I am trying to learn how to knit. Currently I know how to cast on, I know how to knit stitches and I know how to purl stitches, but that’s pretty much the extent of my capabilities. My goal is to end up being able to knit one of these sweaters. Don’t they look cosy and lovely? Given my lack of skills and experience I thought I’d try a smaller, simpler project before attempting a complicated, time consuming (and relatively expensive) sweater. So I attempted some baby bootees, thinking they’re tiny so they must be fairly simple, right? And a number of my friends have babies or are pregnant so I’m sure I’ll be able to find someone to give them to. Guess how much of the bootees I’ve been able to accomplish?
Take another look at the top photo. That’s how much I’ve done. Zilch. Nought. Nothing. I was struggling heaps with the rib pattern of the bootees and after just a few rows would end up completely bamboozled and with the wrong number of stitches on my needle. So I unraveled it all and started again. Several times. After my fourth failed attempt I decided to try a different pattern. Perhaps a little baby hat would be better? I can use the same wool and needles that I’ve already bought, but the pattern uses a stocking stitch so that should be easier than the rib stitch. Except for all the shaping. After several failed attempts at the hat I’m back to square one. All I have to show for my hours of “knitting” is ball of wool that’s getting a bit crinkly from unravelling and re-knitting so many times.
So why am I sharing my failed attempt at knitting? Because this is often what learning a new skill looks like. It’s normal to stuff things up and get things wrong and get frustrated and confused. I was getting so upset at not being able to knit that there were tears. Yes, tears. BUT, I’m not giving up. Now I’m going to attempt a baby vest (stocking stitch and not much shaping) and if that’s too hard, well I’ll just buy some new wool and try a scarf to begin with. I’m also going to ask for advice from some people I know who can knit. It can be so disheartening when you want to learn something new and it just doesn’t work. But that’s really no reason to give up, it’s just part of the learning process. So I really want to encourage you to not give up. Whether you’re trying something new in the realms of craft or sewing, or perhaps you’re learning a new skill for work or study, it’s bound to be tricky to begin with. This is when we have the opportunity to persevere, to ask someone for help or advice, try a different approach, to do some more research and just keep trying! Are you trying to learn anything new at the moment? I will keep you posted with how my knitting goes!
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Well said! Good luck with your knitting! Getting help is a good idea
I’m trying to improve my sewing skills. I’m not giving up and I’m going to conquer my fear of sewing zippers one day
Good luck with your sewing! Zippers are not so scary once you get used to them. The more you sew them, the easier they get!
Would love to help you with your knitting, even though I’m not the best knitter myself!
Just wish I lived a bit closer. Keep trying with simple projects.
xoxo Mum.
Thanks, Mum! You’re the best! xoxo
Thanks for sharing your story. Sometimes it can be hard to see bloggers who are churning out picture-perfect dresses and intricate 4-ply, fair isle jumpers like there’s no tomorrow, when all you make seems to be mistakes! It might seem a little basic but when I first started knitting I didn’t realise the yarn had to be at the back for a knit stitch and the front for purling. So my little rib swatch kept growing and growing until it ended up a holey trapezoid!
A holey trapezoid pretty much sums up what I was faced with when attempting a rib stitch. I’ve got no idea whether my yarn was at the front or back so this may well be what I am doing wrong! Thank you so much for the tip!