Monday, August 17, 2009

Why should I knit?

Occasionally, one of my students will ask this question, usually pointing out that it is faster, easier, and probably cheaper to go to the store and buy a knitted item.

I have to agree with these students.

After all, with most garments being manufactured in low-labour-cost countries, the cost is quite reasonable. And, especially for knitted garments, the existence and use of knitting machines really help to minimize the costs.

So, if I'm not saving money or time, what is in it for me?

Here is how I usually answer this question:

  • By making it myself, I can make it fit my unique and non-standard body shape.
  • I can express my own creativity.
  • I get a sense of accomplishment - I created something out of my own two hands.
  • I have something to do in time periods that are otherwise wasted - I can do productive knitting while watching tv, waiting for an appointment, while hubby or the transit driver is driving me somewhere, and so on.

For me, of course, the real pleasure is in the "doing", seeing something develop right before my eyes.

How do you respond to this type of question?

Thanks

Judy



Judy Obee
My Knitting Website

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Monday, August 10, 2009

How long should the classes be?

I have been reading several comments in the forums at http://www.ravelry.com about class length.

I teach two different 2-hours workshops:
  • 1 for Knit, Purl, Cast off, and Cast on
  • 1 for Inc/Dec/Seaming/Pattern Reading

I have landed on 2 hours because I think that 2 hours is starting to push the limits of maintaining a student's attention. (Although some students seem to be really caught up in the subject by that time, and are surprised that the time has gone by so quickly!)

Some teachers only teach for an hour. I think that this is too short a time for adults. Also, the students could conceivably spend more time driving to/from my home than for the actual lesson.

I feel that 3 hours is probably too long, but I have never tried it.

I landed on 2 hours primarily because that was what was done at the local Michael's store, where I was doing the volunteer teaching part of getting the Craft Yarn Council of America knitting teacher certification.

Anyway, 2 hour classes work for me. What do you do? Please comment.

Thanks


Judy Obee
My Knitting Website

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

The last stitch is too big and loopy

Many students get concerned, and possibly confused, after they have knitted the last stitch in a row.

Often, in an attempt to make things look "right", they transfer the ball end of the yarn over the needle. This generously gives them a whole nuther stitch! Oops!

Anyway, this photo of some knitting with multicolour yarn shows this wrong move clearly:




Of course, the ideal situation is as follows:




I tell my students that as soon as they have finished a row, pull down hard on the fabric. If they have put the yarn on the wrong side, the action of pulling down will inspire the yarn to go to the correct side.

I also tell them that it is perfectly normal for the end stitches to be a big large, and that as they get used to knitting they will tighten it automatically.

What do you tell your students in this situation? Please comment.

Thanks

Judy Obee
My Knitting Website

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