I have never attended a knitting class. My professional career included NYS and Federal exams that meandered through years. The thought of taking on yet another class wasn’t appealing. In fact, my interest in knitting was probably maintained and grew in contrast to the compliant-intense professional employment with the unforgiving demand for excellence and adhering to rules and guidelines.
Knitting was my unconscious response to attempting to cling to some level of autonomy and to clear out the tension. And so, I fell back on my heritage of needlework that was a part of the everyday life of my mother, grandmother, aunts, and female family friends.
With the mountains of needlework in my family, knitting, strangely, was not one of the areas of expertise for these independent and capable women. I saw much of crocheting, sewing, tatting, embroidery---you name it, they did it. They could slaughter a chicken and cook it for Sunday dinner, which was noon, without straying from their lighthearted conversation. Harvest a garden to feed the family through the winter---it went without saying.
But knitting? Nada! So I began slowly reading through knitting instruction books, wishing to learn but feeling very uncertain in my ability. I wandered the yarn department of stores, sometimes buying a set of knitting needles or yarn I admired, between my professional work demands, studying, and embarking on a career in a so-called “man’s profession”.
I learned a very important lesson. If you work along step by step, there is almost nothing you can’t accomplish. My knitting journey possibly informed my professional path. The professional work was daunting. But just as in knitting, if you don’t jump into the middle, but rather take each project step-by-step, the result is truly inspiring.
I’ve finally come to the time in life when I can retire. Now that I’ve slowed down, to say I’m shocked with what I’ve accomplished is an understatement. And I now have the time to devote to my real love of knitting. I found a project that quite frankly was beyond my expertise; but with my 40-years of experience of meeting challenges, I decided to give this knitting project a try.
Once again, the instructions seemed daunting, but I shelled out the cash for the project and began where I always begin. First I read through the directions from beginning to end. The directions never make sense to me the first reading, just like when I was a novice at knitting.
If needed, I’ll put the directions down for a day or a week and let them rest. I’ll pick them up again and read through once more. Eventually, I’ll begin to feel the need to get started---I’m sure all crafters recognize this urge.
This is the time to start with step 1 and pretend there is no other facet of the project. This is precisely the process that worked in my mind-bending professional career. I have yet to meet a challenge I couldn’t conquer and learn, when I take it one step at a time.
My latest knitting project, which has been the most fun in knitting I’ve experienced ever, is almost complete. I’m surprised with how gracefully it has turned into the end result I first saw in the photograph that attracted me in the first time.
This is, of course, the way to build confidence. And by the way, a knitting class would be an excellent place to begin. My point is, if you wish to accomplish something, do it. Don’t get ahead of yourself; and know you have the same ability as anyone.
My latest project included steeking, in which, after an intricate rose pattern circle of about 1 ½ ‘ was completed in knitting, I needed to take my scissors and cut through the middle of the entirety. I had heard of this technique perhaps 20 years ago. At the time I tossed the project instructions aside with a sarcastic “yea, right!!”
Come to find out, even after using the 10 different yarn colors to complete this gorgeous circle of roses, the adventure of cutting through the center was superlative. Throughout the project, I would set it aside for a day or a week while I mulled over and envisioned in my mind what the instructions were trying to get me to accomplish. No need to rush, and no need to be intimidated. Simply take the time to wrap your mind around what you are doing.
Now I’m ready to take on just about anything. Not that I haven’t already.
So, if you are a new knitter, find an easy project to start on. Have fun with the fascinating materials you can find, and start at the beginning of your directions.
You will never run out of excellence to achieve in knitting. I can’t wait to tackle my next challenge.
And you will love the confidence you gain.
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