And even though I used boucle yarn, which is very forgiving of mistakes, it's obviously not perfect. But I'm encouraged that I can do this.
I got bored making a little square practice piece. So I decided to make a scarf because I knew I'd be more determined to continue on, even when I was frustrated, if I felt like I was actually making something I'd use.
I'll wear this scarf. Proudly.
So after one week, and row after row after row of knit stitch, I'm much more comfortable with it all. I've figured out the tension and am no longer making impossibly tight stitches. I've also gotten comfortable with holding two knitting needles. That was a challenge since I've been crocheting forever. And I even discovered it's just not possible to knit with a Shih Tzu in your lap. Can't be done.
And guess what? I'm a "thrower." Listen to me, using knit jargon like I know what I'm talking about. LOL
Tyne, Miss Marple and Julia have nothing on me! OK. Maybe they have YEARS more experience and can knit absolutely anything in the whole wide world, but still.
I'm so proud of what I've learned in just one week, I'm celebrating by doing.....
I bought this book three weeks ago and read it in two evenings because I couldn't put it down. So it's gently, very gently, used and I'd love to pass it on to you.
"Once a week, an eclectic group of women comes together at a New York City yarn shop to work on their latest projects - and share the stories of their lives...
At the center of Walker and Daughter is the shop's owner, Georgia, who is overwhelmed with juggling the store and single-handedly raising her teenage daughter. Happy to escape the demands of her life, she looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club, where she and her friends exchange knitting tips, jokes, and their deepest secrets. But when the man who once broke Georgia's heart suddenly shows up, demanding a role in their daughter's life, her world is shattered.
Luckily, Georgia's friends are there for encouragement, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they've created isn't just a knitting club; it's a sisterhood."
I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely a warm and cozy chick book. If you'd like to have my copy, leave a comment.
I'm going to leave this open until sometime around the middle of next week, depending on how soon I get my act together again after my granddaughter is born. On Monday morning. At 7:30 a.m. Have I mentioned that?
By the way, if you want to learn how to knit, or just need help with something, Knitting Help is an absolutely wonderful site. I think the reason I'm catching on to this so quickly is that I can sit right here in front of my computer and watch video tutorials of someone doing all the different parts of knitting. It's one thing to study the illustrations in a book. It's quite another thing to watch someone doing it.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I intend to do a big catch-up post on Sunday. I'm not sure how much computer time I'll have next week. Because my daughter is having a baby Monday morning. At 7:30.
Posts
70 comments:
The scarf looks awesome! I'm knitting a scarf right now too! And I'm a "beginner" knitter... I've made a couple of dishcloths and some hats... this is the first scarf I'm knitting.
I've read that book so don't include me in the drawing... just wanted to let you know you did a great job on your first knitted project!
The scarf looks great. Good job for a first time knitter.
Don't include me in the drawing as I just won something from you. But it looks like a good book. I think I have it either on hold at the library or on my amazon.com wish list.
So, your daughter's having a baby on Monday. Didn't know that - I guess you failed to mention it!!!
Sending good vibes for Krissy and Avery!
Great job! The scarf looks so warm and cozy!
I saw that book and had to put it back because it wasn't in my budget for the week. It looked wonderful.
And Barb, I wish you were just a little more excited about Avery's arrival. I don't think you're looking forward to it at all ;0)
Congrats on learning something new! I don't know how to knit. I always thought it looked too hard. I have crocheted in the past! LOL
Great job!!!! Now you are on your way to much bigger and better things. I cannot wait to see what will come next. It is such a wonderful way to pass your time and I know that you will love it when you get comfortable with it and do NOT have to think all the time.
Best of all on Monday. Take in the smell of that new little baby and enjoy it. The newborn stage lasts for such a short time.
Your scarf is so cute...you did such a nice job. I have a love/hate knitting relationship, just before Christmas I took a break from the needles, as I was confronted with "socks" and just couldn't mentally manage to begin on DPN (double pointed needles)...I am such a weeny.
Please include me in your giveaway..how fun!
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Barb,
I learned to knit in a week also when I was resting waiting for a high-risk baby to be born. It kept me sane. Good job on the scarf. It's really fun and portable to knit, isn't it?
Jena
Barb the scarf looks lovely * Hey if you can do it then that means I too could knit something even if it's just a dishcloth...!!! Good luck to krissy and avery..;-) I can;t belive that nine months have gone by.it seems as if it was just yesterday that you were doing your post saying Krissy was pregnant!!!
