And Then I Threw the Yarn Away and Cried

Mar
21

I had a knitting lesson! And I am the worst knitter in the world. However! The knitting lesson was awesome!

Missy at the goat farm treated me to a knitting workshop for one. It is a true pity that I am not a better knitting student. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just can’t purl. Why can’t I purl? Why? Missy, who can purl, has a drool-worthy array of supplies and notions.

Here, she’s showing me what wool looks like when it’s ready to be spun.

She’s got lots of pretty things she’s knitted.

This is why I want to learn to knit. I want to make pretty things.

Knitting really only requires two things–a pair of knitting needles (size 8 is good to learn with), and a ball of yarn. Missy has 10,486 pairs of needles.

I exaggerate….. Sort of…..

She is also very organized. She has zip bags of needles……

….and indexed folders of needles.

Circular and straight needles, needles and more needles! If I was a needle, I’d want to live at Missy’s house.

She has a lot of knitting doo-dads, too. Stitch gauges and markers, tape measures and point protectors. Who said all you needed was a pair of needles and a ball of yarn? Oh, that was me. And I can’t purl, so don’t listen to me.

She taught me to cast on two ways. One way is to make a slip knot, like in crochet, and the other way involved a complex routine making triangles with your fingers and yarn two hundred different ways then you end up with your whole first row of knit stitches. I could not repeat that method by myself if someone was holding a gun to my head, but I still liked it better than the slip knot method. It’s like cheating and getting your first row for free.

Missy operates a full-service knit spa, so she poured me a glass of wine.

See? Was this not the best knitting lesson ever? If I was a needle and I lived at Missy’s house, I’d be a drunk needle.

They have a lovely ridge-top view off the back of their house.

We drank wine….and enjoyed the view….and talked….and Missy showed me how to knit.

And I got the knitting thing down. I mean, the knit stitch. I didn’t let her show me how to purl that day. One thing at a time….. I went back the next day and had her show me how to purl. Whose idea was it to make the purl stitch the complete opposite of the knit stitch? How mind-boggling is that? A few days later, I had to have her show me how to purl again. (She has the patience of a saint.)

And now I need her to show me how to purl again. (Good thing she has the patience of a saint.)

I knew knitting was going to be hard! When I was 10, my Oklahoma grandmother told me she would teach me how to knit or crochet–pick. I said, crochet. I mean, c’mon, there’s only one crochet hook, there are two knitting needles. I was smart for a 10-year-old. I learned how to crochet and I used to crochet quite a bit. I made simple stuff like potholders and baby blankies and booties for my kids. I quit crocheting years ago for some reason, but I know I could pick it up again easily and I’d love to learn how to do more with crochet than I used to do. I want to crochet again. But, I’m afraid to pick up a crochet hook until I’ve got this knitting thing down. I know if I pick up a crochet hook before I learn to purl, I’ll never pick up knitting needles again.

Because crochet is so much easier and I already know how to do it.

And I’m stubborn and I want to learn to knit.

Speaking of crochet, a couple years ago my kids were getting ready for 4-H camp, picking out their camp classes, and Morgan came to me and said, “What is crotch-it?” I had to make her show me the sign-up sheet before I could figure out what she was talking about. Then, no kidding, ten minutes later, one of my sons came up to me and said, “What is crotch-it?” I so should have told them that crotch-it was another word for “bb gun shooting” because they would have totally signed up for that and I could have been laughing all camp week thinking about my tomboy girl and my football player in crochet class….. (I always have my BEST ideas after it’s too late!)

Back to knitting….. I just need Missy to show me how to purl about twenty more times and I’m sure I’ll have it down pat!!!

Yeah. Even the cat is suspicious about that.

Sugar: “It’s going to take fifty more times, Woman, and then you’re still gonna suck.”

Man, cats are harsh.

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63 Responses
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3-21
3:59
am

You can do it! It takes time, and then whammo, you have it! I can purl, but I can’t for the life of me hold the needles “correctly”, and everyone in my family who knit tried to show me how to do that when I was little.

