on display at Pipers Quilts in SLC
There are so many adorable things to knit. Sometimes I wish I knew how. My grandmother tried to teach me when I was a mere 10 or 11 years old. I have proof.
It didn’t stick. But my mother taught me to sew and I have been hooked ever since. I’ve sewn clothes. I’ve sewn drapes and blinds and even attempted slip-covers. My mother also taught me to embroider when I was very young. I remember sitting on the back patio with her stitching some x’s on a cotton pillowcase. When I was in my early 20′s I learned to cross-stitch. When I was in my mid-30′s we moved to Alaska and I learned to quilt. Women got together during those long dark winters, quilting and cultivating friendships.
So quilting and stitching are enough for me. This is why I don’t knit:
I have drawers and drawers of unfinished projects – stitchery, linens, and a fabric stash of cotton that borders on embarrassing.
Did you ever see the movie, Julie & Julia? I just love Julia Child.
Do you recall in that movie how Julia tried her hand at bridge and hat-making and probably many other pursuits before finding her passion – which was cooking, of course! Julia herself said that some people love to garden, some love to build boats in their basements – some like to create in the kitchen. I’ve tried knitting, crocheting, painting, sketching – all to no avail. Eventually, if we keep trying, we all find our “thing.” That thing or two that we’re good at and really enjoy. And if I’ve gained any bit of wisdom about creativity, it’s this:
We can do anything – just not everything.
This, too, is why I don’t knit.
How about you? What do you find you’re drawn to? What have you decided to leave alone? Do you have new things you still want to try?
Barb, I’m so glad I found this, your other blog! I am a knitter and crocheter and cross-stitcher…I’ve attempted sewing and made a few things that were eh, okay. Quilting, never even went there but would love to learn. Someday (or sooner, maybe your blog will inspire me?). But for now, I love yarn probably the way you love fabric.
Old Married Lady recently posted..Live to Ride
I’m so glad you found Bring the Monkey too. My daughter is learning to knit so I went to a knitting shop with her recently – it was like a candy store. I can understand the draw. She has a new daughter and would like to knit some things for the baby. I’ll bet you enjoy making things for your grandbabies!
You’d bet and you’d be right! Your quilts, what I’ve seen here, are exquisite! Such a labor of love.
Old Married Lady recently posted..Live to Ride
Wow, I have to admit that I too do not knit. I crochet, which i find soothing and love, but I have never learned to knit. I see knitted items that are beautiful and feel like I should learn how to do that, but with the overwhelming pile of projects that I already have, where’s the time? Lindy knits. She has made beautiful sweaters and scarves. She has also recently given up knitting. I guess we all have to pick.
I hear you. We learn to choose because there are only so many hours in a day, so many places to see, people to love, etc. I used to crochet too – now just try to keep up with some cross stitch now and then. My daughter’s taking up knitting – her new daughter has motivated that interest.
Maja! I LOVE that picture of you and Grandma Stella knitting! That is so fabulous!!! I hope you have that framed in your sewing room. Love you! XO
I don’t but what a fabulous idea. There are probably too many pics of Pink Monkey anyway. Right back at ya with the love and kisses.
I think Jill has a great idea – it would be a lovely gesture to have that pictured framed!
Susan @ Afford Your Passions recently posted..Shaker Boxes
I agree. It’s nice that now my daughter is learning to knit. My grandmother would be pleased. She used to knit Barbie dresses for us. I miss her.
My mother is a wonderful creative person. She taught me to knit and sew when I was in my pre-teens. I sewed well enough to make my own skirts and dresses; I knitted well enough to knit my own sweaters. But, I didn’t feel the passion for either craft.
It wasn’t until I was in my early 20′s that I discovered cross stitching, and have been hooked every since. My mother was just glad that I found a craft that I could stick with.
My mother took up quilting when she was in her 50′s. I also taught her to cross-stitch, and so now she quilts and cross stitches. She doesn’t knit as much as she used to. I think I would love to learn how to quilt, but I don’t really have the room!
My mother took up
Susan @ Afford Your Passions recently posted..Shaker Boxes
You ARE so talented at Cross Stitch. I’ve seen and admired your work at your blog. I love it too. Just got several pieces framed professionally on my daughter’s urging. So glad I did. And that same daughter cross stitches too. It’s so enjoyable to get together and stitch – or hit cross stitch stores together for new projects. It’s nice when the gene passes from one generation to another.