Lambing season has been progressing at a slow pace. The snow is still on the ground and many of the ewes are starting to show signs of being close to delivering. What does that look like, you ask? The most outward sign is that the ewe's udder begins to swell. The correct shepherding term is "bagging up." When we walk around the field, surveying which ewe is close, that is the word that flies from our lips most frequently.
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| This ewe is bagging up and close to a new lamb |
Another sign we look for is any ewe who has isolated herself from the flock. When they are closer to delivery they stop eating and move to the outer edges of the field. Sometimes ewes begin pawing the ground, building a little nest for their new lambs. Many times a ewe will begin hanging around the just born babies, even trying to steal the baby from the real mom. I bet you didn't think such "soap opera" events could happen in a sheep barn! Well they do and the humans get to watch it all.
When each lamb is born, we dip their umbilical cord in iodine. We place a band on their tail which will make it fall off in about 2 weeks. Short tails mean the grown sheep will be less susceptible to flystrike. Using a wool friendly spray paint, we mark each lamb with the ewe's eartag number. This year we are also painting the ewes so it is easier to match the pairs up. Blue paint means the ewe has a single lamb. Green paint means the ewe has twins. The colored stripe down the back of the ewe tells us which 2 week period the lamb was born in.
Personally, I hate the way the paint messes up my photos but there needs to be some sense of order in the complete chaos.
Now for the knitting news at hand. I'm so happy to introduce you to a new book by my friend Gudrun Johnston (aka The Shetland Trader). Gudrun hails from Scotland but she now lives here in the Pioneer Valley with her husband David and their two gorgeous children Maya and Sage. They have two of our kittens too. Gudrun was here at the farm this summer to pick up a kitten just before she was on the way to the photo shoot for her new book Knit with Me - A Mother & Daughter Collection. That is Gudrun and her teenage daughter Maya on the cover.
Today I'd like to share some projects from this lovely book. What I like about it is the designs are all rather easy to knit. The styling is casual. The sweaters are very wearable and perfect for busy moms and busy teens. Lovely wearable colors. Natural fibers. Easy knitting gauges. Lovely photography.
The designs are sized to fit teens to adult women. This is great because that whole teenage issue of finding sweaters to make for teenage girls is tricky. I know - I am living through it. Most of the designs are sized from 30" chest to 52" chest which is fabulous. (On an aside, I am getting pretty frustrated with so many of the magazines now that size sweaters from 30" to 40" finished chest. Seriously - they are not thinking of many women.) Many of the sweaters have 12 sizes! What a lot of math (that is the designer in me speaking!) Gudrun ROCKS!
When I showed Julia the book, she chose her favorite design - Braeburn.
Personally, my favorite is this one. It is shown on Gudrun's beautiful daughter Maya. Simple lace flowers at the waist. A nice scooped neck. Love the photo.
Gudrun has also included a great selection of accessories including hats, cowls, leggings, scarves.
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| Granny Smith |
So here's what I have for one lucky winner today..... A copy of Gudrun's new book Knit With Me. Here's how you enter.....
Answer the following question in the comments:
Who taught you to knit? Was it your mom, your grandmom, a friend, a yarn store....???
Contest is over! The winner is Francie who wrote: My Great Aunt Frances taught me to knit and crochet when I was very young but I didn't "really" start knitting until after she had passed away. By then, I needed a book to help me get it right. Thanks for the chance to win a great looking book.
172 comments:
My mother taught me to knit *many* years ago but I only remember making a couple pairs of mittens on single points. I didn't start knitting again until a few years ago and I mostly knit shawls. Now my mother loves to point out to anyone that I turned up my nose at knitting years earlier. BUT she does like being the recipient of many lace shawls!
I actually learned to knit from my younger sister courtesy of a neighbor. Neighbor taught me to crochet, sister to knit. I'm the one who really wanted to knit so I made sister show me the very basics. That and the old green Coats and Clark "Learn How" book were my very first teachers. email: jeanninesims_1999@yahoo.com
My Aunt Dorothy taught me to know - although she taught me Continental method and I never learned anyother stitch. Later in life my cousin Katie taught me along with how to purl, yarn over, etc. She continues to be my teacher even though she's young enough to be my daugher. <3 her!
Katy
Carol Cassidy-Fayer of Midwest Fiber & Folk Air Fair fame got me started at a DIIP (Do It In Public) she hosts. Within a week I also went to a "Knit Out" hosted by my local knitting guild, The Cultured Purls of McHenry County. The rest is history, as they say.
The neighbor lady across the street from my Grandma's house who also taught my mother. Rav amchart theharts at windstream dot net
My grandmother taught me to knit and I made dozens of garter stitch squares. Then my mom taught me to purl and bought me a mitten book, which I still have and use. I twisted my purls for the first pair, which were hideous in the most garish variegated, clown barf colors plus had twisted stitches. My mom wore them for years whenever she shoveled snow.
My sister taught me and has always been there to fix my mistakes! She had me sign up for classes to learn to fix my own! I now have made scarfs, hats, mittens, and even socks!! Thanks to my sister!
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 9. I can remember sitting on the couch with the fan blowing on us while we watched her favorite game show; Password. She visited for a month every summer. If the knitting went well (which it always did) we would celebrate after with a "chocolate covered". That's what she called the ice cream treat. (She was not a fan of MY favorite treat; a popsicle. She called them "darn sugar water")!!
My grandmother was the first person to teach me to knit. When I am missing her, I always go back to her favorite dishcloth pattern and knit it up. Cheryl clemons
I taught myself from a book. My grandma crocheted so I like to think she passed down a love of fiber to me.
Lisa in VT
I learned from a school friend when I was about 12.
Love reading about your lambing season.
Love Gudrun. She always has great patterns.
