Considering all the obstacles there are just learning to knit, it’s amazing sometimes that there are any knitters at all. And yet we persist.

We Persist Anyway

Learning just the basics of knitting can be daunting. The basics of casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off can take a while to learn. Then consider all it takes to become a proficient knitter. Starting to understand how to read a knitting pattern, for instance. Understanding gauge, and the drape of knitted fabric, and sizing of garments that incorporate ease.  Never mind, shaping, and short-rows and cables.  Then there’s lace and increases and decreases and yarn-overs.  A local 4-H attempted to create a Skills Inventory.

The inventory list is no where near complete and it’s somewhat disorganized.  But it still gives a good idea of the breadth of the craft. Then there’s entrelac, felting, double-knitting, sewn bind-offs, etc., etc., etc.  The expertise never ends in terms of knowing how a yarn will knit up.  Fiber content, loft, color-lengths, pooling.

Truly, the learning in this one fiber-craft is endless.  Some might even say prohibitively daunting.

And yet we persist.

I know we have a lot of tools today we didn’t have when I was learning to knit over 30 years ago.  YouTube (wow!…just notice I have over 1,000 subscribers to my YouTube channel…are you subscribed?) has been a huge help.  It’s an invaluable resources for new knitters and for proficient knitters like me who need to learn a new technique or remember a seldom-used technique.

I look at the Men’s Knitting Retreats who continue to attract groups of knitters.  There are companies like The Perfect Purl who also attract new knitters and teach them the basics.  They also continue to support knitters as they get more and more proficient.

Yes, we persist…in fact, we thrive.

Current Knitting/Spinning

I finally finished the latest Knitted Cross Stitch Scarf in more subtle colors.

It’s very rich looking and I’m quite pleased.  But my next project will go back to a bit more vibrancy.  And also, thank you to the recent folks who have purchased my patterns on Ravelry.  The proceeds go towards funding this blog and it’s also nice to see folks supporting Ravelry.  Their integrity is worth supporting.

I’ve also completed the second bobbin of singles with Tommy’s Preferred Blend roving.

I still have this much roving left over.

I’m debating whether I’ll just add this on to the current bobbin of singles ore evenly distribute it between the two bobbins.  Not too much difference in terms of  effort once I get to the plying.  But I think I’ll be a bit obsessive and evenly distribute.

Finally, I’ve started playing with a new design idea.

The yarn is a silk/merino blend (mostly silk). The stitch pattern is an open lace ladder stitch that I saw on Facebook.  So far I’m pleased, but I haven’t progressed enough to know for certain if this will be continued.  Thoughts or feedback are always appreciated when I’m at this stage of design.  I get a little to micro-focused to be able to assess very easily.