Kathryn - Reply
3-21
4:32
am

Like I mentioned on Ravelry, we’d love to have you at the Charleston knitting guild. We meet the first Thursday of every month at 5 at Capitol Roasters on Summers and Quarrier.

This may help, there are a ton of knitting videos on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s48DC7S2lSI

If it makes you feel better, I both knit wrong and purled wrong for an embarrassingly long time.

Blair - Reply
3-21
4:51
am

Knitting, I know it well – NOT! It is the one craft that I have always wanted to learn to do. Classes too far away. Tried to teach myself (that usually doesn’t not work, and did NOT). Bought books, yarns, needles, etc. When I start something, I start it good, because I’m going to do a lot of things.

It is another one of those projects thrown in a storage container in the garage, just waiting to make it to somebody who could use it!

Thanks for sharing with us about your experiences.

Angie - Reply
3-21
5:03
am

I’m blessed to have a mother and a mother-in-law who knit for me. I’ll learn someday after I stop having babies and get my quilting skills down. I do have an opportunity for me and my older girls to learn to “croch-it”. Still pondering if this is wise or not. Crochet hooks, pre-teen girls and a pesky brother… hmmmm. I like all my children having two eyes.

Cyndi Lewis - Reply
3-21
5:10
am

I have been crocheting for about 30 yrs and love it. I have made afghans, hats, gloves, purses, ornaments, house shoes. I took a class in knitting and made pot holders, house shoes and a sweater with cables up the front and all knitted on round circular needles even the sleeves too and then you attached the sleeves. you cant watch TV and do this like you can with most crochet. you have the colord markers when you take off stitches and put on stitches to make the twisted cables up the front and you have to count and count and count. I think the stitches are mostly easy to learn, it is reading the patterns, counting, picking up yarn for color etc that is hard to do. My sweater was wool and silk yarn from Ireland. It was fun to be able to make a sweater that looked professional. But I never kept it up like I have the crochet. SOOOOOOOOOO = you are off to a good start and you have someone close by who knows it all and oh my – Fort Knox in needles!!!

jane - Reply
3-21
5:15
am

I wish I lived nearby. I could show you how to knit and you could teach me the crotch-it trick with yarn. Knitting does start out slow, but will get much easier. I started knitting 8 years ago and now feel confident enough to tackle anything. I knit my own socks (they are my favorite) now, and everything from baby stuff to fancy lace shawls. All are easy now.

Don’t feel bad about needing help remembering how to cast on, purl, etc. It takes awhile before the brain gets the information hardwired into long term storage. Once there though, you will never forget. Like learning to walk, talk, ride a bike, drive a car, etc. Takes lots of practice to pattern the brain to do the task automatically. Don’t give up. Once you get to the automatic stage, knitting is relaxing, and addictive.

Sheila Z - Reply
3-21
5:40
am

Exactly!!! Crocheting is a snap, those darn knitting needles just don’t cooperate!! I can make anything that doesn’t require a definite knit/purl pattern!! Scarves for teenagers!! With the big yarn, you can’t REALLY tell!! Mom says I’m trying to use the crochet concept, and you have to forget it…….

Maybe drinking wine will make it work better..make me forget the crochet concept……Maybe you didn’t have enough wine? One more glass would’ve worked better — I’M POSITIVE!! Go back to Missy’s and try that one!!

P.S. I really like the photo of Sugar and the yarn………

CindyP - Reply
3-21
6:03
am

I think I am missing the knitting gene. Simply. Cannot. Do. It. I just want to live at Missy’s house! And watch her knit. I could manage that.

Mental P Mama - Reply
3-21
6:10
am

My friends taught me how to crochet. I tried to make a potholder. It turned out the size of a coaster. I promptly gave up and went back to quilting. I’m not even brave enough to try to learn how to knit.

Christine - Reply
3-21
6:20
am

My sweet little grandmother tried to teach me how to knit. Now, you have to remember I am the only left-handed person in my family. I was around 9 years old when I finally figured out how to tie my shoes since everyone was teaching me backwards. So, she sits me down, and tried to teach me for hours. She finally gave up and said that I would never learn how to knit unless I found a left-handed knitter. I have never learned how to knit. Cause I live in Hick Town. There are no left-handed knitters here.

