The weather at the moment is wet and grey and even though I have knitted my way through spring and summer, the cooler weather, with rain falling constantly, is made for knitting. I was at work yesterday and each time I looked out the window at the sodden gardens and water running down pathways, I wished I had brought my knitting with me. I think it's something like the instinct to nest - when the weather is cooler, knitters knit.
These are Tricia's gloves. It's simply a rectangle of stocking stitch knitting, with rib stitch at both ends. I have lined this pair with flannel for extra warmth. If you can knit and purl, you can make these. When the rectangle is complete, you stitch the side up, leaving a space for the thumb.
The last thing off my needles was a pair of fingerless gloves for my sister Tricia. I'm lining them with a flannel fabric for extra warmth because Tricia lives in the Blue Mountains, not quite on the snow line, but where the winters are frosty and hands get cold. I love the idea of fingerless gloves/mittens because they allow you to work while covering your hands. Quite a number of times during winter, I can be seen here, at my computer, typing away with my fingerless gloves on. The pair I made for Tricia are longer than usual so she will be assured of complete coverage between hand and arm. They are just a long tube, knitted in rib - K2, P2, top and bottom. The bulk of the knitting is stocking stitch, which is knit one row and purl one row, then keep repeating those rows. Honestly, this is very basic knitting and even if you're a new knitter, you'll get good results if you watch your tension and take it slow. These basic projects are great after you've mastered the dishcloth, you've supplied yourself and almost everyone you know with dishcloths and you want to move on to something else. ; - ) For Tricia's mittens I used a machine washable 8 ply pure wool on US size 6 needles.
They aren't worn with the cuff flipped over, that is just to show the lining.
There is a lovely fingerless glove pattern for experienced knitters here. I also like these arm warmers. A simple pattern for self striping mittens here. A pattern for beginners is here, but I would recommend you make them much longer than these. The ones I made have 7½ inches/19 cm of stocking stitch between both ends of rib stitch.
The beginnings of Hanno's jumper/sweater. This will be my main project now until it's finished.
I'm now going to concentrate on getting Hanno's jumper/sweater ready for winter. Again I'm using an 8ply Superwash pure wool that will make the jumper warm and cosy but also easy to keep clean. I've only done about one third of the back so far but as that's the largest part of the jumper, I feel I'm making progress. I have my knitting set up in a 1940s vintage knitting basket Tricia gave me for my 60th birthday. It's full of various knitting projects, there is always a dishcloth on needles in there somewhere, as well as tiny scissors, darning and wool needles, needle gauges and little bits of paper that I've written certain patterns on.
I have fond memories of my mother knitting by the fire in my childhood home and maybe that is where my feelings of being nurtured come from when I'm knitting. On those nights when mum would check our spelling for school the next day, dad made up a tray full of bread to be toasted by the fire, tomatoes and roast lamb leftover from that day's Sunday lunch, with black coffee for mum, tea for himself and milky tea for Tricia and I. We would have had an early bath and be firmly wrapped up in our flannel PJs and woollen dressing gowns, sitting by the fire on the floor while mum clicked away with her needles, our spelling books on her lap, asking us to spell this word and that. We would hear dad preparing the tray in the kitchen, then the door would open and in he walked, proudly, with that tray laden with good simple food. I don't want to mythologise my childhood, the truth is times were tough, but those nights with food on a tray, a fire crackling in the open fireplace and mum clicking away with her knitting needles prepared me in many ways for this life I live now, and I am sure ignited the knitting flame within me.
What or who brought knitting into your life?
What or who brought knitting into your life?
What a lovely and serene picture you paint, of the joys of knitting. I hope you're enjoying the rain. I certainly am.
ReplyDeleteTracy (Brisbane)
My Mum always knitted as did my Nana. I was taught to knit but it wasn't my interest. Most i ever knitted were scarves. Jeanette
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the scene quite clearly, the way you describe it!
