Starting Out

I am participating in knit & crochet blog week, sponsored by Mimi at Eskimiknits.com

How and when did you begin knitting/crocheting? was it a skill passed down through generations of your family, or something you learned from Knitting For Dummies? What or who made you pick up the needles/hook for the first time? Was it the celebrity knitting ‘trend’ or your great aunt Hilda?

I wish I could say that my love of fiber was a trait passed down through many many generations but sadly I may be the first in my lineage to really embrace the craft and devote myself to it. I have always been very artsy and crafty. I loved sewing in high school and I was always doodling or coloring or scrapbooking. My Mama does have a bit of craftiness in her (she sews like a wild demon) and my Mom always did have an eye for decorating and putting things together. But sadly neither has experienced the same love and passion I have for fiber.

I started crocheting back in 2006. When I really wanted to learn to make a granny square. (exactly why? I'm not so sure) I asked my 2nd Mom Vickie to please please please please teach me. (I think I get my craftiness from her. Must have been osmosis or something) Once I learned the difference between single, double, and triple stitches I was pretty much all set. Sadly though, I was busy with transitioning from College to Real Life and my craft fell by the wayside. I did manage to create 2 wonky granny square baby blankets for my niece and nephew but I didn't really pick it back up until April 2008.


I was enamored with all things crochet. I stumbled upon Ravelry in August 2008 and I discovered a fabulous fiber community I never even knew existed! I devoured the forums and joined groups and swaps and fed my addiction. I found free patterns and tips and new yarn and projects and I just had to make them all! After crocheting my heart out making scarves, and hats, and bags, blankets and granny squares galore I wanted to take a hand at knitting. Now I'm pretty self sufficient when it comes to teaching myself things so I took hold of this new challenge with plenty of frustration but an equal amount of determintation.I applied myself and learned to cast on, knit, and purl in the fall of 2008 with the help of Ravelry and online tutorials and printouts. By Christmas I had knit my first dishcloth and the true obsession had begun. I wanted to learn every technique and knit anything and everything I could imagine.



My hobby was solidified on January 31st 2009. I went to (my home away from home) Lambikins Hideaway for the very first time and experienced what I believe to be the greatest LYS atmosphere ever. It is very intimidating going to a new place to ask questions when you feel out of place. But my fears were for nothing. I met my first enabler (Hi Mary!) bought my first skein of Sock Yarn (Trekking XXL and almost had a hernia over the price tag- but still had to have it. Guess I was a true fiber lover from the beginning) I loved the shop so much I went for my first knit night on 2/1/09 and I've gone almost every Monday since...



I know this hobby will never fall by the wayside again. I hope to be able to teach anyone and everyone to appreciate and enjoy this hobby. The Mr. is supportive of my habit, provided I do not make anything that I require HIM to wear. He just doesn't "get it" but he supports be anyway. Why make a pair of socks that according to him cost roughly $14,000 when you can go buy them? It's the enjoyment of the hobby. I likened it to him paying $30 to go play outside when he golfs. He can go to the park for free and swing his clubs... but instead he pays to go to a course and enjoy the experience. He didn't quite buy it, but I think he knows I'm right :)

I know knit/crochet is sometimes (okay most of the time) seen as an old-fashionedhobby. But you know what? Jaclyn told me I'm an "Old Soul" and I'm okay with it.

I embrace it.

I love it.


Plus I've gotten some pretty cute accessories along the way :)