She taught me at age 10, and 22 years later I remembered how...
I love the thought of scarves, beanies and warm fall fashion. Boots, pea coats and gloves galore! What's even more special to me, is being able to wear hand-crafted knits.
I remember when I was 10 my grandmother, who is originally from Cuba, taught me how to knit. You see, knitting became a source of income for her during the time of the Cuban Revolution. My grandfather was a political prisoner, my mother under the age of 10 was sent away to live with family, while my grandmother knit and crocheted women's garments to make a living as she waited for my grandfather, the love of her life, to be released.
A skilled lady at the craft of stitching, she taught this impatient 10 year old how to do a basic knit with two needles and a simple crochet. Being able to teach the craft, is one thing, and to teach a child is a true art-form. She did an amazing job, and when I decided to attempt to crochet in my adult life, it was like riding a bike. My only hold-back, was that I didn't know anything more than a basic chain. So I'd get creative and come up with my own ways of making beanies and scarves without patterns...then post-Thanksgiving, I'd give up and put it all away.
This year, 22 years after learning with my grandmother, I set aside some time to learn new ways, new stitches and creative patterns. At the moment I've been working with arm knitting, finger knitting, crocheting and standard knitting. I produce infinity scarves, cowls, headbands, and fingerless mittens. My future plans are to add the following items to the line-up:
* Crocheted Boot Cuffs (DONE!)
* Crocheted beanies
* Knit Socks
* Knit/Crocheted Leg Warmers (DONE!)
* Blankets and Afghans (DONE!)
I learn as I go. I'll consult some patterns for basic knowledge, then let my creativity finish the job. I really enjoy this art-form and hope that if you try some of my knits, you leave good feedback so that I can continue to learn and grow through my grandmother's teachings.
Thank you for reading my story, and in case you're wondering, my grandmother, Abuelita Aida, is still alive, and very proud of the items I've created.
Now go shop! :-)
I remember when I was 10 my grandmother, who is originally from Cuba, taught me how to knit. You see, knitting became a source of income for her during the time of the Cuban Revolution. My grandfather was a political prisoner, my mother under the age of 10 was sent away to live with family, while my grandmother knit and crocheted women's garments to make a living as she waited for my grandfather, the love of her life, to be released.
A skilled lady at the craft of stitching, she taught this impatient 10 year old how to do a basic knit with two needles and a simple crochet. Being able to teach the craft, is one thing, and to teach a child is a true art-form. She did an amazing job, and when I decided to attempt to crochet in my adult life, it was like riding a bike. My only hold-back, was that I didn't know anything more than a basic chain. So I'd get creative and come up with my own ways of making beanies and scarves without patterns...then post-Thanksgiving, I'd give up and put it all away.
This year, 22 years after learning with my grandmother, I set aside some time to learn new ways, new stitches and creative patterns. At the moment I've been working with arm knitting, finger knitting, crocheting and standard knitting. I produce infinity scarves, cowls, headbands, and fingerless mittens. My future plans are to add the following items to the line-up:
* Crocheted Boot Cuffs (DONE!)
* Crocheted beanies
* Knit Socks
* Knit/Crocheted Leg Warmers (DONE!)
* Blankets and Afghans (DONE!)
I learn as I go. I'll consult some patterns for basic knowledge, then let my creativity finish the job. I really enjoy this art-form and hope that if you try some of my knits, you leave good feedback so that I can continue to learn and grow through my grandmother's teachings.
Thank you for reading my story, and in case you're wondering, my grandmother, Abuelita Aida, is still alive, and very proud of the items I've created.
Now go shop! :-)