"But you already cook!" I hear a few of you saying. And I get where you're coming from. After all, cooking is probably a hobby. And a useful one at that. But, maybe it's more that I'm feeling a little bit CRAFTY. I'd like to make some stuff. Useful stuff. Stuff that's not, well... consumable.
I want to make socks (especially socks).
And hats.
And cute little mittens.
Blankets, even. Maybe scarves. And purses... I might like to make a purse.
I want to spend hours poring over the hand-dyed yarn at the farmer's market (it's so very gorgeous -- and just seeing it makes me want to buy it and use it for SOMETHING). I want to learn something new. Muse about my next project. Gee Whiz, I'd like to CREATE something.
A new friend of mine (R. from over at CakeWalk) has inspired me to check out the classes that are offered at Loop Yarn Shop in
Most people seem to have some familial connection to their art. They know someone who taught them what they know, and they were inspired to learn from that person -- often from an early age. By that token, I should be a knitter. After all, my Grandma Grace taught me to purl when I was 7 years old. And I might still have the turquoise scarf I started with my very first set of knitting needles way back in 1981. But, the truth of the matter is, that "scarf" only grew to be about 2 feet long before I gave up the art of knitting and took up embroidery (thanks to Grandma Gladys, who loved to sew). I embroidered for an entire summer before deciding it was silly and I didn't really care about being able to put French knots on pillowcases (they hurt your face) or towels.
The knitters (R. and Jess and probably my dear grandmother, rest her soul) are all convinced I'd LOVE knitting...that circular needles make the whole process easier... that the stitch lies "flatter"... but I'm not sure that I'm a "counter".
The crocheters (my sister, my aunt) have rallied to convince me that crocheting is the way to go... that one needle is easier than two, and that I'll love the versatility of the stitches... but I'm not sure about any of it.
The knitters have cool books (Stitch 'N Bitch, anyone?)
But so do the crocheters (The Happy Hooker... who can resist?)
How to decide??
I can't imagine that this decision is nearly as complicated as I'm making it out to be. Nor can I imagine that choosing the WRONG yarnly hobby would cause anyone irreparable damage. But, I'm not sure I really know the answer. Do I flip a coin?
How did YOU figure out which one you were? Is there any useful information out there to help a sista out?
4 comments:
I've never crochet-ed (is that a word?) but I'm not anti-crochet. The good Loopers do offer beginning crochet classes, and I may just do it one of these days. (Oh, and Loop Yarn Shop is actually in River West, in the new Alterra Coffee complex on Humboldt: they used to be in Bay View. And no, they don't pay me to shamelessly plug their business!!!)
Got to say though, that I do love the knit!
I love crocheting! Although haven't done it in years!!!! Remember the blanket stage I went thru? I believe Peef was victim (I mean) a recipient of one of my many many blankets...however - now they do have really cool yarns and ideas and as a self taught crocheter -- it isn't tough...of course since I taught myself from a book - who knows if I am actually doing it right?
Happy deciding -- why not try both and see? I have crochet hooks like a crazy girl -- let me know what you need, I might be able to hook you up! jo
Rebecca - You're right. They're in Riverwest. Am going to fix that right now... must have been thinking of you when I typed it, since I know exactly where they are. I've even been there once!! :)
And Jen - YES! I remember now that you crochet too. We still have that blanket you made for Paul, and it's really warm (plus it's black, so it's also really cool :)).
I learned to knit a few times and it never stuck, but now I do it on occasion and find it relaxing. I made my mom a pretty scarf and am working on one for DH. I think I will do more of it once my boys are ages that are not 2 and 3 :). Either way, knit or crochet, you can join a cool site called Ravelry and there are some CL folks there.
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