ReplyDeleteMy great aunt Kate taught me to knit. She lived next door and I used to pop in after school or at the weekend. She also used to unravel old knitting, wash the wool and hang the skeins from her holly tree to dry.
Teresa x
Rhonda Jean,
ReplyDeleteThat conjures up a lovely picture. I remember such evenings with the toasting fork out and the roaring coal fire going for us to toast fat slices of bread on, ready to be buttered and eaten with a cup of tea. My Dad could build such a hot fire we'd sometimes have to sit the far side of the room until it died down a bit!
My Mum always had a bit of knitting going and I remember quite often sitting in front of the fire knitting away while Mum worked in the kitchen and told me what to do next. That was in the days before I started school and I started at just past 5 years old so I must have been four when I learned, but I don't remember the actual "learning" process; it was something I've always been able to do.
Hi - my mother taught me to knit when I was 4 - I still have a teddy's jumper I knitted about that time ( Mum told me she used to get my knitting after I'd gone to bed and sort out the dropped stitches !). Mum knitted alot, all our jumpers and cardigans right through school, and I started knitted clothing for myself about 12 and have done so ever since. I spent alot of time in hospital last year with my son, and my knitting was a great comfort to me through the hours of his treatments and tests and surgeries. Most of the other patients and their caregivers were older and many commented how soothing it was to see someone knitting.
ReplyDeleteI remember my mum knitting too, by the fire! Love the gloves, would never have thought of lining them, good idea for Michigan, lol! Sundays teas were either cheese or drop scones!
ReplyDeleteI just love your knitting posts. We had to learn knitting and crocheting in elementary school in Germany, but it was my grandmother who truly taught me to love it! Now, it calms me and helps me sort my thoughts. When things get crazy, I knit and everything feels more in order right away... Thank you so much for blog!! :) Silke
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking before I read your post today, that I really should get my knitting back on track. I've been knitting a jumper for my OH for the past xxxx years and keep saying that I'll finish it one day. Well this year I'll finish it!
ReplyDeleteYou paint a beautiful scene, it reminds me of spending holidays at my grandparents home.
Have you been washed away yet with all this rain!
I was taught to knit by my eldest sisters, they knitted the most beautiful baby clothes. I was always so jealous of their gift as at that time knitting for me just didn't gel. It was when I started to read your blog I decided to give it another go. So glad I did, as between you and youtube I'm not half bad at it now.
ReplyDeleteWe did have nights very much like you described but just no knitting.
HI, I've been reading your blog since Christmas, but haven't been brave enough to post until today!
ReplyDeleteMy mother always knitted when I was young - when ever she sat she knitted. Waiting at clubs and events for us, in front of the TV watching Ski Sunday at the weekend, through the televised "Feed the world concert"... you get the picture! Lol.
It is something I wish I could sit and do with my daughters, but sadly despite my Gmas best efforts is not a skill I've ever managed to acquire!
AM
My Mother is a wonderful knitter and I have memories of her knitting for as long as I can remember.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't interested in learning until I had children of my own and then I had the urge to knit so I could provide for them. My Ravelry projects page is filling up with little vests and beanies!
My aunts taught me to knit and my grandmother taught me to crochet, I was about 4-5yrs old. When I was younger crocheting was my thing but now i prefer to knit.
ReplyDeleteLove sitting in front of a fire knitting. In winter I knit the whole time often having a few things on the go at one time.
Hope you don't get too much rain.
You know, I hadn't really thought about the connection to the weather and my knitting, but I HAD noticed that I have really had quite the knitting & crocheting mojo going for the last few months.
ReplyDeleteI really never knew anyone who knit growing up. I just have always been a creative person & had long had the desire to learn to knit. Not knowing anyone who knit left me at a loss, but a few years ago a LYS opened up in the small town I live in & YaY! I finally learned how, and now there's no stopping me!!
