I started knitting when I was pregnant with my first child. My great Aunty Mary had given me a knitted blanket as an early baby shower gift. This pale blue, soft pile of yarn inspired me to learn how to knit. She had created the whole thing with that single blue color. The edges had a different pattern than the center, giving it some textural interest. I can remember as Mary aged, everyone lamenting the fact that ‘Great Aunty Mary didn’t make me her fabulous wash clothes this year for Christmas!’. They seemed to be much sought after, but being young It wasn’t on my radar

I began to look for information about knitting. I asked my mother, she preferred crochet and didn’t have any books about knitting.  I bought a ball of yarn and some knitting needles and tried to print out a basic pattern from the Internet. Many knots later I had resigned myself to just buying some cute knit things for my forthcoming baby.

While visiting garage sales in the area, I came across a flower vase full of old knitting needles. It was just a few dollars for the whole pile so I grabbed them up. Down the road there was another yard sale that had old books. I’m an avid reader so I took some time to see what the offerings were. I find an inconspicuous red book that is hefty. The name that is printed in gold ink is nearly worn off the spine, but you can just make it out: “Good housekeeping’s guide to ….”, the rest was rubbed away. Huh, what could this be?

I crack open the worn book and flip through it quickly. It seems to naturally want to open to a section on how to knit. It has clear, vivid black and white illustrations detailing

how to start knitting, basic stitches and how to finish a garment! The $.50 I spent on that book that day has paid off immensely since.

I eventually figured out how to create basic fabric from yarn and two pointed sticks. I felt great pride when I finished tiny little blue booties and a hat for my infant son. I have since moved on to mittens, scarves, gloves and numerous hats. I have even tried my hand at a sweater, but it takes a long time to complete one sweater. I have little patience and desire a quicker satisfaction than sweaters can offer. I make hand made knit items for my family every year. I hope that one day they lament the loss of my knitting skills as I age also.