My sister Kathy taught me to knit. She fixed all my mistakes. I signed up for classes after she said it would be a good thing. I learned how to make socks, hats and mittens to go along with all the scarfs I have made.
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was seven. Visiting her for two weeks, I was bored and she was tired of keeping me occupied. So she taught me to knit. That has kept me busy now for over 50 years. No boredom.
I learned to knit from my 4-H Club leader. She was 18 years old and taught 3 of us girls to knit. I was 12 years old. I've always loved to knit, and will always remember her patience.
My Sunday School teacher taught me to knit (along with all of the other girls my age) and I actually hated it! I completed a pair of slippers for my Grandma because she had the shortest feet in the family! Then years later, I decided to give it another go and absolutely loved it!!!!! I had lots of help from little video clips ont he internet. I think my biggest challenge was being a perfectionist and having no one to help me fix mistakes. Now I've been teaching my daughters and sisters to knit!
I took at class at the local community center. My parent's health was failing and I took up knitting so I could spend quality time with my mother when I would fly home every month. Little did I know how much it would impact my life.
My Great Aunt Frances taught me to knit and crochet when I was very young but I didn't "really" start knitting until after she had passed away. By then, I needed a book to help me get it right.
Thanks for the chance to win a great looking book.
francieos (rav id)
I am a self- taught knitter. When I was about 10 my dad "suggested" I find myself a hobby, and gave me a week to decide what that hobby might be! I remember telling him "I wanted to learn to knit and crochet and stuff like that." A short time later I was presented with 2 Teach Yourself to Knit books, some knitting needles and some red acrylic yarn. ( This was way back in the early 70's). Luckily, I LOVED the hobby I chose. Knitting made sense to me and teaching myself was no trouble. I was also fortunate to find knitters along the way who could help me if I couldn't figure things out for myself.
Now I am the mother of a 15 year-old. There is not much she asks me to knit for her-mostly hats and socks- but I am ever hopeful that one of these days she will ask for a sweater! Perhaps this book will inspire her....
kim
My mom, when I was 10 years old.
The women in my family abhorred any activity involving needles and my mom was particularly averse to the sound of clicking knitting needles. I learned to crochet first, at a yarn store in Virginia Beach, right after I was first married, 37 years ago. But I learned to knit in a gorgeous yarn store in Pacific Grove, CA (alas, it's no longer there) in the 80's. The gal who taught me initially was a lovely hippie sort of young woman with whom I subsequently corresponded for a number of years after my husband, a Navy officer, was transferred to Germany. It was there as well that I knit my first sweaters, taught by a woman who only knit "perfect" sweaters--and that's a fact, she did. I left off knitting for years and about 5 years ago re-started. I find myself doing a lot of baby blankets as suddenly the daughters of all my friends are having babies.
Thank you, Kristin, for all the pics, especially at lambing time--love those cute little lamby faces.
Pam Burke
pburke@hotmail.com
I can't remember who first taught me but the second time around - and with a much quicker method - was my French friend Armelle. alcbrooks on Ravelry
My mom taught me to knit when I was a child, but I didn't stick with it. I retaught myself form books when I was in my mid-thirties.
thanks for the lovely giveaway.
I taught myself to knit the summer I was nine. and then I taught myself to crochet and didn't knit again till I was 29 when a kind yarnshop owner let me sit with her while she corrected my faulty memory and mistakes. I blame it all on Kaffe Fassett! It was 1983 and no one told me a beginning knitter shouldn't start with 20+ colors in a row.
My mother taught me to knit when I was 9 or 10. I've been at it off and on for 52 years now.
Thanks for the pictures of the ewes and lambs. Beautiful! I am a self-taught knitter which shows in the inelegant way I knit...but it works.
Rav: janesezknit
I hurt my wrist crocheting (which my mother taught me) so I decided to give knitting a try. Taught myself mainly from books checked out from the library. Now I mainly knit since it's easier on my wrists and uses less yarn.
I think my mom taught me originally, but many years later my youngest sister got me interested again when she was knitting for her first born. Then I was hooked! My good friend and amazing knitter Julie got me through my first pair of socks. That was all about 7 years ago and now not a day goes by when I don't pick up my needles!
After watching my aunt knit lots of beautiful things, I decided to teach myself how to knit. 1,000 youtube videos and many books later, I still had lots of questions. I asked a coworker at my school, who I knew to be quite competent, to help me during breaks in the Teachers Room. She did. She still does. I am determined to be competent before I die.
Beth badhand@comcast.net
Little bit of grandma when I was a kid, a lot of knittinghelp.com and books when I was an adult.
Hello (waves) Kristin,
My mom taught the basics of crochet and I learned very basic knitting (knit stitch, CO and BO) from my 4th grade teacher. I remember knitting my grandmother a purple belt. The belt was probably too small for her to wear, but it was in her fav color. I didn't knit afterwards, but always wanted to learn more. I consider myself a self-taough knitter, having to really learn from a booklet about 6 years ago. I showed my daughter a few years ago and she was amazing. Right now she's 17 and would rather do other stuff. Thank you for this opportunity! Lisa
My grandmother taught me to knit as a teenager, but I put my knowledge "aside", until after child-rearing and career. Since my retirement I have started in again and loving the process as well as the objective.
My Grandmom taught me to knit when I was four years old. My mom was in the hospital having my brother. Back then, the mom stayed in the hospital 10 days to 2 weeks, so I was pretty good at it by the time the new baby and my mother came home. When my own grandaughters turned 4, I told them they had to learn to knit to continue the tradition!!
My step-grandmother taught me to needlepoint, embroider, and knit. Only the knit stitch--not casting on, purl, bind off. I was 10ish and didn't knit again until I was 36, expecting my first child, and living in Seattle where I knew no one except my husband. I signed up for a class at my LYS, but bought a little set of tools with booklet and by the time the class started I had learned everything in the book, except I ignored gauge which came back to bite me. I loved knitting for my kids because they loved to wear the clothes I made!