My mum and nan crocheted and knitted beautifully. I remember being taught knitting at the age of 3-4, then again at aged 9, then forgot it all yet again. When I was expecting my son I picked it up properly and am now hooked. Crochet I struggled with for 10 years, then magically taught myself granny squares when I should have been revising for my exams...the most productive procrastination I have ever indulged in!
ReplyDeleteNow I am inspired by the fact I can make useful and beautiful things that would be unavailable, or far too expensive, from the shops. I have now started making dishcloths (thank you for the idea) as it always narks me to throw away worn out plastic based sponges. The dishes flew by today as I spent most of the time admiring my handiwork :).
My mother was, and still is a great knitter as was my grandmother. I learned to knit at a very eary age & it's been one of the keenest hobbies of my life. My boys were always kitted out in handknitted woollens - arans being a particular favourite. Nowadays I still knit but just as a pastime - although there are lots of new generation babies being born into the family, so there's always plenty to do. I have similar memories of the fire in the grate & toasting forks & the constant click of knitting needles - happy days!
ReplyDeleteMy maternal grandmother taught me to knit. I used to spend a couple of weeks with her each summer and she always gave me needles and a ball of wool. She was an amazing knitter - so quick. My Mum hates knitting as the 'click-clack' sets her nerves on edge so she prefers to sew. I tend to do both depending on how I feel. I'm in a knitting phase at the moment.
ReplyDeleteIn my case, it's crochet. I learned in 6th grade in a class that isn't even taught as sucn anymore. Home Economics. My daughter took a sewing class in 11th grade and will take cooking in 12th, but they are only part of what I learned in Home Ec. I taught my mother to crochet and she taughter her older sister. We're just at the end of winter here, I've spent many lovely Saturday afternoons in front of the fire with my crochet.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, Funny you did this post today, Yesterday arv I picked up the knitting needles I just use for my sewing & crafting & starting knitting a dishcloth. I haven't knitted since I was a child. I was keeping an eye out for my teenage daughter coming home because I thought she would laugh at me. She snuck in & caught me & said "what are you doing knitting" I said "just seeing if I still know how" She just looked at me & says "Of course mum you can". I felt proud.
ReplyDeleteYou did, Rhonda! It was you who inspired me to learn to knit a dishcloth two years ago, and once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. I love it, and I'm so very grateful to you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Diana x
I knit heaps - thats why the nickname :) My grandmother taught me knitting and embroidery when I was very young (about 7 for knitting) and I am making socks rather obsessively at present along with tiny knitted angels which I spread around the hospital I was in last week. It is great to have something to do when the world starts falling in on you.
ReplyDeleteI'm out now and back to socks again. It does help when you can't do all the other stuff yet. And winter will soon be here... :)
viv in nz
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteHow sweet to see that both bloggers from Australia that I read daily posted about knitting! I can tell you are on to Autumn!
I have learned to knit over the last few years - I have done crochet since I was about 12. My daughter Emily learned and then taught me the basics! I am so thankful as I truly love it.
Lovely post today.
This bought tears to my eyes Rhonda as your chilhood sounds very similar to mine. I can remember my father pushing the couch closer to the fire. Mum knitting, dad reading a book. The dog and cat always in the best spot but they could stand more heat than us. For some reason Sunday night was always tomatoe soup, toast and cut up celery.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Rhonda.
I think Tricia's fingerless gloves are gorgeous! and I can just see her wearing them with the cuff folded down :)
ReplyDeleteI think I might just pick up the knitting needles and do some more facecloths from cotton.. it might keep my mind occupied while I go through the breast thing process.
[my grandma introduced me to knitting.. i remember her steel needles well]
I have always loved knitting - it is something you can just pick up and do a few rows when you have the time. Living in tropical australia though I dont have much use for knitted items. It doesnt stop me though- I just knitted some hats and scarves for my daughters who live in New York. Then we are expecting a new granchild so a baby blanket will be forthcoming. My mom taught me to knit - at 86 she is still knitting squares to make up into blankets for orphans.