The Jillybean - Reply
3-21
6:29
am

You just keep going back for the wine, don’t you?

I’m a crocheter, but I know the basics of knitting. I don’t like knitting because I can crochet very, very fast. But knitting is very, very slow. I’m an instant gratification kind of gal.

Heidi - Reply
3-21
6:30
am

You can do! I have total confidence in you. Also if you knit on round needles, you never need to purl, or knit a scarf on straight needles and you never need to purl either.
anni in Toronto

anni - Reply
3-21
6:31
am

I had to be taught by me left-handed sister to get it. I’m right-handed so I guess it was seeing it the same head-on? Anyway, don’t give up it takes time. I’m still not very good but I do enjoy it so.

okbarb - Reply
3-21
6:41
am

Suzanne,
I so feel your pain. I can knit (some) and I can even purl, but I discovered recently that what I do is not the normal style of knitting, but something called combination knitting, which is a nice way of saying that I knit backward or…um, in some people’s opinions…wrong. (Although there’s a well known knitter/designer/teacher/writer named Annie Modesitt who knits that way and is spreading the word that there is no “wrong” way, only different ways, and in fact there are several different ways). The cool thing about combination knitting is that purling is easier and faster. The bad thing is that it requires mental gymnastics to look at your stitches and flip things so that everyone looks right in the end, because few patterns are written for this style of knitting.

At any rate, long story short, you go, Suzanne! I know you can do it (hey, you make your own pop tarts, your own bread and run a farm)! I learned to crochet first, too, and I love the fact that it’s fast, but knitting has its charms. Someday, I know you’ll have a post up here (with great pictures) showing us how to do something cool involving knitting.

Myrna Mackenzie - Reply
3-21
6:48
am

I learned to crochet as a child too, but my mother was SO good at it, I figured I’d never be anything but second best, so I gave it up after my first vest was done. (hey, I was a kid!) I have recently started to learn to knit, and love the two needles working together, it’s like therapy! It takes just enough brain power that I can’t worry about pesky things like dentist bills, how much work there is to do tomorrow, and what in the world am I going to do about the plumbing. But not so much brain power that I can’t laugh at a joke or smile at something funny going on.

Of course, my current project (still my first) has quite a few dropped stitches, but I’ve decided it’s OK!! It’s a simple wrap for me to wear in our drafty in one room house, roasting in the next. It won’t be seen out where people can critique it, so it’s just OK.

I’d love for spinning will be next, I love those lovely homespun yarns with their soft natural colors, but I think I’ll resist as long as I can. Not enough room, not enough time.

BuckeyeGirl - Reply
3-21
7:09
am

Start with a small sampler pattern to start with and try different stitches on it. Then when you try a REAL pattern that you are actually going to wear You will be amazed at your progress and ability. Don’t rip out the stitches and then you will always have a record of how much you have improved. Good luck and have fun. The best first projects are scarves.
Hmm: I must go get a project started.

monica - Reply
3-21
7:14
am

My Dad taught me to knit years ago. I tried knitting a blanket for my daughter, gave up halfway through and Mom finished it.
I don’t like knitting because it takes too long to see results.
Later I taught myself to crochet, then had to teach my left handed mother. That was an experience.
I’ve been crocheting ever since. Although I do knit washcloths. But that’s the extent of my knitting.
I never did learn to purl. I didn’t like knitting enough to put forth the effort to learn purl.

Fencepost - Reply
3-21
7:24
am

Oh Suzanne! I have this fantastic pamphlett at work that is a easy knitting reference. I taught myself how to knit with it. I am not the best at it, but after YEARS of accomplished knitters trying (patiently) to teach me and numerous videos, books and online classes, this pamphlett did the best for me. I would be honored to send you one if you want it. If you do, please email me at c_l_warren@comcast.net.

