Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Lots to learn....

Monday nights are very special....because a group of us gather at my Mom's home where we encourage each other as we learn to knit. For the past year I have been working on some easy projects, but felt it was time to step it up!!!
So I selected this baby sweater as my project and I have learned SOOOO much.
I have learned how to increase, decrease, go from one set of needles to another and perfected the seed stitch. I can now identify whether I am knitting or purling, and while that may sound like a small thing, believe me it is HUGE!!!
I have found that knitting does not come naturally. It takes effort for me to concentrate and focus and not give up when I make endless mistakes. It helps ALOT to have a mom who has knitted for over 80 years and whose response to each of my dilemmas is to say "Oh, that is so easy...give it to me"!!!

This week Jim wanted to spend some time in the country to do a photo shoot. I wanted uninterrupted time to knit.
So we hopped into the Prius and we both succeeded at the goal. I now have all the pieces ready for Mom to help ( again ) in putting this puzzle all together.

One thing I have really learned is that I need to knit and crochet faster (G)!!! I just completed this baby beanie and as you can see our baby has outgrown it just as I finished it for her.
But that is joyous, because it means she is healthy and growing and now I just need to adjust my patterns for a larger little girl.
Most of all I feel blessed to spend time with my Mom as I now perfect and learn new stitches. There is something soothing about the clacking of needles and taking the time to be together.... a cup of tea, a bit of chatting and a whole lot of learning.

9 comments:

Jacqueline Korteland Boller said...

Sweater is adorable!!! Isn't it wonderful when the light bulb comes on and you can tell the difference between a purl and a knit?? Once you know that, you can knit almost anything...

Pam said...

What a lucky girl Clare is!!! I love the sweater ...can't wait for the picture of her wearing it.

I'm loving knitting too ...I just finished my first pair of socks last week!!

I feel the same way about knowing the difference between a purl and a knit ...I learned it from my constant ripping out!!

Jonathan said...

Everything is adorable, especially that pretty little princess!! I always wanted to learn to knit. I'm afraid I don't have the patience for it though ;-P

Beverly said...

I haven't knitted in years, but always loved it. I knitted my first son a sweater, cap and booties that his Daddy would not let me put on him. I stuck to afghans after that.
Love your precious little sweater and Clare will too.
Don't they just grow up toooo fast.

Carol said...

That sweater is amazing! Clare is growing way too fast! What a sweetie!

MvR said...

Opa told me you and Jim have a weddinganniversery today! I'm not sure how many years, but that is lovely! So lovely :)

Congratulations!

Patty said...

Lovely sweater, I'm learning how to knot too, but I'm not as dedicated or as advanced as you. Clare is growing so fast.

Cheryl said...

Love the sweater...and look how much your little sweet pea has grown. She is just beautiful. Enjoy those Monday nights with your Mom (I know you do)...so special!!!!

annieb said...

What a beautiful gift for your beautiful Clare...and what a great way to spend time with your Mom.