Knit one, purl two, knit three, purl one....

Out of nowhere last week the Critter announces she has joined the knitting club at school and she wants me to teach her the basics so she doesn't look like a total dork at the first meeting. Eh? You want to learn to knit??? Alrighty then! I remember she asked me this many years ago, when she was around 5. I have a picture around here somewhere of her, tip of her tongue stuck out to the side of her mouth, brow furrowed in concentration, chubby little hands trying so hard to make those knitting needles do what she wanted them to do. The fascination wore off rather quickly back then.

Now, she's totally determined. I hadn't picked up a pair of needles in more than 10 years, despite the fact that I really love to knit and crochet. I used to make blankets, scarves, socks, sweaters, hats, you name it and I made it. I'd totally forgotten how relaxing it is to do this.

So, off to the craft store we went this afternoon. Her teacher said the first project would be done on larger size needles, 13 to 15 gauge. That seems kind of large to me, to be trying to get the hang of it to start with but that's what she said so that's what we bought. Critter picked out two colors of yarn, and while we were there I picked up a smaller set of needles and some really good shades of black and orange. I see an OSU scarf in Andy's Christmas stocking this year!

Two hours later, and she's not quite gotten the hang of it. I still think those needles are too big, but she's determined to do it with the ones the teacher said she had to use. We'll get it, soon as I figure out how in the heck she's adding stitches every other row or so.

This brings back good memories that make me smile. I was around 14 when I first learned to knit. An aunt came over one day and was making something, I don't remember what. I asked her to teach me. She was kind enough to do it. Months later I'd decided to make an afghan for my best friend for her birthday. I sat in the corner chair night after night, knitting away. One night my Dad was in the other chair, and I was concentrating on what I was doing. It was a good hour later before I realized that he was very softly saying, "Knit one, purl two, knit three, purl one, knit one, purl two....." and damn it! I was doing what he was telling me to without even realizing it! I got so mad at him! And he laughed so hard he cried big tears, he couldn't stop. Jerk! A loveable one, but still a jerk sometimes. I laugh about that now, I have for a long time.

So...knit one......

Fever broke this afternoon. I'm still on clear liquids, still hurting, but it's getting a little better. Good for me!