My 2nd “knittiversary” has arrived with little fanfare. It was two years ago this Thanksgiving weekend that I decided I wanted to learn how to knit, so I could make a scarf for myself. Here’s a list of 9 things I’ve learned in those two years, in no particular order.
1. How to knit in the round using both circular and double-pointed needles.
2. The knitting bag must go everywhere with me, because you never know when you might need to wait. And wait. And wait.
3. People generally think it’s really cool to see a man knit…except a few men who hold too dearly their stone-age “macho” attitudes.
4. Knitting binds people together in a way I have rarely found elsewhere.
5. I hate picking up stitches. One of the few techniques I just absolutely detest. This is why I knit socks using the “Strong Heel”…no picking up required.
6. Wool yarn rocks. Alpaca rocks harder…because it’s softer.
7. How to design my own sweater. Loads of fun.
8. Ravelry is amazing! I have found patterns, connections with other knitters, and it has saved my butt when I ran out of yarn and needed someone to buy it off of.
9. I have apparently had mad knitting skills lying dormant for years, and never realized it until 2 years ago. Now I can’t imagine a life without knitting.
I didn’t really choose the number 9 for my list, it just kinda’ chose me. But with this list of things I have learned, there are also things I would like to learn in the next year:
1. Cables. I have been afraid of cables for 2 years. I have decided that my next project has to have cables in it, in order to force me to learn.
2. As many patterns, textures, etc. as I can handle, in order to build my design repertoire.
3. How to spin. Of course, this requires expensive equipment, but maybe I could find this used…anyone selling?
4. As one who is into organic, all-natural, sustainable living, I would love to learn to be more self-sufficient in my yarn/knitting. Local sheep or other animals, spinning my own yarn, to make my own garments. My ultimate goal is to even have my own animals, but that won’t happen in the next year.
I would like to thank all of you who read my blog regularly. If any of you have advice, books, information, or questions regarding my goals for the next year of knitting, I welcome them. You are my knitting community and I am grateful for you.
Happy Knittiversary Aaron! It’s hard to believe that it’s 2 years already. Seems like a short time yet your work looks like you’ve been knitting forever.
I love your goals! Cables are great-just jump in. They are amazingly easy. A hat or a scarf would be a great first project.
Texture is my favorite too. I like traditional texture (aran and guernsey especially).
Spinning is yet another rabbit hole:-) Are you sure? I started with a spindle and I’m really glad I did. I learned a lot about fiber prep (drafting) that has helped me a great deal in my wheel spinning. I have a spindle and fiber that I’d be happy to send you. Email me at school or through Ravelry if you’d like them.
I also follow 2 sites that have used equipment. I used one of them to get my loom. They are: http://www.kbbspin.org and http://www.homesteadweaver.com/usedequipment.htm. There is also a newspaper that is put out a few times a year that features used equipment in New England. They’ll send you the first 1 or 2 issues for free, but there is a yearly fee after that. It’s very inexpensive if I remember right. I’ve lost the address, but the staff at Halcyon could link you up with the person in charge of the operation. Purplefleece.com in Stockton Springs also has used equipment listed on her website. And of course the Fiber Frolic at the Windsor Fair grounds in June has used equipment. I got my first wheel on ebay for 235.00 and I’ve never been disappointed.
There is a farm on Martha’s Vineyard that offers “shares” in fiber animals. You pay so much a year to help raise and maintain the animals and then you receive the fiber from those animals. It’s like having a farm without the chores. I think you get pictures and can see live feed during lambing.
I wish you the best as you pursue your new fiber goals. So how long do you think it will be until weaving enters the picture?:-) Kelley
You have filled my mind with great possibilities. I will be in touch, Kelley.
Happy Knittiversary Aaron… hmm maybe we can learn cables together… I’ve done a swatch with a cable on it but have not actually gone and actually made anything with cables in it yet.
I “think” I am a year or two ahead of you on anniversaries.. but I know that I have not done as many projects as you have…
Keep up the great knitting and see ya soon..