It looks simple enough in the picture

Back in the day when I was foolishly enrolled in engineering school, I remember preparing for my first electrical science lab.  Not my favorite thing, but I'd prepared, and I knew exactly what was going on. I understood the diagrams in my text book, I knew how to set up the resistors, and I knew how to calculate the current across the parallel circuit.  All I had to do was go into the lab and actually do it. No sweat, right? So, I go into the lab expecting to see this

but instead, I see something more like this

Honestly, I wanted to throw up.  All the little ceramic things looked alike.  I couldn't tell a capacitor from a resistor; the wires were long and jumbled, and I simply didn't know where to begin.  My confidence was shot, and I was embarrassed beyond belief.  My lab partner, (a guy, of course) had been playing with wires and batteries his whole life -- I think he built a radio while he was still in diapers.  He just rolled his eyes, pushed me out of the way, and did the lab himself. That was probably the beginning of the end of my career as an engineer.  

For the uninitiated, knitting can look a lot like that bottom picture.   Especially if you've made a mistake - or think you have.  Those helpful diagrams of how the yarn goes under, over, around, and through fall far short of actually helping you address the tangle of yarn in your own hands.  Even videos gloss over the tricky bits - we think we understand, and then when we go to duplicate those smooth motions, our fingers betray us.  our first time working in the round on two circular needles can feel pretty awkward and make you doubt yourself and your resolve.  Fortunately, you have a much better lab partner - you have us here at the shop.  You can ask questions and no one will make you feel stupid.  You can take classes and learn the skills you need for success, and you can participate in knitalongs where you practice your skills in a warm and supportive environment.  

I hope that you will take advantage of what we are offering because your knitting success is a goal we share.  I look forward to seeing you in the shop and around the table.  You are always welcome here.

Ellen

Back to 9 January 2018 newsletter