Where it all began…
was with the sticks. I learnt from my dear grandmother. The quick movement of her hands was inspiring & something I could never master. The painfully slow & awkward way I manipulated the needles & the yarn was too much for me & I concentrated my creative activities elsewhere.
I’m going to rectify that this year. I shall be spending a couple of hours each week with my Great Aunt learning how to do it “right”.
Casting on with my thumb beautifully now & I’ve got the pointer finger flicking like a pro. No more of this hand off the needle & swing around with the yarn for me.
Once I’ve practiced my technique a bit more (& solved the problems of the world over cups of tea with Auntie Pat), I’m going to make this. Oh yes I am…just you watch me.
Jeana Marie
1162 days ago
Oh how wonderful! I learned to knit from my grandma too. And though I don't do much knitting, and without knowing what method you use, may I suggest learning the continental method if you get the chance…the wool is held much the same as when you crochet and it makes yarn overs and etc. so much quicker and, in my opinion, easier!
So, there's your dose of unsolicited advice for the day! Sorry 'bout that. Enjoy
Amanda
1162 days ago
I love it..How lucky are you to have a pro to lean on. I am sure my bad habits are too numerous to count but I'll have to make do. Unless I can borrow her from ya
Liesl
1162 days ago
I don't doubt that you will have the most beautiful Zaha knitted up sometime soon. Look foward to watching your progress.
One Flew Over
1162 days ago
Maybe you can gie me a few pointers…am painfully slow with the sticks hence my love affair with the hook.
Can't wait to see your Zaha x
Cherry
1162 days ago
Wow good for you! I'm a slow knitter too – the though of making more than a scarf makes me shiver. Love the pattern you've selected. After the scarf I'm making for me I'm going to try something for the baby but maybe the top you've picked will be my 3rd project.
Happy knitting!
Tania
1162 days ago
WAY TO GO LADY! (love it every time someone moves to the Dark Side).
june at noon
1162 days ago
How special to learn like that. I learned to crochet from my dad, who learned from some older ladies who worked with him at the bank (when he was quite young). Neat to have those memories. I have a feeling you'll do quite well with it!
Christie
1162 days ago
Go the sticks, perfect weather for knitting too x
Joliz
1162 days ago
Hey Koo. Got my quilt square today. I love it thank you.
Apart from Noni, you probably could not get a better knitting teacher than Pat !!!!
Mel
1162 days ago
After taking five years to complete a scarf … and then frogging it recently when I realised I hated it, I too have decided 'tis the winter for the sticks. Just not sure where to start.
That top looks fan-bloody-tastic! If anyone can, you can!
Brenda
1162 days ago
I can do a scarf with the sticks….that's about all!!! I look forward to seeing your new Zaha all finished.
mel @ loved
1162 days ago
Good for you! I can just imagine the amazing things you will create!
Fruitful Fusion
1162 days ago
It's amazing that you've posted this today! I started off knitting when I was about 10 (ok that'll be 21 years ago) but didn't carry on with it much. After taking up crochet, I haven't wanted to go back to knitting really! But occasionally I see a nice knit pattern that I want to try. So, yesterday, I decided to check out some video tutes of continental knitting and that's what I was doing whenever I had spare moment. The casting on (with the thumb) is great but I'm finding the rest a bit tricky. I mean, it looks so quick and slick on the videos but my efforts are slow and clumsy. I actually feel so tense in my fingers. Does it take a while to get used to using the left hand more? The other thing is that the yarn keeps slipping off my index finger. I have it going along the outside of the index and next 2 fingers and wound round the little finger for tension. Sorry if this isn't clear. I'm still amazed that I read this post today after all that I was going through yesterday. You've made me feel that I should persevere!
handmadehappiness
1162 days ago
hi there again Kristy :]
happy Wednesday too you loving the renewal of knitting with your aunt. i will be heading home in the next month and will be seeing my dearly loved granny who knits like no other & all of the top of her head too!! you have made me look forward to it even more!!!
thanx :0) x
anka
1162 days ago
Grandmas are quite a special invention. And the project ahead looks beautiful, can't wait to see it done.
Claire
1162 days ago
Woohoo! too exciting. If you make *that* I will be well impressed.
alfalky~*
1162 days ago
Great Idea! Good Luck with your knitting, can't wait to see that sweet little sweater when you've made it!
xo
Alex
Chicken Willow
1162 days ago
I love knitting. That's a lovely top.
Megan.K.
1162 days ago
I have no doubts – not only will you achieve it Kirsty, it will be fantastic, too.
x
Posie Patchwork
1162 days ago
Oh just having flash back memories to the sounds of knitting needles slicing across each other while playing at my grandmother's feet. Happy sound for sure!! Love Posie
lisa stubbs
1162 days ago
you go girlfriend!…as my daughter would say! my mum can knit like the clappers…I can't, when you've conquered the green lovely top the world your knitted lobster!!
Chasing Purple Dreams
1161 days ago
I am such an awkward knitter! My ugly little wash cloth took months to complete! I’m sure you will have it mastered in no time and that lovely top will be yours before you know it.
thornberry
1161 days ago
I have been considering knitting lately because I've seen some great patterns that combine knitting and crochet. However, I'm a knitter of the "hand off the needle and swing the yarn around" variety. Maybe time to learn a new skill for me too! You'll have a ball with Aunty Pat, I know. I'll need to ask my Mum!
Luisa
1161 days ago
Aah, everyone needs a great aunt…loving that green.
dash robin
1161 days ago
My auntie taught me to knit but I still can't get it. I moved onto crochet and have never looked back, but just now looking at that gorgeous grey top I really wish I had stuck with it. I really love it and hope you make it and wear it with sass and pride!
Cathy {tinniegirl}
1161 days ago
Absolutely no doubt in my mind that should you decide to do it, you will indeed be successful.
I'm for crochet myself. Like you, I'm too clunky with the sticks. Unlike you, I'm too impatient to persist.
Stacey
1160 days ago
My Nanna taught me many years ago.
Good on you for working on your technique. Your joints will thank you for it.
I love the Zaha and am sure you'll have it knitted up in no time.
Angie
1154 days ago
My Nan taught me to knit & then got me to knit loads of coathanger cover (little rectangles) for practise. I can low knit rectangle beautifully but the rest is a bit of a challenge, something I hope to work on this winter.