The most frustrating thing about learning to knit is everything.  It takes hours and hours of practice to get the fine movements of knitting committed to muscle memory, and then there’s the part about counting.  I have always had trouble with counting along, probably because I have the attention span of a fish.

That said, I really, really, really want to be a good knitter.  I love knitted goods, and I love the idea of wearing something that I’ve made, or making something beautiful and luxurious for a friend.

I was in a store down town recently and I saw a super cute but super simple scarf.  Of course, it was $80, and of course, I immediately decided that I could make it myself.  In the process of Googling a pattern for it, I found another pattern for a gorgeous cowl/scarf at http://www.etsy.com/shop/phydeaux  It’s called Embraceable, and even though I am not even a beginner, I went ahead and bought the pattern for $5.00.

Embraceable by Phydeaux- I'm thinking about a pretty turquoise color, or possibly a deep gray.

I learned how to knit in the English style in college and I’m kind of okay at it, but it is sooooo slow.  When the Muse (my sister-in-law) learned that I was knitting in the English style, she suggested that I try Continental style knitting, as it takes fewer movements, and can be a lot quicker.  So, I thought, I’d better learn to Knit continental style, and I’d better get practicing.

There are a lot of really great resources on YouTube for knitting.  The resource that I’ve liked the best so far is Knittinghelp.com.  There are videos on every topic you could ever imagine, and they are really clear and easy to follow.  I found an excellent video to help me learn the continental knit and purl stitches.

I was explaining to the Muse  that I have been practicing on some scrap yarn, so that I can really get the hang of it, and she suggested that I start practicing by making  9″ x 9″ squares.  I can keep it simple and get some practice on the squares, and then I can sew them together into an afghan.  I love that I’ll be practicing and working on a larger project at the same time!

I bought some beautiful Blues, and I thought this might make a good baby blanket for a future baby boy.

Love these deep, saturated blues.

The thing I love most about this project, is that since I’m working it one square at a time, I can introduce a new color any time I feel inspired.  Also, I can make it as large or small a I want.

I really hope you’ll visit knittinghelp.com.  If you are already an awesome knitter, you could check out her tutorials on Fair  Isle knitting.  She really is incredible.

I’ll post a picture of my first square when I finish it.  That could be a while.  In the interim, I’ll be cutting blocks and making some fascinators for a fancy tea party I’m attending on Sunday.

XOXOXOXOX,

CV