My grandmother tried to teach me how to knit when I was about 11 years old. But what 11 year old would have the patience to sit and knit? Exactly. I would have much rather go out and play soccer or hang with my friends which is why I never learned.
Oh my, how my life has changed! Last spring, I walked into a local yarn store. I was drawn in by all the pretty colours and textures. My immediate thought was, “Dude will kill me if I start a new hobby.” You see, I have stashes of fabric from my sewing phase and piles of paper and stamps from my card making days. I don’t know… Was it really a phase? I still, on occasion, make things… Like bags for the kids or greeting cards. This stems from my aversion to spending money on things I think I can make myself… Even if I can’t actually make them.
Anyway… I decided to see what I could possibly knit. So I, of course, went on Pinterest and found a tonne of free patterns for hats and infinity scarves. Oh so pretty! I bought some knitting needles at a thrift store and ventured into a local yarn store to get some lovely yarn. Next thing you know, I was hooked!
I often get overly ambitious (go big or go home attitude!) so I decide to knit a hat for my first project. It took me a few tries to cast the yarn onto my needles correctly but it turned out ok, once I got going. This is when it becomes an addiction. I can knit and watch tv at the same time! This is brilliant!
Then I needed to make something more complicated, so I knit a lace patterned scarf which also turned out fine. There are a few mistakes here and there but overall, I was pleased with my final product.
For my most recent project, I decided to knit the shrug you see above. This one, took forever! The pattern says it’s possible to knit in a day but in my reality, it took about two months of knitting a couple of hours a day!
I am impressed with all I can learn on YouTube and happy to have found a new hobby that I truly enjoy. I’ll be sharing the progress of future knitting projects. Are there any other closet knitters out there that I don’t know about?
What are your hobbies? I would love to hear from you.
Flo, the shrug is beautiful! You should be very proud of yourself. I used to crochet and loved it. Did you teach yourself? I am sure you will inspire lots of people to start, maybe me! Kathy
Thanks, Kathy! Yes, I just watched some YouTube videos and that was it. I used to crochet when I was a child but never finished any project. I see lots of crochet and knitting projects and it seems that they go hand in hand. I’m sure it wouldn’t be a stretch for you!
You look very good in it. I couldn’t tell it was hand-knitted! Also couldn’t tell you are the beautiful model!
I knitted a sweater for hubby while we were dating. He seemed very pleased but didn’t wear it many times. Over the years I think he hung it so it’s out of shape now. =)
Thanks, Annie! You are too kind. Do you still knit now?
Beautiful shrug. I used to knit when I was younger too and took it up again when I opened my office as a form of stress relief. Check out http://www.ravelry.com if you are looking for free patterns.
BTW, you are not alone. Sam is also drowning in my piles of fabric, baskets of yarn & card-making supplies too. Hope you and the fam are doing well.
Why am I only seeing this now?! A very belated thank you, Myrna! Yes… I am on ralvery a lot. Hope you are all well!
Love the pattern, where did you find it? I’ve only seen the silly little shrugs that barely cover the shoulders!
Hi Aurora! This pattern was so easy. Here’s the link and it’s free! http://www.finecraftguild.com/chic-easy-shrug-free-knitting-pattern/
Thank you so much! Its lovely and you did a wonderful job knitting it!
Thanks, Aurora! That means a lot!
Yes! I am on ravelry a lot! I wish I had more time to knit or knit faster. Or both really. 😉
I can knit, can’t remember when I learned, but I prefer to crochet ’cause it goes faster. I’ve crocheted curtains, sweaters, scarves, afghans and an area rug. When my son was a baby, I knitted this cute sweater for him. He never got to wear it before he grew out of it ’cause I need to sew the darn thing together at the seams and I have an aversion to doing that so, it never got done! LOL
What a lovely shrug! I am terrible at starting projects and not finishing them…..lol, therefore I have lots of yarn and leftover cross stitching thread.
Beautiful! Like a model!