I have allready read the book so please leave me out of it. thanks though...
me, me, me please!
Stacey @ Kisses From the Father
Your scarf looks great! Congrats! You'll be doing all the fancy stuff in no time.
I read that book so don't put my name in the drawing. But I had to say how much I enjoyed it after the first half. It was hard for me to get into it at first. I thik Bev had the same trouble as we discussed it.
If I don't talk to you before Monday morning, have a fun baby ... er grandbaby. We cannot wait to hear all the news and see the pictures.
Your scarf is beautiful. I'd love to learn to knit; I've been thinking about it lately. But if you can't knit with a dog in your lap, I bet I can't knit with a little boy in mine. Humph.
Please enter me, I always love a good book.
You did pretty darn good.
Please enter me Barb. I have a feeling it might be easier to read with one hand than type wiyh one hand. I need something to replace blooging for a few weeks. ;v)
hee, of course that's replace "blogging" not blooging. sheesh, have another tylenol 3, susanne. :vD
Now it's time to knit something for your new grandchild! I've been wanting to read this book...please enter me in your giveaway. Thank You!
Love the scarf! Please enter me in the book giveaway - how nice!
Great job! As a self-taught knitter, I can say that knittinghelp.com was a tremendous help!
Can't believe it's already time for that baby! How wonderful!
ps. I'd love to win the book!
Well done, Barb!! You CAN knit! I loved the book, which I read a while ago, so please don't enter me for the draw.
Your daughter is having a baby. On Monday. At 7.30. And we will be waiting for the post and zillions of photos! I am SO excited for you! Not to mention for your daughter, her husband, Cameron, Aunts, Uncles, Grannies, Grandpas, Great Granny, Great aunt,great uncle.......
And blogger must think I am chinese... I CANNOT read the word verification. This might take some time to post....
Oh, that is so sweet that you're actually giving away your copy in a giveaway! I would SO love to read this book!
Barb, that scarf is gorgeous!
I took up beginning knitting a year or so ago but hadn't done anything all winter. So I picked up needles and yarn just today in fact...and thought, oh no, I've forgotten everything!
I'm going to head over to that site tomorrow!
I am amazed that you have done such a lovely scarf in you first week- very well done!
Please enter me in your book draw. Barb, why didn't you tell us you were having a new grandchild on Monday morning at 7:30am called Avery Lynn - I don't know, some people are just so secretive - lol!!!
Happy knitting and happy baby day!
Lynn.
WOW! Look at that scarf! I'm impressed, barb. I think it will go nicely with the cable knit sweater you knocked out last week :)
3 more days :) 3 more days!!!
I would love the book! And I would also love to learn to knit!!
Barb
I've been a lurker for some months but this give-away is enticing me to comment :-)
I actually took a knitting class when pregnant with my first (27 years ago) and made a bunch of cute little baby booties for all my pregnant friends. Until one day when baby became toddler and found my knitting project and in the space of seconds unraveled about 2 hours of work (I was almost finished with a bootie!).
I put away the needles thinking I'd take it up when he got bigger. But when he was almost 5 we gave him a sister. So the needles remained packed away.
I never did get back to knitting. I do crochet on occasion, with disasterous results. My last project was a baby afghan that was supposed to use 4 skeins. It took me 16! And it weighed so much that it was not safe to put on a baby (it would crush them!) so my sister used it as a decorative throw over the back of the crib.
Oh well.
I can still enjoy reading about others who CAN and DO :-)
P.S. I'm trying your beef stew recipe today!!!
You are doing great!!! And casting on is the hardest part for many, so GO YOU! And I have been wanting to read that book. Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win!!! : )
Steph
Great work!! I keep thinking I ought to try knitting or crocheting. I mentioned here the other day, talking about sorting through craft magazines, that I keep coming across knitting and crocheting projects I would love to do. I'm keeping some of them just in case. :-) But I wonder if I would have trouble seeing it. We don't have great lighting in our family room, where I'd like to be able to do that kind of thing in the evenings. I do need to get my eyes checked and probably get something besides my Wal-Mart reading glasses.
The book sounds interesting. I think as a society of women we've missed out by getting away from "quilting bees" and the like. In one of the Little Women sequels, it was neat to see the grown sisters still getting together to do their mending and chat. I used to belong to a group of women who met together once a week to work on various craft projects. It was stimulating and inspiring in that vein to see what everyone was working on, plus I enjoyed the fellowship. But it dwindled down and stopped after a while. It was almost like some felt guilty for making the time to do that. Maybe the internet has replaced or enabled that need for women to get together and fellowship, LOL!
