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.
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.
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.
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.
Back to row zero.
I joined the MRTT knitters for an evening of headband knitting, and ended up with this bright piece.
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.
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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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.
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 🙂
Great! The headband pattern is linked in the post, and it is an easy one. If you give it a go I will share my modifications.
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.
A great mother-daughter activity! 😉
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!
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.
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!
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!
Love the bright pink headband with the bright flower – super cute! I’ve never tried knitting!!
So very cool, bet it is nice and calming at night.
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! 🙂