For about a year M tried to teach me how to knit each time I visited, but I could never figure it out. I went at it all wrong, bringing home slippery old aluminum needles and cheap, squeaky acrylic yarn that our mother had left over from the 70's, and tried to practice what M had shown me. I felt like a total failure because I just couldn't get my fingers to do what I wanted! I didn't know at the time that my problems were caused by two factors: tools that weren't appropriate for a beginner, and the fact that M was trying to teach me to knit the way she did, using the English/American/throwing method.
Since M and I don't live near each other, I went to the local yarn store in desperation one day about a year ago and asked for help. The wonderful owner led me to the bamboo needles and some thick wool yarn (much easier for beginners because the rough surface of the wool fibers hooks onto the roughness of the wood and gives a bit of traction). The owner watched me try to make a few stitches. She immediately suggested that I try holding the yarn in my left hand instead and to try knitting in the German/Continental method. What a difference - suddenly something clicked and I could knit! It was so easy! I practiced at home by watching the wonderful free instructional videos from KnittingHelp.com. Now that I have a few projects under my belt (two kids' sweaters, socks, two-color Norwegian star mittens, two baby hats, two felted bags, a blanket, and countless scarves), I think I'd probably consider myself to be an advanced beginner. I'm just now starting to feel comfortable changing patterns and winging it instead of obsessing over each line. Not bad for only one year! My next challenges are lace knitting and Fair Isle.
S
