Ripping yarns

     "There's more to knitting than getting it right first time, and not everyone can learn quickly. But adventures with yarn can be rewarding, soothing, creative and pleasing, and knitting is a skill most definitely worth acquiring."

So writes Jane Brocket in the 'Learn to Knit' section of her magical book Ripping Things to Do, and she cites My Naughty Little Sister Does Knitting by Dorothy Edwards as an example as the little girl knits a scarf for Mr. Cocoa Jones "who is the perfect recipient of her coaly, floury, multicoloured knitting and isn't in the slightest bit worried about the holes."

    I don't think Bernie the St. Bernard pictured here was bothered about any irregularities in the tiny scarf Harriet knitted for him a few years ago. Seeing me knit for the first time in ages, both my daughters wanted to have a go, so I took them to a yarn shop to choose their materials (and that was an experience in itself as they were bowled over by all the colours and textures), I showed them the basics and they got going. Harriet made the dog's scarf and has picked up the needles a few times since, but if she's anything like me when I was young, she'll have phases of enthusiasm for the craft, and that's fine - who knows what she'll do with it in the future.

   In her book, Jane goes on to give some practical advice for the beginning (or resuming) knitter, whether adult or child, most importantly that it's better to be taught by "patient demonstration" (my granny taught me when I was small), which failing, look at the how-to videos on the internet. Seeing someone else fashioning even the simplest thing from yarn and needles provides a strong creative impulse; in my experience, that's not be underestimated!

Comments

[Jennifer]

That book is on my wish list, can't wait to get it. I was taught how to knit by my close friend who's like a second mother to me. Having a patient, kind passionate knitter teach you is definitely the way to go if possible.

[Bloomsburybell]

I love knitting but I always drop stitches and have been working on the same indecipherable item for about 3 years now! Have you seen this page on the V&A website? http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/features/knitting/index.html

[Fran]

In the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of teaching an almost 5 year old girl, whose house I am working in, to knit. She was desperate to learn having watched a friends mother and myself. I was surprised how well she mastered it. "We" have made a scarf in two colours for her favourite rabbit. Lets hope her enthusiasm continues. Maybe a copy of this book for her birthday would be a good idea.

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i wondered if any of you lovely knitters might be able to help me. I am a beginner knitter (one very long scarf down) and I was hoping to knit my father some fingerless gloves for christmas. I have got two 50g balls of Rowan Scottish Tweed pure wool. However I can't find a really simple pattern for them and maybe this is because they aren't really simple to knit?! Do any of you have any suggestions or advice? Or equally a pattern for a v simple pair of think long socks i could make instead if the gloves are a touch advanced for me? I would be v grateful for all help as I need to get knitting!