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January 21, 2005What I'd like to be knitting in 2005I'll start with... (1) cables - I have to admit this is a sore subject with me 'cause it reminds me of my very first sweater. And though this may sound like cables got the best of me, they really did not. My first sweater was a simple pullover with a single cable down the front. And I would insert a picture here, but I knit it, wore it, washed it (in the washing machine) and immediately threw it in the dryer...so, you guessed it, I felted it. What a horror! Didn’t realize at the time that you can’t wash handknits like all the “others”. Though its not too small to wear (as I knit it waaay to big) the pic isn't anything anyone wants to see I'm sure. The cable is very fuzzy. Surprisingly enough I still wear it from time to time, though. I looked at the sizes and went "oh yeah, I wear a large, so I'll knit a large. So much for looking at finished dimensions. Haven't made that mistake again. Correction, I have made the same mistake, but not for the same reason (picked right size but wasn't on gauge). I went into to cabling thinking that's what beginners must start with since it was a "how to knit" class (using a sweater pattern to start with which is why i chose it). All other classes offered about that time were to knit scarves and I had already knit a couple. So before I lay into what a bad experience this class was, let me say that (a) there are great classes out there and (b) this wasn't one of them (and that's just my personal opinion as i'm sure others had a better experience in the class but i'm only writin' 'bout mine. I found the cabling to be pretty easy (was only working with one). I was really beginning to enjoy knitting other than the fact that my shoulder was at the brink of falling off. I have to admit that I was an enthusiastic thrower to say the least. Now I mean no one , I repeat NO ONE could sit to my right as my arm did this exaggerated "i wish i could fly with one wing kind of motion". Now I don't know where it came from as no one in my class knit that way but that’s just what is was. I signed up for a "learn to knit" class hoping that I could move beyond my two scarves into sweaters. I wanted to knit continental hoping that I could learn to knit with a smaller range of motion. Well, prior to this knitting class I would knit with one straight needle propped against my body or under my arm in a pretty stationary position while all of the motion was pretty much isolated to my right arm and shoulder in particular. Now this was before my "I wish I could fly knitting". You could sit to my right, but not too close. I know what you're thinking. I thought this is about cabling. Well umm… I thought it was too, so we are both surprised by this rambling. Well, it is but this tangent won't go on for much longer (i think, hee hee). Anyway, once I took that class the teacher couldn't refrain from knocking my propped needle away from my body at any chance she could, telling me what we all know doesn't exist "you're knitting the WRONG WAY", "stop holding that needle under you arm", "stop propping that needle against your chest", "stop..stop...stop". I found that a bit annoying, but I must say I was determined to finish the class that I PAID for and try to get something out of it. And that's when I started to try and fly away. I didn't feel stable without one of the needles against me so I guess my knitting style was a sure sign of the flight response as I sure as heck tried to fly outta there. Oh, I left out a major point here. Going into the class I knew that there were two (now i know that there are many) ways to knit, but I thought that anyone that taught would know both ways and would be able to show me how to knit continental. I thought continental knitting may reduce this wacky arm and shoulder twinge that was occurring with minimal knitting at the time. Oh yeah, that's why I signed up primarily. I wanted to knit sweaters but I wanted to knit continental mostly. Now I do have to take credit for the wacky assumption that was not detailed in the class description which was that the teacher would be able to teach continental knitting. However, when the topic was mentioned prior to the class, it was pointed out that the teacher would not (a) teach that method 'cause it was the (here we go again) the wrong and sloppy way to knit and that it was (b) stupid to knit that way. I know...why did I let this ridiculous story continue by staying in the bad element. How I wished at that point that I had signed up for a single day class. But no, this was a split up into many days of (1) learn to knit (2) learn to purl (3) learn to knit and purl within the same row (4) cast off and (5) can't remember what I am forgetting 'cause it was 5 sessions. Oh yeah, cabling, duh! My first scarf was in ribbing so overall when the class wasn't annoying it was quite a yawn until the cabling, but I should have asked more questions before signing up right? Actually, I did ask about the continental, but when I asked for a refund 'cause I already understood the method used in class I was told that it was too late for a class refund (DARN!) The class was not what I expected but it did allow me time that was devoted purely to knitting and an explanation on cabling. So I guess that is the bright side of looking at it. Now why did I rehash this? Oh, I know now. Whenever I sit down and think of knitting cables I think of this all over again. Weird huh? That sweater, which I look at often, that I started in that class continues to haunt me. The sweater and at times the thought of me cabling brings all of those moments back. It's true what they say about a knitted garments. It just brings back all of those feelings that occurred while you were knitting them. Umm...could I still be uhh.....bitter, lol? Oh my point....I want to knit a NEW cable sweater to replace all of the annoying memories that I had from knitting my first single cable sweater. That's the point. I know, you thought I would never get there. I was actually thinking the exact same thing, lol. I was just at that “there was a point to this right” and then presto! The gingko biloba kicked in. Oh well, this post turned out to be more of why I will ask more questions if I ever take another class, why I wanted to knit continental and a lame excuse for why I don't cable. Not to discourage anyone from taking classes as there are many wonderful knitting teachers out there. I have actually met many. I just hadn't met them at the time, humph. Whew, I guess I'll save 2-on for another post and next time I'll be brief and project specific (hee, hee). TO BE CONTINUED... Comments
