January 10, 2011

stitch and bitch #reverb10

I first learned how to knit sitting next to my college president's wife - Patty LaGree.  We were hanging out in the lounge of the chapel and she taught a small group of us how to cast on and knit and purl.  I was hooked (haha, no pun intended.)

I made a few things here and there, mostly really simple scarves.

But a year ago, I learned how to crochet at a young clergy retreat.  I haven't looked back.

There is something about holding that yarn and hook in your fingertips that is empowering.  You can make mistakes.  You can tear it all back out.  You can leave the imperfections in.  You can create beautiful, beautiful things with a few flicks of your wrist. 
December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

So I got this bug to actually make something significant this year and have very nearly succeeded in crocheting three blankets - one for my neice and my two nephews. 

I began all the way back in June at annual conference and have since carried these balls of yarn and hooks with me everywhere I go.  They have been amazing ways to pass time at conferences and really do help me focus on what is going on. 

The youngest one's blanket... which I started first... is ALMOST finished.  It was still in pieces at Christmas time when the other two recieved theirs.  But I made significant progress on it today and it will hopefully be completed this evening... I'm really that close!!!

To see more pictures of each blanket look here

2 comments:

  1. I took the opposite path. Growing up my aunt had taught me to crochet - which birthed a series of Christmases where everyone was gifted with crooked, misshapen scarves. I've completely forgotten how to crochet now, but a wonderful group of knitters at my last church were delighted to teach me how to knit. Nothing big so far, mostly hats for the kiddos because they are so quick and satisfying to accomplish. Idk - for some reason knitting reminds of the CHM story of the women who would invite her in to tea. I feel connected to those women who taught me their craft as well as it being something so creative and tangible - unlike most of what I do...

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  2. There is something powerful about learning a craft (or an etiquette) from our congregation members! It reinforces that two-way path of learning and relationship.

    It was great to meet you today!

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