I packed shiny, new, yellow knitting needles and a bright, multi-colored skein of soft yarn to bring to North Carolina. My oldest granddaughter had shown an interest in knitting the last time we were there, so I thought I’d teach her to knit this time.
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At Hobby Lobby I told a stranger in the yarn aisle what my plan was. She helped me pick out a good size knitting needle for a young girl. I appreciated that.
Zoey loved the color of the needles, and the yarn, and she was excited to learn. It didn’t take her long to catch on – how to cast on and the knit stitch. What fun.
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Because this is something new for her, she was knitting almost every time she sat down…hopefully she will continue to like it and it will be a fun skill for her to use in the future.
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Unfortunately, I don’t remember who taught me to knit (I hope Zoey will remember who taught her!) I have pages torn out of a girl’s magazine with knitting instructions…did I teach myself? I remember knitting slippers…
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Later I learned to crochet. And, back then (50 years ago), I learned to make granny squares…they were a big deal at that time. I remember I made a vest from them. I have seen granny square vests for sale in vintage clothing stores recently.
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I also crocheted several afghans, using granny squares.
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Several years later I went back to knitting. I knit winter scarves and then I learned about a prayer shawl ministry. I loved the idea, so I started knitting prayer shawls. I made several prayer shawls to give away.
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Now that I’ve shown my granddaughter how to knit, I need to refresh myself on how to crochet, so eventually I can show her how to do that. And who knows, she may want to learn how to crochet a granny square…
I love the story in pictures! What a great bonding time!
Thanks Starr. It was a fun activity for sure.
Oh, Valerie, these are the type of things that create bonds between the generations and a continuation of certain important and creative skills. I think for children to learn how to knit and crochet from a grandmother is somewhat of a rite of passage. Deeply personal and deeply important. Zoey is very lucky to have a grandma who recognizes how valuable these these things are. This post made me happy!
I do hope she remembers I taught her to knit…
And I hope she continues to knit all through life.
What a neat story, I’m so proud of you!
I still have the prayer shawl you made for me and will always remember you with it!
thanks,
Darci
Ahhh, that’s sweet. 😉
What a wonderful skill to teach Zoe. I can see that she’s really embracing the craft. During my many sleepless nights the past two weeks, I thought, I wish I had some yarn and a crochet hook. Back in the day I crocheted. Maybe I ought to take up that again. I did lots of coloring the past two weeks. So soothing…
I’ve got a crochet hook, and some practice yarn if you want… 😉