The Process Of Knitting

I’ve wanted to dig out my knitting needles and dust off my knitting skills for a few years now, but I’ve finally done it. Between getting to know Tamara and seeing people in my MRTT group knitting their own hats, my vague desire turned into a definite intention which eventually had me standing in the knitting aisle of WalMart–yes, there is such a thing.

the process of knitting
I bought a “kit” with a how-to book, two sets of knitting needles, and other gadgets. As I started a simple scarf pattern, I was surprised at how quickly many of the techniques came back to me. While I did some crocheting when my kids were little, I haven’t really done any knitting since college, when I made afghans following a simple pattern my friend’s mom taught me. 

I cast on a row of stitches and was following the directions for my first row of “knit” stitches, when I realized that my fingers were ahead of me–I was knitting before my brain had fully processed the directions! I guess I made enough afghans to have internalized those motions somewhere. 

Knitting

I made rows and rows of a scarf pattern using this multi-colored yarn, but decided I didn’t like it. The pattern just wasn’t showing off the colors very well. So, I ripped out the stitches, switched to a plain colored yarn, and decided to tackle a different pattern. 

knitting

I was really excited to figure out the cable stitching for this pattern, but didn’t want to finish a whole scarf once I realized that I had messed up the first cable section. Since I was enjoying the process of knitting, I didn’t mind ripping out all of the stitches and starting over.

knitting

Back to row zero.

I joined the MRTT knitters for an evening of headband knitting, and ended up with this bright piece.

knitting - headband

It was a little big, so I revised the pattern and tried again with bright pink yarn. When I liked the result, I added a simple crocheted flower as a finishing touch. 

knitting

Now, I’m working on that cable scarf pattern again, but I’m not in any hurry to finish it. The last thing I need is another scarf–or another headband for that matter–but it is the process of knitting that I am hooked on. In many ways, it reminds me of running–the rhythmic, repetitive motion, the sense of accomplishment–but it also feels like a meditative practice. It requires just enough concentration to keep my mind off other worries without requiring my full attention. I just wish it were easier on my eyes! 

[Tweet “Enjoying the process of #kitting”] 

Is there something you enjoy doing even if you aren’t very good at it?

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12 Responses to The Process Of Knitting

  1. Maite says:

    Go for it Coco! I totally agree with everything you say about knitting…except that my knee does not let me experience running but it is very meditative and relaxing for me.

  2. Jennifer says:

    I love your headband, well done! I was revisiting some of my goals for this year and was reminded about knitting. This was a nice post to get inspired 🙂

  3. Carla says:

    I am unbelievably impressed.
    I wish I knew how to knit but wishing will not get me there 🙂 and now? The nine-year-old is expressing a wish to knit, too.

  4. Fun! I used to knit like crazy in my 20’s. I worked on an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit as a counselor and we would get our eating disorder patients to knit as a distraction. That’s where I learned! It was my therapy too! I haven’t knit in years though!

  5. Marie says:

    I the colors in the headband! What a great idea. I like to run with a Buff headband, I should make some knitted ones. I used to knit a lot but had to stop when my kids got old enough to get into my stuff. Tangled yarn is not fun! I have recently started up a knit monkey stuffie and it’s almost done though. I think you’ve motivated me to finish it up.

  6. Marcia says:

    Cute creations Coco! My mom used to knit but she’d never put the pieces together to make anything. There must be some kind of meaning in that. Haha!

  7. I learned to knit when my kids were younger and really enjoy it. I don’t have the patience for big projects, but I made a lot of washcloths and scarves. A few hats and mittens were about as technical as I could get. I love the headband you made – very cute!

  8. Kim says:

    Love the bright pink headband with the bright flower – super cute! I’ve never tried knitting!!

  9. So very cool, bet it is nice and calming at night.

  10. That looks like fun! I have a lot of friends that truly find it relaxing and fun I don’t think I am cut out for it. I am not artistically gifted! 🙂

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