So how was everyone's weekend? Mine was great. Our friends Marty and Maribel and their 3 kids came to visit. We had a full house with lots of kids this weekend ranging from 11 yrs to 2 1/2. Loud. Crazy but not too crazy. They kept themselves entertained and the older ones knew when to call a time out and get parents involved if need be.
While the kids were running around in and out of the house, Maribel and I had a nice long catching up chat when she started to ask about the needle and yarn that was on my lap. I'm knitting an on going Malabrigo remnants scarf in garter stitch. So in order for her to fully understand the mechanics of knitting and purling I give her a pair of knitting needles and some wool and showed her how to cast on (long-tail method).
After her 3rd row she wanted to see more of my knits which I was only too happy to show her. After 4 inches of garter stitch she asked about 'pearls'. I explained purling to her and about another 3 inches of St st later Maribel wanted to know where the nearest craft/yarn store was. So I took her to a chain craft store ( I figured my LYS may over-whelm her, besides they'll be plenty of time later to build her stash) where she picked out the softest chenille yarn which I helped picked out. This chenille was the kind that didn't unravel just by looking at it. I tugged and I tugged at it and it was pretty sturdy.
While we were deciding on the right needles, Leah, her daughter (around 9 yrs old) asked if she could try kniting too (Yay!). She picked out the nicest, softest (50% alpaca) palest pink yarn and one pair of needles. And wouldn't you know, she took to knitting like a duck to water.
By the time Sunday rolled around they were well on there way to making their first rectangle. I gave them some knitting technique literature and knitting books with simple patterns in it. I'm so glad they liked it.
Pattern: Wildflower Sweater by Lucinda Guy (heavily modified)
Size: 22 inch
Yarn: Vermont Organic Fiber Company O-Wool Classic ( less than 2 skeins)
Neddles: Size US 8 (5.00mm) 20 in bamboo circulars and US 8 (5.00 mm) DPN
