check...check...

7/11/12

I have a sort of unofficial bucket list of things I want to accomplish this summer.  I say unofficial because I am really working on cutting myself some slack and spending some time just chillin' with nothing planned out.  I have a tendency to over book and suck the enjoyment right out of what was supposed to be fun. 

I did allow myself to make a short list of things I dreamed of doing once I retired and I have been able to scratch a couple of items off my list.  Opening our little booth was on there, so there is one check.


Also on the list was learning how to knit.  I am so excited to tell you about my very first knitting class this morning.  My instructor Jane was so patient and helpful.  She showed me how to cast on, knit, pearl and how to do ribbing. 


I don't know why but the knitting was far easier than the pearling.  What fun!  I loved the whole experience.  It wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be and I adore the sound of the bamboo needles as they tap, tap, tap their way across the row.


Are you a knitter?  If you aren't, give it a try.  I am so uncoordinated when it comes to using both hands at once and I caught on, so I know you can, too.

Now I better get back to it so that I don't forget that knitting is up from behind and pearling is down from the front....or is knitting down and pearling up?   Oh, Jane.......

xo, Patty

36 comments

  1. You go girl! I tried knitting years ago and was hopeless. Maybe I should give it a go again. ~ Maureen

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  2. Good for you, Patti! My Mother taught me the basics, years ago. She is better than me and my daughter has a real knack for it! I have a red scarf I hope to finish before it gets cold.

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  3. How great that you are learning to knit. My mother taught me when I was young, but living in Florida, I'm not too motivated to relearn it. We are moving to CA so, so maybe I will get the itch to learn again. I always loved the soothing sound of the needles clicking together. Ann

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  4. I'd say opening your booth is a rather big accomplishment and worth several points on your bucket list. I tried knitting... all left handed and uncoordinated. It's too hot to think about knitting now. Take care.

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  5. good to hear!!! you know my mom and my elder sister are very good knitter. when my sister was studying in grade 1 she kitted 2 sweater, one for herself one for me. now she is too busy with her professional and personal life to find time to knit. also now a days mom doesn't knit, actually she is also getting old. however, the irony is that i never enjoyed knitting. my mom times tried to teach me, but i couldn't master the art.rather i enjoy crochet. anyway, i'm waiting to see the finished product, what you are knitting.
    love
    krishna

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  6. Yea for you! I love to knit Nd crochet. I am a much better crocheted than knitter though!! So wharT are you making?

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  7. This made me smile! I love to knit and you will too, I am sure . . . just stay with it and soon you'll be a pro!

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  8. I love to knit and crochet. I thinking knitting is easier than purling too! Good for you in learning a new life skill!

    Susan in SC

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  9. Good for you that you took up knitting. I've been meaning to pick up my needles and complete a couple of neglected projects. I look forward to hearing about your progress.
    -Karen

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  10. LOL Loved the post.. I can knit but only in a straight line.. LOL!.. I know how to knit and pearl but umm thats about it.. I would love to make things but I am afraid I don't have the talent for it and I can't seem to follow a pattern.. Good luck to you!
    Robyn :)

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  11. I learned to knit when my 19 year old was a baby and knit furiously for the next 16 years -- some scarves, some hats, a couple of sweaters, some baby clothes, and lots of mittens, mitts and socks. Socks are my favorite. I've gotten away from knitting the past few years, but I'm sure I'll come back to it sooner or later. You can see some of my "style" of knitting at a post at http://chickadeegarden.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-knitting-and-autumn-colors.html on my blog. (don't know how to make that a link in a comment, sorry.)

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  12. Good for you! Knitting is so much fun and I know you will have a great time learning. At first I would find a small project to try and work your way up to bigger ones. I'm sure you'll find a lot of satisfaction and relaxation from knitting.

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  13. I wish you had seen me and my CC trying to crochet...it was so funny...and we cannot do it at all.

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  14. Not a knitter, but have always thought it would be fun. Don't know of any classes around my area. I do crochet, but...don't know how to read patterns. So basic and made up stitches and have only made afghans. LOL....good for you learning something knew!

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  15. I wish I knew how to knit about now. Would pass the hours...
    Brenda

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  16. Congratulations on learning a new skill. I knit and crochet and was so happy when my eldest daughter learnt how to knit too. I find it very relaxing, plus it helps me stay awake when watching movies with the family. :D Keep up the good work, you will feel so accomplished when you have created your first project.