My friend Simone . But I am not a good student. BUT I just bought a book at Goodwill (Hot sale) and am trying again to teach myself. Crochet is so easy!
Ruth
Rcederstro@aol.com
My mother must have but I took it back up at my high school sons basketball games 14 years ago. All the young kids would come to see what I was making , how I had progressed , and to watch me knit. You know it is very peaceful and calming to watch someone knit.
KBUCKINGHAM@carolina.rr.com
My mom taught me to knit and was always close by for that dropped stitch panic moment. As I got older and moved several hours from home it was my local knitting friends and LYS who have bailed me out of my new knitting panic moments. Thank you all! And now I am full circle- helping my daughter through her dropped stitch moments!
Takearest@verizon.net
My mom taught me to knit when I was young, but I did not take to it until about 5 years ago. My friends were knitting and I got sick and needed something to do. I pulled out a book and retaught myself to knit.
Continued good luck with your lambing. My goats are just about to start kidding. They are bagging up.
Beth
philogirl128@yahoo.com
My Aunt Nellie, my mother's oldest sister (20 years older than my mother) taught me when I was six. I still have her knitting bag with the French Knots that she taught me how to make and that I've never been able to make since.
I learned to knit from a pamphlet I purchased at a Michael's store. I knit the world's ugliest acrylic boucle garter stitch scarf, which I still have! My second scarf was made from a whole skein of alpaca. It didn't take me long to decide I preferred natural fibers.
Oh how I wish I had a real person to teach me! I learned from a pamphlet that came with my daughter's "Learn to Knit" kit that she got for Christmas one year. Camby on Rav
I am a self taught knitter. My Grandma Heater taught me how to crochet.
I taught myself to knit. I was pregnant with my first son and wanted to knit a layette. I bought a magazine, some yarn and needles and kept at it. 29 years later I'm still knitting! This time for granddaughters. I have three.
Although my mom knows how to knit, it was my aunt (mom's sister) that sat with me, guiding my hands through the motions when I was 7.
Mom would sew me one-of-a-kind outfits, and my aunt knit them for me.
What a lovely book! I worked with a woman who used to knit on her lunch break. I asked her to teach me. She told me to go a craft store and buy yarn for a blanket. I did, and I learned how to knit. About 2 years later I was perusing the magazines at the checkout of a craft store and I picked up a knitting mag. ( family circle easy knitting). I bought it and t home and marveled at all the fabulous yarns that you could buy online! I didn't even know yarn stores existed! I thought everyone went to the big box craft stores. That was the moment I became a knitter.
What a lovely book! I worked with a woman who used to knit on her lunch break. I asked her to teach me. She told me to go a craft store and buy yarn for a blanket. I did, and I learned how to knit. About 2 years later I was perusing the magazines at the checkout of a craft store and I picked up a knitting mag. ( family circle easy knitting). I bought it and t home and marveled at all the fabulous yarns that you could buy online! I didn't even know yarn stores existed! I thought everyone went to the big box craft stores. That was the moment I became a knitter.
What a lovely book! I worked with a woman who used to knit on her lunch break. I asked her to teach me. She told me to go a craft store and buy yarn for a blanket. I did, and I learned how to knit. About 2 years later I was perusing the magazines at the checkout of a craft store and I picked up a knitting mag. ( family circle easy knitting). I bought it and t home and marveled at all the fabulous yarns that you could buy online! I didn't even know yarn stores existed! I thought everyone went to the big box craft stores. That was the moment I became a knitter.
My grandma and my mom's friend taught me to knit.
RebekahEvelyn on Ravelry too.
I am honestly not sure how I learned to knit - I think maybe from a book, years ago (surely if someone had taught me I would remember that!). A few years ago my friend revived my interest.
RobinV on ravelry
My grandmother taught me to knit and purl and cast on, over and over when I was little, but it didn't stick until a few years ago when a friend gave me the SnB book - the combination of the line illustrations and muscle memory from when I was a little girl clicked, and I've scarcely put down the needles since. Now my grandmother and I sit together knitting at the holidays!
Thanks for the lovely giveaway - my fingers are crossed for the book.
rav id: ordinerinlee
Grandma McClean taught me to knit when I was about 8 or 9. That's going on nearly 60 years ago! Funnily enough, my mom was a sporadic knitter but she knit in a different way from Grams. I tried her way, too, but preferred my originally learned method, and now I'm glad I know both, because it's very handy for Fair Isle! I have bought some of Gudrun's patterns in the past and love them, as do the recipients of her designs. I'd greatly enjoy a copy of this book.
ksiemsen@lisco.com
I learned to knit from you tube and from watching dvds of Elizabeth Zimmerman
My sister taught me to knit when I was around 10 years old, using two pencils and a ball of string.
My mom taught me how to knit when I was around 5. It wasn't until I had my daughter, who is now 8, that I really began to knit again in earnest. We recently overcame a knitting hurdle in our household (that would be right handed me trying to teach left handed daughter how to knit). The most wonderful words I heard was "Mommy, I really love knitting". Melted my heart!
I learned to crochet first, 35 years ago then my daughter re-introduced knitting to me about 6 years ago and I haven't stopped. I love it to much. The fun is all in the design and I cant wait to finish each peice! :)
My family moved part way through 4th grade, and my new teacher and many of the girls in class were knitters. My new classmates taught me to knit, and my grandmother got me a pattern book and a heap of yarn to knit a sweater. A couple years later, my sister and I were producing slippers in quantity for Grandma to give as gifts and earning a whopping $2 a pair! I'm still knitting.