ReplyDeleteI love those gloves with the pretty lining! My grandma originally brought crocheting into my life when I was a little girl, maybe 8 or so... Years later I decided to dive back into it and learned knitting as well from my mother-in-law. There is nothing better on a rainy day then knitting. It's so peaceful:)
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to let you know I'm having my first giveaway if you'd like to check it out!
Hello Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteAren't memories wonderful. Sometimes I despair when I see little kiddies sitting in front of computers or TV's. I think they miss out on so many memories because often they are not communicating with anyone. So sad. In lots of ways it was a much better life even if times were tough. Thankyou for sharing your memories. Mum taught me to knit but because my tension has always been loose I stick to very basic patterns, but I do find it very relaxing.
Blessings Gail
ah, I can remember my mother knitting from what feels like before birth! She was an ace knitter, with character jumpers, the lot of fiddley stuff being turned out literally overnight. I learned how to cast on and off and how to knit garter stitch before I can even remember attending kindergarten, so maybe about 3 or 4 years old.
ReplyDeleteI haven't knitted for ages until just last year, when I inherited my partners' nan's sewing/craft room. And now, well, there's no stopping me! It's funny how hard I try, and putting love in to every stitch.
I like the look of those gloves. I might have to give them ago for next winter.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd paid more attention when my Grandma tried to teach me to knit.
Hello Rhonda dear, I am enjoying a day off work so have arrived later than usual. In my Google Reader I see Jenny's (Wren) post title for today is "Autumn, the time for knitting to really begin". :-)
ReplyDeleteMum and my great aunt taught me to knit when I was very little, probably about four. By the time I was a teenager we could share the knitting of a garment as we all knit at the same tension! Auntie passed away twelve years ago but Mum and I still share knitting of garments.
We made a dress for Anna's little girl Shira recently, you can see it at:
http://ccostello.blogspot.com/2010/02/pretty-knitting.html
That's a lovely colour you are using for Hanno's jumper, the wool looks like a nice crepe which should wear well.
I have been reading your blog for sometime and always check what time you write as I know you are an early riser. I am often knitting while I read my regular blogs and like many have been knitting since I was a small child. Most of my knitting is for charities and part of the enjoyment is hunting down the wool, either from op shops or garage sales or when people give me wool. I then decide what I am going to make and most of my knitting has always involved stripes. As a result I am known for what colours I dare to put together.
ReplyDeleteYou said you did a workshop last week I think on frugal/budget living and wondered how it went. Can anyone attend or do you have to meet a criteria. I would love to attend one of your workshops and live close enough to make a special trip. So for so long but this is my first response, but couldnt resist when the topic was knitting.
Regards Melinda
My grandma-nana taught my grandmother. My grandmother taught my mother and my mother taught me. Having only sons, I will teach my granddaughters to knit when the time comes. I have been knitting since I was 7 and have been knitting for 49 years. Additionally, I spin much of my own fiber as there is nothing like the feel of fiber twisting through your fingers. This was a lovely post. Sea Witch
ReplyDeleteThankyou for sharing your wealth of information. I enjoyed going through your blog and look forward to reading more of it.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have inspired a lot of folks in many aspects again I thankyou and God bless.
Hello Melinda, the workshop went very well thank you. I suppose the workshops are for people in our town and surrounding region but anyone who makes a booking can come along. We had a few people from the coast at the last one. Where are you? I've already half filled the next workshop but I haven't decided when it will be yet. Send me an email and I'll book you in and let you know when it will be on.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember who or when I learned to knit, but I had to have been under 9 when I learned because I knit the continental or European way. Both my Grandma and my Mother use to knit all my sweaters - beautiful sweaters with the (can't remember name) decorative, multi-colored yokes.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I knit anything was probably 30 years ago, but you inspired me to pick up my needles again.
I taught myself to crochet when my daughter was around 4. The first usable item I made was a red poncho with white trim for her. I've crochet table cloths, curtains, sweaters, queen size afghans, teddies, doilies coming out the wazoo, and teeny tiny angels. I'm usually game to try anything now.
