Knitting Insanity is Harder Than It Looks

Okay, I really thought I could do this. What was I thinking?!? I mean, what beginner starts with the most difficult materials to create something simple? So I did this successfully once, 20 years ago. Does that mean I can now tackle something harder? NO!

I was discussing needlecraft last week with a new friend, Kathy. I smock and tat, she crochets. But I told her that I had no real interest in knitting. I made several scarves when I was in college just for fun. My friend, Karen, and I taught ourselves how to knit from a book. It was fun for about two weeks before it became deadly dull. I guess enough time has passed since then for my interested to pique.

So Chris and I are in Michael's craft store today looking for materials for Oliver's first school project (Chris is determined that he can't make a scale model of the bathroom with cardboard boxes), when I pass the yarn. And wander down the aisle. We live in Tulsa now, right? And Mae needs a new scarf. And I did this once, right? I can do it again. I taught myself to tat last month, so how could knotting be any more difficult? I should probably make a scarf for myself first, right, just to make sure I can do this? But I don't want to spend a butt load of money for something that may not work. So I wander.

My wandering brings me to a back corner where live the bargain yarns. You know what's coming. I should have known what was coming. But it is SOOOO SOFT. It's a beautiful fluffy yarn, all fuzzy and stringy, a variety of muted teal, purple and rust (Mardi Gras meets earth tones). How could I resist? I even got the needles that the wrapper recommended - how could it go wrong?

It only took about 30 seconds, once I started this project, to figure out the myriad of things that could go wrong. For starters, finding good directions (okay, directions that my bizarre brain can follow) online. I finally dug out my 1971 copy of the Complete Book of Needlecraft. Wonderful directions and illustrations. I might use it later to learn how to macrame. And to weave rugs.

The second, most predictable problem is being able to count the stitches. Fuzzy yarn does not lend itself to clear stitches. And seeing to pick up the stitches with my second needle once they're all cast on. Not even my new bifocals help with this. Sheesh! What was Chris thinking letting me buy this yarn! I said this to him and gave him a good laugh. Rrrr.

Tension is a struggle - how on earth do I see and feel how tight or loose the stitches are when I'm trying to knit straight off the llama?

Do I give up? No! I bought three skeins of this soft, fluffy stuff. And three of an equally difficult black with metallic colored flecks. It's a good thing Mae can't physically outgrow a scarf.

I have one and a half rows done and I'm ready for bed. I'll post pictures sometime later in the week. Any advice (other than "Give up now!) is appreciated.

Until I write again ...

Flea