As with most sectors of society,needlework, including knitting and crocheting, has developed it’s own set of myths and mindsets. Many of these myths are unfounded and the mindsets misguided. Let us look at a few.
Knitting is only for Grannies:
Whilst the older generation has definitely helped keep the craft alive, people of all ages enjoy knitting. Julia Roberts is one of a number of film stars who carry their knitting wherever they go. Many of our customers are in their teens and 20’s. However, potential taunts of “Grannie” wherever they go.
Baby shower made easy: The gift is even more special when the giver has spent precious time creating a hand
made garment. We have a wide selection of patterns available from premature onwards to suit every level of expertise.
When Vinni arrived in Cape Town a number of years ago, she was disappointed to find a very limited selection of cotton yarn in South
Africa and an even more limited selection of colours so she decided to source cotton yarn and dye it herself.
"So much wool: so little time" - Wool 'n Weave customers.
Many of our customers are in their teens and 20’s. However, potential taunts of “Grannie” keep many younger knitters “in the closet”. My advice: ignore the comments; the chances are that your tormentors wish they could knit like you do!
Knitting is difficult:
Like most things in life, knitting is easy when you know how. Many people were taught at school when they, perhaps, did not have the fine muscle control that is required. The belief that it is difficult was born at this time and hasn’t been challenged since. It is never too late to learn and there are many people who would love to teach you, so why not give it a try?
No way! The latest yarns are textured and varied, the colours are spectacular and fashion yarns such as “Stretch” give the latest fashion look. Knitting designers are working hard to keep up with the latest trends and there are always patterns for fashion items available alongside the old faithfuls.
No one dresses babies in knitted things anymore:
There are many new Mums who love the knitted look and machine washable yarns ensure that there is no extra work involved. Some of the loudest Ah’s at baby showers are often reserved for the hand-knitted matinee jacket. As in days gone by, a hand knitted jersey on a baby is an indication that someone cares.
So if these myths have prevented you from picking up knitting needles, maybe it is time to do some re-thinking. Give it a try; winter is just around the corner.
Patterns uncovered
There are some who have knitted scarves over the last couple of years who have never knitted before or who haven’t knitted for years. Many would like to try something a bit more complicated but are deterred when they look at a knitting pattern.
The truth is, however, that if you can do a knit and a purl stitch then you can make the most beautiful, complicated garment. All you need to do is learn how to read the pattern. There are a few different styles of writing patterns, but once you have mastered the code you are on your way.
Start with an easy pattern: many patterns display symbols that indicate the degree of difficulty. If you begin with a straightforward article you are less likely to become discouraged and throw it into the back of the cupboard. Each subsequent project can be more complicated than the previous one.
Abbreviations: read the abbreviations before you start your project and make sure you understand each one.
Knit a tension square: although knitters don’t like to check their tension, a small amount of effort could prevent your garment being either too big or too small, so it is worth it.
Use a pen and paper: writing down the row you have just completed will help you keep track of exactly where you are in the pattern, especially when you must repeat the same rows a number of times.
Just ask: Knitters are proud of their craft and are really happy to pass on their skills. Ask a friend who knits, start or join a knitting club and of course the staff at Wool ‘n Weave are always happy to advise whenever we can.
