Learning to Knit. Knitting to Learn.
If you have known me for any length of time, you know that I’m a ‘textile lady’. I have spent a lot of time sewing, dyeing, quilting, weaving, printing, cross stitching, and macraméing. It’s surprising to me that it took 4 solid tries, over many years, for ‘knit and purl’ for it to sink in…and finally my repertoire includes knitting. Whilst at a Green Festival in NYC, I vended directly across from Wool & the Gang and decided to buy some of their chunky yarn and thick needles. I knit myself a Seed Stitch Scarf and received so many compliments that I started to make them to sell.
Fast forward a few years and it seemed like a good time to learn to read knitting patterns. I am not a good beginner. I want to know everything now…however, the process of learning something new is good for one’s brain as well as their soul. I choose to learn because I want to keep my brain active. Here, I want to talk a bit about Patience, Humbleness, and Gratitude.
Patience.
My knitting journey has been a practice in patience. I am an incredibly slow learner. I have found that I learn best by watching and then taking a video so that I can reference when I am knitting on my own and completely forget the technique. My brain needs a lot of repetition to remember something and I have found myself getting discouraged easily. My daily practice is to notice the feeling, but not attach to it. I know that feelings change, and with more time spent knitting my ability will change as well. Knitting has been a great opportunity for practicing patience, since it’s so fun as well as being challenging. This practice benefits me in so many other areas of life.
Humbleness.
“Ripping back” is a term that means ‘oops I made a mistake way back there, so I’m going to take out all of the stitches I just spend the last 5 hours working on’. Admitting to a shortcoming is part of learning. I would profit from meditating on why I think I need to be good at something so quickly. Living in this Instagram-world, where we primarily post our bests, I don’t know where this desire or thought process stems. (hint: I’m being sarcastic.) Unintentionally, I often have thought of comparison. One of my favourite quotes is “Comparison is the thief of joy”. My intention, for better enjoyment of my life, is to cultivate a sense of peace inside my heart. Comparing myself to others interferes with this plan and more humility helps.
Gratitude.
I spent the Fall of 2017 in Berlin and when I arrived, right away I joined a knitting group. They took me in immediately and I made some great friends. I am grateful for the tutelage and also for the hangout time. Many bars and cafes in Berlin have couches and cozy armchairs and spending 4 hours in one place isn’t uncommon. It’s the perfect combination for my knitting group friends. I have since then made another knitting friend in Vancouver and she often hosts a weekend knit gathering. I am very thankful for all the people who have helped me on my knitting journey! <3 As it turns out, for me, learning can’t be achieved in isolation…so thank you to all are walking with me!
*To see which patterns and yarns I used, take a peek at my Ravelry page! If you are in Berlin, I highly recommend dropping by 10,000 Loops knitting group. If you are in Vancouver, check out Knit 1 Tea 1. Also, I want to give a shout out to my friends at Spincycle Yarns. We used to vend next to each other at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market and here we are, still kicking around! 😉
Abbie
Knitting is on my list of things I’ve tried and not really gotten but would like to! So thanks for the reminder that learning takes time and is worth it in so many ways. I love seeing the variety of sweaters you have made.
Teresa Remple
Hey Abbie! I found it really helpful to join a knitting group…one where people knew more than I did! 😉 I tend to really beat myself up. One step at a time…you can do it!
Elaine
Teresa, I love everything about this post! Let’s knit together the next time you’re in Seattle. I’d love to show you my stash 😉
Teresa Remple
Elaine! I enjoy seeing your creations on instagram! I am not in Seattle (with free time) often, but yes…I like that idea!
Jill Koehler
Love how you break down the journey. While I’ve never tried knitting, I definitely experienced those things with I was trying to learn to crochet! Awesome sweaters!
Teresa Remple
Thanks Jill!! With crocheting…with anything, really, eh? You are the one who introduced me to “sitting with” the feelings. Very grateful for what I have learned from you <3