Knitting
Some of my earliest memories with my grandmother on my dad’s side are of her knitting. She’d carry around a plastic bag with yarn, her latest project, and metal knitting needles. She knit me a pink and white sweater with rosettes, a doll with pigtails wearing a dress, a striped scarf, and so much more. I certainly didn’t appreciate them as much as I should have when I was a child, but now I deeply appreciate the love with which she made and gifted them.
I decided almost a year ago to give knitting a try. I went through some online videos and simple patterns, but my absolute favorite teacher so far has been Susan B Anderson. She is very clear and enthusiastic, and her videos on Bluprint are especially good. She also has a YouTube channel and Instagram account, which include more advanced knitting projects. I haven’t felt brave enough to try any of those yet, but here are a few items I made after watching Susan B Anderson’s videos and reading her patterns…
Waffle Stitch Cowl Scarf:
Winter Hat with Pompom:
Baby Hat:
Once I became more comfortable with the various stitches and patterns, I made a few of each to give as gifts. One of the unexpected but pleasant surprises throughout all these projects has been that as I’m knitting, my mind will do one of three things:
Focus on the person I’m knitting for
Process the events and emotions of the day
Go BLANK
The third is VERY rare for me, but I’m finding it to be quite a pleasant occurrence from time to time!
I love how knitting has become cathartic for me, a quiet time that is focused but not intense…a calming practice that yields something tangibly beautiful and functional at the end. I’m feeling deep gratitude for that.
