I had the opportunity last night to teach a large group of 8-12 year old girls how to cast on and knit. Fortunately, while I was the “resident expert”, I had lots of help. Particularly sweet Shirlene who took on teaching the lefties. Thanks, girl!

I was intrigued by a couple of things last night. First of all, I haven’t been around left handed people much, or more accurately, I haven’t spent much time observing left handed ways of doing things. Everyone is clumsy and fumbles when learning how to knit. But last night, as I was helping a particular girl, the way she moved was so strange, it caught my attention. After a little while of watching her struggle, it occurred to me that she might be left handed. She was. At that point, I didn’t know what in the world to do with her, so thankfully, my friend Shirlene stepped in. I don’t know what my point is other than how strange the experience was. I feel for those of you who struggle in a right handed world.

Secondly, and I’ve experienced this before, young people pick up on knitting really quick! I don’t think it’s because they’re more gifted than us older folk. I think it’s because of their attitude. A child is much less likely to let a strand of yarn and an aluminum needle kick their butt than an adult is. Why is that? Many of the adults I have taught to knit spend the majority of the time verbally abusing themselves, insulting their own intelligence, and repeating that they can’t do it. WELL OF COURSE THEY’RE NOT GOING TO DO IT!! saying crap like that to themselves. What happens to us as we age, that we turn into our own worst hinderance and obstacle? I’m waxing philosophical here. This attitude goes beyond knitting, obviously, but teaching knitting brings it right out in the open for all to see.

I think we should stop it. I think we should take a lesson and free ourselves. The next time something in MY life is difficult, I’m going to pay attention to what I’m telling myself, and see if I can’t make it better.

I’ve been working on the “secret project” again. It’s getting close, and looking good. I’ve also started Olivia’s Fun Fur scarf. That stuff is SO weird. I’m knitting the scarf pattern on the label, although I’m using size 13 needles because I didn’t think this project warranted a needle purchase. So far so good. I think it’ll be great for her. They’re such girly girls.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question about fingerless gloves yesterday. It is helpful.

Hopefully I’ll have pictures of something tomorrow. I like having color on my posts.