I thought my daughter would forever be one of these. I did try to teach her as a child, but--my bad--I failed. My biggest mistake was to say "And so, you have 24 stitches: just try to maintain 24 stitches." She was too much of a perfectionist for that! Of course a 7 or 9 or 11 yr-old could not maintain 24 stitches!
And so I thought knitting would do that skip-a-generation thing. After all, my grandmother knit and my mother did not. Maybe my grandchildren would? I'd just have to be patient.
But then, the most amazing thing happened! One night, waiting for her to come home, I was teaching her artist/carpenter boyfriend (now her husband) to knit. She came home, looked at what he was doing, said (and I will never forget this) "I can do that," took his needles from him . . . and has been knitting ever since.
What some of you already know is that we wrote two books together. What most of you do not know is that she has been teaching beginners for 10 years! And she is amazing at it--probably because she learned relatively recently so could relate.
To my ever-lasting pleasure and pride, Craftsy has hired her to teach beginner classes. And they are wonderful! I am amazed ('though not sure why I would be) that her charm and intelligence and competence come through the camera. I am completely impressed at what she has taught herself and what she is able to teach others.
Here are half price links for the first two (of three) of her classes. Please pass them along to anyone who needs to learn how to knit! (I do not have good luck with these links, so you might need to copy and paste them into your browser?)
www.craftsy.com/ext/CaddyMelville-Ledbetter_4965_Hwww.craftsy.com/ext/CaddyMelville-Ledbetter_4964_H
I never would have imagined this day and am so happy to share it with you!
sally,
ReplyDeletei have your pattern for the fantastic l'enveloppe and thought i would be able to convert it to crochet on my own. alas, it's not so easy! while i know how to knit, i much prefer crochet. do you have a crochet version of this lovely pattern or can you direct me to one similar to your lovely work?
fingers crossed.
jd in st louis
jdwln320@gmail.com
crochetvirtuosa.wordpress.com
One of the first things I tried was exactly as you ask. But I could not find a crochet pattern that got any good stich to row relationship--which is essential for this piece. Plus all the fabrics I produced were too think. There is a huge difference between the drape of my knit and my crochet. But I will try again/!
ReplyDeleteLooking for yarn for Basic Pullover, page 62 from Book 2: The Purl Stitch. Comment calls for Mountain Colors Homespun, but can't find it anywhere. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteSadly, by the time that chapter was published, 6 of 8 yarns suggested were discontinued!
ReplyDeleteI do not know of yarns that will get that gauge, but it was a pretty thick yarn--maybe not one you would find yourself wanting to wear that much anyway?
Here is what I suggest.
Since the gauge is 10 stitches over 4", find a yarn that gets 20 stitches over 4", then multiply all numbers of stitches in the pattern by 2. This will work!
OR, if you find a yarn that gets 15 stitches over 4", multiply all numbers of stitches in the pattern by 1.5--then round up to the nearest appropriate whole number (even or odd). This too will work.
OR, if you find a yarn that gets 16.5 stitches over 4", multiply all numbers of stitches in the pattern by 1.65.
Can you see the pattern emerging here?
Generally, we do not worry about row gauge: that just takes care of itself!
Try it. Once you find out how easy it is, you will not be afraid to do it!
I know how to knit (and purl!) and I'm starting Einstein Coat. Throughout the book I see reference to "Touch Me." Can't figure out what this is... can I get a quick explanation? Thanks, Sally!
ReplyDeleteTouch Me is a yarn--chenille type yarn wrapped around a merino wool core. Very precious and somewhat tricky to manage. But exquisite when done well!
ReplyDelete