Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Things I've learned from the Internet

Well, as specifically relates to knitting, I mean. I've learned that it's perfectly okay to have three pairs of socks going at once. Many times I'll pick a pretty sock pattern, but stop on it because I just don't feel like following a pattern with tiny little needles for two weeks, as my knitting project. But it's okay to have more than one on the go! And I was feeling guilty for not finishing the neckline on my guy's sweater, but it's actually okay to let it rest, as it's spring, and he won't be needing it for awhile! (So sayeth knitting guru The Harlot, whose skill and knowledge I'd never dare to challenge. If she says it's so, it's so.) And at first, I honestly couldn't see the point in stash building. I've bought extra yarn for the sake of buying yarn, and then it sits in my closet for years. But now that I'm a more dedicated knitter, not dividing my time between sewing and quilting and knitting, I frequently wander out into the stash and poke around, looking for a project. I can't get out shopping well with the two-year-old, and if I get someone to babysit her, it's because I have work to do that she can't come along on. I haven't yet found the in-law who will watch her so I can go yarn crawling! =)

And resource-wise, the Internet has taught me how to knit short-rows, do provisional cast-ons, three-stitch buttonholes, knit toe-up, entrelac and lace, and spin a two-ply yarn. There's so much more to learn! I've been knitting along since I was 13, never suspecting what I did not know. I actually viewed myself as a spanking good knitter, and I still think I am, but I'm not the pro I thought. I've dedicated myself to learning more of this craft. I have no idea how to insert a zipper, knit continental, steek, or add any lacy edge to a sweater, making it individual. I'm going to learn, though. Since I've started reading blogs, I've left many, many fawning comments to knitters whose expertise I can only marvel at. There are people doing intense colorwork Marina on sweater after sweater. I feel compelled to at least make a hat of many colors. My knitting tends to stay at the one-color end of the spectrum. That's okay when you're doing a lacy pattern, but I'm ready for a different challenge.

So, while I can't go away to knitting school or seminars, due to budget constraints and the small fact that I am essential to my household, I can hold my own knitting classes at my computer. I may even have some stuff to show off here and there on the blog. And when I'm leaving fawning comments on your blog, have pity on me. I am a fan of technique, and anything I don't understand looks like magic to me.

Oh, and if you've read down this far - thanks for sticking with me. As pertains to the Spring dishcloth contest, my screensaver is flashing pictures of finished dishcloths at me that some of you have finished. It also is very inspiring. Knit on!

15 comments:

AR said...

Yes! That's how I feel, too. If it wasn't for yarn chat forums and whatnot, I never would have even tried to do a sock. :)

Now, about that neckline, you know he could wear that sweater in July where we live! LOL Just Joking! I say knit for enjoyment not just products.

Brigitte said...

Only 3 pairs of socks?! :D

I have 3 or more WIP's, let alone socks! (Emphasis on the "more", by the way...)

We'll get you working FI and steeking in NO time!

Laura B said...

I used to think I was a pretty darn good knitter too. Ah, well, it's good to have each other to inspire and push us to become better.

Anonymous said...

I could have written this post; it's exactly how I feel about the group of wonderful 'net knitters we have. I hadn't knit in a long time before I stumbled onto the Yarn Harlot. She opened my eyes to all sorts of stuff I didn't know. "Whoa. Time to get out the needles - I thought I was done learning about this stuff!" Who knew.

Jennifer said...

I've learned so much from the internet as well! There's no way I would have learned as many techniques or tried as many things knitting wise without the internet.

Anonymous said...

Starting to read blogs and starting my own was the best thing I could have done for my knitting. I totally agree with you; there is so much to learn from our peers! One other thing I've learned from the internet is that the more I read, the longer my "must knit" list gets :)

Karen said...

I don't know what we did without the internet when we were younger, I know I would be sad to be without it now. I'm lucky to have a sister who is an expert at all things knitting (she taught me how to knit socks and held my hand through cables and lace). You're more adventurous than I am...no entrelac or toe up or short row heels for me.

KnittingMoose said...

I love what I've learned from the internet too...it's such fun. I love getting ideas and instruction and just enjoying seeing what other people are making. I don't have any "in-the-flesh" knitter friends so it's fun to blog and read other blogs too. And yep, one of my favorite things I've learned is that it's definitely okay to have multiple WIPs!

Carrie

Romi said...

Only *3* pairs of socks at once?! ;)

The internet *is* wonderful, isn't it? I have learned SO MUCH from the amazing pool of talent out there.

LaurieM said...

I am a good knitter and it's because of the internet. I can learn just about anything, but I can't think it up. A lot of those techniques you just mentioned I've learned online. Woo hoo!

Anonymous said...

I've learnt almost everything online - except K and P!

monica said...

I hate when I am away from the internet. I love to read all the knitting blogs and see what others are knitting and what new yarn and techniques there are. The internet makes the world seem a little smaller and it can be very educational...what more could we ask for.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you all the way! Knitting is lifelong learning. I'm also amazed at the talent out there and I can only hope to achieve a fraction of this wonder.

Anonymous said...

I love how much I've learned I don't know from the net. There are some frakkin amazing knitters out there!

Three? That's all? Pffft.

And uh oh. I need to knit that washcloth. By Saturday? (Must call in sick tomorrow.....I wish).

Laura Sue said...

The warshcloth is done. It's taking and sending the pic that is the challenge for me. I'm not a great pic taker. But I'll get it done for tomorrow, promise!