I'm on a knitting kick now, but time will see me doing some sewing or quilting next.
~Yvette~
Hello Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI am a beginner knitter, inspired by...... you!! (Thank you!). I have made 4 dishcloths and knitted some basic fingerless gloves.
I have to say I love your blog and look forward to reading your posts. I dont have anybody in my life like you, so it's lovely to read what you've been up to and draw inspiration.
Michelle x
Hello Rohnda
ReplyDeleteAquestion if I may please? you knit your own dish cloths and it got me to wondering, when the dish cloth is worn out do you launder it un pick it and stich a new one or do you put it in the compost heap to rot down?
Just a thought
Rachel
Plymouth
Devon
England
maidofdevon@yahoo.co.uk
For me your question is very special at this moment. Saturday my grandma passed away and she was the one that learned me to knit and crochet when I was 5 years old.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were at her place the Sunday before with all her children, grand- and greatgrandchildren we talked about her knitting when we were on vacation with the whole family.
I still love to knit and often think about my granny.
Knitting and crochet in my family was second nature and a necessity. We all had largish families and along with jumpers, hats and scarves, high on the must have list were dressing gowns and slippers. Grandma was the main supplier and inspiration. I was taught to crochet at 4yrs and knit when I was 6yrs. I think it is much easier to pick up these skills at a very early age. I loved the simple rectangular fingerless hand sleeves. We wear LOTS of gloves in Tassie.
ReplyDelete...and baker's bake and artists paint.
ReplyDeleteOooo! I like fingerless gloves!
My mother didn't knit or crochet and although one of my grandmothers taught me basic crochet, I never learned to knit until I was pregnant with my first baby. A friend showed me cast on, cast off, knit and purl and I was off. Your blog encouraged me to pick it back up again and I've made presents for people, dishcloths for my kitchen, and am attempting my first sweater. There is a lot of satisfaction in making things for myself--cooking, knitting, sewing, gardening, etc. Thanks for all of the encouragement. One of these days, I'm going to try making soap. :)
ReplyDeleteJoy (VA)
Hello Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI am a knitting fanatic, so much so that I raise my own personal supply of wool... we should be having lambs any day now!
I wanted to make a quick comment about superwash wool. While it's touted as a convenient material to use, especially when making gifts to folks who may not be wool washing savy because it is non-feltable, it has a very high environmental price tag. Superwash wool is made in one of two ways or sometimes a combination of both. Either via a chlorine acid bath that strips the scales from the wool fibers and/or being coated in polymer (plastic) to seal the scales and create a smooth fiber. So you have a "natural" fiber that either creates poisonous waste water or becomes a very un-natural plastic coated fiber.
One way to get around this would be to use a cotton and wool blend. You get the warmth of the wool and the cotton helps stabilize it from shrinking.
I have never learned to knit, but desperately want to learn. I plan on taking lessons this Spring.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother taught me to knit. We would usually spend a week or two with my grandparents in the summer time. She lived in rural Alabama. Most of the time we would be outside playing or helping in the garden but it was really hot. To cool off I would spend time indoors with my Grandmother and we would crochet, knit and even did a little embroidery to pass the time.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was the one who brought a lot of these wonderful things to me. Knitting, sewing, canning, baking etc. She crochets as well and I have not yet gotten the knack for that at all but it is on my list.
ReplyDeleteMy Grammy, still to this day is an avid sewer. She doesn't knit or crochet as much due to arthritis. She quilts and makes the most amazing blankets. And monthly she still sews special bibs for every baby who has their baptism at her church. She still does some canning, bakes (although now she is more apt to use her machine for bread)...she is an amazing woman and my hero.