Sorry to mess up your counting comments, but I had to say I never doubted you! You'll seriously be a pro in no time, the scarf is lovely. And the book was great too!
I, like Kimberly, am a lurker, but with your give-away I MUST leave a comment. That book is on my list of must reads. Would love to win it and after I read it give-it away to someone.
I'm so impressed with you, your sister Bev, and your niece Sarah at teaching yourself how to knit. Maybe when my children get older I'll try picking up knitting needles again. It could be something my daughter and I learn together. Your scarf is beautiful. I assumed you were showing us some mistakes on the close-up picture, but I sure couldn't see any! Wear it with pride and brag on yourself!
Blessings on the new grandbaby! They will be in my prayers!
Jana
dexnroo@yahoo.com
Barb-You'll be purling in no time! Nice work on the scarf. That book has been on my 'to read' list for a long time. Thanks for being generous enough to part with it!
Your family is in my prayers-yea babies!
Kathy:)
You did a terrific job on the scarf! I've scheduled some prayer time for Monday morning at 7:30 for you and your daughter. :) Praying all goes well for both of you -- I know you are excited to see that grandbaby! :)
LOVE the scarf! Barb, you amaze me because you so many things so well!
I have been wanting to read this book forEVER! I'd love to win!
And I'll be praying for you guys on Monday. Can't wait to see your pictures.
Hey Barb! The scarf looks beautiful!! I've always admired people who could knit. I hope one day that I will be able to learn to knit. THe book sounds wonderful.
Congrats on the newest addition. She will be born on my DH's 30th birthday!! And, my b-day is the 13th. There is just something very special (we think) about March babies!! Best of luck and I hope I win!!
(We loved the beef stew! Hubby requested it be put on our menu regularly)
I always wanted to learn to knit - and tried several times...I don't think I have the ability to wrap my head around it. I can sew, an dquilt and cross stitch, but can't knit or crochet to save my life.
I want to learn though before my children start having children (I figure I have at least 13 more years - hope hope), so I can make those cute little baby booties!
Please enter me into your drawing.
We'll be thinkning about you all and baby Avery...
Jennifer
WTG!!! Barb on the scarf
all the best to all for next week and welcome little one
Jen
That look beautiful!
Please leave me out of the giveaway - sorry if this messes up your drawing but I did want to say how much I liked the scarf.
And I'm looking forward to pictures from Monday. :)
Your scarf looks great! I am a very new knitter too, and would love to read the book!
Great job! I knew you could do it!! The scarf is darling - I think it will go great with a dark pea coat!
that scarf is truly lovely - for a beginner, you're doing great! and i would SO love to read that book, it sounds like it's just up my alley!
on a side note - i've been lurking here reading your lovely thoughtful posts and thinking i'd love to know someone like you in real life :) keep it up!!
Way to go, Barb! I'm the opposite. I can cast on, knit in the round and decrease stitches. I can't cast off, so I can make hats, but not scarves ... YET!
Count me in on the book. Looks great.
Your scarf looks awesome - I should ask my MIL to teach me to knit - I know BASIC crocheting...please include me in the drawing!
Barb I am wildly impressed! Great job! And of course who would'nt want to read this book? If I don't win it, I will borrow it from the library!
I will pray for a fast and easy delivery of Miss Avery tomorrow!
Way to go, Barb! I never doubted you for a minute.
And thanks for the tip about the knitting help site--I might even get brave enough to try once again to learn to knit.
Please enter me for the book...a warm and cozy chick book is just the ticket for me. Thanks!
I'm having trouble posting my comments today, but I'm at daisyaday [@] gmail dot com.
I would like to go for the book...add me in....you never know.
And......today is Madison's birthday..we are having family over in an hour...I just wanted to check in with you....Monday morning....I'm putting you on my prayer list....and will be thinking of you all....Krissy esp.
Hugs to you all....
Did you say Monday morning at 7:30? Just wanted to make sure I got that correct..tee hee...will be in prayer for the whole family and especially the new baby.
Count me in for the book!
RJBmom7@aol.com
Congrats on your first knitting project. Very nice!
Robin in New Jersey
Please don't enter me in the drawing ~ I just wanted to say, "Great job on the scarf, Barb!" Don't worry about purling, increasing or decreasing ~ you'll get it all figured out. :)
Can't wait to see pics of Avery! :)
Blessings,
Trish
I'd love to be entered in the drawing! Hurry baby Avery hurry!