I first learned to knit in Brownies. Then when we moved to Washington State to be closer to my mom's family then I was able to learn more from my grandmother. The photos look lovely and I'm still more of a beginner knitter and these look right up my alley!
LauraT
Oops forgot to leave a way for you to reach me
lauratawney7 at gmail dot com
LauraT
My grandmother, who taught me to crochet, tried to teach me to knit. Not sure why it didn't take. Years later, I taught myself from a very easy set of directions in a child's learn-to-knit kit. ("The bunny goes around the tree....") But it worked!
My grandmother was an incredible knitter and she taught me when I was young and I would spend alot of time with her. I quite through the teen years, then picked it up again in my 30's! A little German lady taught me all over again and I love knitting the continental style. I thank all the women in my life who helped foster this wonderful gift I spread to my daughter. She is going to be 14 next week and knits better than I!
woollygardens@gmail.com
My Grandmother taught me many years ago. She was an awesome knitter and I wish I would have had the sense to learn more from her ..My cousin and I did learn that one summer but I did not pick up my needes until many many years later. Now I find it to be one of the joys of my life and I love putting things together with different yarns and materials. As I said, wish I would have had the sense to have learned more from my Grandmother ... She was the best I have ever seen.
My moth-in-law taught me to knit. She taught me many things over the years including how to be a good wife and mother. She is 94 and still active.
I learned at a yarn store while home on break from college. I went with my sister who had been taking classes to help her with an eye/hand coordination issue. Thanks for explaining the markings on the sheep. I had wondered when I noticed it some time ago. (Lightinabook@gmail.com)
Many years ago, my Mom taught me how to knit. After many years of not doing it, a wonderful man at the local knitting shop refreshed my memory for me and it's been non-stop since then. Hoping I win!
My sister taught me to knit and now i'm the person that knit the clothes to family. I love the book's patterns, are lovely!
My mother taught me how to knit when I was in high school. I made the world's ugliest fun fur scarf as my first project, and have been hooked ever since!
knittercrobe on ravelry
A neighbor taught me many years ago when my kids were little. She was a prolific knitter. I didn't knit for years and recently started again. Now am addicted.
My mother taught me to knit many years ago. It's amazing how that simple act has such an impact on your life.
My roommate in college taught me to knit mittens because her hands were warm and mine were freezing! Now knitting them for grandchildren!
I was taught to knit when I was 15 by a German exchange student who lived with our family for a year. I will always be grateful to her for that gift. Thanks for the chance to win. I love Gudrun's patterns!!!!!
My college room mate taught me to knit. Great memories of sitting in our room knitting and chatting before going out to college events! I can't believe it's been 25 years. Gudrun's book looks wonderful!
My Ravelry is DaisySnow and my email is daisygirl12us@yahoo.com.
Hi Kristin,
"Knit With Me" looks like a wonderful book....I learned to knit at about 8 years from my mother. Mom learned the 'cottage' style from her native Spain so that's how I first learned. I've since taught myself to knit continental style but switch styles for the greatest speed and comfort. LOVE THAT!
Ana
anahuron@gmail.com
I can't remember the first time I learner to knit, but know I knew just the knit stitch until after my first daughter was born. The I saw a sweater I really wanted to make that had sheep, fences and and a barn along the lower border. My neighbor across the street, our "Grandma Cook" helped me through it. (She also taught me to quilt!) From there I was pretty much self-taught.....with Grandma Cook as backup! hopsoncm at hotmail dot com
Though both my mom and grandmother knit, neither of them passed that knowledge on to me. I taught myself how to knit using your book, Kid's Knit. I am a visual learner and the illustrations were great. I taught both of my daughters and my son how to knit as I learned. We loved the projects in the book, especially the teddy bear and doll.
I had to teach myself to knit,part from a book and part from youtube.I wanted to learn so badly,but my Mom could only crochet,so she taught me when I was 10,so I've been crocheting for about 40 yrs and knitting for 12 yrs.
My mother taught me to knit. I received a "learn to knit" kit for Christmas when I was 6 or 7. The yarn was purple. I got more serious in high school, knitted through college, and beyond. I do lots of crafts, but knitting has been the most constant companion.
I don't have daughters, but do have nieces. I have a son who knits so I may have to think about a mothers and sons book!
ctashtonatcolbydotedu
My mom taught me to knit in the beginning. Then when I graduated from high school, my boyfriend was entering the Navy. I said I would wait for him. I took him to the train depot and headed for the knitting shop. Fifty-five years later - I'm still knitting but I am married to someone else. In the end, I think I got the best end of the "deal"!!!!!
I taught myself to knit with a copy of Kids Knitting by Melanie Fallick. and I taught my daughter to knit when she was 5 or 6. I need to teach my son! nancywalters44@hotmail.com
My mother taught me to knit initially when I was a senior in college (using metal needles and ugly yarn). Some friends in college were knitting at the time so I picked up the interest from them, went back to my mom and learned again.... and I am forever grateful that I did!
I took a beginner's knitting class at my local yarn store, to learn how to cast on and do the knit stitch. By the time I had finished that first garter stitch scarf I was antsy to learn how to make cables and do all kinds of fancy things that were NOT garter stitch. (=
Thank you for the chance to win.
My mom taught me originally and then a neighbor took up where she left off and gave me lots of encouragement.
I'd be lose without my knitting :)
Gundrun's book looks fabulous. I had her in class at Squam--- outstanding:)
www.yarnsista.com
My mother crocheted. When I was 5 or 6 I started to follow in her footsetps. I had some eye problems at the time and it seemed to be straining on my eyes so she switched me to knitting. Bought a learners book and worked with me until I could do it on my own. What would we do with these talented mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. They gave us a legacy that goes on and on with each generation.
