What’s a skill that you were thrilled to learn last year? I am delighted to have just finished knitting my second pair of socks. I really surprised myself with how much satisfaction I got from this, and how proud I am for creating a fun, wearable, item.
It Happened “Out Of The Blue”
Last year, I wasn’t focused on achieving this skill. I don’t think it even crossed my mind, when I was choosing some directions for the year. It just emerged as something that I recognized I’ve always wanted to do when I saw others doing it. It was a curiosity – an “I wonder if I can learn that?” It seemed complex, awkward, and way beyond my skill level! I hadn’t knit anything in almost a decade.
It was a combination of gradually leaning in, and allowing myself to be seen as a complete beginner around others, that enabled me to learn how to knit socks.
Surrounded By Inspiration
I have a general interest in the fibre arts and several years ago that led me to join a weekly library group. Each week, I’m surrounded by other crocheters, knitters and fibre enthusiasts, and apart from the social aspect (which cannot be undervalued), it stokes my creativity. This summer, I was inspired by a knitter who artfully combined different colours of scrap yarn to make a scarf. It was almost painterly. I simplified the process to make it do-able for me.
Starting Small And Achievable
I rationalize that it was a good way for my hands to re-learn how to hold knitting needles again and get the right tension. I searched for some circular needles in the cupboard and doubled up some scrap yarn to knit a short tube. No fancy stitches. No increases, No pattern. Just a tube of cloth sewn together to make a hat. It was achievable and the various colours hid any mistakes.
When I was searching for the needles, I found a long-forgotten project with four needles attached. It was the cuff of a sock. I’d abandoned it 15 or more years ago, when the pattern told me to start the heel. I’d been too intimidated to continue.
Add A Little Envy
In my library group, I often hear and see folks creating socks. Socks were always touted as the best knitting project to bring on vacation because they are small and portable. Listening to the knitters over the years, I’d developed some sock envy.
For years, I’d been collecting sock yarn from independent dyers because it came in stunning colours, and small affordable skeins. But, learning to knit a sock that fit my foot and actually looked good, involved too many skills that I didn’t have. Watching one video wouldn’t give me all the knowledge I’d need, and I didn’t have the focus to find all the skills required. My 15 year standstill continued.
Willing To Be A Beginner
What nudged me forward was being open to learn a little more about it, and an opportunity to attend a workshop. I signed up for a beginner sock workshop even though I was a crocheter and felt like a fraud. As the teacher started, and told us we could use DPN’s or magic loop, I had to raise my hand and ask what DPN’s were. I didn’t know any of the basic terminology!
I had DPN’s with me – double pointed needles. I felt foolish and relieved. I figured that even if I learned only one of the skills that I needed to make socks, I’d be a little closer to making one in the future.
Sometimes It Turns Out Better Than Expected
You know when you try something new you rarely imagine it turning out well? This time it turned out way better than I could’ve imagined, thanks to the teacher* and a group of fellow learners.
Being in the presence of others learning the same skill enabled me to see how others approached it. We were all struggling with one aspect or another. I was able to ask questions, watch demonstrations from different angles, and receive support. A few words of encouragement from the teacher and assurance that I was on the right path, helped me to bridge that gap between what I knew and all the stuff I needed to learn. Reminders that it didn’t need to be perfect and that no one would know if you added a stitch or didn’t get the sizing just right, allowed me to persist with the tricky bits.
It’s OK To Be A Messy Learner
Permission to be a messy learner and to keep going even though it’s not completely correct is essential to growing new skills. After learning the basic skill set in the workshop, I armed myself with the written instructions and videos to make my first pair of socks. I surprised myself by how rewarding it was to put my first finished sock on my foot!
Success was a combination of finding the right environment to learn with a good knitting teacher*, and a supportive group of knitters, and being willing to allow my curiosity to override the discomfort of being a complete beginner. As I enter this year, I can call myself a sock-knitter and I can’t wait to go on my first holiday with a convenient sock project in my suitcase.
What’s a skill that you were thrilled to learn last year? Comment below.
* I recommend the videos and instructions from my fabulous sock knitting teacher. The beginner toe-up socks are from her pattern: https://www.periwinkledragon.ca/patterns/vanilla-bean-cupcake-socks/
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