I started learning how to knit when someone gave me a box full of yarn, needles, sewing implements, etc. Learning took awhile as it is much easier (for me anyway) to be shown instead of looking at diagrams, etc. but living on an isolated farm, I have very little interaction with other women. I've been at it now for four years and have made many square and rectangular things and have just recently completed my first baby sweater. I love being able to watch the progress on the needles and feel so excited when I finally grasp a new stitch or technique. I really enjoy your blog and have been helped tremendously by your generous information. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt was my Dad who taught me to knit when I was 8 or so. My maternal grandmother had taught him to knit a few years before after he had injured his back and was on bed rest for several months. He was bored and driving everyone crazy, so Granny taught him to knit to keep his hands and mind busy.
ReplyDeleteOur oldest does medical transcription and typing that much can be a real strain and her hands and wrists bother her. Her office is often cold which makes matters worse. So for Christmas this year, I made her a pair of fingerless gloves and she said they really help. She asked for and received another pair for her birthday.
Wow, you are very talented! Just found your blog on Hear Mum Roar. She threw some awesome shouts out to you today. I enjoy your vision and will be back to visit again soon!
ReplyDeletewww.organicmotherhoodwithcoolwhip.com
Have been knitting since an early age (I'm now nearly 66). I can't really remember who taught me but I expect it was my mother who was a wonderful knitter and crocheter (is there such a word)or it may have been at school, perhaps a combination of both. I have made quite a few garments over the years, especially when children and then grandchildren were babies. Most recently have begun an Aran sweater for myself. Slow progress but it is enjoyable. You are quite right, the winter and cooler weather is a great time to do it, it helps to keep you warm apart from anything else. My 5 year old grandaughter has asked me to teach her and I have promised that as soon as I think she is old enough then I will. I don't think it will be too long now! A
ReplyDeleteHi there, I've only just got into reading your blogs but find them so interesting - As with a lot of the other readers my Nan used to knit, I too remember sitting by a coal fire while my Nan knitted and my Grandad sat playing dominoes with me. She sat so patiently with me and taught me how to knit, when I was just a young girl. My Nan knitted for me and my brother and then later for my children too. Now I've stepped up the ladder of life and I sit knitting for my 2 grandaughters.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks
Sandra
I've been knitting since I was ten, when a bunch of us girls decided to learn. It has been a wonderful blessing as no one else in my family knits!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the handwarmer post! I love knitting them and being a bit older now (55), they are very useful on those cold days at the computer. Keeping the wrists warm makes for fluid finger movement.
I must admit that I'm not really a knitter, but I'm trying. My mom has always had a knitting project on the go, but I don't have memories of her ever relaxing with her needles. She was much better on the sewing machine and both were used just for the finished product, not for the enjoyable process.
ReplyDeleteI've learned to knit many times and then always quit before it's become an enjoyable past-time. I think this winter I've finally gotten to the point where I can relax with my knitting, so I hope I continue. It's a great way to force myself a) not to eat in front of the tv and b) to actually sit still and not jump up at every commercial to do somthing quickly in the kitchen or with the kids. I can finally watch an hour of tv without really multi-tasking and it's much more restful.
Thanks for your great blog,Rhonda Jean. I have given you the Sunshine Award!
ReplyDeletehttp://littlecottageinthecountry.blogspot.com/2010/03/thank-you.htm.
Have a great day! Donna
Domestic Felicity, I thought you were Anna (MrsT), my mistake. I did some research on washable wool before I started using it. My understanding is that the acid bath you describe is simply a soap or detergent that is slightly acid rather than alkaline - both extremes would damage the fibres but it's best to be slightly acid when washing wool fleece. And not all polymers are plastic, there are some natural polymers. I'm not sure what polymer they use with superwash wool, I'll have to look into it, but the polymer actually makes the wool very long lasting, and extends the life of the garment.