I taught myself to knit many years ago while living in Africa. I found a Vogue knitting magazine, some nondescript yarn (acrylic - ugh), and needles, and then followed the instructions on the "How to knit" page. My first attempt was a disaster, as I had paid no attention to gauge, and the shell sweater could have fit a linebacker. However, I'm happy to say many nice things have come off the needles since then. I'm particularly fond of Aran and lace patterns.
I grew up as an proud Army Brat. While living on a military base, a neighbor for whom I babysat, taught me to knit. We chose a mauve mohair yarn, I will always remember this because it was a daunting task for a teenager at the time. I made a pullover sweater with her help. When the project was completed we went shopping for a pair of plaid wool Bermuda shorts to match the color of the sweater yarn. Some of you from the 60's era may remember that was the rage at the time for fall. We had a fun trip to a department store in Manhattan taking along my sweater to match the colors. It was a hit with the sales ladies, many of whom were knitters. My mom helped out and used my project as a way to bush up on her skills. I will always remember Shirley, and my Mom for my first FO. What fun it was...and continues to be. Thanks Mom and Shirley.
My best friends mom taught me to knit. And crochet in Girl Scouts. She was such a crafty lady and passed away a few years ago at 97. Lind gerig
I learned to knit washclothes when I was 7 years old in the Brownies. Then on to socks when I was a teen. I think I need this book, after one too big. sweater I gave up. Love your blog.
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 4, she said it was a skill I would need someday. I sat on the floor across from her because she was left handed and I was right handed. I love this book it is on my wish list.
Since you asked the question, Who taught you to knit, I've been trying to remember. I have a distinct childhood memory of a neighbor teaching me to crochet, but with knitting I draw a blank. I know it was not a relative, for none of them knit. Maybe, I taught myself. Anyway, I'm sure glad it came into my life. You've taught me some things through your books and your appearances on Knit and Crochet Today. Thanks
I learned in girl scouts when I was 10 but after making a VERY misshapened beige scarf for my Grandfpa I didn't pick it up again until 30 years later when some very nice people at my LYS taught me how to make a beautiful scarf for my Mom. I fell in love and haven't stopped knitting since!
My mother initially - as a young child. As a adult, my sister in law Jan got me back into it. And of course everyone who always helps with questions, problems, solutions, encouragement... A great community :-).
my mother, and until the past two years we could knit on the same project and you could not tell it was two knitters. She claimed that was true for her and her mother as well.
Know my mother at 93 enjoys watching me knit, and likes tp help me ball my yarn
Fracksmom on Ravelry
My Grandmother. She hated to knit so it was a quick lesson. I then proceeded to self -teach and struggle for years. Put it down for years and then come back to it. But I persevered! Always worried that I was doing it "wrong". The perseverance was worth it and he k with it if I am doing t "wrong"-I'm having fun!
My grandmother taught me how to knit on the beach of Ocean City, NJ. She was a tiny woman, the mother of 6 children and grandmother to 30. She had set a goal for herself to knit a sweater for each one of her grandchildren, so she always had a project in her bag. Now, so do I! <3
Megan Hollinger
mmhollinger@yahoo.com
My grandmother taught me how to knit on the beach of Ocean City, NJ. She was a tiny woman, the mother of 6 children and grandmother to 30. She had set a goal for herself to knit a sweater for each one of her grandchildren, so she always had a project in her bag. Now, so do I! <3
Megan Hollinger
mmhollinger@yahoo.com
Aunt Nora, on the farm in the Mohawk Valley, NY taught me to knit when I was ten years old. I have never stopped knitting since then.-Catherine Conrad
I received a knitting kit for Christmas when I was 6 or so. My mother very patiently took me through all the steps and I made doll clothes from the patterns in the book that came with the kit. I never stopped knitting!!
My Mom taught me to knit. Being a lefty, I was having a tough time teaching myself. Mom took the instruction book, asked for some alone time, when she emerged from her room, she had figured out how to knit, translated it into lefty terms and taught me. Once I mastered the basics, she promptly forgot and never knit again. I continue to knit 46 years later, yeah Mom!
ashefamily@yahoo.com
I taught myself to knit, but I don't think I could have done it without having watched my grandmother crochet for years. That's how I learned to crochet, just by watching her fingers. She would give gentle reminders of what to do and lots of encouragement. She passed away before I learned to knit but I still hear her gentle reminders and encouragement.
I took a knitting class at the local YWCA. My first project was a horribly ugly (acrylic, I think) pink shell (as they were called back then) with so many mistakes that I never wore it. I look awful in pink anyway. What was I thinking?
My mother and I learned to knit at the same time, in the same class. About seven years ago, mom had breast cancer and she enrolled in a knitting class at a cancer support center. I was invited to attend with her. We were taught by the teacher and a few of the advanced students!
That class helped take her mind off the cancer. She is well now.
My mom and my grandma taught me to knit. How lucky was I!!??
I learned to knit starting in 2008 from another Kristin and her mother Cindy at their lys The Knit Nook. I was going through some tough times and there was a great group of knitters who patronized the store. They got me through my mother's death, bypass surgery, and several other crises before they had to close the store in 2011. Needless to say, there were a lot of unhappy knitters! So in order to maintain that group dynamic, the "Knit Nook Refugees" continue to meet on Thursday nights for Stitch 'n Bitch - currently at a Panera near the former location of the store. We have a group on Facebook so we can keep in touch, and we've added a few new members. Knitting, Kristin, Cindy, and the Knit Nook Refugees have saved my life, and I am forever grateful.
My grandmother taught me to knit, when, when I was 4 years old, a long time ago!
Ann in Vancouver
Oh I have been admiring this book online! Must enter!
My grandma taught me to knit when I was 4 or 5. Earlier in her life, she taught hundreds of people to knit, she owned a dry goods store in the Bronx and gave sidewalk knitting lessons out front in the 1940's-1950's.
