Can a Girl Just Purl?
Guest Post by Dorothy Stewart
I have a confession. I’ m really “ knot” a knitter. I belong to a knitting circle, I shop for yarn, and I even go to knitting classes. Heck, I founded a knitting group and it lasted for 2 years. I own dozens of knitting needles and oodles of yarn and several books on knitting. I read knitting novels. I took my first knitting class six years ago and I haven’ t made one thing beyond a simple scarf.
And boy, have I made a bunch of scarves. Well, technically, I made the scarves. You see, I don’ t really know how to cast on or cast off, so, even though I actually knit the scarves myself, I get a little help from unsuspecting friends and fellow knitters. It’ s easy enough to get someone to cast on or off for you. You simply say, “ You know, I’ m having the darndest time remembering how to cast on, would you mind helping me?” They look at your yarn, remark about how much like they it, or why they don’ t like that particular kind of yarn, and the next thing you know – they’ ve cast you on or off. Works like a charm.
You see knitters are very cool people. And, knitting has become a very cool “ chic” thing to do. Even the young and hip are knitting now. Men too. I swear. I’ ve seen them on BART knitting away. Big guys with tattoos. No lie.
Which is why I so desperately want to learn to go beyond the basic knit stitch. Do you have any idea what it feels like to sit at a big round table of expert knitters (I’ m talking women who are knitting socks and gloves) with my little crooked one-stitch scarves? I mean I try to play it off but I’ m pretty sure after being a member of this particular circle for two years, the other members have figured it out. I’ m an imposter.
A woman told me years ago, “ Honey, you have got to learn how to purl!” I never went back to that group. See, the key is, if you “ infiltrate” enough new groups you can pass somewhat undetected as a “ beginning knitter” as opposed to “ knitting challenged.”
So, my resolution this year, is that by any means necessary (psychotherapy included), I will learn to at least purl.
Dorothy Stewart is a freelance writer. She blogs at Perkdup.
16 Responses
I swear you are talking about me! LOL
I learned to knit about 6 years ago and I have a bunch of projects started, but nothing is finished. There truly is nothing better than finding that gorgeous yarn to have and hold! Oh!
You must learn to add one – I think that’s what it’s called. I like doing that. 🙂
I would love to learn how to knit.
I love this post. I Love love love knitting and crocheting. I was very lucky to grow up in a yarn store. My Mom had a very busy and successful yarn store in Calgary, Alberta for many years. Yes l call myself a Knitwit. My home is stuffed with yarn everywhere and l just can’t seem to get enough of it. You are quite correct: Knitters are very cool people. In fact my Mom and l rock. There isn’t anything we can’t make. My Mom also gave lessons in her shop and men did come into learn. She also gave lessons on the knitting machine and taught people how to spin. Don’t feel bad about your crooked little scarf. No one cares about it or if you cannot purl. One day you will just want to purl and learn different cables and lace patterns and arans and and……oops just about went into a knitting trance. It’s so refreshing to read about an art that few people care about anymore. At the moment l am making prayer shawls and thinking about opening an Etsy store. I make so much stuff that l must find a good home for the items. Girl you rock for just trying. Feel free to email me if you wish.
Lilac
Lilac
LOVE THIS!!!
I was fortunate enough to learn to sew, crochet, knit, cook, bake at a very early age (you know the fpundation pillars of being a good woman/wife etc..) *ROFL* at least that is how my father’s mother felt. But anyways, I loved working with yarn… then I got older, got married, had kids — you know life got in the way and 20+ years went by. Then a few years back, that ol familiar itch returned, I picked up some yarn a set of knitting needles and away I went — hitting up every yarn sale, ebay sale, for everything yarn, knitting/crocheting related – a fanatic was reborn. I now have yarn in places you can’t imagine throughout my home, more needles (or various sizes, makers, styles) then you know and what do i have to show for it? *ROFL* scarves… that’s all I’ve managed to eek out this past year. Sad I know. I can make socks and gloves, hats, blankets that sort of thing but nothing more than that and I really should, by now, be able to take on a lace pattern or a sweater pattern…. (you can find me in the corner whimpering “i.can’t.do.it.”)
Yet, I still cannot turn down beautiful handspun, organic, oh so soft it makes you cry, beautiful, luscious yarn. As for projects, there are too many to count sitting in on stixs (the thyroid addled brain and brain fog – I put it down for longer than a week – I can’t remember where I left off or WTH I was even doing — yeah I’m speshul like that!) 😉
Love this post I really do… and for all fellow knitters – of all stages and crazy — UNITE! Hmmm wonder if there has ever been a virtual knitting club? We can all get on stickam or ooovoo or somewhere and chit chat, knit, share stories….
Oh and as for the books…. yeah I’m that girl too. I hit up Amazon and see what is new in the Knitting Genre. My favorite, of course, A Good Yarn and subsequent books by Debbie Macomber.
Lilac: oh how I wish! I’ve always wanted a cross between a knitting shop and a coffee/hallmark shop! LOL I know – nuts… but a little carved out place of knitting, coffee, book and greeting heaven 😉 *swoon*
Wouldn’t be able to knit to save my life. The most I could do with the needles is use them like chop sticks. And even then, I’d probably screw that up. 😉
LOL likewise!
LOL! I tried to get my MIL to teach me how to knit. I’ve learned that my mother got all of that talent. I really don’t have the time, patience or coordination to knit!! (I’m performing random acts of comments today. You were on the forum when I decided to leave some comments. Have a happy day!)
I haven’t gotten into knitting yet but I know it is extremely popular-just look at all the fiction and non-fiction books devoted to knitting. I have to admit though-it’s hard for me to believe very many men have gotten involved. I can’t wait to see how far it advances in the future.
I just do not have the patience to knit but when I was young I use to Cross Stitch. I ear knitting is so relaxing and lowers your blood pressure too.
Love the idea of switching groups, posing as a beginner rather than challenged. I’ll have to try that next time I am learning a new skills at my own pace.
I want to learn how to knit…and sew!
I’ve wanted to learn how to knit, but just lack the skills. I’d also love to sew, but due to a kind gift of a new Singer, and donation of my old machine to a family member, I am unable to use my newer modern machine. *sigh*
I’ve always wanted to sew too – I tried once with my mom (on the sewing maching) and it was not pretty at all 🙁
Good news! Remember how I said knitters were such nice people? They really are. I shared my guest post with one of the women whose group I had “infiltrated.” She said, “It will be our secret. I will teach you how to purl.” So, yesterday, I purled for the very first time!! It was so hard (for me) at first and this woman (Linda S.) is a saint because she didn’t swear at me one time! Anyway, by the end of an hour I was purling away. Okay, I wasn’t “purling away” but I did purl. I hope I can remember how I did it. I think I can. But even if I don’t, at least I can say I did! Knitting rocks!
This is too funny! I just read a book by & it’s called A Shop on Blossom Street & it’s about 4 ladies & they learn to knit from one lady whose had brain cancer & lived. And they get to know each other & end up being fantastic friends. There’s a couple of knitting projects & how to do it in the book too. Plus there’s a website listed to visit. I now want to learn to knit! I have crocheted when I was younger & tried to teach my girls. My son wasn’t interested. He’s too “manly”! But anyway, I love this post!
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