Claudia W. - Reply
3-21
7:34
am

I taught my niece how to cast on the triangle way by telling her in story form. We both have such literary minds that it worked. Since you hold the yarn like a triangle, You have to make your fingers look a little like dueling guns. So this guy needs to go somewhere(I said the airport) by cab and he threatens the cabbie with a gun because he has to keep dropping luggage off at the airport and somehow the cabbie gets his hands on a gun…LOL..Maybe We were drinking wine at our lesson, too! Anyway everytime she forgets she calls and says “Tell me the story about the cabbie and the gun, again”!
Hang in there, you’ll get it!

heidiannie - Reply
3-21
7:57
am

I feel your pain. I had a horrible time with knitting, and I still can’t knit. Don’t give up!

Kelleh - Reply
3-21
7:58
am

Oh my you learned to knit in one lesson. That was really good. Maybe just do something in just that stitch first that way you’ll feel more positive. There are lots of free patterns on the Lion Brand website http://www.lionbrand.com both crochet and knitting. Some good videos on You Tube too here’s the purl one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s48DC7S2lSI&feature=channel

I can’t remember learning to knit, my nanna taught me when I was little. Well that was in the days before telly so there were no distractions. I never managed to crochet until I was pregnant. Sat down with some wool and instructions and forced myself.

It’s hard learning to knit, I taught my daughter but she was so impatient she hated it. What it needs is perseverance and I know you’ve got plenty of that! Best of luck.

Just hope I’ve got enough to learn to swim front crawl! Why didn’t I learn when I was young?

Winifred - Reply
3-21
7:59
am

I learned both as a child from my mom but knitting is my favorite. Just keep it up–once you learn it’s like riding a bike–you don’t forget. Is she teaching the English or Continental (German) method? I do the Continental method–I’ve tried English and just couldn’t get it! LOL…

Ulli - Reply
3-21
8:15
am

I’ve been knitting since I was a child and I still don’t like to purl. But, I grin and bear it because I love to knit. I love the yarn and the needles and the sound of it. I love the gadgets and the yarn shops. I’d love to visit Missy’s shop. I mean, yarn, wine and a view – what could be better.

Hang in there.You can do it.

Bee - Reply
3-21
8:19
am

Suzanne, we all know you are going to Missy’s for the wine and adult conversation. (who wouldn’t living in the boonies with 3 teenagers!) You had your house built, now run a farm, bake and cook, write, etc. Having accomplished all of that, knitting will be a breeze for you. When you have had enough wine and are ready to announce that you can knit, WILL YOU PLEASE TEACH ME?!!!LOL!

Gail - Reply
3-21
8:23
am

Don’t give up! Purling is a little harder than the knit stitch but once you get it down all other stitches in knitting are based on those two, knit and purl. Check out http://www.knittinghelp.com, they have some great videos. Also, you could learn how to felt – with all that wool you will have felting would be a great hobby take up.

Carol - Reply
- 3-21
  1:22
  pm
  
  This, this, this, this, this!!!!
  
  I’d be totally lost without KnittingHelp.com! It has VIDEOS. It can show you how to Purl today and tomorrow and the next day, and 3 weeks from now when you get time to get back to the project you started but had to put down because (fill in the blank), and you realize you don’t remember how to knit OR purl, it will show you all over again!
  
  And when you’re ready to start your next thing, IT’S STILL THERE, waiting to show you anything you need to know. Increases? Decreases? Fixing mistakes? IT’S ALL THERE!
  
  Ulrike - Reply
3-21
8:25
am

Missy is a saint in disguise! You’ll get it, Suzanne. I did both when my daughter was little. Yes, crotch-it (how I wish I could have seen your face when the kids asked you about that!!!) is faster, but I even learned to knit a popcorn stitch and made an adorable hooded sweater for my baby (who is now almost 39).

Nancy in Atlanta - Reply
3-21
8:35
am

You can totally knit a ton of stuff and never have to purl. And the sheep say “please don’t ever throw away yarn – it’s never THAT bad” :-D

thecrazysheeplady - Reply
3-21
8:43
am

OK, I just found your blog and I am your newest subscriber. I don’t comment on blogs often, but just wanted to say hi and that you are a hoot. You and I are not much alike, but also lots alike. I look forward to reading more. Oh, and I covet your small town life.

Jenny - Reply
3-21
8:48
am

Hang in there Suzanne. I know you can do it. It just takes some time.