(I needed reinforcement lessons from my mom when I became more patient with the needles, as a young teen).
I love this book! My mom taught me to knit and I taught my daughter. It's hard to find knits that fit her shape, being a slim teen. My email is teaselhill@gmail.coml, just in case I might win. I have a hard time reading the "non-robot" words and choosing an identity.
I love this book! My mom taught me to knit and I taught my daughter. It's hard to find knits that fit her shape, being a slim teen. My email is teaselhill@gmail.coml, just in case I might win. I have a hard time reading the "non-robot" words and choosing an identity.
My good fiend taught me how to knit 44 years ago. I have seen this book and am anxious to try my hand at knitting one of her beautiful sweaters! My email is yowela@hotmail.com.
My mother taught me how to knit and she was self taught. I was very lucky to have a wonderful Norwegian lady show me how she knitted (continental) and I been knitting that way ever since. That was back in the late 60's. Learning continental knitting and discovering Elizabeth Zimmerman really are the bedrock of my knitting education. gnlmutti@ gmail.com
Yes, my mother put knitting needles in my hands at about age 6 or 7. I carefully knitted a scarf for the new baby next store. Then I was told the baby was allergic to wool. I was crushed. Knitted for a while, dropped it and picked it up years later. I can remember asking my mom on the phone, from Cheyenne to Oregon, how to do short rows to lengthen the back of a sweater. She was thrilled to help me, God Bless her. She is gone now.
My grandmother taught me to knit but it didn't take until years later when I saw a friend in college doing it. I learned a lot from reading and both classes and the internet have been tremendous helps in allowing me to continue to develop my skills. Thanks for this wonderful give away.
Suzie (slwnewman@gmail.com)
I learned from my grandmother when I was 8. All I could make was a square. I took it up again 23 years ago when I was pregnant with my first son. I have been knitting ever since.
Theresa
My mom taught me to knit when I was 11 yrs old. She actually prefered to crochet, which she also taught me. But I still prefer to knit. When she saw the things I knit she asked how did you learn to do all of that? Well, I just told her there are only two stitched in knitting - the knit and purl stitches. And from there it is just variations of these. I have since taught my daughter and granddaughter to knit, plus many adults (including some men :-) )and many more youth in classes at camps and community ed classes. I would love to win this book to encourage the young adults that there are patterns that are "cool" to knit and wear. Thanks for the opportunity!
Pauline
fiberlooney@yahoo.com
My favorite aunt, Auntie Bubba, taught me to knit when I was 7 years old! She gave me a "Barbie Learn to Knit" kit; I can still see the cylinder box the needles and yarn were packaged. I took it up again when I danced and would knit ankle/leg warmers w/other dancers when waiting during rehearsals. Then I took it up again when I lived in England in my mid 20s and knit my first sweaters. Auntie Bubba started it all 52 years ago!
eta:
oldgoatwoman on Ravelry
oldgoatwoman@gmail.com
A lovely giveaway. I was taught to knit by a classmate in nursing school. I've continued to learn from many other knitters in Knitting groups.
cherylwest@mail.com
My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 8....two summers ago I decided to learn to knit...I taught myself with some help from friends along the way...books and videos...
My mother taught me to knit when I was 8. And like the sewing instruction she mostly left my sisters and I alone unless we had a problem. She also taught me a love of wool and would have been very pleased to know that my kids raised sheep and now it's my turn. I call it a "4H project run-a muck." I have always been knitting. Knitting has led me to wonderful friendships in a circle that is always growing with knitters, spinners, weavers and shepherds. I am also lucky that my grandkids are loving all their handknits. But since I got a call from my daughter on Monday morning that little Sophie was in tears waiting for the schoolbus because her re-knit Christmas wool hat was still too small, tomorrow I'll be driving from upstate New York to Conneticutt in order to fix it once and for all...have needle will travel.
What a great book!
I taught myself to knit. My father was apparently noted for knitting in his boarding school abroad and after he died when I was 16 I decided that I need to learn how.
Thanks Kristin for the great sheep pictures. I always smile when I see them.
A friend got me back into knitting, don't remember who taught me years ago??
My cousin taught me the knit stitch when I was 6. She was 10.
My mom taught me.
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com
I wish I could remember who taught me to knit. That was oh so many years ago, lol. All I know is I probably started about 30 years ago, left it for probably half of that, but I am absolutely addicted these days!
I also just found your lovely blog. Your sheep are wonderful!
My mom doesn't knit, but my older cousins did! I was amazed that they were able to make a simple string pouch with only sticks and string. Being a kid with no idea on how this was done, I was fascinated. I must learn how to do this! There were not many resources for me to learn this skill (the internet was not popular back then). I had to ask very nicely (and persistently) time and time again for my cousin to teach me how to knit. Eventually they gave in and I was knitting my very first scarf in a basket weave stitch the very day I learned how to knit. I finished it a few days after and never stopped since.
Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Rav ID: kellknit
I learned to knit from a maiden aunt who was a fabulous knitter, but the experience wasn't a success. Thirty-five years later, the same aunt had moved to Israel and asked me to buy her some new knitting books. I went into a local yarn shop, bought her some books, and fell in love with the store samples. I signed up for a class and was surprised to find that my brain still remembered what to do! I have been knitting ever since--thank you, Auntie Yetta!
Really enjoy your blog, Kristin, have been reading it just about from the beginning, I think. In case I win, I am ceejay on Rav. Thanks for the chance to win what looks like a great book!
