Overwhelmed
So, I finally had some time this afternoon to peruse some of the great knitting websites recommended to me and I'm a bit overwhelmed! I don't know that I'll ever need to purchase any knitting patterns, between the library and the internet it appears there are enough free patterns out there to keep me busy all my life. How to choose between all the great ones is my current dilemna! I'm trying to decide between this scarf and this scarf for now as they look quite doable and fun. I'm not ready yet to venture out into anything too difficult or massive right now. Hopefully soon, though!
Jesse got Kathrynne her own pair of child-size knitting needles a few days ago and she's having fun trying to knit like mama. It's amazing how much she has picked up just by watching me. Jesse also surprised me and picked up wool yarn, my own copy of the knitting CD I'd been borrowing from my sister, and a how-to-crochet CD and crochet needles. So, I guess I'll be trying my hand at crochet soon, too. I used to crochet a little way back when but I was only 7 years old or so and couldn't get beyond the basics. I'm hoping to be able to actually learn how to make those beautiful, intricate doilies in the not-too-distant future.
And then I want to learn how to spin my own yarn, how to can, how to make yogurt, how to make soap, how to make candles, how to sew beyond the basics, how to smock, how to tat. I want to have a huge garden and livestock and be primarily self-sufficient...
But, one thing at a time. For now, I'm working to perfect my knitting skills!
As a sidenote: I wanted to add a few knitting blogs to my BlogLines reader - any recommendations on the best ones out there with lots of photos, patterns, links, and inspiration?
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:11 PM
15 Comments:
One of those things is easy: making yogurt. I do it in the oven, with just the light on for warmth.
Just heat the milk to just below boiling, then bring it down to 110 degrees. I pour it into glass mason jars and then add a couple of tablespoons of a live yogurt as starter. Then I put it in the oven for overnight, with the light on and a little sign to remind me not to use the oven.hehe
Voila! In the morning -- yogurt!
I can relate Crystal - so many interests, so little time! Many of the things on your list are ones I also would like to tackle. I know how to sew, but I'd love to have a big garden, learn canning, etc. etc.!
I love crocheting! I agree with you between the library and the internet there is no reason to have to buy patterns for anything. Be sure and check out the yarn sites...they have lots of free patterns.
Yogurt is easy! I make my own all the time. I use the recipie in the More With Less Cookbook, by Doris Janzen Longacre. (It is a Mennonite cookbook.) You don't need a yogurt maker or any fancy supplies.
Good luck as you learn you new skills!
Wow, you sound just as ambitious as I am in the D.I.Y. department. That list is pretty much verbatim of my own list :D
A knitting Blog I really enjoy reading is See Eunny Knit! (http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/). She's a very talented, young knitter who publishes her own patterns and is working on some books right now. She also offers many helpful tidbits and will answer knitting questions (when she's not swamped like now -- she hasn't updated much in the past month). Her finished pieces are always stunning. Her blog is ~99% exclusive knitting content, unlike other knitting blogs that also have a lot of personal content. Personally, that's not what I read a knitting blog for :] (Pun fully intended ;])
-Molly M.
love your blog! I mentioned this in the other post, but I have a Christian knitting blog to check out:
www.faraboverubies31.blogspot.com
thanks!
http://www.twistedknitter.prettyposies.com/ this is a friend who is just amazing, and encourages other knitters to be themselves. I tried to knit and then realized that I am a crocheter. LOL :D But she has TONS of knitting blogs on her site as well.
I love learning how to do new things as you do! Just think, as you learn, you will be able to teach your children so much, and they will go even further!
I hadn't thought of putting crochet patterns on my blog...think I'll do that!
And yes, it is overwhelming at first, especially now with SO MANY yarns out there. I loooove Hobby Lobby, I could stay in their yarn isles for a couple of hours!
Also, go ahead and make a storage area for all your 'yarn stash'!!! Every time I learn a new skill my husband chuckles and says, "Get a new bin ready." I have those big plastic totes, the clear ones are the best. I have 2 for yarn (and I need another one), 1 for my candle making supplies, 3, plus a cabinet, for fabric (quilting and sewing), 2 for cake decorating supplies and 2 for basic crafts. :o)
I love being busy with my hands! Enjoy!!!!!
There are just so many wonderful things Proverbs 31 ladies can learn! Hubby and I also want to be as self-sufficient as we can be. Congratulations on learning a new handiwork!
My good friend is going to give me her knitting kit, and hopefully that will get me started!!! I can't wait! Especially because my grandmother knits, I am looking forward to afternoons with her, lots of yarn, and lots of fun!
We live out in the country and have pigs, chickens and a huge garden, That keeps me very busy this time of year canning a bunch! The book you sell on your website, Growing Your Own Groceries by Kimberley Eddy was a big help to me this past spring in planning our garden!! And this is the first year I am HOPING to have enough canned up to last us a year...I've thought that before and haven't had enough. I would love to learn to knit!!! That would be a great fall and winter project for me! I'll be sure to check out your links!! I also love your new sewing patterns!! So many books/interests so little time!!!!
Christy
I want to learn to knit too, but like you, every time I look into it I get seriously overwhelmed. I love all the things you can make with knitting, but as I've done a tiny bit of crocheting before, I think I'll try to perfect that skill first!
Today I'm going to sew curtains for my bedroom...I'm so excited!
off to sew...
So neat that you are getting so into Knitting!
I love it! Its for me is SOOO relaxing. :-) Plus as anything you make from scratch, it makes you feel like you can accomplish something from almost nothing!
That's awesome that you like the self-sufficient skills! I'm so into that! :)
*sigh* Our oven doesn't have a light inside! Any suggestions for adapting this method??
I'd love to give it a try, as our one attempt at yogurt-making was a runny "success" as well! (I've decided to say that we actually made kiefer that time...; ) )
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