Encouragement and Testimonials

Here you can read or submit your own humorous stories and bits of encouragement, whether they be nostalgic, mirthful, or thought-provoking. Any memorable, true-life knitting story qualifies, so sit back and relax to read--or submit!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008Name: Sandy

Subject: Grandmas

Comment: Both of my grandmothers were knitters and I have their sets of knitting needles now... it makes me so happy to knit with them. Now my daughter started some basic knitting and it makes me so happy to see her using those same knitting needles.

Monday, October 27, 2008Name: Ahalia

Subject: Friends

Comment: When I first started knitting I thought everyone at my school would make fun of me. But now whenever I finish a project i bring it to school and everyone just loves it. So KNIT. (i'm only eleven)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008Name: Becca

Subject: knitting! what else!

Comment: I have been knitting since I was five, I am now 14. knitting is not at all hard, if you want to learn stuff, http://www.knittinghelp.com is great.

Sunday, October 12, 2008Name: Mary

Subject: Advice for new knitters

Comment: First off, let me say thank you to the webmistress for putting together this wonderful collection of patterns.

I started knitting about 10 years ago because I had a really stressful job where I travelled a lot and I wanted something relaxing to do on the airplane. I am no expert by any means, but I have some advice for anyone just starting out.

First, avoid the dreaded "Pattern Difficulty Paralysis". When I was a less confident knitter than I am now, I'd look at a pattern, see that its difficulty rating was "advanced" and say to myself, I can't make that one it's too hard. As I have progressed as a knitter though, I've realized that those ratings are pretty subjective. I've seen patterns rated "advanced" that were simpler (at least in my mind), than ones rated "intermediate." Fortunately, some patterns don't have ratings.

So what should you do if you want to attack a new pattern but think it may be beyond your skills? Here's what I do. I read the pattern carefully and write down all the techniques that I am unfamiliar with. I then consult knitting books, the internet or someone at the local yarn shop for advice. I make a swatch using the technique. Once I feel confident, I proceed to go for it! This seems like a lot of advance preparation, and if you're like me, you will just want to get going on the project, but trust me, the final product makes it worth it. So don't be intimidated by those pattern ratings! Tell yourself you can knit that sweater, and you can.

Mary

PS If anyone would like to email about knitting or crocheting, please feel free: maryehowe AT Gmail DOT com

Thursday, October 09, 2008Name: Abigail

Subject: knitting

Comment: I absolutely love to knit, have always loved doing anything creative really. I've just moved to a very secluded area and am already known by all here as the "knitting girl". This winter the weather will get to -60 and it's so fun to see something growing in your hands that will take some of that nip away. I am constantly on this website finding just the right pattern for things and I very much appreciate all those who put them there, so thank you and I hope to have some patterns of my own to contribute soon.

Monday, October 06, 2008Name: Sarah Z

Subject: love it

Comment: I am 34 and last year I took on knitting and crocheting. I am great at crochet and while my mother is in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery I am determined to learn how to knit. I have my aunt, grandma, and now my mom knitting and crocheting. The doctors call us the knitting family. I just made my mom a gorgeous blue blanket and it is nice to know while she is sick she can wrap up in my love and hard work. Knit on everyone!

Saturday, October 04, 2008Name: judy tooley

Subject: knitting is for everyone!

Comment: I started to knit when I was in my late twenties and was stuck at the beginner's stitch for a long time until I found a "Knitting made easy by Read Heart and coats" book and reread the other kinds of knitting styles. I just learned how to do a cable and fair isle on the net and at the first learned the garter that you see on many sweaters and socks. I can also say that I think men look sexy with a pair of needles knitting something for their girlfriend or wife.
judy tooley

Friday, October 03, 2008Name: Caitlin

Subject: Young Knitters

Comment: I am 12 and my granny taught me how to knit and I love it becuase I can make really cool and useful things.

Saturday, September 27, 2008Name: Meg

Subject: teen knitter

Comment: Hello! It's nice to hear that there are so many people knitting out there. I hardly ever see people knit nowadays, but I knit. I usually make bears and other toy animals. It's just so fun to make them come to life. I am 17 years old and I have been a knitter since I was about eight.

Monday, September 22, 2008Name: Mrs. Mousie

Subject: holiday fun =)

Comment: Hi, for this year 2008, I came up with a great idea!! As you know the holidays are approaching, which usually means a lot of stress, How I cope? I knit with "holiday colored"yarn and drink holiday "relaxing" drinks ,ie, eggnog for Xmas, Pumpkin spice for the fall! It works for me, (right now I'm knitting a scarf in a "fall" color and drinking my pumpkin spice drink!) its my new way to get in to the spirit of the holidays but without the stress! Clever huh??

Saturday, September 20, 2008Name: Heather

Subject: A big THANKS!

Comment: I've been knitting for longer than most people have been alive, so let me tell you how wonderful it is to have a creative, adventurous knitting community and a ready source of inspiration! This old dog has learned several new tricks from the newer knitters who don't look at knitting the same way my mother, grandmother and I did. These days, it's partly for fun and frivolity, a far cry from the 'make something useful' mantra I grew up with. Love it, love it, love it!
And, btw, for those youngsters who are just starting and putting up with some snarky comments, two things: wow them with your creations, and remember that some people just aren't as creative, inventive, and skillful as you are. People who sneer are to be ignored. One more: enjoy!

Thursday, September 18, 2008Name: Rebecca Donaldson

Subject: Its so true, knitting is not just for grannys!

Comment: Just wanted to say that I agree it is pathetic that some people think knitting is just for grannys! I am 21 and have been knitting for just under a year now and love it! Look at books like stitch and bitch that have bought knitting back into fashion amongst young people and include so many funky patterns! Also it allows you to create unique clothes that are alot of the time nicer and more unique than what you buy in the shops!

Friday, August 22, 2008Name: Darian

Subject: So true

Comment: I also think that its pathetic people think knitting is for grannys, I am a knitter at 13 and LOVE it I have made so many of the things on here and try so hard to make something worthwhile, lol my dog now has more sweaters than me (he is ahead by 8) lol, have fun with the needles guys.

Monday, August 18, 2008Name: Giota

Subject: Knitting is Creation

Comment: I've learned knitting from my grandma when I was 8 years old. I left it for many years and when my grandma died I started again just to remember her. Everything came back to me in a few days. Knitting is like a bicycle and it can give you great memories, fun and pride!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008Name: Sarah

Subject: dont let people get at you if they think knitting is for grannys

Comment: knitting is for everyone so if you are a young knitter like me ( i am 11 years old ) and love knitting then just do it and dont let other people bother you

Sarah xXx

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