I'd love to win your book. Maybe since it's gently used by you it would bring me some knitting luck. :) akacheeks@hotmail.com
Could you BE any cuter re: your excitement re: that new baby girl?!!! You have me on pins and needles. I'll be praying for you on Monday. I can also vouch that the month of March is indeed a loverly month in which to be born.
Please enter me in your drawing. Well done, you. Darling scarf. If I didn't like you so much, I'd be tempted to be jealous of how crafty you are. But that would be sin. ;) xxxooogretchen
Good job on the scarf! wear it with pride!
The book looks GOOD! Would love to be able to read that!
Can't wait to hear about the baby! (and see pictures!!)
Nice scarf!
Oh yeah, I was wondering what time the baby was going to be born??? ; )
Kidding!! Sending prayers for a quick and easy birth.
The scarf is just beautiful! I'll bet it will hold special memories for you, as you must have been anticipating the arrival of little Avery with every stitch. I can only imagine how excited you must be! Oooh, less than two more days.
The book sounds wonderful. Please enter my name in the drawing;)
Oh, Miss Avery....we're waiting to seeeee you! ;)
Barb, that scarf is great. Kudos to you for giving it a go. I think you'll be a purling in no time.
Blessings,
~Toni~
Very pretty scarf. Fantastic first project!
Aren't grandchildren precious? Congratulations! (In preparation for Monday at 7:30 a.m.)
I would, of course, love a chance to read "your" book. Thanks!
Way to go!!! It is lovely!
Can't wait to hear all about Avery!!
xo ~ K
(don't count my entry; my mom has a copy she is sharing with me ;0)
SoI'd love to have the book. Sounds great. If I don't win, I'll have to get it from the library. But it would be special to have your copy!
Good job, Barb, on the scarf. I never doubted your ability for a moment.
This sounds so good. Please enter my name, too!
Wow! You've learned to knit so quickly! And actually finished a project, no less. I'd love to win this book...maybe it would inspire me to put down my crochet hook and pick up some knitting needles too!
Barb - After you mentioned this book in your blog I e-mailed my mom to see if she had read this. She hadn't and we both agreed we would love to read it! Winning it, even better.
Thanks for sharing!
The scarf looks great! You've inspired me to try. Yes, please enter my name for the drawing. Best wishes to everyone on Monday!
rosie
You have convinced me to learn to knit. I love your scarf! (tpearson@uga.edu)
p.s. I'm praying for ya'll!
Congratulations on the new baby!!
Also good job on the scarf! You have inspired me to take up knitting again. It's been so long I'm going to have to start on something simple, like a scarf. One day I would like to learn to crochet.
Please count me in on the book giveaway. I have picked it up from the library a couple of times, but I can never get it read before it has to go back. I would love to have my own copy.
What a beautiful scarf! You can make anything and seriously you need to go on Martha's show. Please enter me in your giveaway and thank you so much!!
Congrats on the precious little one! I have just become grama for the 3rd time to a second little boy! What a joy... hard to explain - but I love being 'Grama'!
And I'd love to be a part of the book contest... my goal is to learn to knit this year. :)
great job on the scarf! i've been knitting for almost 2 years, and i have made MANY, MANY scarves!!
i would love to be included in the giveaway. that is the next book we are reading for our neighborhood book club - per my request. i was going to check it out of the library, but how wonderful to have a copy of my very own. thanks for the chance!
connie
nasonfamily4@charter.net
Your scarf looks great, and your grandbaby looks even greater. I'm proud of you for learning to knit, and think that is so cool. Please enter me in your giveaway.
dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm so proud of you for learning to knit! I think I might try it sometime, but I have to admit it looks boring...!
Would love to have the book though!
Your scarf looks great! Way to go! The book looks good, I love to read new things.
jenny
What a beautiful scarf! I have tried to teach myself how to knit and have wished for a friend or a group of friends to show me how to and have a lot of fun along the way! Getting together with friends and talking about the Lord, encouraging others and of course lots of laughs!
I'm going to check out the knitting helps site.
Miriam
The book sounds great to me and since my husband is a knitter he would probably enjoy it as well.
Congrats on the safe arrival of your granddaughter.
The book looks great. I had not heard of it until you mentioned it. Right up my alley.
Welcome Avery! Know that you have been highly anticipated!
I'm addicted to making scarfs too and I live in CA and never even wear them. :)
I think the next thing I want to learn to knit is baby hats...especially since I'm ALSO HAVING A BABY, not this Friday though, NEXT Friday at 7am! (Is it almost next Friday yet?)
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