Linda - Reply
3-21
8:48
am

Once you get the hang of it, knitting can be fun and relaxing. Now I am not a professional or knit everything I wear or I would need to live on a tropical island where clothing is optional .

The simple purl stitch is the reverse of a knit stitch. How you use the two stitches causes the pattern to appear.

Starting off with the #8’s and a basic yarn is a good way to start. And as for casting on, the method your friend was teaching is a ‘long tail cast on’. It gives a nice edge to pieces that need a bit of give or stretch. There is more than one way to do a long-tail caston, so get on the net and do some searching! I use a modified-long-tail caston that uses the one needle in the right hand (right-handed knitter here) and you loop the yarn over your left thumb and ‘knit’ the stitch off the left thumb. Looks the same as the triangle method your friend taught you and doesn’t cause your left hand to go into spasms because you hold it too rigid. The only tricky thing about this method and estimating the amount of yarn you need for your caston.

There are lots of other caston options, all depends upon how firm /flexible that edge needs to be, and the number of stitches to cast on.

Ask your buddy to teach you I-cord. That’s fun!

This year I decided to teach myself to knit a sock on Double-Pointed needles (dpns). Currently I have what looks like a sweater sleeve …. I guess I need to get back to it!

m - Reply
3-21
8:54
am

There are a lot of knitters who follow you. lol. I taught myself to knit. I probably knit wrong. lol. I have not been around a real knitter yet to find out. Not sure if I want to. Purl is not so hard. Do not think of it as a backwards stitch. Just another stitch that is faceing you. Practice and find your own way to get it done. I did read once that there is not wrong way to knit. So go for it. Have fun!!! Start with small projects. Baby sweaters, dish cloths, cat toys. They are usally quick and easy and satifying that you completed something. Then move on to something bigger. It takes awhile. I am going on 2 years since I learned and still I am learning all kinds of new stuff.

I can not crochet for the life of me. I tried, someone tried to show me. Nothing comes out for me. That is why I knit. lol.

Diane - Reply
3-21
9:14
am

knitting…. i wish you luck.

i knitted a sweater once, and only once
the one sleeve was longer than the other, no idea what i had done with the neck line, but it plonged into my navel hahahaha
no more knitting for me, i have other skills, cannot have it all…
or can i?

i hope you will have more luck than me, or patience, because that is something i can lack easily

hugs
gwen

gwen - Reply
3-21
9:19
am

I love your stories, and I love Sugar too!

midwestmom - Reply
3-21
9:27
am

I interviewed Annie Modesitt for an article in Cast On Magazine, and then later met her. She’s awesome, and helped me realize that my throwing the yarn over method of knitting, while slower than the other way, is still “right”.

But I’m with you, Suzanne–purling is weird. I recommend round needles, then you never need to purl to get a stockinette stitch!

Karen - Reply
3-21
9:41
am

Shortly after I was married I taught myself how to knit, crochet and do needlepoint. I prefered crochet because if you drop a stitch in knitting, I found it hard to fix. I knitted/crocheted 4 afghans (none for myself – stupid me). My mother-in-law was a master knitter but unfortunately she lived far away. Once I had my second child I never got back to it. I did do needlepoint for a while but once I got a computer I stopped doing all my crafts, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, ornaments – etc. Sad, I know. But I NEVER GAVE UP READING LOL.

catslady - Reply
3-21
9:41
am

There is nothing better than a knitted dishcloth. I cannot knit. I bought needles and just could not do it.

I crocheted a discloth and it just was not the same.
You make me want to try again.

Being the amazingly talented person you are Suzanne, I believe you will triumph. You may have a wine headache the next day, but there will be a knitted wine bottle cozy to show for it. lol lol

trish - Reply
3-21
10:07
am

Ditto what Heidi said. I can knit the basics but I’m a fast and comfortable crocheter, so I don’t knit. I knit very, very slowly so usually switch to crocheting.

Also, my wrists and shoulders can’t take knitting for long because I’m not used to it and have too much arthritis to get used to it now. Crocheting doesn’t seem to bother me. I guess because I’ve done it all my life.