Carol
My grandmother died when my mother was 6 years old. My mother lived in 22 foster homes after that. She did not know how to knit but was thoughtful enough to have a neighbor lady teach my two sisters and me to knit. When my mother passed away, I found my first project - a green scarf. My mother had saved it! I have taught my daughter and 7 year old granddaughter to knit. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
When I was young I was fluent in Dutch though not my first nor second language. Today I can barely string together a sentence in Dutch. Memories of my grandmother teaching me to knit in Dutch outside her home in Slotermeer, Netherlands. I gave it up for a number of years and am now knitting like a fiend. Gifts for family and friends along with donation knits. I think it might be time to relearn Dutch as well.
I Love your site. Thanks for sharing the sheep knowledge. Please keep it up so we can continue learning about the lambing process.
A friend of my Mom's taught me to knit. Mom taught me how to crochet, and my Grandma taught me how to tat. I am eternally grateful for these women who brought such joy into my adult life.
My mother taught me when I was eight. We had mittens for church and school and a set for outside chores. My mother knit the good mittens and beginning in August, she would unravel the mittens, which were now worn out or frayed, and I would knit the outside chore mittens from that yarn. We never had store bought anything in my house until I graduated from high school. What memories.
Stoney Monte
In 7th Grade, my best friend taught me to knit. It was so easy then. Since I was 9 yrs old I had tried to teach myself, but to no avail. So I put it away for many years. Then, it suddenly happened!
I taught my self the knit and purl stitches long ago.
Everything else I learned from the Internet and by reading blogs.
Without the Internet I'd probably have stuck to crochet!
~ What a great book ~ Thank you for the chance to win ~
My mother,Janet & my aunt BeaAnne, taught me to knit beginning at age 7. I learned by watching & copying what they were doing, not pattern or stitch name terms. First projects were skinny scarves for my troll, using very long metal needles and thin yellow acrylic !
I then made troll ponchos and rugs for her troll house. Not knowing how to end anything off, I created my own fringe at all edges !!
Knitting has been present in my life ever since. I taught after school knitting in clubs I designed for ten years & always enjoyed reminding the children to keep their first knitting pieces. Wish I had one of my troll scarves. ~
In teaching more than 500 children to knit, I am grateful to pass on my joy for all fiber arts.
Currently, I am a Handwork teacher at a Waldorf School, where thankfully knitting is a large part of the curriculum for all the Grades children.
I enjoy reading others' stories.
Best,
Shell ~
YarnSoup@yahoo.com
My grandmother taught me to knit - twice actually - once at age six, and again at age nine. The second time, it stuck, and I've now been knitting steadily for 50 years.
I'd love to win the book, so I could give it to my daughter to share with her daughter - both of whom I taught to knit!
(I love your painted sheep, btw. I giggle every time you post a photo of them!)
My mother taught me to knit. I miss knitting with her now.
My daughter taught me to knit. 6 years ago she picked up needles and taught herself. I wanted to learn so she showed me how. Loved it ever since.
Carla S.
Rav id: firedudeswife
I was taught to knit by a friend of my mother's. My mother was left-handed. I was right-handed. It was easier to learn from my mother's friend who was also right-handed.
My mother and I disagree on the question of who taught me to knit. I started trying when I was 4; it did not finally click until I was 7. I maintain that I learned from my mom, who tried so often, at my request, to show me how (she was always knitting). She insists that it was Mrs. Alexander, across the street, because it was at her house that it finally clicked. But I don't think it would have without my mother's many patient attempts to try, try again. . .
ravelry: BadInfluence
Hi Kristin - My mother taught me to knit. I wish I'd kept with it - Heaven only knows how proficient I'd be by now! I was learning a raglan increase and lost interest. Too bad for me. My gram was a good crocheter but her real talent and first love was tatting. I have some of her lace and I treasure it. I'm karenswb on Rav. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
My mother taught me how to knit. I have been saying it for ages but I hope to teach my daughter to knit. At her age, 14, I had already knit socks and a sweater for myself. I know my mother did a good job.
My grandmother knit and did needlework of all kinds. She taught me to needlepoint the summer I stayed with her when I was 18; lo, so many years ago. It was to my eternal regret we did not do knitting. Then four years ago, I found a yarn shop in Warsaw and learned to knit. Kathy closed last year to move on to a new chapter in her life, but I have so many new friends that needing help is no issue. bonnieanne@omnicityusa.com
My nana taught me how to knit when I was 8 or so. I'd love to knit a sweater for my daughter that she might actually wear!
Sorry, forgot to leave my email address: anneginsberg@hotmail.com
My mother taught me how to knit. She's gone now but whenever I pick up my needles I think of her.
I taught myself to knit. However my Gramaw taught me to knit when I was little so she actually taught me how to hold the yarn for everything, including knitting, lol. I couldn't actually teach myself to knit till I heard about Continental style & switched my yarn side. As soon as I put the yarn in my left hand it felt like coming home. :) I hadn't done any yarn work for years but was immediately flooded with memories of my Gramaw.
I learned the basics (knit/purl) in Brownies - probably age 8 or 9. Finally learned to read a pattern and make my first sweater from a classmate in college and have been knitting ever since.
Thanks for the great lambing photos Kristin - I have learned a lot from your blog. And thanks for hosting the giveaway. I love Gudrun's patterns - very detailed - and easy to follow.
Lynda
(lejaros@gmail.com
I love watching lambing season on your farm.
I learned to knit from my mother when I was little. And I mean just the knit stitch. I had to figure out how to purl on my own!
My grandmother (Nanny) taught me to knit, and I am so glad she did.
My Oma came over from Holland for a visit and ended up teaching my SIL and myself how to knit (I must have been 7 or 8 at the time). She couldn't speak English, and we couldn't speak Dutch, but she managed to teach both of us the basics...
My sister taught me to cast on, but I never really got the hang of it. High school home economics tried to teach me, but it never clicked. My daughter decided she wanted to learn to knit, but I didn't feel confident enough to teach her and my sister said she was too young. She taught herself and has been teaching me ever since!
