Day 2--Wool? Maybe cotton

Today I went to my first knitting lesson. I've crocheted before and I've attempted to knit in the past while following a youtube video instructional. Self-teaching is not a strong suit of mine so I failed.

The lady at the yarn store was able to teach me and was patient while I attempted to cast on with 9 thumbs and an index finger. I am currently knitting my first project: a washcloth. Cotton. Pink. I'm picking up the concept slowly and I think I'm losing a thumb or two in the process as I become more capable. The knitting lady said I picked it up faster than anyone she's ever taught. That makes me feel pretty good. I don't know that a washcloth is a useful item in the knitted world. I've never used a knitted rag for bathing...or dishes. The concept is designed to teach me to knit, yarn over and something else that I've currently forgotten but I think it involves dropping a stitch.

So, attached is a picture of the work I accomplished in my session this morning. I will go back tomorrow and I hope to proudly display the progress of my work done outside of her presence.

Day 1 Wooly Me

My sister, Lindsay (www.kybabyknits.com) is quite skilled in the wool working business. She began by knitting longies and soakers when she had her first daughter. She knitted hats and some other things before moving on to actually dying her own yarn. She's since expanded further into that field and does pretty well. She doesn't knit as much as she used to, in favor of dying wool but it's equally creative and the results are stunning.

I've recently suggested that we make it a joint venture and asked if I could help her dye the solid colors. She's also interested in dying roving or fiber. Our joint venture is a work in progress but I recently completed my first project for her cause. I'm hoping that it shows what I might be capable of and I hope that I did it right. It looks beautiful in my opinion but until she has it in her hands I'm just gonna be a little unsure of whether or not I've done good.

I'll attach some photos of my first endeavor

I purchased 2 lbs of 64 count merino top/ecru/undyed stuff for .90/ ounce. I think it's a fair price.

I divided it up into approximately 4.3 ounce bundles (skeins? hanks? don't know the correct terminology yet). I tried a couple of different methods--stovetop, crockpot, modified crockpot. The results of each process were different but equally pleasing and displayed above. I'm curious now how they will turn out when a patient woman spins them into yarn. I selfishly want to hang onto them and spin them my self. I suppose I could do that. I went to a store in town that I didn't know existed. They have all my local needs for information and support. They question me and what I have because I'm unsure what I have. I'm really an idiot in this arena. Usually I hate being the one who is ignorant but I kinda like it right now.

Tomorrow I'm going to attend my first ever knitting class. I'm going in with low expectations. I just want to knit some socks...maybe some pants for the baby. And hats, definitely hats...and throws. I don't want much. I am, however, excited about something new. I'm searching desperately for something I can do that will help support my family without me having to earn money from a full time job outside the home. I just wanna take care of my kids. It's that simple.

So, if you plan on seeing what I have going on or following my progress please sign up for a subscription! Wish me luck.