ReplyDeleteI am a knitter as well! I, like you, especially enjoy it when it is cold outside! I have never lined things I have made though! That seems like a great idea. :) I may need to try that sometime! :)
ReplyDeleteWho brought knitting into my life??? YOU DID!! and thanks for doing it. I find it very relaxing. I am still at the dishcloth stage, but will get there.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was inspired to knit by reading your site- that and to ferment, make a household notebook and to bake. so far I have made 3 scarves but my next project is an afgan. thanks Mindy in KY (USA)
ReplyDeleteI love your description of around the fire. I was taught to knit and crochet as a child, by my mum, and then went on to knit for all my toys, but especially Barbie, who would get all sorts of things knitted for her, pillows, blankets, handbags, hats,dresses, scarves, EVERYTHING I could think of!! It's a fabulous way to be creative. I couldn't have shop- bought Barbie clothes so I made them myself!! Thankyou for reminding me... Jen
ReplyDeleteMy mother taught me when I was young, but I didn't stick with it. Then in college I wanted to learn how to make mittens and had my mother-in-law help me. I made a thumbless mitten for my grandfather who had a stroke and couldn't put his hand in the thumb hole easily. What a joy to have a skill to meet a special need. I stopped knitting shortly after that, but now knitting is my craft of choice. I knit everywhere! I knit on the bus, subway, at home, at concerts etc. I think doing something with my hands helps my kinetic nervous energy!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE those fingerless gloves, all I can do is plain and purl, I'm going to have a wee look at the beginners pattern, I'd love to make some of these for winter, thanks as ever Rhonda xx
ReplyDeleteI'm 31 and have been married for 3 years and I have a year and a half old son and since I stay at home I look in every way to save or "make my own".My mother knits,crochets,
ReplyDeletesews,and does needlepoint.She made all my clothes and all my dolls clothes when I was little and she even hemmed and took in my wedding dress so it would fit me.She is self taught and is amazing at what she can do.When I was probably 11 or 12 I had her try to teach me to crochet but I just couldn't get it,My grandmother..on my dads side..tried to teach me but she only succeded in teaching me how to make chains.So I gave up and took more to working cars because my dads a mechanic and I felt more comfortable with that anyway.Well now I am interested in knitting washcloths and I had her show me one more time.I took to it pretty good and now I just learned how to crochet and I finished my first dishcloth!I'm still working on knitting my first one but it's hard to find time while raising a baby.My mom is very proud of me and so am I.My dishcloth isn't very pretty but I like it :) Thanks you for all the inspiration you give me..I look forward to every email I get from you..you are are a blessing!
I never would have thought to line the mittens with flannel, not that I'm at the knitting mitten stage yet, but now I know what I can use my old flannel pjs for.
ReplyDeleteaaahhhRhonda...how can I let this wonderful post go by without comment?
ReplyDeleteMy Mum was a lovely knitter and when I was aged 20yrs and expecting DS1 I was living back at home as hubby was working "up north". Baby clothes were churned out, dropped sts collected and returned by Mum....I could knit!
Later, living back in the UK I followed the instructions in a large craft book...no internet in those dark ages!
Now I know my way around a pair of needles and a set of four, wools and yarns of every ply, 2 strands, 3 strands....blankets, jackets, hats socks, and yes!~Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. Entrelac, Fair Isle and cabling all conquered.
A simple craft but what sweet, sweer pleasure it brings to me and mine.
Young grand-daughters sit on my knee every few months as we strive to teach and learn...we'll get there!
So please send me some rain...ten minutes would be bliss....and there is a little something en route to you ;)
Love
Sue Caissy
xx
I like the look of your new blog layout!
ReplyDeleteAnd I happen to be working on a pair of long fingerless mittens, too. In self-striping yarn with lots of brilliant colors.
Hi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI am slowly going through all your posts, so this is a late addition to the comments. My beautiful grandmother was my inspiration but also a young man I work with who has cerebral palsy. He is a dear friend and saw a scarf he really liked in a knitting book and so I started knitting and since then I haven't stopped. I live in my grandparents home and when I knit I remember my amazing grandmother sitting in her chair knitting the most beautiful things.
Antoinette