Hello Kristin,
When I was about 9 years old, my left-handed friend taught me to knit, throwing the wool, American style. I stopped knitting for over 25 years, and when I started again, it was Barbara Walker, via her "Learn-to-Knit Afghan Book" who taught me again, this time with the wool in the LH. Then, a knitter in one of my classes taught me how a Norwegian knits (and purls) and that's how I do it now, mostly.
Therese
I initially taught myself, with the aid of an ancient book (The Right Way to Knit). The process became much easier when I signed up for lessons at the continuing education department of the local college, primarily because the cast-on technique used in the book is the last one I'd ever teach a beginner.
My husband helped teach me to knit! A community project 1 year at his mostly female workplace was to knit scarves and everyone, hubby included, got yarn, needles, and a quick lesson. Hubby showed me how, then Poor hubby kept getting so confused during the project that I had to really learn myself thru a book, then reteach him. I've been knitting ever since (6 years now). Hubby at least has an appreciation for my knitted items!
It was Brenda, the lady from the yarn shop down the street from my apartment. I had previously taken a beginning knitting class, but it was more a meetup for existing knitters and I learned very little.
Embellished on Rav
My Aunt Mary Margaret taught me to knit. She knits to this day at 86! I always tell her if I could learn half of what she knows I would be happy. She is still my go to gal for knitting questions.
Pam H
phopkin1@rochester.rr.com
My Mom taught me to crochet, sew and cross stitch. My Grandma taught us to make potholders and other crafty yarn project. When one of my mom's friends was going blind, she knew how much I enjoyed playing with yarn, so she gave me some of the yarn she had left, a book on making knit and crochet afghans and a set of knitting needles. The book had basic instructions on knitting, so I taught myself the basics.
My mom taught me to knit when I was a young teen. I remember the nearly 10 ft. long, acrylic, changing psychedelic color, garter scarf that was my first project!
naomil1@verizon.net
Love your lambing photos. Our lambings are on a much smaller scale!
A very elderly neighbor taught me to crochet (well, to make a chain!) when I was 3. By the time I was 7 I was dying to learn how to knit, and a good friend taught me. We happily made blanket squares for a few years to donate to the American Friedns Service Committee! And yes, acrylic yarn all the way :) Now we have our own sheep and our own very beautiful source of beautiful fiber.
ruitfarm@gmail.com
i, honestly, can't remember!! but my Babi (my dad's Czech mom) knit us hats, gloves and scarves. i still have mine!! and some of her knitting needles! so i would have to say she is my knitting 'teacher'. i am retired since 2006 and have been knitting everyday since! i started a Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church last May 2012, so knit those, plus baby blankets and baptismal keepsakes.
^)^ linda
hawknitr13@hotmail.com
My mom taught me. She tried at least twice during my childhood, but it never stuck. She taught me again in my late-20s, and I've been knitting like a fiend ever since.
My Aunt Lucille (my mother's sister) taught me to knit when I was 6 or 7 years old. Been knitting ever since!
I taught myself. I started on a loom, and then decided I wanted the flexibility of using needles instead. So I bought a skein of yarn, a circular needle, Margaret Radcliffe's Knitting Q&A book, and dove right in with a hat!
My Grandma taught me to crochet. I learned to knit from an on line free class from Annie Modesitt. I am mostly a self taught knitter now! Love the sheep pictures. Thanks for the giveaway.
MrsCampbell on Ravelry
What a beautiful book! I learned to knit from a book. My Mom only crochets. I knit an entire pinwheel sweater knitting into the back of every stitch......and didn't realize I was doing it wrong until someone looked at the sweater and kindly told me that I was twisting every stitch. I've now taught all four of my girls how to knit(the correct way of course!)
sweeties_mom@hotmail.com
Another great giveaway. My mom taught me to knit when I was a kid, then I learned things like knitting in the round from a coworker later on.
My grandmother taught me when I was 7, but I didn't stck with it. I relearned from a friend in my 20's when living in Alaska. Been knitting for the last 10 years and I love it!
I just received knitting lessons as a Christmas gift. I'm really excited to learn!
I am self taught but interestingly once I picked up the yarn and needles and had a memory of my grammie (who I hadn't seen since I was five) showing me how to knit. I also knit in the same style that she did so maybe she taught me.
My Mom taught me to knit when I was a very little girl. She had already taught a couple of my sisters very young and discovered it was less difficult to teach us than to distract us so she could knit. There were many of us, so she knit and sewed most of our clothes. I would love to have this book - I have long since taught both my daughters to knit and would love to share some patterns with them.
My Aunt Irene taught me to knit many, many years ago. My mother was a knitter, but she was a perfectionist, and had no patience. I started with a doll sweater, grey Shetland wool, with a snowflake on the front. Yep, pure craziness. I wish I still had it. I have been knitting ever since, more than 55 years!
i begged my coworker (master of all things domestic) to teach me 11 years ago and i haven't stopped since!
- duniknits on ravelry
My Mom when I was young and in 4H - I hated it. Then when I was wiser and a football mom I started again as something that was portable. I typically quilted but knitting was portable and quilting not so much. As a result - my knitting has overtaken my quilting. But either way I get to play with color and fiber - joys!!
My Grama taught me how to crochet when I was little. I guess she thought that was all I could handle at that age. Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of her guidance to learn to knit. I taught myself the basics from books and the rest from my knitter friends. I still have a lot to learn!
My Grama taught me how to crochet when I was little. I guess she thought that was all I could handle at that age. Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of her guidance to learn to knit. I taught myself the basics from books and the rest from my knitter friends. I still have a lot to learn!
ETA Emmabug on Ravelry
My dear mother-in-law taught me how to knit. She had 5 sons and was very happy to have a daughter-in-law take an interest in knitting. She was a wonderful teacher and had a lot of patience.
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