2nd “thing” achieved: 14. Knit something (not a scarf)

I love making things. It’s exciting when you start out, brimming with plans (most of which are completely beyond your skill level), going crazy in the shops buying all the gear, the challenge of making the thing, and the sense of achievement.

I’ve been able to knit since I was a kid, and I had those little plastic starter needles. But I never got past knit and purl. I’ve made countless scarves but increasing/decreasing, counting stitches, following patterns, turning corners… all of this was totally beyond me. So was born the challenge; to push myself.

I bought a couple of books but the sum of all patterns for people who only know 2 stitches was… well, a scarf. Or a headband. Or a knitted belt…. you get the picture, something straight and scarf-like. The next step up seemed to be a full on jumper with fancy bobbly bits and patterns and stuff.

So I decided to buy a pre-made kit, you know with all the wool, the instructions etc. But couldn’t find one anywhere! I was just about to resign myself to a trip to deepest and darkest Woking in search of a Hobbycraft store when I finally found a magazine with the stuff I needed and cracked on.

It took a total of 3 evenings but required a fair amount of concentration, and I may have mentioned before that I am easily distracted.  Not to mention all of the new skills – counting stitches and rows, trying to keep it neat and even, interpreting the abbreviations, googling how to pick up stitches along an edge, how to change wool without just tying a knot, and all that good stuff.

Starting out

Still knitting

Almost done

It kind of looks OK?

To be honest, I think I prefer baking or sewing, but knitting and crochet require so little specialist equipment and it’s easy to do in front of the telly of an evening.

Why don’t you try pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and try making something you thought was a bit beyond your skill level? If nothing else, it keeps you busy and you might get something useful out of it! Best of all is that smug feeling of accomplishment when you finally finish it and it kind of looks OK!

It looks like the picture!

Ideal for tiny presents 🙂

I’m going to try making fingerless gloves next, so wish me luck!