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  17. I would love to learn to knit and crochet. One of these days I will. Good for you for working on your list- xo Diana

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  18. You go girl! I am learning too! I still feel like a novice and I have no teacher....just You Tube, books and Ravelry but I'm doing okay. I'm getting ready to do my first sock(s)! Whoa Nellie! I have so many interests but like you I'm retired now so I can do as I please! The house cleaning is suffering though! LOL!

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  19. Patty,
    I knitted a scarf for Mister the other year. Wish he would've told me he's not a scarf guy before I did it...

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  20. Yup..you had it backwards.. knitting is down from the front..sorta...I've knitted a lot of stuff over the years..used to do Argyles for the boyfriends....Pretty yoked sweaters for me...Tennis sweaters for one guy...Haven't knitted for years..Oh..not true..I did knit Mollie a couple of sweaters...Fun..good luck..Don't knit a scarf ...Boring...

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  21. Congratulations on taking a knitting class. I can only knit a straight row. My mother was an awesome knitter. But now with her poor eyesight is has given it up. Perhaps I should have her help me with a small easy project. Have fun!

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  22. My dream is to open a little booth sometime soon ~ hopefully by September so that I can add lots of pretty fall decorations.
    I can not knit ~ and I can only Crochet a single striaght line. : )
    wtg for learning something new and doing well at it!!!

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  23. Although I can knit I choose to crochet because I can watch TV and do that at the same time...but I love the bamboo needles..not to mention the title of the book your basket is on....;) Good for you for following through with your dreams.

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  24. Good for you! Today I watched the knitting guru Elizabeth Zimmerman's video and knit and purled for a good long time. My fifth grade teacher taught us all to knit. HE was very innovative!
    I love to read about knitting as much as I love to do it.
    Crocheting is fun, too!
    There are so many videos on Youtube. Go there if you get stuck.

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  25. I envy you. I don't know how to knit, but I love knitted things. Good for you learning. Can't wait to see what you are whipping up!

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  26. I learned to crochet last summer...the first class had me laughing so.....couldn't make my fingers work. But when I figured it out, off I went...scarf completed in a day or so.
    Good for you!
    Kari

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  27. I have yet to begin all those things I planned to do over the summer holiday -- things like purging, organizing, cleaning, sorting, rearranging. My cousin tried to teach me knitting several years ago but I just could not get the hang of it at all. I do much better at crochet but I do love the look of a knitted item. Wishing you a wonderful day. Tammy

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  28. I was wondering if the booth was open yet. I have to come see.

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  29. nice post thanks for sharing looking for to visit more...blessings

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  30. Isn't it fun to check something off your list. It's great that you are taking lessons to learn to knit. I knit, but it has been years and years. Used to have a great pattern in my head for an afghan. I never did sweaters...no wait, made a yellow sweater for my 1st baby while I was pregnant. In those days, we didn't know what we were having...hence the yellow. I know what you mean about the clicking of the needles.

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  31. It's nice to have a to do list as long as it doesn't become too much of a pressure. Opening your booth was a big thing to check off your list! and now you can knit you will have hours of gentle occupation while thinking, dreaming and planning other things too. I love knitting, it's one of the most relaxing things to do, I think :)
    Helen x

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  32. I love knitting...socks and mittens are my favorites! I love that photo of your first project. I also love the sound of the bamboo needles. Since I started spinning wool, I like that even better than knitting!
    Hugs,
    Courtney

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  33. I have been knitting for years off and on. My only problem is that it's more off than on.
    Hope you stick with it, Love to see the finished project.

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  34. I knitted decades ago and maybe again one day.
    I think you are having fun!!!!!!!!!!!

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  35. Patty,
    I tried knitting once, my MoMa tried to teach me. She learned left~handed...I am right ~handed...and never the twain did meet! ha! I did learn to embrodiery and do cross~stitch. I used to love to make gifts...perhaps with some newly aquired time, I'll begin again! So~o~o glad you're easing up on yourself. Takes time for the transformation , but I, too am enjoying NOT being employed!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  36. I knitted a couple of things many moons ago. Never got the hang of it, but I do enjoy crocheting occasionally. Good luck with your new talent.

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