Do NOT Copy

Do NOT Copy

I've Gone and Done it!

I keep complaining to everyone who will listen that I don't know how to knit or crochet. I decided to get off my lazy but and do something about it instead of my constant belly-aching.

I wasn't sure which of the two was easier or really what the difference between the two crafts is, but I broke down and bought a book I found at a craft store the other day. (At least I found something when I was out and about looking for that lye!)There were books for both there, but I'm just taking it one step at a time.



Here is my first attempt at crocheting. This is lesson number one, the chain stitch. I look at it and it seems to look kind of like a braid. Is it just me? Maybe a larger size needle will give me a more satisfying result. Peanut saw some of the pictures in the book and is patiently awaiting the completion of a scarf for her. I saw a fabulous looking pattern for a poncho in there that I want to attempt to make for myself someday. Son didn't sound very excitied about having me make something for him.



I also managed to capture a shot of one of our neurotic cat's drinking habits. Would you rather drink snow that's been stepped on and fallen off of boots or clean, fresh water from a bowl? Apparently Speedy likes carpet fiber in her drink. At least it's nice and cold????

I'm still waiting to get her other crazy habits on camera, but either the shots are out of focus, I can't get to the camera in time or I am completely off target with my blind shot taking that's required to use my current camera. Hopefully I'll be able to afford a new camera soon so I won't have to put up with all of the headaches I keep going through.

Thank you for stopping by. Please leave me a message. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Cindy

18 comments:

tina said...

You'll have so much fun! Crocheting is rewarding and pretty easy too. Especially granny squares.

Gail said...

Cinj,

I have several granny square throws my grandmother made...they are lovely...You son will appreciate whatever you make some day!

gail

garden girl said...

Hi Cinj, good for you, tackling a new skill! Crochetting is very relaxing once you get the hang of it. I never learned how to knit, but I'd still like to.

Linda said...

Way to go Cinj, you are 'hooked'

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

I have tried to knit and crochet but I can't seem to "get" it. I need to really try again. My Grandma use to crochet and knit both. She would do it while watcing t.v. She made lots of cool stuff. Good luck to you(-:

Linda Lunda said...

Hi!
I loved to crochet in the past... It was fun and relxing..
You know.. cats .. are the strangest things.
We have two cats and one have to have his water in the bathtubb!!!!
Linda

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

Happy knitting Cinj! I can't wait to see what you create, I admire those who can knit :)

Have a great Tuesday!
Hugs,
Kathi :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Cinj, good for you learning something new. It is a good exercise for mind and spirit. I think crochet is easier than knitting, one needle versus two and easier to keep track of the counting. Granny squares are such a great way to start, one can complete one in just a few minutes and it is easy to see where you are if you have to put it down. I have made soap before, not worth the effort. I also made tallow from the fat surround cow kidneys, boiling it all day then freezing it. I didn't get around to making the soad when we moved from Texas to TN so brought it with me in dry ice! After five years, I finally threw it out when cleaning out the freezer. HA
Frances

Unknown said...

Tina- It is pretty fun so far. The chain stitch was easy for me to pick up. Now I just need to figure out the other stuff.

Gail- I think my grandma made one of those granny square afghans for my sister. Afghans are very pretty.

Linda- It's never too late. I think this time of year is the perfect time to pick up a new skill. It helps me to keep my mind off the cold and snow that's still hanging around.

Unknown said...

Linda- LOL! Okay, I have to admit I am.

I also had to take a quick break and make sure I was remembering your name correctly. I don't think I've ever had 3 Lindas comment on a single post before.

Cindee- I am having a bit of trouble figuring out how to turn around once I made my scarf long enough. I guess this learning process takes a bit of concentration.

Linda- My silly cats like to try to play with the yarn when I get it out. I'm not sure if I can do this hobby when they lay around with me.

Kathi- I think it remains to be seen if I can actually knit. The chain stitch wasn't bad to learn but I don't know if I'll be able to figure all of this stuff out without some help.

Frances- You're probably right. I'm not very coordinated so I couldn't imagine trying to keep two needles going at the same time. I'll have to see if there are any granny squares in my book. I don't think I'm doing very well with that scarf.

I sure hope I get my tallow used before I end up throwing it away in five years. I can so totally relate to that. I probably wouldn't have been able to hold onto something in my freezer for that long, Cheesehead would have thrown it away long before that.

Nola said...

Hope you enjoy your newly found craft! My cats love to drink water that is from ice cubes that fall on the floor and melt! A good reason for me not to have to bend over and pick them up.

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed Cinj. You are always so ambitious. I know you'll master whichever you choose to learn. I tried to knit a few years back but wasn't very successful with it. Other than sitting in front of the computer, I'm not very good at sitting still. I think that's the problem. I do love the crocheted and knitted things I still have from my grandmother tho. They are treasured keepsakes. Keep us posted how it's going.

Lona said...

You go girl! You will love crocheting when you get on to it. I learned as a small girl and the things you can make are too numerous to mention.I have so many keepsakes that I have made. It is something that you can do that will relax you and help you unwind.

Unknown said...

Nola- So far, so good. I was even able to get advice from a friend about how to get my chain stitch to look better.

Kathleen- I'm blushing. I'd say I'm a jill of all trades and master of none. It feels good to get out there and learn new things to stretch my mind anyway. I think if anyone looked at my work up front you'd find some very obvious flaws. I'm just pretty good at hiding them unless I want to tell you about them!

Lona- I wish I had, then my grandma could hae taught me. Oh well, at least I'll be able to use the things she so lovingly made for us without worrying about how I'll be able to get it fixed. I'm not planning on making many keepsakes for myself except maybe that poncho I talked about. I prefer to make things for others.

Anna/Flowergardengirl said...

I'm no help as it takes too long. You do seem to have a way with stuff like that. I'm not surprised you would pick it up so quickly.

Dawn said...

I can do both, knitting is harder, and not as quickly rewarding. The work in knitting get heavy and cumbersome as it gets bigger, needs blocking and I will only do it with wools. Crochet is fun, my 9 (at the time) year old daughter learned it quickly. It's repeatitive stitches and if you keep you yarn taunt the work will be fab! Good luck!

Skeeter said...

I was thinking that the cat picture was going to be of kitty running with your yarn! They will do that if not careful....

My grandmother showed me how to knit years ago. I never went anywhere with it. I still have a hat and pair of house shoes she knitted for me! I will cherish them forever...

Good luck on your new craft!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Cinj!!! And don't worry about that discouraging "braid." The first row of both knitting and crocheting is pretty awful-looking, but it serves as a base for whatever you make next. If you don't know that it's going to get better right away, seeing the wobbly line that comes off your knitting needles is enough to bring on tears! I also love making granny squares---I've even made granny-square afghans---and my sister, who's much more talented than I am, made me a granny-square Christmas stocking one year. But I think knitting scarves is my favorite thing, since it's so mindless and relaxing and the result is so gorgeous if you choose beautiful yarns. Keep at it---you're going to love crocheting and knitting!