love the search and acquisition of knowledge (or useless info). My newest search for knowledge has been knitting. I grew up watching Mom cross stitch during her free time. I tried it--hated it. Then, Monica Ferris' books inspired me to learn how to knit.

I went home for Christmas 2001 and asked Mom to teach me. She pulled out a set of size 4 needles and a ball of pink sportweight yarn. She casted on 20 stitches and taught me how to knit and purl. At first, I felt like trying to snow ski again. Too-long apendages that just weren't working well (skiing--only once!). I soon got the hang of it, and I was off and going. Remember how I said I started with 20 stitches? I kept increasing until I reached 30 stitches (doh!). Mom would decrease me back down, but I dept going up. lol

By the time Christmas was over, I could knit, purl, cast on and cast off. I went and bought a Learn to Knit kit and went and bought some yarn of my own. Pink. Go figure.