You can learn to do anything you put time and effort into. Just be patient. You will slowly get more and more comfortable with it as you continue to practice. Before long you’ll be knitting along without paying attention to what you’re doing and surprise yourself!

Sheryl - Reply
3-21
10:07
am

I think your cat was actually talking to me. I can’t knit to save my life. Crocheting is so much easier.

jean - Reply
3-21
10:17
am

When I am teaching anyone to knit, I don’t even show them how to purl until I can see that they are completely comfortable just doing straight knitting. And that can take some time. So give yourself time.

Get really comfortable knitting. Make a scarf or two or three. And then once you’ve got that down, once your tension is always consistent, with no slipped stitches or holes in your work, then learning to purl will be a snap.

Susan Flemming - Reply
3-21
10:54
am

I took one knitting class, at Sears, when I was about 13…would love to learn it. Learned Crochet from a friend, but she later moved, so I stopped…and really miss Needlepoint – that friend moved too, and I no longer remember some things. Sigh Wish I had a friend nearby to teach me…I could do a DVD lesson, but that’s no fun. I want one on one. Maybe some day…

Donna - Reply
3-21
11:06
am

I was going to mention http://www.knittinghelp.com too! I learned how to knit, sort of, as a child, but could never really get the hang of it and always thought crochet was faster. Then I discovered knittinghelp.com and I was finally able to actually knit about a year ago! I am such a visual learner, and I would watch the videos over and over again while knitting in order to figure out how to do it. I love that she has all sorts of advanced techniques as well! Since I started just a little over a year ago, I have now completed several scarves, 4 pairs of handwarmers, several hats, 4 pairs of socks, a cabled hat and scarf, several cabled projects, and all sorts of things I never imagined I would be able to do! I learned the style on the website called Continental, and it is much faster once you get used to it, and now I am even faster knitting than doing crochet!

Gretchen - Reply
3-21
11:38
am

I use the knitting looms and love them. So much easier!

Gayle - Reply
3-21
12:15
pm

I just had to LOL at the thought of someone holding a gun to your head so you could purl correctly!And, then again when the cat gave her opinion………..Sugar looked like she meant it in the picture,lol!I crochet,was shown a few things here and there but taught myself from a really good book!May learn knitting when I retire,ha,ha!

Leah - Reply
3-21
12:52
pm

I just saw the daily farm photo of the tail. LOL! Suzanne, thank you for the laughs this “morning” after a rough nite at wk!

Leah - Reply
3-21
1:29
pm

Ah kid – you’re gonna love it! I crocheted for years and wouldn’t knit – too complicated and so forth. I decided I was going to learn to knit because it is good for your mind (cannot remember so maybe not so…). Now I am addicted. Well only in the winter. Every year I think I will keep on but as of a few weeks ago I haven’t picked up my needles. I made 18 hats since New Years. This was a hard winter. My sweet patootie asked me why so many hats. I said “I’m not doing crack – I get wool in trade from a client – I buy some and I knit. I don’t have a ruined life – I have hats – leave me alone.” and he did. I still can’t really make anything but hats and scarves and so on. I have made two sweaters but they didn’t include decreasing or anything. It is like a puzzle and while your left brain is busy with the puzzle – your right brain can write novels. This is true. Go to Yarnharlot. very funny.
I love your blog – it is funny and kind and I think it should have won a bloggy.
Jan

labanan - Reply
3-21
1:30
pm

Don’t give up! Knitting is so rewarding. I could not go a day without knitting at least a little. Although usually a lot. I agree about checking out the website knittinghelp .com. It is so useful. I use it quite often. I am anxious to see your first finished project. You will be so proud of it. And we will all be so proud of you also. Knit On.

Nancy - Reply
3-21
1:44
pm

I taught myself to knit AND purl from a ‘how to’ book. The pictures are right there whenever you need them.

Estella - Reply
3-21
1:51
pm

I was a crochet first knitter also. Here are 2 things that got me going

*LEARN Continental style knitting!!! It is knitting for crocheters
* Use Knittinghelp.com!! It is like Missy on-demand

Have fun!

