I Wish I Could Knit

I really do wish I could knit. I’ve tried, many, many times over the years. But I just don’t have the patience to work it out I guess. I’m 40 years old, and I’ve been crocheting since I was 10 or younger, and I have to say I’m pretty good at it. I get so frustrating trying to knit something when it takes forever and doesn’t come out so well. I go back to crochet because I can accomplish what I want with pretty good results.

Knitting seems to be everywhere, and so are knitting patterns to make just about anything you want in dozens of variations. Crochet patterns seem to be a little harder to come by. I know a lot of people who say they can’t work from a pattern, they prefer to wing it. Personally I like to be able to do either. Being able to read a pattern is a skill, and I feel like it gives some legitimacy to my work. But being able to wing it is useful too, especially when you see a beautiful knit pattern and want to make something similar in crochet. It helps a lot when trying so hard to adjust a wearable pattern to fit right as well.

I’m making some progress on everything I have in the works. I’m loving the socks I’m working up from the yarn I got in the mail the other day. One case where it’s handy to be able to work from a pattern and to make adjustments: SW’s socks. The boy has huge, oddly shaped feet. I’ve done quite a bit of frogging trying to get a sock that will fit well and still go over his huge instep. Of course I ran out of yarn, and had to order some more, but I think it’s going to work out in the end. He seems pleased.

I’ve finished my shawl, and I’m putting the finishing touches on a pair of longies for RM. That pattern I didn’t like at all, and I’m too poor at the moment to purchase a pattern I’ve heard raves about, so my next pair will be a wing it one. Wish me luck.

One last thing that makes me want to knit is kind of silly. I’d heard, but didn’t really believe until lately, that there’s a superiority thing among some knitters. I honestly didn’t believe it until a couple trips recently to one locally owned yarn shop. When I mentioned crochet, the owners looked down their noses at me, and turned very cool. I honestly couldn’t believe it. You would think that business is business, but I guess not.

I ventured a little further from home to find a more accommodating place to hand over my yarn dollars. I found it at The Studio in Kansas City just off the Country Club Plaza. Even though they advertise “knitting” supplies, they were still as nice as they could be when I admitted to being a crochet person. And their selection of yarn was fantastic. I’m ready to go back as soon as I have about twice as much to spend as I did last time. Even the kids enjoyed it there. (I didn’t feel unwelcome with two rowdy boys in tow either.)

As soon as I get a couple more projects accomplished I’ll have to get some more pictures posted. Then maybe I’ll have to give one more try at knitting. Maybe.

September 13th, 2006 Posted by Tracy | Crochet | one comment