You are a riot! I quite enjoyed the post even though it wasn't brief of project specific. Having just finished my first cable sweater, I have to say go for it! I have problems with sizing too (except ALWAYS too small), so that proved to be the only challenge. I almost forgot about the cables--they were fun and practically knit themselves. Good luck! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Posted by: molly at January 21, 2005 04:41 AMI love your posts because they walk me through your mind/thought process, and you have such a great way of looking at things.... yay! Posted by: Rachael at January 21, 2005 05:26 AMSo, did you pick a cabled sweater yet?? Thanks for the smile - needed it today! :) Posted by: Jackie at January 21, 2005 05:40 AMThank you!! I have tears flowing down my cheeks! You make me laugh!! I haven't made a sweater yet. I am looking for a nice easy one to start with. I am a crocheter so the continental method just made more sense to me. I can't do the right hand toss thing. It me too long! Purling was a nightmare! eh as long as you have fun!! Hugs to Mini.. Posted by: marie at January 21, 2005 07:07 AMDid Froggy ever learn Continental? Did she discover the joys of English knitting coupled with circular needles (easier on the elbows, I think!)? Will she ever kick ass with cables? Of course she will! Block that class right out of your head and get going! Cables are easy peasy and your stuff is so beautiful you'll be laughing once you've done it. And I'll help you - heck everyone will help you - not that you'll need it! I can't wait to see the sweater! Posted by: Cara at January 21, 2005 07:14 AMHi Froggy girl :) Love the narrative! You know, when I use straight needles, I prop the needle under my arm (or against body) and I have not really had any problems. I tend to use circulars more often now, so I don't really prop against anything. But, the thing is, I took a class to learn how to knit and that was how she taught--put the needle under your arm. :P Different teachers, different techniques. However, I don't like the idea of this lady knocking the needle from your arm! Take care, and stay warm this weekend! :) Posted by: Lolly at January 21, 2005 07:56 AMmy first cables are going fine too. you are inspiring me to be brave, be bold. perhaps attempt mariah. i can't wait to see what you pick. Posted by: corine at January 21, 2005 08:01 AMPhew, I'm glad its nap time because I'm exhausted after reading all of that. Which sweater do you have planned to redeem your cables? I'm still thinking about Fanny... Posted by: kerrie at January 21, 2005 08:22 AMSo whatcha thinking? Rogue? Mariah? Something altogether different? I've been feeling the cable bug too, actually. All this stockinette is starting to get to me. I've ordered some new pattern books and hope to be inspired by something Aran-ish when they show up. Posted by: Ann at January 21, 2005 09:08 AMI'm still giggling over "trying to fly with one wing." Posted by: Iris at January 21, 2005 09:17 AMI love reading about your knitting-evolution. Knitting is one of the few things I sucked at but didn't give up on, and I know you'll never give up either. Let's see those cables! Posted by: Lauren at January 21, 2005 09:18 AMI started out knitting exactly the same way! I evan started buying the 14" needles so that that method would be more comfortable. I read an article (in IK, I think) that calls that the Scottish method of holding needles/yarn. Luckily, I never had anyone tell me that i was doing anything WRONG. I figured if it worked for me, it was okay. I have since switched to combined style, and prefer it greatly, but anyone that says that a different style is wrong is a pretty cruddy teacher! Kudos to you for slogging your way through that to do such good work! Posted by: girlarchitect at January 21, 2005 09:48 AMEnjoyed this "stream of consciousness" post about your knitting "childhood." I learned to knit in the continental manner during college and like it much better. There is a reduced range of motion. Many say it's faster--I'm not particularly fast. Whatever method you're using now, I do think your stitches look great--very even and neat. As for getting gauge and sizing: If I like the appearance of the fabric (not too loose and sloppy, nor too firm or tight), then I may take MY gauge and use it to determine which size I should make. I did this with Fanny in Big Wool 'cause I thought the fabric looked better knitted on US 15 to a slightly smaller gauge. One thing I'm happy to have learned last year: how to cable without a cable needle. The cable needle can be handy, but sometimes it just seems to get in the way. Looking forward to list #2. Posted by: Nan at January 21, 2005 09:52 AMHmmm... Very curious to get a look at this new cable sweater you have in mind! Posted by: cari at January 21, 2005 10:04 AMThis was such an entertaining post! And I love the visual of your one-winged flight . . . ROFL Posted by: Janet at January 21, 2005 11:03 AMAny teacher who isn't totally positive is a bad teacher. As we can tell by your FO you are a fantastic knitter. It's great to know many ways to knit and as you said there is no wrong way. Great post and very fun to read! Posted by: margene at January 21, 2005 11:12 AMHahahahaha! Talk about a good read. :) I sometimes prop my needle(s) against my