If at first you don’t succeed..

I, like I am assume the majority of people, learn best by doing. This whole fiber craft odyssey of the last two years has shown that more than anything else in my life.
Knitting is all abbreviations when can be very intimidating when you are trying to learn.
I decided to play with mitten patterns. So this is what you see on the easiest pattern:

It’s a special kind of foreign language

I see that and immediately think, nope, no way, no can do. But then I think..it’s just a mitten?
The trick, for me, is to just start. Read one row at a time, don’t think too much about it.

I thought mittens would be a good way to play with cables so I am now on rip out #4 of these mittens.

I didn’t use the yarn they recommend, I didn’t use the needles they recommend, and I didn’t care. I just wanted to learn the basics of mitten knitting so I could then change it all. For me, it’s not the end product, it’s the process.

I am however excited to get to the point where I actually make the thumb because I think after four attempts I have that technique almost right.

4 Comments

  • Susan Joos

    September 19, 2021 at 3:14 pm Reply

    I am the same way with crochet. Just reading the pattern can be very intimidating. Then I bought books of patterns, which helped to show what the stitches should look like, and which also translated the abbreviations. The internet/Pinterest/YouTube is even better! Seeing how it is done is awesome.

    Still, there’s nothing like doing it yourself.

    I can really appreciate the work that you do!

    • Tracy

      September 19, 2021 at 3:37 pm Reply

      Thank you for the compliment. There have been so many things I haven’t made because the pattern scared me off. I just ordered enough of these heartland yarn to make a pullover. Fingers crossed.

  • Tami

    September 19, 2021 at 11:32 pm Reply

    You’re doing awesome! I was very intimidated by written instructions for crochet. But then someone told me what you figured out on your own. ONE line at a time! Not that I’ve put as much effort into it as you have. And I never ever use the recommended yarn or crochet hook. lol Wonder how good I’d be if I did actually try that. haha. I did make mittens once, Smaller ones for a decoration. They turned out 2 different sizes. Then I moved on to stockings. I clearly am lacking in the determination department.

    • Tracy

      September 20, 2021 at 1:21 am Reply

      I am hoping to make two things the same size one day!

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