Inspired to continue on and not give up because learning to knit has not been as easy for me as I would like it to be. About a week ago I came across a most beautiful blog called, Little Cotton Rabbits, by Julie Williams. The header and her photographs are peaceful and gorgeous. They are inspiring. At first I was a little intimidated by the things she knits. She is what I would call a “real” knitter. I’ve only knit a few simple scarves and hats so far.
That is until now! After looking at her section of free patterns I decided to try one and I’m so glad that I did. This Itty Bitty Dress is what I decided to try. I had to how to learn how to yfon – yarn forward on needle, and ssk- slip slip knit. I also had to purl into the back of next stitch which sounds so easy but I think I must have done something wrong somewhere as both of the itty bitty dresses I made had armhole mistakes.
The little purple dress is the one with that seems to have two armholes stacked on top of each other or next to each other, something odd but once it is on the doll you can’t tell. I also made a larger version for a larger doll that my granddaughter wanted one for. The blue dress has four armholes, two next to each other! Oh well no one will really notice those either. At least I am not knitting clothes in order to keep myself or a family member from being naked.
I do hope “real” knitters everywhere don’t shudder if they see that I blocked my itty bitty dress on a kitchen towel. I don’t have a blocking pad yet. One has to block their knitting to guide it into the exact right shape. Or rather to stay in the right shape. For example the bottom of the itty bitty dress would have stayed curled up if I had not blocked it. To block knitting or crochet you just dampen the piece and pin it to a foam type pad that is covered in lightweight rubber. At least I think that is what it looks like to me from the photos I have seen. I was not about to invest in anything else until I knew I could knit more elaborate things other than simple hats and scarves. I never blocked any of those. I don’t think you have to block most hats and scarves but I may be wrong.
A huge thanks to Julie Williams for inspiring me and helping me with a question that I had.
Also to these You Tube videos for helping me learn some of these new stitches: Pepperly, Rowan Yarns. There are so many videos available on You Tube you have to watch various ones to find a teacher who is a good fit for you. Don’t just watch one or two and give up if they don’t work for you. Try a lot more and go back on different days as more are added all the time. If you are an aspiring knitter don’t give up! Get comfortable with one thing at a time then move on to something else. On and on up the knitter ladder.
P.S. If anyone knows where the spell check has disappeared to please let me know. Thank you.
Booksphotographsandartwork's Blog 