body too. And I know what you mean by the "i wish i could fly with one wing kind of motion". :) I do the same thing! *falls on the floor giggling* Posted by: Lisa P at January 21, 2005 11:51 AMOMG, someone needs to find that teacher a different job. Not only was her attitude HORRIBLE, but she was completely wrong. I would love to see her go to Shetland and tell the knitters there that they're knitting wrong by propping the needle! It didn't seem too wrong when they were elevating the art/craft form of knitting to amazing heights with fair isle and shetland lace! (Not to mention earning a living from the work, meaning they had to be fast, efficient, and ergonomic.) They even developed belts for it. I searched high and low for one of the photos I saw in Ann Feitelson's Fair Isle Knitting book, but here is a description of how to use this technique. http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/leverstyle.shtm If it works for you, do it. I knit completely backwards (similar to combined or eastern) for the first 20 years of my knitting, and I have some really nice sweaters to show for it. Now I can do it backwards or forwards and I can "read" my knitting really well. Wrong Schmong. You'll love cables. I'm currently addicted. Shedir is a nice pattern to start with--not particularly easy, but small and satisfying. Posted by: mamacate at January 21, 2005 11:59 AMOoh, here's a photo of a knitting belt. Maybe bring it in to little miss "that's all wrong." Sigh. Posted by: mamacate at January 21, 2005 12:01 PMOh jeez, sorry to clutter your comments, here's the actual link: http://www.moray.gov.uk/museums/homes/whisk.htm Posted by: mamacate at January 21, 2005 12:02 PMFroggy, you write like I talk! I love reading rambly posts with lots of interwoven points. What a bummer that you got such a dud for your first teacher - you had a lot of moxie to keep knitting after such a disheartening experience. I hate people who think there's one right way to do things... Looking forward to seeing the future cabled sweater... Posted by: domestigirl at January 21, 2005 12:06 PMI loved this post! It was interesting to read about your knitting experience in the begining. It's funny how, when you knit things, the feelings and emotions come through in the garment. I hope your new cabling experience brings you much better memories :) Posted by: Moni at January 21, 2005 12:49 PMI love your writing style! I knit a cabled sweater for my first project too--and it turned out too big for me, even when I was 9 months pregnant. I wish I had thought of felting it! Since I'm suffering from a funny arm twinge/shoulder ache, I'm wondering if learning to knit continental helped you with those problems... Posted by: Amy at January 21, 2005 01:49 PMHah! The teacher was obviously a little high-strung. There is no formal "proper" "right" way to knit, just the way that's comfortable with you. So anyway, I think you should try "Grace" from Debbie Bliss' Cotton Angora (hee hee, it was a long and interesting knit). There is a double cable, a single cable, and a braid in it, plus an opportunity to change needle sizes. Tons of fun! Posted by: MJ at January 21, 2005 02:04 PMYou're right on target when you say there is no wrong way of knitting. I recently discovered that someone calls my way of knitting "combination knitting". Whatever you call it, it's painless, comfortable and the results are pretty. That's all that matters. Posted by: Pioggia at January 21, 2005 03:39 PMI'm a long needle propper too! Less so now, but I think it gives stability when you're a new knitter and after that for certain kinds of stitches. Good thing that woman didn't put you off knitting all together. We're all waiting for your pattern choice.... Froggy, you're too cute! I tried cables, too...that damn Rowan tube top from the Calmer book...it was just impossible! I put it down and now I look longingly at the picture ever time I open the book. It was frustrating as a beginning knitter to attempt that much cabling and pulling, tugging, frogging...I think about revisiting [that damn pattern is so cute!] but I'm afraid of the 'c' word. Cables Rock! Teacher Schmeacher! Check out Wendy Knits tutorial on cabling without a cble needle - really helped my and I find them much more enjoyable now. Froggy, I really needed to read this today. I had a rough morning and this post made me laugh out loud. I too had an awful knitting class. My knitting class was "informal." "Informal" meant that there was no structure. There was NO instruction time, at all. You just picked a pattern, knit it, and asked questions. I learned very little in my class except that I needed to be more careful when signing up for a class. ;) Cables aren't so bad. I knit my first one by accident on a Sandnes Gynt pattern. It was actually cabling without a needle. You'll do fine! I have every confidence in you. You've been cranking out beautiful projects so I know cables will be no problem for you! Posted by: Kimberly at January 21, 2005 08:30 PMWow! Am I glad I learned how to cable from "Knitting for Dummies". Go forth and cable - you've got a whole readership ready to root you on. Posted by: susie at January 22, 2005 09:03 AMLOVE cables; my personal goal is to really understand how they're constructed, so I'm not just blindly following a pattern. I still have a bit of a mental block going on there. I think your post should be required reading for anyone who's even THINKING of teaching a knitting class. Nicely put. Posted by: mindy at January 22, 2005 01:02 PMGo on with those crazy cables! I'd much rather cable than do int*rs*a...argh. Posted by: Silvia at January 22, 2005 03:05 PMI just cna't stop picturing it, you flapping away :) Sorry you had such a bad experience. I think you definitely need to get another cable sweater done to erase the first one. I've never taken a knitting class, I can't decide what I should take. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your goals :) Posted by: Vicki at January 22, 2005 08:41 PM |