Nanette - Reply
3-21
3:24
pm

If I can knit you can. I will say that it does take practice. Start simple with a scarf and use a lighter color yarn ( I can’t see the stiches when the yarn is dark ) Just knit a scarf, then next time try to rib a scarf 2 knit 2 purl. You can do it!!!!! Practice practice practice that is the key

Keary Naughton - Reply
3-21
4:20
pm

Knitting is great fun! And it doesn’t take long till you’re making all kinds of fancy stuff. Purling is just knitting from a different angle, really. You’ll get it!

Robyn - Reply
3-21
8:20
pm

I gave up on knitting. Crochet is so much easier and there is nothing you can knit that you can’t crochet. I make the cutest stuffed animals with crochet. You can even crochet socks! Why torture yourself with knitting?

Christy O - Reply
3-21
9:32
pm

I too would love to knit. I do spin though and love that. I also crochet. I’m not good at knitting either. I once threw the yarn and knitting needles across the room. I hang my head over that story now. However, I won’t give up on knitting. I still plan to learn.

Loved this post! Thanks for telling us the story, showing us the great view and tempting us (well maybe not that part!) with the bottles of vino.

BTW, I make your pepperoni rolls now and everyone around here loves them.

Jan - Reply
3-21
9:38
pm

I want Missy as MY friend! Knitting and wine are two of my favorite things Keep at it and soon we shall have you SPINNING!

amy - Reply
3-21
10:22
pm

I can’t knit either but it is on my list of things to do before I die. I can Crochet, but never seem to find time to finish a project once I start it. I have several unfinished blankets in a bag somehwere

Patty - Reply
3-21
10:38
pm

You can create all kinds of wonderful things just by knitting … you just get a different texture from knit one row purl one row (stockinette stitch). I don’t remember a law about purling being mandatory!

Lola-Dawn - Reply
3-21
10:45
pm

I was to taught to knit by an older co-worker years ago. I would knit with her at break time and then go home and knit at night..the next day she would say “see where you made a mistake in this row” and would then rip out everything back to that point. I did learn to knit very well but it took me forever to learn to crochet..In knitting, all the stitches were in front of me on the needles but I had the hardest time seeing the crochet stitches..I did finally learn to crochet though and love both..

SuzieQ - Reply
3-21
11:58
pm

I someone has suggested Knittinghelp.com and they were a great help to get me knitting. I’ve been knitting “continental” where you hold the yarn in the left hand like you do for crochet and it made it a lot easier for me. Don’t give up! Just pick out a project you REALLY want to do and go for it.

Thanks for the great blog

Tobey - Reply
3-22
3:09
am

I too learned to knit as a child from my Oklahoma grandmother, no less!! I still can’t knit worth a darn, but I can crochet. One thing I found out last year is there are several different ways to knit, according to what country you’re from. If you can crochet then one way that is recommended is the Continental style because it is very similar to crocheting. Here’s a good video that explains it. Maybe it will help you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuRLFl36tDY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.craftzine.com%2Fblog%2F

Ruth - Reply
3-22
9:09
am

Don’t despair with the knitting. It’s harder to learn how once you know how to crochet…even if you learned when you were little and haven’t done it in a long time. You’re exactly like me in that respect. It’s harder but not impossible :-) I did actually do a whole knit scarf!!! Then I went back to crochet hehehehe.

Suzy - Reply
3-22
10:58
am

http://ihasahotdog.com/2008/10/09/funny-dog-pictures-knitting-look-so-easy/

try that. that’s how my knitting looks.

meadowlark - Reply
3-22
10:51
pm

When I learned to knit, it took me MANY months before I even attempted the purl stitch. Even then it took me FOREVER to get the hang of it. If you just knit on both sides it is called the garter stitch. Make a billion ot so garter stitch scarves until you get comfortable with moving on to the purl stitch. I now knit lace, socks and just about everything else, but that took quite a while (and many after class drinks for the people teaching me, I’m sure).
You can do it!

Rhonda - Reply
3-23
8:27
pm

I have all the confidence you will learn to Purl. Missy is a wonderful teacher. Take your time. If all else fails, drink more wine! Try again the next day. Good luck.

Von Barker - Reply